Temecula 600 Flashback

2011 Temecula 600 Route

Lot's of discussion on the SDrando blog of late. Something about some rider not wearing a helmet while riding in Brevets... also the planned 600K this month was changed to the Temecula 600* route of years past. That got me to thinking about the memorable ride I did in 2011. That was the 600 we lost Jim Swarzman on.

Around 11 riders were at the hotel in Temecula for the start. Must have been an early start, because I'm thinking I left San Marcos at 0100 for the ride up Old Hwy. 395 to get there. Way too much climbing on the way, but I did manage to time it with 15 minutes to spare! 3 riders from San Fran Randos there, including my buddy Joseph Maurer. Weather was perfect as we climbed out of Temecula in the dark.

Carl Anderson
Adam Bickett
Kelly DeBoer
Chris Hanson
Nicole Honda
Joseph Maurer
Andi Ramer
Mike Sturgill
Tim Sullivan
Jim Swarzman
Ann Trason

Nicole Honda couldn't wait to find a tree as we turned south on Sage Road. We had a nice little group riding up thru Aguanga as Joseph was really hurting keeping the pace. Jim, Andi, Tim, Nicole, Chris Hanson, Joseph and me were still together at the Stagecoach Control in the desert. Adam Bickett was in race mode and long gone by this time. group broke up as we climbed up Hwy. 8 toward Jacumba in the sun. I was hanging around with Joseph as we made our way along Hwy. 94 to San Diego. Andi was chatting away while riding with Tim out ahead as Nicole, Chris & Jim had their group just ahead of us.

Rando & good guy Jim Swarzman

Riding along the coast  northward in the dark, I was waiting for my riding buddy Joseph at the top of the Del Mar hill. He buzzed by and disappeared off route to the Del Mar Fairgrounds! I later managed to wait around for him entering Encinitas. Riding together, we came upon the crash scene on Hwy. 101, just north of Encinitas Blvd. We waited around as they took Jim away as Nicole went with them. Joseph, Chris & I were in a daze as we later decided to carry on and cut off route around the blocked road and took a nap later in Oceanside.

I think the only words said for the last 130 miles to the finish were when Chris ask: " Anybody have any Chap-Stick?" Cycling in zombie mode we made our way on SART, thru Corona and back to Temecula. We were the last riders to arrive, but we finished! Jim would have wanted that. I stuffed my bike into Josephs little VW for the welcome ride back home. I was done!

Later on I managed to work up a short video on Jim:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOfnjLcYf_8

-randorides

* Since this writing, the Temecula 600 has been changed back to the Hotel Circle 600... April 23. Go figure?

Santiago Peak Training Ride- Crash-Oh-Rama

One of the alternate routes we had planned for today training.

What a good time to get in some Brevet training miles up to Santiago Peak. Although March 25th Brevet was a long way off, the closure of Maple Springs Road required an alternate route up Harding Truck Trail, Santiago Peak, Wilderness Trail and the back way thru DeLuz over to the finish in Oceanside. Six or seven riders were amped up for this one. The only Saturday downside was the first Metro Train leaving Oceanside was at 8:15 AM.

I was early for a good purpose. The Metro ticket machines were on the blink. I wandered around and finally saw Dan Phillips waiting in the ticket kiosk line. Good thing the Metro guy helped us thru. We loaded onto the Bike Only Car with a few minutes to spare. Didn't see Sam, Troy or Tim Knowles anywhere.(Troy would later meet us at the trail-head, Tim drove to Ortega Hwy. and rode up the other side, hoping to meet us somewhere. Sam was on the Metro, another car!)

We followed "Ms. Thinbody" up Harding Truck Trail

Time to check out Dan's new carbon Marin Niner and added a few pics to my archives. Plenty of time to chat and discuss the route today... new route that started in Irvine and took a few bike paths and side-roads before starting the dirt climb to the Peak. From there it's mostly all dirt downhill over to Ortega Hwy. Option there to continue the route to Oceanside OR bail and ride down to San Juan Capistrano and jump the Metro back to Oceanside. My lights were packed into my seat bag and I was up for the solo night ride to Oceanside. Hundreds of passenger boarded the Metro at Irvine. We finally spotted Sam wandering around on the platform.

