San Marcos To Santa Catalina Island Recon

Map of the full 225 mile route

Always looking for another "different" sort of rando route, I figured Catalina Island would fill the bill. Take the ferry from San Pedro, land at Two Harbors, cycle across the Island to Avalon, jump a afternoon ferry back to the mainland and continue on the rando route to ?. To be all inclusive, you would be adding 4 hours(ferry time) and no credit for the ferry miles. Add to that the big climb out of Two Harbors on "gravely" roads (included in route distance & time) and a rando shorter route wouldn't work at all (200km or shorter). I surmised it would have to be a longer route of at least 300 km. to have enough cushion to finish within the time parameters established by RUSA.

Bike Pass, Membership Card and Catalina Express info.

Rethinking my priorties, I decided on a route start from San Marcos for sure. Change the ferry to one leaving from Dana Point. 204 km with a time limit over 13 hours! Leave San Marcos, ride to Dana Point, ferry to Catalina, ride to the Island Airport and back, ferry to Dana Point, ride back to San Marcos. Take out 3 hours ferry ride time and the non-ride time on Catalina and that leaves around 8 hours to ride a 200km+ route. A flat tire or bathroom break and you're done!

I finally settled on a San Marcos to Dana Point route (102km). Reverse it for the ride back. Leave out all the things on the Island and just ride around and enjoy yourself there. Submitted and approved, it became RUSA Route #3392, "Dana Point XP". Next up was the full recon ride.

Full sun as the Ferry approaches Avalon

Leaving San Marcos early in the dark (start time is predicated by the Catalina Express Ferry departure time from Dana Point) the route follows a non-traditional path around Palomar College before hooking up with the well ridden route to Champagne Boulevard. Weather was overcast and I had my arm warmers pulled up on the downhills. Standard fast section to Bonsall, where the McD's wasn't open but the AM/MP was. Then a few very fast Hwy.76 miles (smooth and nice) before departing for the quiet San Luis Rey Bike Path to Oceanside.

Depending on early traffic thru the Base, I opted for the I-5 speed run up to Las Pulgas Road. As usual, some interesting things going on a the mandatory Rest Stop ride thru. See VIDEO for some fun things. Lots of campers at San Onofre Campground but didn't meet any early cyclists. Bathroom #1 seems to be always open year round and water refill was in order there. Normal Trestles Bike Path surfer traffic. I see more and more of them riding electric fat bikes with surf-board mounts!

Up on top, half-way to the airport

After my normal donut stop in San Clemente (where they always throw in a few free donut holes), I was off to easy riding on the newly finished bike way along Coast Hwy. and arrived at Dana Point Harbor well before Ferry departure time of 0745.

I had a reservation, so got my boarding pass in short order (one for me and one for the bike). Rode around checking out boats and ended up sitting on a bench, relaxing and talking to several passengers while others boarded the Catalina Express. The "Express" was built with it's sister ship in 1994 at Greys Harbor, WA. Plenty of horsepower from it's twin engines drive this mono-hull up to 32 knots.

Once underway, I spent most of my time in the fantail near the bike or wandering around taking
pictures. This trip was sold out, but there were a few empty seats as others were up top in the wind or in the bow taking pictures. Ferry slowed while a pod of Pacific White Sided Dolphins darted under and around us. Approaching Santa Catalina Island, the sun broke thru and it felt like the South Pacific!

Some bad buffalo rutting around this pond.

After landing at 0915, it was a bit of a scramble. Hit the dockside bathroom, refilled by bottles and rode over to the Island Conservancy to pick up my inland cycling pass. I had registered online last week and handed a copy of that over to the clerk. Within a few minutes had the permit in hand and after a quick chat with some hikers was soon off. Went down by the waterfront and soon found out it was blocked off to cyclists/cars. Found an alternate route and within 3 minutes was into the climb out of Avalon. Up, up and away! Started out with several double digit "gasper"s!

