Catalina Round Triper

Full route map from today's ride

Some new roads awaited on Catalina as John Mestemacher and I planned this short notice ride. I had emailed several randos and posted it up on the SDrando blog. Several riders showed interest, but as usual, no takers. Joe Morgan (ex-Nytro) and John Bruce (ex-fire captain) would meet us in Oceanside for the ride up to Dana Point. Nice to have some company and get updates on the latest biker-speak.

I was prepped for a early depart for the scheduled 05:15 start time, Zaharah mentioned that there was a mass shooting in Las Vegas, so I was glued to the TV catching the details. After humping it roadie style to the AM/PM San Marcos start, I was still late by 12 minutes. John was hanging around wondering if he had the wrong start point. After grabbing a receipt, we were off in a flash.

John's tubeless tire repair

We'd need a few short cuts to make up for lost time and we decided on N. Twin Oaks Road in lieu of the increased traffic going up Deer Springs to Hwy. 395. Seems everyone was driving to work at the nursery or the quarry about then and many cars passed us as we climbed up Twin Oaks. After we lumbered up the 14% short grade to the top, it was a fast downhill to Gopher Cyn. Road. For some reason there was light traffic as we sped westward. Checking my helmet mirror, John's light was no where to be seen. After a short turn-around, I found him roadside with his rear wheel out!

Bad cut in his tubeless tire. After a wipe-down of the Orange Sealant, I added a Parks tire boot to the mix and John put in his carry-along tube to finish the job. A short cell call home had his wife delivering a new tire and floor pump to our Denny's meet up spot in Oceanside. We were soon off to Little Gopher Cyn and points west. I noticed straight away that his rear tire repair was loosing air. One thing I didn't do well, was feel carefully inside the tire for sharp objects before John buttoned it up. Not good. Several bike path stops to re-airthe tube put us at Denny's before 0800.

Carnival Cruise Ship @ Avalon Bay

John Bruce was there chatting with Gabbie (John's wife). No show Joe. Un-thoughtfully, I was chatting with JB as John was changing his tire. We hastily rolled out at 8:05 and were soon on the noisy I-5 northward at a fast clip. I was easily geared-out on my SCOTT modified MTB. No bathroom stops this trip. JB was pulling hard @20mph as I bounced around on my saddle.

Well after 0900 as we met little traffic thru San Clemente and flew toward Dana Point. Another short cut and we rolled into the Landing @ 09:35. Ferry leaves at 9:40! John picked up the boarding passes and I hit the bathroom. We all went to the railing and watched a long line load onto the ferry. We bid JB "adios" as we were the last to load. Time to relax and load up some carbs on the trip to Catalina.

Top of the climb view

The Ferry was full up as we motored westward. The captain deviated southward as we neared the island to intercept a pod of dolphins. Passengers were running around a taking pictures as the dolphins danced around the Ferry. Interesting indeed! There also was a large Carnival Cruise Ship anchored in the bay. We were the first off after the gangplank was secured and headed for the bathrooms.

After filling our bottles with tepid water, we were off into the masses of tourists for the few blocks of flat riding before hitting the hills. Up, up and away. Not many carts as we kept dropping gears to match the steep road out of Avalon. A hour later we were at the top overlook. The cruise ship looked tiny way back down in the Bay. After a short rest, we were off on gravel/bumpy roads to the Airport. Two buffalo bulls were rutting around near the campground as a couple of hikers sat nearby taking a break.

Beautiful tile map of Catalina Island

Rollers, rollers and more rollers as we finally climbed to the Airport In The Sky. They have a large raised tile map of the island out front of the restaurant. We grabbed a few overpriced drinks and headed to the back patio, where we joined one family and a lone ambitious squirrel. John was intently watching the squirrel hop up on a table and take napkins from the napkin dispense, pack them into his mouth and scurry off. John made friends with a little girl, as she kept staring at him in his white rando jersey. We hung around for a while, discussing the ride options. We decided to forgo the trip down to  Little Harbor and just do the bumpy return route instead.

About a mile in, I finally decided to let a few lbs of air out of my 3" tires. About 5 lbs each made a great difference on the rough road. We both welcomed the smooth sections of gravel mixed in. Past the campground again, one lone bull lay guarding the gravel  road in. A while later, we stopped at the zip-line to observe several thrill seekers gliding down. Next up was a short ride around to Descanso Beach and the end of the zip line.

Little girl admires Rando John

I just had to check out the "Von's Express" store. Prices weren't too high there. $1 for a Gatorade beats the $2.50 elsewhere. Finally we made our way to the pier and sat in the sun watching the Cruise Ship shuttle passengers back and forth. Local fisherman was trying his luck so we kept chatting with him about showing us his big  catch. NOT. After a while, the cruise ship slowly made it's way southward as we lined up for the full-up ferry ride back to Dana Point.