A short ride eastward from the Irvine Station, this trio hooked us up to the Aliso Creek Bike Path northward. Popular route that sneaks up on you with gentle climbing. Several MTB'ers blasted by as we spotted Santiago Peak in the far distance. Sam, Dan & I climbed our way past Cooks Corner, where several hard-bodied gals on MTB's passed us. Dan was soon off is fast pursuit!

Interested buddy I met on Main Divide Road

First steep roadie climb met us as we left Santiago Canyon Road and ventured inland. Modjeska Grade Road was mid double-digit climbing before the pleasant fast downhill into the narrowing Harding Canyon. Troy Buss met us at the local trail regroup spot near the wildlife sanctuary for some water and bathroom relief. After numerous photo-ops and lots of chit-chat, we were off around the gate climbing Harding Truck Trail. As we started up, a MTB racer guy passed us as we caught our rhythm following the bright pink tank-top of Ms. "Thinbody" jogger (razor thin & way top heavy).

It's all climbing now as Dan & I paced up the double digit abandon fire road. Plenty of opportunity for photos here as we were soon looking straight back down to where we just started. Sam's red Chinese cloned SAXO BANK jersey was clearly seen but Troy's yellow/white NCCC club jersey not so much in the distance. "Ms. Thinbody" was jogging well, keeping us working hard to catch up. I did manage a pic or two when we finally passed.

Harding Truck Trail tapers off to a high single digit effort after a mile or two and this offered us a chance to stop for a blow now and then. Several rockslides sections were the only technical effort on the climb. Dan wasn't feeling it today on his new carbon ride, so I was soon alone and viewing Four Corners in the far distance. Once up to the gate, I rode around and snapped a few pics of the closed gate at Maple Springs Road. Next I rode up Main Divide Road and caught another rider there who was going to the peak. Older guy who liked the idea of long dirt rides. I passed him over a rando card before we parted ways. He rode upward and I rode downhill, looking for the guys.

Sam, Troy & Dan blast down Harding Truck Trail

After a few more pics, I rode around the Harding Gate and headed downhill. I finally met Dan and soon we were all riding together back up to 4-Corners and then up to the Main Divide gate. After a brief discussion & failing time, the gruppo decided to return down Harding TTr. After a few photos, we were soon blasting downhill.

I never ride without a helmet mirror and soon noticed Sam had disappeared off the back. A few shouts brought us to a stopping regroup. We were about to launch a search mission up the trail, when Sam appeared. Looks like he took a slip slide fall, his arms now matching his red jersey. After a few handi-wipes, we noticed his helmet was cracked too! "Come-on guys, let's slow it down!" We were soon off on more downhill adventures.

Half-way down, Dan forgot to un-clip at a rockslide and fell over into the rubble. More blood for the cause. "No hurry to get down guys!" Enough said as we soon picked up downhill speed. Near the bottom, I decided to slow for a picture of Dan just ahead. Then everything went to crap. I slip-slid over the bars for a right side landing on the trail. OUCH!

The guys were soon there as I wiped the blood flow. Dan called 911 and after a bit, the Modjesta Cyn. Fire Department 4x4 was close in and the paramedics called in the Air Ambulance. (Due to broken helmet). I was off for a quick flight to the OC Global Trama Center in Santa Ana. I had a bunch of broken stuff and hung around there for 5 days. Then a rough trip down to Palomar Acute Rehab in Escondido for another week before I was back home to mend.

After loading me up, the helo heads to OC Trama Center

Big kudoz to the guys... Dan, Troy & Sam for the trail side help, rounding up my bike stuff and taking care of the details. Our rando buddy Tim Knowles, who rode up to meet us from the east side, finally turned around back to Ortega Hwy. when we never showed up near the peak!