Mile 1.6 has a junction. Right is the "tourist" scenic one-way road back down to Avalon via the Zip Line start. Left has a gate. Travel beyond requires a permit. I rode around the arm and continued climbing on the deteriorating hard surfaced road. Around mile 4 the road levels out and turns to gravel. Also there is a gravel road to the left called "Divide Road". It's supposed to circle around Avalon. I'll check it out next trip. Continuing on, the road was off and on gravel with several scenic overlooks. Passed a small park like setting that looked to have outside water but was filled with buffalo! For sure, I didn't stop there but continued up and down to the airport.

Super view of "Little Harbor" near Avalon Bay

Interesting little airport at mile 10.2 with a restaurant and water. Didn't linger long as I wanted to get back early enough before boarding the 2:00 PM Ferry back. Off and on gravel rollers on the way back which turn into a rough hard surface as the downhill grade increases. Couldn't wait to get to the junction where there is only one way to go (one-way... the way I came up earlier). This narrow road was smooth and I stopped for a few zip-line action shots. Then followed a cart down the steep scenic hill as the 2 lovers came within inches of going over the edge (no guardrails here). 

With a few minutes to spare, I sat by the kiddie park and watched the excited tourists pass. Had a
short wait in line before boarding the return "Catalina Express". Same boat as earlier, different crew. Much quieter and smoother ride back to Dana Point, where we arrived at 3:10 PM. After washing up & filling bottles, I was off for the long haul back to San Marcos.

Managed a short stop in San Clemente for some calories, as I was a little "off kilter". I figured it was the fresh salt air and the ferry vibration? After Oceanside, the route goes south and then inland back to San Marcos. Didn't want the route more redundant than it already was. Arrived home with lights on the last few miles. Good day and managed lots of video and still shots.

Route Video

- randorides

Rando Blast OFF: O'side to San Clemente On I-5

Rando Route #2084: Ursa Minor, done in reverse

Last week, Robert Leone posted up on the SDrando board about the Pendleton Bike Path being closed on Monday, July 10th. Mmmmm. Never been on I-5 north of Las Pulgas, so this was a lock for a rando route up north. Ursa Minor look good. Reverse to catch the lighter traffic going north from Las Pulgas. Perfect.

Checked the local temp at 0230 and it was 65.5F in San Marcos. Light cloud cover overnight kept the blistering day heat in. Super! I was off early for a 7-Eleven start receipt and no traffic. Wore a sleeveless underlayer, new rando jersey topped off with a lite Camelbak packed with some goodies.

Just after 0500 I was on I-5 rolling northward to light traffic (mostly big rigs). Lane was moderately clean with the exception of a few tire strands which I ran over! Upped my Cygolite to HIGH as it started to get light in the east. Nice traffic push to the NB Rest Stop. Did notice that it was packed with cars. So many, in fact, that they were parked on the north on-ramp, making a dicey curve northward. Didn't see that many people wandering about, so they must have been sleeping it off?

Decided to swing by the Las Pulgas parking lot and see if it was posted: "Closed To Cyclists". No signs there and the gate was open. Pondered riding thru, but just couldn't miss the chance for a I-5 run. Steep on-ramp, followed by a gentle grade as I rode northward near increasing traffic. The bike lane was spotless.. not even a tiny pebble or paper lying around. Much further than I had anticipated approaching the truck scales. OH, Oh. No problem, as there are signs directing bikse around the traffic and scale area. NICE! Leaving the scale area, I stopped and check over a frame pump lying roadside. Bummer. Took a car hit and was flattened out a bit. Left it there for the next cyclists and clicked in a higher gear. Slight downhill approaching Basilone Road. I was maxed out of gears anyway. Bit of a traffic snarl before the loop-e-doo to the Trestles Bike Path. A whole lot of surfers on bikes today.

Dude "Hey man, I want to catch a wave" CHP: "Strip Search"!

Rolling thru downtown San Clemente, I check my Garmin clock and noted 1 hr. 05 minutes had lapsed since I left Oceanside. That's quick for me, especially with several stops. No traffic riding as the sun was peeking thru by now along Dohney Beach. San Juan River Trail had a few joggers and lite bike traffic by now. Quick turn-around in San Juan Cap as I couldn't wait to check out the SB I-5 speed. Ice stop at Carl's Jr and I was off on cruise control!

CHP greeted me as I crawled onto I-5 SB. Hope he realized the Pendleton BP was closed today. Gave me a quick glance, noticed my dual rear lights, patriotic jersey and blinking headlight. OR maybe he had other important things on his mind?

