Origins Of SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618

SR-600 frame badge

Around 2012, Randonneurs USA initiated the "SR600" series of routes.  These 600K Super Randonnées, usually called SR600s or "Super Sixes" in the US, are especially challenging permanent routes established by the Audax Club Parisien (ACP) across the world. They are 600-619 km long, with at least 10,000 meters of climbing, that often travel through remote and beautiful terrain. They are epic adventures! However, they are ACP rides that follow a somewhat different set of rules than standard RUSA permanent routes.

Of note, any amateur riders could do the ride and were supposed to attach a "badge" to their bike frame, start only at the official start point, take pictures at the controls (with their bike/frame badge in the photo) for proof of passage and no outside help anywhere along the route. The time limit was much longer than a regular 600K route... 50 hours!

SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618 Map

I was all over this and started to think about a route that would encompass 600K long and
all that climbing. It was a tough haul. To make a flowing route starting somewhere along the Pacific Coast near San Diego and still have a "sensible" route. A few limitations were the big city traffic, Pacific Ocean on the west, LA on the north and the Mexican border on the south. Time to head for the desert. 

I was familiar with many of the roads from San Diego eastward to the Arizona border. That was a good starting place. After many hours on Bikely, RWGPS, MapMyRide and Open Runner, I had a route that looked good and met the ACP requirements. Since it included many local mountains, I wanted to use a name that would reflect all the climbing. Thus "Peninsular Range". Later added the SoCal to reflect Southern California. Thus "SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618". The route was 618K(384.7mi) long with 10.875meters(35,678') climbing. At that time, ACP liked OpenRunner for accurate elevation figures.

ACP absorbed many questions on the 50 hour time limit for routes that had more climbing than the minimum and in 2014 added 1 hour per 500 meters of additional climbing over the 10,000 meter minimum requirement (there is no maximum requirement). Later on in 2017 the time limit was set at 60 hours.

Sample Control Picture

The route laid around for a few years and some mention of "sample control pictures" came up during that time. I attached the "SR Badge" to my bike and took relevant "staged" Control pictures. 

I loaded up my SOMA Stanyan one spring day and took off on the route. I was traveling lite, with the Shimano Dyno Hub for light power, large handlebar bar for goodies and rear bag holding my bivy bag and clothing. No super schedule, just rest when you're tired. The weather was good and only the wind played havoc, esp. in the night-time desert.

At that time, SR-600 routes were turned over to RBA's for management. Now they can be managed by members (owned). There are CUE sheets, badges, scheduling and insurance issues to address and usually a fee is required.

SoCal Peninsular Range SR-618 Video

 

- randorides