Beautiful sunny day on the trails

Route video

- randorides

Ham Hock Trail Brevet - Lessons On Tubeless Tires

Original Ham-Hock Trail route. We rode this with a few detours today

0645 and I was on the road toward Mule Hill Trailhead in South Escondido. Officially 39 degrees and seeking the rising sun and the predicted mid 70's temps today. Sans front HB bag, I had the sign-in sheet board stuffed into my jersey as a cold air buffer. Really started to warm up riding thru Escondido town and downhill toward Lake Hodges. 27.5" + size tires were rolling along good on 31psi (hard road pressure setting).

Tim, Mac & Mike chit-chat at the Mule Hill start. (Troy pic)

New TREK carbon bike owner Sam Thomas was chatting in the gravel lot with Dan Phillips. Rando Tim Knowles was getting ready his Fargo and buddy Mike his Salsa. Mac Imacseng was lamenting about his cheap tire deal. Seems Dan had a rear shock problem, later diagnosed as " stuck down shock" and could be cured with a $8 seal kit from Fox. He wanted to really ride today, as payback from last weeks training ride, which found him tumbling down a ravine & a badly bent rear derailleur. ( * see note below ).

OFR/NCCC rider Troy Buss was atop his TREK FS checking out hard-bodied trail runners. Also in was rando Greg Armstrong from Bonita on a steel frame and rando wantabee Natalia. After signing in, the eight of us were off just after 0800 riding east on the San Dieguito River Trail. Of course, with all the pre-ride drama, I had forgot to lower my tire pressure for dirt trail use. Dan waived us off from his pedal dragging, low-rider Klein.

Rare footage of Albany Sam entering Hill Country Trail. (Troy pic)

Slight chit-chat as we easily traversed the few miles of flat trails before crossing Highland Valley Road & entering the trail laden tree nursery. Big early hard surface climb up to Old Coach Trail, where our first detour too place. Smooth riding now thru high-end housing and past the security shack. Group had broken up now as we hopped onto Justin Trail and dirt again. Mac informed us that Troy had stopped to fix a front flat tire.

Soon the five of us were traversing the back alley dirt trails southbound thru residential Poway. Another detour took us a mile on Espola Road and then back on dirt again. My fanny-pak broke off and went flying dirt-side. I tied that sucker off and made a quick stop with Mac at Garden Road Park. Just down the road was our first control stop at 7-Eleven. Surprisingly, Troy arrived in due order after his flat repair, followed by Sam & Natalia. The whole group was together again. As Troy was pumping air in his tire, I was letting air out of mine... down to more traction @25psi.

Tim, Greg, Kelly & Troy regroup at Cara Way. (Troy pic)

Short ride on Poway Road and car traffic, which I don't appreciate much at all. After the Community Road Fire Station, it was back on the Poway Creek Trail and dirt again. After a gnarly gate ride around, it was more climbing on Poway Trail over to the hike-a-bike. Mike & Tim talked about a option trail route to by-pass the HAB, so we'll look into that re-route on the next recon ride. Good idea guys. I think Troy had tire air pressure problems as he dropped off again. Sam & Natalia were sweepers after the Hill Country Trail climb.

Poway Trail mellows out after some gnarly rocky climbs and a big rut-laced downhill. Nice riding again on semi-manicured dirt until the rocky downhill past the pump station and onto Cara Road. We had a regroup here, waiting for Mac and his quick tire repair. Mike had disappeared from the group, as he was chatting to another MTB'er about selling his Salsa! Do they call that "negotiating on a trail"?

Greg, Tim & Kelly tip-toe across bridge out. (Troy pic)

Next up was the Trans-County Trail which led us over to Penasquitos Canyon Trail system. Bonita Greg led thru this section with some hidden single trak laced in with several HAB water crossing. After a water crossing, we were back on rocky trails on the north side with a few technical sections and little trail traffic. We slo-rolled it into Canyonside Park and soon were back to a group of five: Greg, Tim, Mike, Mac & me.

North trail thru Penasquitos Canyon is the less traveled and more open than the south. Bonita Greg opened the throttles a bit thru here and we were passing joggers and other MTB'ers enforce. Another original route detour as there were still no bridges crossing over to the south side. Nice riding here with some narrow single-trak as we wound our way over to a short sidewalk stint to Sorrento Valley Pkwy and soon smooth riding on Sorrento Valley Road over to our last water control at AM/PM. By then Troy had disappeared from the mix. Probably his bumpy front tire again**.