Gentle uphill grade to the SB Truck Scales. Not busy here and I followed the nice quiet exit road thru the trees, near the tracks and into a round-about. Not about to return, I did a mini gravel run and entered I-5 SB again. I was soon flying along to the bonus exit at the Overlook. There you do a weird total 360 degree swing around before you're back on I-5 again. Several cars were parked enjoying the view OR was this the rumored active pick-up-spot for same sex lovers?

Total blast off down to Las Pulgas Exit. Stopped for a short water break at the SB Rest Stop. Back on I-5 again, I soon stopped and picked up a roll of blue painters tape. Pickings were slim today, unlike last weeks LG Cell Phone & several new bungee cords. Slight side wind and the trip into Oceanside was just at an hour. Harbor Dr. off-ramp still has the field of broken glass to avoid.

I wasn't feeling super along the coast but swung by and checked out Dan Phillips at his Bussey Auto shop. Refilled my bottle, said "hi" to busy Dan and worked my way down to Leucadia Donuts for a break under the outside umbrella shade. Hung around a bit, sucking on water laced with Hammer Fizz Tabs! Made Nytro for a water refill as they opened and chatted with Tim about today's ride up I-5. After a GU gel and water, I was off down the coast before turning inland and rising morning temps.

Del Dios was its usual Garmin 100F reading, but the slight headwind breeze made the final ride into San Marcos bearable. Chatted with 7-Eleven owner Najib Azzam in air-con comfort. Need to get him on some rides soon. Slogged home with a aching left foot. Two Advil and ice took care of that. That ankle always gave me trouble ever since it was shattered years ago. Go figure?

- randorides.

4th Of July Gravel Ride

Route is similar to 11-City Loop

I had the SCOTT MTB modified for mixed surface riding with the carbon fork and quicker tires. John was wanting to do a local ride on his Charge Cooker MTB. Standard tires wouldn't seat up tubeless, so he would have to order different tubeless ready tires for a later ride. I thought John had lots going on, so I re-scheduled the buddy-ride for another day. I'd make this a recon ride to check out some new dirt stuff.

Penasquitos Cyn: A few bikes & lots of hikers

I had plotted out a "gravel" route that would mimic the 11-City Loop Permanent. Well, sort of anyway. With limited trails around here and rando route rules, it's a real tough job to create a ride-able route within the rando time frame. Buggered out early and picked up a few gravel trails on the way to Encinitas and cool temps. Nailed the trail off Garden View Road.. goes over to Quail Gardens. That one will work.

Gobs of cyclists cycling along the coast today. Made a donut stop celebration as I sat in the shade along Coast Hwy. and watched the riders pass. Made good time on the roads and mixed it up with the roadies. Schwalbe G-ONE tires rolled fast, even at 2.80" width!

Temps reached Garmin hi of 103F

Penasquitos Canyon started out quiet, then became packed with hikers as I neared the Ranch House/Black Mtn. Road. Nice chat with the Ranger there. Bike Path to a fav. stop at Del Sur Circle K. Quiet there too.

Added a few new trails along San Dieguito Road. Felt great as the temps rose and so did the climbing around Del Dios Hwy. and a few back roads before joining the Escondido Creek Trail. Old guy was at the guard shack. I should have asked him for water as I was running out and had solid climbing ahead up toward Ridgeline Trailhead.

Shade break after dirt climbing

Empty... trailhead and Lakeview trail. Temps were around 100F for the last few hours of dusty climbing, but I was feeling good with some salty Shot Bloks. Nice ride down to San Marcos where a large 4th Of July picnic was displayed at Discovery Lake Park.

Picked up some ice-cream bars for the wife and made it home, dirty, dry and feeling quite good!

Full Route Video




- randorides

Night Ride: Bike Path X Two

Night route with start in LaCosta

When the weather heats up, a night ride always sounds like a great idea. John M. and I had been talking about it for several weeks and a last minute decision by John made it a GO for Saturday night... Just before the 4th of July on Tuesday.