We had several seats in the back, so we could easily check on our bikes and still catch a rest. Beautiful sunset as we neared Dana Point. Only 1 hr 15 minute trip back. At 7:00, we were out of the bathroom, bottles filled and rolling south with lights blazing. Reflective vests and arm warmers were in vogue.

Ferry wake hi-lights sunset over Catalina Island

No traffic at all as we only managed one red light all the way thru San Clemente. A short stop at San Onofre bathroom #1 and more quiet riding southward. We opted for I-5 south to normal traffic and littered bike lane. Time for "HIGH" setting on the Cygolite as the passing traffic wasn't lighting up the bike lane as I expected. At Harbor Drive Exit to Oceanside, I rode over a pile of glass I knew was there!

Quiet cruise thru Oceanside as John informed the Ms. he would be home around 10:30 PM. He was close as we departed company on Coast Highway. After a "bush" stop, I struggled home before 11:00. After clean-up, stretch and food, it was near 1:00 AM before I hit the sack. Long day on the road, for sure.

- randorides

Fix My Bike Hook-Up

Fix My Bike Route: We started in Bonsall.

September arrives and temps in the 100's! Sounds OK to me as several of us pondered the short Populaire RBA Dave had scheduled for today (Saturday). I wasn't particular enthused about racing with the group up Champagne Blvd at noon with no breeze and temps approaching the century mark. After pondering for a minute, I ask John Mestemacher if he wanted to start early up at the Bonsall Control and meet up with the randos in San Marcos around their 0700 start time! OK from him on this and several others might join in too.

John swung by San Marcos to pick me up and offered a chance to catch up on his recent events. Arriving in Bonsall early, I noticed the lone Donut Shoppe behind McDonald's was already open. Keith Olsen arrived for the ride, adding to his quest for a 2017 K-Hound Award. Also fireman John Bruce showed up to add some gossip and updates as we rode along. AM/PM had cheap stuff for a start receipt and free ice. We were off at 0530 to no traffic and dark skies. John B's tail light was on "automatic".. that is, when he hit a bump it would either go ON or OFF! That matched his double AAA batteries, which were fading fast.

Adequate chit-chat as we shifted into cruise gear thru little early traffic and climbed up Champagne Blvd to temps in the 60's. We lah-de-dah'd around a bit and finally arrived at San Marcos Albertson's early. Keith and I went inside as the others chatted with a few randos assembled for the ride. RBA Dave mentioned the early start in Bonsall was a great idea and I should have let him know in advance. I responded by suggesting he "check his email from yesterday". Hector was a little late and soon joined Ben Hian and Bob Coleman as we rolled out toward Del Dios Highway.

Solana Domut Shop: She has yet to smile!

The usual "race mode" was on for a few riders as we rolled thru Rancho Santa Fe and on to LaCosta Donut Shop for our control break. Keith locked himself in the bathroom as we gobbled our donuts outside (John bought Red Velvet today for me). Minutes later we were among the weekend riders along the coast.

Jumped a CAF group who were pace-lining northward and they pulled us thru Carlsbad @ 20+mph. Short regroup... past the pier and on to the San Luis Rey Bike Path. Dave D./Ben did most of the pulling along here as we added riders to the train. John M. took a turn up front as I tucked in and enjoyed the draft. Quick trip on Hwy. 76 to minimal traffic as temps were into the 90's and it was only 1000. McDonald's was air-con cool as I loaded up my cone with a Vanilla GU Gel. Ten minutes later, we bid farewell to the others as they entered the heat chamber back to their finish in San Marcos.

On the ride back to San Marcos, John & I had plenty of time to plan some future weird rando events.

- randorides

Catalina Ride

Full route from San Marcos to Catalina Island

After the recon ride earlier this month, all looked well and interest seemed high for the inaugural "Dana Point XP" route. Several riders expressed interest in doing the up and back, while a few wanted the train option either way. So Friday it was. ( Weekends are poor for train connections)

Plenty of emails later, we ended up with just 4 riders at the early San Marcos start. John Mestemacher rode in from down the hill in Carlsbad, Mac Imacseng had the wife get up early to bring him ( originally scheduled for Keith to pick him up), Dave Horwitt drove in from San Diego and I just rolled in a few miles from home. Ready well before the 0300 start time, we waited around for Mac to load his bike and put on reflective gear (neat handy "Y" vest). We were off to a groggy start.

We stopped to see if Mac's uncle really worked here?

Due to no traffic this early, we managed to deviate from the route a bit and took some main roads over to Champagne Blvd. Chit-chat was in abundance as Mac's rear light was mounted parallel with the seat stay and offered a blinding vision from behind. After a few jeers, he was tool-less and unable to move the light, but soon discovered his other light hidden up under the seat. John was on a hi-speed lead-out on Camino del Rey over to Bonsall. Weather was just perfect.

Bonsall AM/PM had locked out the adjacent McD's  bathrooms as we refilled our bottles and were soon off to the San Luis Rey Bike Path cruising along and arriving in Oceanside near 0515. Traffic was backed up at the main Camp Pendleton Gate, so the I-5 option was in play.