Kelly, Greg, Mac, Mike & Tim on N. Penasqutos Trail (Troy pic)

Time to load up here, as no water till the finish. We sat outside at the tables about 15 minutes. I was inside at the sink, filling and mixing both bottles for the finish run-in. As we were leaving, Natalia rode in, ready for some real food. Sam later said he just rode by this stop, not anticipating completing in rando time.

Next up was a more relaxing, last chance to recoup, SR-56 Bike Path section. Mac pulled off, needing to put some more air in his leaking tire. Just after the duck pond crossing, Mike pulled off, surprisingly riding home to his house near here! With a major effort, Mac soon caught up to Greg, Tim & I before we were back onto dirt again. Another original route detour ahead at Watson Ranch Road.

SR-56 Bike Path duck pond. Mike left the group here.

The first short downhill brought us to a quick, sudden stop at a sink-hole. Whew! Jumping across with bike in hand was an effort, but doable. Just Tim, Mac, Greg and I now, as we followed the trail under Camino del Sur and finally over to Lusardi Trail.

I noticed a well kitted rider ahead and zeroed in on him as we traversed the rocky climb and side-hill where Dan went over a few weeks earlier. Catching up, he said he had a long ride doing a 8 mile loop today! I didn't say much sucking air, but did manage a "good job" to him. After a short regroup near the INFO trail-head signboard, we were off to Lusardi Loop and the meager tumbleweeds ahead.

After the careful downhill, we were back onto the smoothed out dirt road. A few weeks ago, this was a muddy mess to ride on. Today it was super! After a water dip and passing under Camino Del Sur again,

it was on to the wide rocky trail following the Lusardi Creek along. Up at the "Coast To Crest" trail sign, we had a nasty sidehill climb. Greg made it look easy, as Mac and I nearly got tangled up, but recovered enough to walk up to remount and continue upward. After some rutty downhills, it was water crossing time.

Kelly recovers from bushwack, Greg tip-toes across Lusardi Creek (Mac pic)

Lusardi Creek was running about a foot deep, so I ventured thru. No problem. Exiting the water on the far bank, I hit a tumbleweed maze, stopped and laid over. Not to be deterred, I popped up & pushed up. Mac & Greg tippy-toed across on a few rocks. Tom had dropped off somewhere behind, later saying the winter heat and cramping took hold on the Lusardi Loop cilmbing. Socks damp, we continued on after a short reprise.

33-switchbacks ahead was the signal after climbing Artesian Road and following power-line trail. I do good on climbing these and really suck going down. So it was foot down on the left hand turns. Blame it on the bike being too long! Hehe. Nice riding along Santa Fe Trail single-trak & I soon spotted 3 riders ahead. After a short regroup at the Fruit Market road trailhead crossing. we were off in pace-pursuit!

It didn't take long to close in on draft position before the downhill to the rusty bridge. The trio pulled off to let Greg & I pass. Mac had decided to downshift into survival mode here. Tiring climb up to the dam, but the downhill later was worth it. At the dam, Mac decided to get in some additional climbing and jogged over to Del Dios Hwy. and Via Rancho Parkway. Next up was the smoother road section before hitting the trails again to the parking lot turn.

Water level is up a bit at Lake Hodges Dam

Just Greg & I now as we amped it up on the wide bumpy trail around the lake, thru a few flattened rock gardens and some "thank yous" to passed joggers. Pass the pedestrian bridge and a hi-speed run to the finish. We even had a few minutes to spare. Tough route with the rando time constraints.

Mac pulled in about 10 minutes later from his road adventure. Tim was in after that, shirt open and HR strap throbbing! Greg was soon off for a sandwich as we waited around. Mac called Troy to check on him and he was already home! Next up was Sam, who reported "they" were at the top of Del Dios by the dam, 6 miles from the finish. We interpreted "they" as Sam & Natalia.