Five PM is a good start time. Others have suggested times like 9:00 or even 7:00 PM. Too late, especially for a shorter ride of 6-7 hours.With an earlier start time, at least your body would have some semblance of a normal sleep schedule. I managed to send out a few emails to rando buddies, not expecting anyone else to show up. 4th of July weekend and randos were on the move early. Lisa had a Permanent for Saturday morning also.

Did think for a minute about using the recently modified MTB for the ride, but wisefully decided not to. Instead tried out the Camelbak for storage in lieu of the handlebar bag. Rolled out of San Marcos just after 4:00 PM and cycled down to the alternate start point of LaCosta (close to John's house). Arrived a few minute before 5:00 and John was waiting. I iced up the bottle and we were off a few minutes early.

Dave Horwitt had email earlier in the day and said he might hook up along Coast Hwy. 101 somewhere. We were on the lookout for him as we peddled southward with a short stop at Swami's Park. A few cyclists were on still on the roads as the sun didn't set till nearly 8:00 PM. Stopped at the hidden bathroom behind Performance Bike in Sorrento Valley for a water refill. Nice quiet place.

On the SR-56 Bike Path, John got a cell call from Dave. He was waiting for us at the Carmel Valley AM/PM on El Camino Real. Ooops, we rode by that one a few minutes ago! We did the slo- pedal till Dave joined up on the Bike Path. He had been hammering hard and was glistening sweat. Time to catch up on the chit-chat as we pulled into Del Sur Circle K for water.

Easy riding now as we by-passed Poway Road traffic and jumped onto Ted William Pkwy to Pomerado Road instead. Slight tailwind blew us up to Lake Hodges in record time. A short stop at Mule Hill Chevron for water and reflective gear. Sun was down and almost time for lights. Made our way thru Old Escondido Town, where Dave said he had never ridden. Same with Jesmond Dene climb. John set a nice pace on the way up.

Dave's dyno light was pointing skyward illuminating lo-flying owls. He made adjustments and my sight returned to normal. John was feeling it with his new tubeless Panaracer tires and pulled @20mph to Bonsall. Couldn't park bikes by McDonalds as just so happens AM/PM clones were power-washing the sidewalk! Go figure. I opted for a $2 shake and Mickie D rookie made me a sundae instead. Talked him into giving it to Dave for free (Dave's birthday on Monday, July 3rd)! Sat around eating ice cream as John filled his bottles.

Cygolite 720 did OK. Still need the battery pass-thru

Cygolite 720 did just fine on "medium" setting as we sped our way on Hwy. 76 westward to the SLR Bike Path. John did a steady pull @ 18mph to the Oceanside Pier. Signs of night  life as we rode thru Carlsbad with lite traffic. I was at 90 miles and decided to forgo the redundant ride to LaCosta and parted ways at Palomar Airport Road for the ride back to San Marcos. John & Dave continued on 101 till John turned off for home  at LaCosta Ave. Dave carried on the tradition and humped it home toward University City.

Arrived home after midnight. By the time I ate, cleaned-up and hyped-down it was 0200. Short nap and I was up ready for a early recovery ride. That felt good, but later in the day I was a zombie. Monday was crap too. For me, the fact is a night ride totally screws up a days normal routine. Not only that day, but for several days after. Perhaps a series of night rides and the body would adjust?

- randorides

SCOTT Fork Project

Carbon Fork:

Thru-axle, carbon fork, headset (never used)

I've been looking into a straight fork for my SCOTT 710+ MTB for a while. Doing a majority of my recent dirt work on gravel, didn't need a full suspension fork like my FOX 32 (which came on the SCOTT). After doing considerable research, there wasn't a carbon fork available from any major US distributors for a 27.5" boost straight fork, tapered head tube, 110mm spacing with 15mm thru axle. Several were planning on introducing them in the fall and I'm sure the price would be in the $400-600 range.

Not to be dismayed, I turned westward to several Taiwanese and China companies. I thought I would give 'er a go and ordered a carbon fork that matched my specs from Tandell Company. Cost was US $129. I added a headset to make sure all would fit OK. Total cost was US$169 delivered to my door.