Dana Point Harbor lin- up for Ferry Boarding Passes

Mac sped away on I- 5 and narrowly missed a tire just before the Rest Stop exit. Traffic was heavy and even the Rest Stop was full with drivers napping in the early hours. Good speed as we paced thru the San Onofre Campground. Time for headlights off entering San Clemente town. I mentioned to Mac about his "uncles donut shop", so we made a stop to see if the owners were Cambodians like Mac. Mmmm... the old lady was from Laos and the younger one.. we never did find out. A donut later we soon entered the new bike way to Dana Point, arriving at the Harbor before 0700. Time to line up to get ferry boarding passes.

Leaving Dana Point, Dave & Mac enjoy the view

John picked up my passes as I relaxed by the dock, taking pictures and stretching out. Overcast morning along the coast as early boaters motored by. We watched as passengers started boarding the ferry. Dave got a little antsy and lined up, but soon returned for a "last on, first off" boarding. We strapped our bikes in and were soon underway right on the advertised 0745 departure time.

Excited passengers were moving about, so we mostly stayed put in the fantail near our bikes. Great chance for some pictures and different views as the Catalina Express made way @30 knots toward Catalina Island. No dolphins this trip, but Mac & I spotted a "whale" in the distance (unconfirmed, of course)!

Cycling Permit required for riding inland on Catalina

I was expecting bright sun as we approached Catalina, but alas, slight clouds covered the island. We debarked in a minute and hit the dockside bathrooms first. This place was a buzzing. A few cranks later, we were at the Catalina Island Conservancy to pick up cycling permits for inner-island riding. (These are required to ride or hike on little traveled inner island roads/trails). Cost is around $30 for a year use and offering discounts on camping and other special uses.

After jutting around several side streets, it was all UP! Leaving Avalon toward the inner island is nothing but pure elevation gain. After 1.5 miles, there is a junction, gate and zip-line entrance. Traffic almost ceases beyond the gate (permit needed) as we continued our upward trend, stopping at several overlooks for photo-ops. A few Eco-Tour vans passed as we finally made it to the top overlook, 4 miles later.

This MW tower looms over all of Catalina Island

Gate with crawl-thru hole awaited, as I opted to half-ride around the fence on a little trail. Dave & Mac passed their bikes thru, as John took the side path around. Soft sand as we started our gravel ride up to the tower. This MW tower can be seen from most of the island, so we figured we were at the top and nothing left now but downhill. Wrong again! Divide Road was in good shape as we followed the up and down rollers and soon passed a 2-man crew putting the roof on a small roadside pit-toilet. Good idea for hikers and bikers up here.

We wanted to go left, but had to go climbing right instead

Junction ahead with sign. Left was downhill ( I believe to the Botanical Gardens ), No Bikes! RIGHT was uphill and said "Avalon-6 miles". Only 6 miles? No problemo we thought as we started more climbing. Dave with his triple chain-ring and me with 10-42 cassette driven by a 30T ring up front had enough gears for this one. Mac had cross-gearing on his Ibis and even John with his gravel bike had traction slippage. A little HIB encountered on the 17% section and with a few rocks thrown in made for a tough climb. When finally reaching the "top", time for some photos & deep breathing.

Mac & John find it hard to restart on steep gravel slopes!

A few miles of gravel downhill weren't the easiest with scattered rocks and loose stuff. Dave tipped over after sliding in loose gravel and had a few scratches. A long time later, we reached the gate and smooth riding again on the tourist looped Wiggly Road. A few marked photo overlook stops for views of the harbor before we looped down and were back near the water again. Time for lunch.

Dave hit a small roadside shop straight away. Mac and John rode around and found a deli across from "Von's Express" store. We ended up sitting dockside in the shade gulping our overpriced colas from a nearby machine. Later on, I suggested a short ride around Lover's Cove to check things out. On the wind aided ride back, we could see our return Ferry coming into Avalon Bay. Line-up time.

Leaving Catalina Island, John reflects on a good day.

Deploying the same "last on, first off" theory, we waited for the return crowd to clear before boarding. Soon we were departing the now sun-drenched island for Dana Point. Thirty minutes out, we were all relaxing and enjoying the hum of the engines. Smooth passage all the way back, arriving at 3:15 to partly cloudy skies and warm temps. After a bathroom break and water refill we were off to San Clemente.

Mac & I decided to jump the Metro to Oceanside. John rode with Dave via the busy I-5 down toward Carlsbad, where they parted company as John rode home and Dave went back to San Marcos. With all the hub-bub stuff in Oceanside, I split with Mac as he rode south to Solana Beach and I took the SLRBike Path back to San Marcos, arriving well before dark.

With the early start, ferry ride and unique cycling on the island, this day was a good one. More adventures to come.

Full Ride Video

- randorides

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