Later on, Greg packed his bike and was off for some more trail riding in prep for his upcoming 24-hr mtn. bike race (15 mile loops) and another try at the Arizona 400 MTB Race. Mac rolled out, opting to pick up his wife for an evening at the beach. Sam & Natalia rolled in just as Tim was leaving. All accounted for. Sam related a few brief experiences as Tim offered Natalia some band-aids. Final "adios" and I was off to refill my bottle at Chevron before riding to San Marcos and the failing sun.

Pleasant turn out with a few new faces. Time to crank-up my efforts to get a revised rando time structure for these hard dirt trail routes. Stay tuned.

Clear skies
Hi: 76     Lo: 39
Wind: NE @15mph early
92 miles

- randorides

After a DNS, Dan picked up a new Marin Carbon 29'er! NICE!

* Dan later visited his buddy Fred at Leucadia Bike Shop. Not to be denied, he walked out with a sale deal & road bike trade-in on a Marin CXR carbon niner! That's one way to solve a "stuck down shock" problem! Go Dan (presently converting over to tubeless)! 

 









** from Troy
"I went home via trek superstore san marcos and picked up a couple of tubeless tires, some rim liners and valve cores.   Got those installed this morning and hopefully no more flats when time counts!  Also, it took about 55-60lbs of pressure from my compressor to seat the tires without dips, bulges.   If I had kept pumping the front on the Saturday ride, it probably would have probably seated properly, but that is quite the workout with a hand pump."

Ham-Hock Like Training Ride

Old Coach Trail Bridge out... gnarly downhill led to detour.

I was carrying Mac's dyno wheel bungee'd onto my left handlebar as I made my way over to the 8:00 start at Mule Hill. Weather was OK, with temps approaching 50 degrees and the sun was starting to push thru the clouds in the east. Made good time from San Marcos as the 27.5" x 2.8 WTB Trailblazers were quite smooth on the roads with 30psi. Was a little nippy approaching the San Dieguito Valley start. Trail runners all over the place... seems an event today.


Dan Phillips was near his truck as Mac & Keith were getting ready. I dropped off the wheel to Mac and then sped over to Chevron for a ice refill on the bottle. After viewing Keith's new tubeless tire setup & Mac's cheapo tires, we were off just after 0800. Guys were layered up & several had jackets on. Answering "when will it warm up" question with "in 30 minutes you'll be sweating like a dog".. So it was after the 19% climb up to Old Coach Trail.

Horse climb in back-alley trail Poway rutted & washed down.

We opted for our first detour here. I figured it was too gnarly on the power-line road downhill and with the muddy portage at the bottom it made sense. ( I had ridden down there on Wednesday to check things out...not good). Nice downhill riding thru country estate homes and out past a bewildered security guard post. Soon back on Justin Trail, we stopped for several regroups before hitting the back alley horse trails in Poway. Tough H-A-B at the end brought us to a short roadie ride and then back on the downhill dirt. After a park bathroom stop, we soon were at Poway Road 7-Eleven and a refill. Short chit-chat and we were off.


The old route took us straight onto dirt from here. It was really tough with wet mud, so we did the revised roadie route with a Community Road turn thru the Fire Department and back onto a Poway side trail. Nice short ride as we soon were back on the Poway Trail into some drying mud and filled in pea gravel uphills. Dan knew by now that his road rated rear tire wasn't good in this stuff. A regroup or two later, we approached $5 Hill. I've never seen anyone make this climb and today was no exception. Mac gave 'er a go, and fell over. Dan was the cleverest by packing his bike up to the top. The rest of us pushed up.  Regroup time.

Placid look down $5 Hill on Poway Trail. H-A-B time!

Nice rocky trail riding along the ridge-line overlooking Poway. Interlaced were several gnarly rocky climbs thrown in. A long downhill on once smooth packed trails (now rain rutted gutters) brought Mac some dirt-face. Maintained trails awaited along with a few runners as we made our way over to the pump-house by I-15. Real nasty downhill section around the pump-house had been filled in spots. Info regroup and we were off into Penasquitos East Trails.