Thru-Axle: Mickey-Mouse function(top), replacement (btm)

Arrived in 10 days and was well packaged with ample foam protection. Upon close scrutiny, the fork looked well made and had a smooth, clean finish. Not so for the included thru-axle. Yes, it installed OK and I did several test rides on it. But with several set screws, I knew it wouldn't last. Sent an email to Tandell and they mailed me over a replacement thru-axle that was actually the real deal.

Step By Step:
Pulled my Fox 32 off the bike in about 5 minutes. Ended up using the adequate headset bearings already installed, just added the crown race and it was on the bike. I added a few inches to the carbon tube before cutting. Later I'd double up the spacers above the stem for future stem height, if needed.

Needed DIY pump booster to mount Schwalbe tires

Fork finished, I installed it with the included mickey-mouse thru axle. It worked OK, but I ended up pulling it off and installing the replacement thru-axle  New thru-axle really worked like they should. That taken care of, next up was the hydraulic line.

Tying off the line to the fork worked fine for several test rides. Now time to feed the line thru the fork. Snip cut, feed and put on a new barb and olive. Thirty minutes and that was done. I had ordered a full brake bleed kit just for this. It worked great, getting out any bubbles. Nice feel on the lever.

Initially, I thought about some color striping on the fork to match the bike. Talked to super spray artist Bruce Phillips about this. I ordered out 2 different colored sets of SCOTT bike decals. Prepped the fork, and the decals worked great. Needed a cover coat to protect the decals, so had some matte clear coat enamel handy and used that. Next time I would put the decals on the fork before the  hydraulic line is installed. After a few photo shots, tire change next.

Tire Change:

Schwalbe 27.5 x 2.8 tires with slick fork~!

A while back, I did a multi-day test ride on a SCOTT Addict 10 Gravel Bike. I really liked the feel and speed of it's Schwalbe G-ONE tires. Schwalbe finally came out with the jumbo 27.5 x 2.80 version of this tire. After much ado, I managed to get hold of a couple for this project.

Maxxis Recon tires came off quickly. I was amazed to find around 3 oz. of sealant in each tire. After pouring it off, tires cleaned up easily. After prepping the G-ONEs, they didn't quite go on as easy. Needed to make up a pump booster for a big shot of air to seat the bead on the tubeless rims. It worked great. Added some Stan's Sealant and it was ride time.

Rider Dan Phillips (O'side Bussey Auto) had a few tips for me on installing the new thru axle and taking off the old one. They both came with the fixing nut, which I wanted to bond to the fork end. Dan suggested Loctite Red vs my other method of Superglue. (Superglue worked OK, but plugged up the threads some too)! Loctite was easier to use and holds as well.

Test Ride For Real:

Dirt Work: Mule Hill, Lake Hodges, Penaquitos Cyn.

Started with several modified 60-100 mile rando routes with added gravel sections. The Schwalbe tires really added speed on the road vs the Maxxis Recon takeoffs. Air pressure @30psi and these things were fast! I dropped to 25psi and hit the trails. Got beat up bad so did on-trail pressure adjustment with my carrying along trusty digital gauge,  Ended with 18/20psi. for decent traction and fast road riding. Suspect with gnarly trail riding pressure will end up more in the 14-16 psi. range.

Fork Project Video

BEFORE: Fox 32 fork and Maxxis Recon tires

AFTER: Carbon Fork, decals and Schwalbes

- randorides

RAAM Week Revisited: 12th - 17th June

2017 Litespeed Ti Gravel Bike Demo - NOT

Cycling enthusiasts around San Diego are fortunate to have another year of Race Across America starting in Oceanside. Middle of June every year for a long time. Years ago they started down at the San Diego Broadway Pier, but logistics of getting out of town were too much. With the Oceanside Pier start, it's just a few blocks and you're out of town on the San Luis Rey Bike Path heading eastward into the heat.

My plans for the week were to hook-up as many rando routes as possible. After a wet gruppo ride last Saturday (11-City Loop), Monday brought a recovery shortie called "Bike Path X Two" with a stop over at Nytro to see if the new Litespeed Ti Gravel bike was in for a demo ride. NOT! Tuesday was a meet up with rando John Mestemacher for a ride out to RAAM/RAW solo riders start at the Pier in Oceanside.

RAW Start: Keith Olsen, John Mestemacher, Dave Danovsky

Met John at the LaCosta Circle K mid morning and we huffed it over to the Pier. Nice to walk thru the pits, where riders are nervously waiting to race east. Met randos Lisa and chatted a bit with Paul Tourkin. San Diego RBA Dave Danovsky  and rando Keith Olsen were near the starting line. I was able to get a few videos and interesting snaps of riders leaving. After the Race Across The West (RAW) riders left, I scampered up to the pier walkway for few shots of the RAAM solo riders leaving. Enough footage, I was soon turning the cranks and heading back home to San Marcos.
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OFR Gruppo was riding to the Coronado Ferry on Thursday. Mmmm. Needed to figure out something to hook up for a bit with them. Decided on the my newish " Bonsall To Coronado Ferry XP" rando route. Officially, it starts at College Ave in Oceanside, with an listed optional start in San Marcos. Super! I rolled out before 0530 for the local start option. Back way up to Bonsall and hook up with the SLR Bike Path before heading south along 101.

Bonsall-Coronado Ferry XP Route

Donut break (bad habit from Sam T.) at Leucadia Donuts to kill some time before the 0830 regroup at Swami's with OFR. Bruce Tipton joined up for the ride to Encinitas, where I stopped to top bottles with ice at 7-Eleven. Ten of us rode south from Swami's, heading for the 11AM Ferry to Coronado. I did the normal route straight past SPAWAR, while the others took the Old Town way. Never saw them again till they dragged in at the Broadway Ferry Landing.

Bruce wanted to buy tickets for all, but was a little perturbed when the gal needed additional ID for his card. Single ticket time as others drifted in. Big line at the boarding gate. We were soon on our way, with a full ferry of cruise ship tourists. I tried to stoke up a conversation with a older couple, but they were in a "haze" from all their traveling. I enjoyed the ferry ride across the bay anyway!

Short bathroom break and I departed company with the OFR Gruppo (they were going to Burger Barn for bloat bombs)! Stiff side wind along the strand but soon welcomed the tail wind over the path bridges. More side-winds as I kept up a good pace northward and soon met up with a bike path stoppage (detour, tape, signs and all) near the marina. I jumped that but met with another one as workers looked on. I did a turn-around, slid under the SDG&E gate warning signs and hit the dirt trail following the abandoned RR tracks. Asked a jogger if this trail went thru... she said "yes", big downhill ahead. Nothing that a HAB & low gearing wouldn't cure. Soon I was on Cleveland Street, heading for breaktime.

For reasons unknown, I opted for a ride up Harbor Drive instead of the usual Roosevelt St. JIB break. Another bad choice, construction zone, bad riding and crap roads. Not to be denied, a downtown JIB chocolate shake would fix me right up. The place was packed with tourists. Added a power gel to my shake, refilled my bottles and headed into a headwind northbound.

Route goes inland from Old Town. Cool coastal riding was lost for hi-temps and a bunch more climbing. Qualcomm Bike Path, Black Mtn. Road and Dove Canyon went by with gobs of sweat. Gamble Lane added to the misery as I finally lagged in and finished up the route.  
 ---
Saturday is here and still hadn't heard from John if he was riding to the RAAM Team start in O'side. Not to be deterred, I planned out riding "Fix My Bike" today. Leaving in time to do the south part of the route, stop at the Oceanside Pier for a little RAAM Team action, ride eastward with the teams and finish up the route. Well planned.. but stuff happens!

I did leave earlier than planned and soon I heard a CLACK, click...CLACK,click from the drive-train. Everything was cleaned up good, chain oiled and shifting OK. I played around with the RR Derailleur tension to no avail. Time to turn-around and head home!

Saturday, June 17: RAAM Team Start at Oceanside Pier

No clacking without pressure on the pedals... In the garage, I did all the tests and decided to pull the crank and check it out. Chain off, cranks out, BB out. Cleaned it all up, added grease and snugged everything up. Tooled around the street and all was well. Back on route again.

Made the loop around to Solana Beach, where the roads were laced with cyclists. As usual, I hung around for a racing group and latched on for a pull to Carlsbad. Stopped at Magee Park and watched several groups ride by. Break over, next up was the Oceanside Pier.