Passing the "TRAILS CLOSED" sign, Mac made a comment as we soon found out our first bridge-out portage. Not bad as we tipsy-toed across boards and rolled onward. Trail was packed with high-water trash and wood bridge remains. Not to be deterred, we stopped at the split trail signboard for a regroup and to chat with a old trail rider on his FS TREK. Shoes damp as we opted to ride across the water and try the north trail, following the old guy. Rock garden time for the group here. The lowered air 27.5+'s were really nice here, just floating over and not worrying about "picking a line thru the rocks". Into Canyonside Park for water and a blow.

Penasquitos East Trail requires several water portages.

Another "TRAIL CLOSED" sign didn't deter us at all as we entered Penasquitos Canyon North. After a mile, we cut off, crossed a road and took a trail north under the SR-56 Bike Path. I offered Dan a 5-dollar note for clearing the end-of-the-trail H-A-B climb. He took one look and said "not today". Mac gave it a try and went down again. Nice try. We were soon onto the SR-56 Bike Path and into the sun alongside Camino Del Sur Circle K store.


Return trip started with a short roadie north and then we cut off just before Bryn Glen Way. Trail had a big hole which Keith almost went into while jumping over. After a few trail turns and some muddy tires, we stopped at a trail "Y" near Camino Del Sur. Left followed the trail under... the right branch went around and up to the roadway. I suggested to Keith he might opt for the latter. Mac "offered" to keep him company on the roadie route back to Mule Hill. Away they went. Dan & I turned left. That's when the fun started.

This hole nearly swallowed Keith & his Salsa Spearfish!

After several steepish uphills, we made our way toward Black Mtn. Park the trail way. This included several rock gardens and upward side-hills. I was sort-of familiar with this and led out not to be denied. Dan was behind when he disappeared!

Dan's story:  
"Oddly and ironically, Keith as you and Mac rode away I was thinking it would be better if we stayed together in case one of us needed to be carried out after a big get off. Little did I know! Kelly and I were chatting while climbing a notchey little side hill trail and I lost concentration for a nanosecond and the next thing I knew I was tipping over with no place to put my right foot but air. As you can see by the pristine trail we chose I never should have fallen.

At least I landed down in some bushes between the rocks and not the rocks between the bushes! I remember closing my eyes so as not to get my eyes poked out as I flailed through the brush and I heard a big "smack!" I remember thinking "I wonder how much that will cost?" Well the bike hit the rocks and bent the derailleur bracket and broke a tooth off the little sprocket. Lucky for me I kept my newspaper from the morning and so I wrapped it around the derailleur assembly and gave it a twist. After a few tweaks it was good to go. You can see from the photo it was pretty ugly. Up at the park I took a break for some inventory and flat repairs while Kelly chatted it up with a rider about parts sources and the good, the bad and the ugly of retail."

 After ravine tumble, Dan's initial repaired derailleur looked like this.

I heard some yelling, stopped and walked back to check things out. Dan was down in the ravine walking back up with his bottles. After some time, the rear derailleur was close to position and we were off to the Park ahead. Dan went into post-concussion mode and was fumbling around with his tube repair, counting the thorns he was pulling out. I was chatting with a Santa Cruz big-guy rider packing his bike away. He liked my single ring set up and said Bike Bling had a deal on a single ring conversion for only $1500. After I cleaned my pants, I suggested he take his hi-end Santa Cruz back to his dealer and have them do it for cheaper. Dan was finally finished up, so after a mini-medical, we left.

Not wanting to risk a further hanger breakage or blood loss, we opted for a roadie route back to Mule Hill via Rancho Bernardo. Still a few trail runners as we swung around the bike path and back to his truck. We were done for the day. Dan took my 27.5+ for a spin around the gravel lot and then we chatted about tubeless advantages. Local hard core FS rider overheard and added his tubeless knowledge on air pressure. Made sense to me. Dan offered a ride home, so we threw the bikes in the back of his pickup and we were off. Another memorable training ride.


Per report, Keith and Mac made it back to Mule Hill OK... arriving around 2:00 PM. At home, I'm sure they were resting up and ready for the next one.

-randorides

First "Trail" Brevet In San Diego

Rock & Road Trail route today

This event was moved up 1 week and the timing was perfect. Four days of rain predicted for next week with over 3" of rain would have definitely nixed the scheduled ride on January 9th due to muddy, un-passable trails. 38 degrees when I rolled out late to the local start at San Marcos Albertson's. After so many riders showed keen interest in this ride, I was a little disappointed at the turn-out. Maybe it was the holiday season, could be other commitments but I think the majority of hopefuls just thought they didn't feel confident on the dirt enough to complete the ride in 8 hours.

A roadie brevet is just that ... polish up your carbon, air the tires get on your bike and ride roads.. a hill is a hill with the only variance being the grade. The difficulty being how many miles & how many hills (also thrown in would be some traffic conditions). Not so on trail riding. Every week the trail conditions change, the goat-heads blossom and the rocks get bigger. Just 4 riders for this one.

Keith Olsen took his Salsa Spearfish out of mothballs and finally got some help setting it up for dirt riding. His results proved that today.

Non-rando Bob Sheldon from Fallbrook was a newbie to randonneur stuff and was well mounted on Yeti carbon full suspension ride. Bob is a OFR road rider and likes the climbing stuff.

Rando Mike Bailey rode a few brevets years ago and was back with his brand new Giant cross carbon bike. Mike did good today with just navigating the rock gardens and finding some traction on the climbs.

I was on the thrice ridden 27.5+ wider tire C'dale and still playing with the settings, tire pressure and where to put bags to carry things.

After a few words, we were off just after 0700 on a crisp, clear morning on the Inland Rail Trail heading for Escondido. Our first "detour" came as construction equipment blocked the East Escondido Bike Path at Broadway Street. We rode around looking for another entrance and finally found one over on Fig Street. Bob and Mike were blasting off the front with the early adrenaline surge. Fun riding the Old San Pasqual Valley Road & Milkey Way. Finally some dirt as we stopped at the Ysabel Creek Trailhead. A dozen trail runners were just leaving as we approached. Mostly women training group heading the same direction as we were. We stripped off a layer, I let some air out of my tires and after the INFO question, we were off for some fun!

Ran into the trail runners again just on the steep part of Raptor Ridge climb. I waited a bit for them to clear and went around as they thankfully stopped off trail at the top. Bob was just behind be as I kept hearing his squeaking rear disc brakes. We made a stop as I pointed out to Bob the hillside trail way over there where the Ham-Hock Trail would be going up in March. Quick time on the sandy flat stuff over to Mule Hill Chevron. Mike caught up by then, having a little traction problems going up the first climb. Keith cruised in a bit later. Water refill, receipt and we were off in about 15 minutes.

Lake Hodges "rock gardens" quickly separated the group. A whole lot of hikers out along Hodges today, so it was "Good Morning" and "Thank You" galore. Got together at the parking lot and took the roadside trail over to the regroup in Del Dios town (I think it's a town...sort of?) Mike's top-tube baggie blew up and Keith helped him pick up the goodies scattered over the trail.

Santa Fe Trail: 33 switchbacks make for interesting climbing!

Easy riding downhill on Del Dios Hwy., as were were joined by a roadie trying to draft. Mike's narrow tired CX bike rolled good, but the big tired bike were right there. A turn at the Fruit Market put us back on the dirt Santa Fe Trail.  A short regroup before great single trak riding and soon we were up the switchbacks. Everyone onto their own method of climbing those, but I found the grab a post and slingshot was the safest and fastest. Met a large group of neo-pros blasting down. We yielded as these riders were packin' carbon hardware. Poor girl at the rear had a few words to say about her hardtail. Regroup at the top before hard surfaced Artesian Road for a bit.

More great single-trak on Lusardi Loop Trail. Nice little bridge crossing and the steep rocky side-hill was mellowed out over last weeks recon ride. We all made it safely thru there and a regroup before the cardiac workout ahead. At least there were no tumbleweeds blocking the double-trak this time. Looks like a truck smashed up some and threw the rest over the side. We finally all made it over to Black Mtn. Park and a brief repose at the water fountain. Smooth sailing ahead down hard-surfaced Black Mtn. Road to the Shell Station Control.