A few start videos, clips of teams ramping up and chit-chat with rando Tim Knowles. Worked my way thru the heavy car traffic and jumped on the SLR Bike Path. Just off Cleveland St. a team rider was fixing a flat! As I offered help, an old flag waving official was there and told me to get off the bike path. I continued my ride eastward, lacking the expected tailwind. RAAM riders were bunched up ahead of me, but I never could catch them. I looped around at College Ave for a few photos at the time-check control.

Official holds RAAM riders at SLR Bike Path/College Ave

Chatted with the official there as he was trying to match the rider numbers with the restart time there. No passing is allowed on the 7 mile bike path and riders are supposed to ride 17mph. Of course, they don't do it and arrive in different order as planned. Some riders were on time, most were early and had to wait a few minutes. Added some interesting videos to my stache and soon was riding off RAAM route to Bonsall.

McDonald's and time for a ice cream cone with GU!. I could see several RAAM riders blasting down Olive Hill as I relaxed cool inside. Getting a little antsy, I was soon off in pursuit @ 20 mph. First ViaSAT went by, then Team Oceanside. These guys were flying and I was gassed!

Small glory for me as I passed this RAAM rider on Hwy. 395

I did get the last hurrah in as I actually passed the Team Oceanside rider as we made the turn up Old Hwy. 395. Dropped him! Ahhhh, sort of... when the route flattened out by the campground, around he went. Oh, well, I had my moment of glory. A few cars of supporters were at the Gopher Cyn. park-n-ride, cheering as I went by. Sorry, not this year!

I tried to turn onto Old Castle Road. Traffic was horrific, so I bagged the idea and continued on up Hwy. 395 (Later found out John M. was at the Old Castle Rd. RAAM exchange spot  waiting for me) Hot and windy as I crawled up Champagne Blvd. Cut off at Deer Springs Road, downhill and went straight across Hwy. 78 to Ralphs. Picked up a few things and rode home, baked and dry. Route finished!

Video Hi-Lites

- randorides

 

Sailboat to Bikepacking: Riding South

Mike & Rebecca on bikepacking Timberlines

I figured a $2 shake at Bonsall McD's would "juice" me up some. Add to that a 40mg laced GU, which quickly dropped to the bottom of the cup, a banana and a stretch out, I was half-good to go now as I peddled westward on H. 76. Viewing the Old Bonsall Bridge, I noticed two loaded up bikepackers grinding up Old River Road. Doing a loop-around after passing thru the intersection, I patiently waited as they approached. This should be good.

After the normal "hi, where you going?" stuff, I was more interested in their twin bikes. Timberline?, steel, straight fork, Schmidt dyno hubs, Rohlf rear hubs, rear racks, bags, bags and more frame bags. Couldn't have been a few weeks old. Maxxis 3" tubeless tires and plenty of stainless water bottles.

Kelly & Mike on the San Luis Rey Bike Path

Seems their cellphone app had them going straight ahead to Vista Way and some nice climbing. Mike& Rebecca wanted no part of any climbing today. I was heading to the coast, so how about a flat detour from the planned route? Hurrah! Good Idea. We were off to the San Luis Rey Bike Trail.

M & R left her sisters house in Perris several days ago and were getting their land legs in shape by cycling to Peru and points south. They had been on the ocean for the last 7 years, boating around, crewing to meet expenses, thru the canal, Caribbean and all that. Custom ordered their bikes and were now seeking a new adventure on land. Their full story is on their informational web site: zerotocruising

Kelly & Rebecca at Oceanside Pier

Mike's knee was bothering him some as we slowly did the bike path, chatting as we went. I had to find out all about the bikes, how they were financing this journey and their motivation. Of course, I handed them a rando card and right on cue, Rebecca did send me an email the next day from San Diego. After a few days rest, they were following the Tour de Baja bikepacking route thru Mexico. I was slightly familiar with that Tour since the ride out from San Diego in January.

After a few pictures at the Oceanside Pier, I continued my route south and later on to San Marcos.

Interesting day on the road, meeting this couple and their sense of adventure.
Kind of makes you wonder what you're doing in life?


- randorides