Nice lady there knew all about cyclists stopping and needing receipts. I grabbed a over-priced bottle of Citrus Vitamin Water and added powder to my bottles. Temps were warming up to low 60's by now and I was considering shedding the long sleeve layer. Not just yet, as we had a fast downhill ahead to more dirt. Around 15-minutes later, we were off, chasing a roadie downhill to Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. Entering the Preserve, this place was packed with Saturday hikers!

Lusardi Loop Trail: Pristine single trak

Great day for a hike and the wide smooth trail showed it. Dogs, kiddies on Walmart bikes and groupies abound for the
first 2 miles. We still made constant riding over to the waterfall. After which, the foot traffic fell off dramatically and we were able to hit those rocky uphills with some speed. Wide tires are perfect here with the softer stuff mixed in with rocky sections make for a easy straight line. Mike was picking his way thru with accuracy and Keith's pre-ride planning was paying off. At Wagon Wheel Crossing I ask a hiker about the Abode Trail section mud bath and she said it was dried out some. That's the way we went and only had to dismount one time just before the Adobe Ruin. Shoes slightly muddy, we were soon onto Sorrento Valley Blvd. heading for the hidden Roselle Street dirt climb.

Easy way up to UTC or not, this climb gets steeper as you go and makes for another good cardio workout. Non-rando Bob and I cleaned our cleats out at the top and soon our small gruppo was back together again for the blast down Genesee Ave. to the last section of dirt.

Rose Canyon Hiking Trail-N is like a rutted access road. Lots of "Preservation Construction" signs and a few rocky uphills brought us to a shortened detour onto La Jolla Colony Dr. sidewalk. Another plus for the pre-ride last week. Regroup there as I briefed Bob on the little "switchy thing" on the top of his right suspension fork. Keith led out down Rose Canyon Bike Path and onto the now soft riding Rose Creek BP (with suspension MTB's, of course). Mike on CX bike was now back on comfortable riding mode. Necessary stop at the first Mission Bay bathroom, where it was time to refill bottles.

Do to moderate BP traffic and lots of kiddies out on bikes, we decided to make a "safety move" and left the Mission Bay Bike Path for a stint onto Mission Bay Drive over to Fiesta Island. Back onto BP, we were soon winding around by Sea World Drive and a packed parking lot. A few turns later, crossing the channel, it was Ocean Beach 7-Eleven for our short final stop. Looking at the clock, we had less than one-hour to finish up downtown. Bob was lying on the sidewalk, stretching out his lower back.

Scenic Sunset Cliffs: Ride by just before the cardiac Hill St. climb.

Hill Street climb ahead. This climb always kicks my butt at the end of this ride and today was no exception. I was 2 lbs low on the tire pressure and it sure showed it here. Made it up with Bob at a high cadence spin before the speed-o blast down Talbot Street and along Harbor Drive. It's always relaxing to cruise around the Bay on the Bike Path here. Not much foot traffic today and we made good time to the Broadway Pier. Joined the tourists on the sidewalk and cut along the RR tracks to the Coaster ticket kiosk track-side. We all finished up in good order and now the hard part... figuring out how to get a Coaster ticket from the right machine!

Keith rode back home to Point Loma (we almost passed his house on the route), Bob, Mike & I finally got tickets & jumped the 3:18 Coaster to Oceanside with time to spare. Bob opted to dig into my drug cache for 2000mg of Tylenol to ease the back pain. Soon joined at Sorrento Valley Station by a big body-builder guy on a Specialized 29'er who sat next to Bob! Things got real quiet after that. Oceanside stop we jumped the 4:33 crowded Sprinter Train to San Marcos. Some anorexic girl passed out on the train so the ride was anything but boring for me! A short BP ride and it was back to the Albertson's start just as the sun was setting and time for rear blinkies.  Good ride guys!

Sun, light clouds
Hi:  63     Lo: 38
Wind: Light, variable
84 miles

-randorides

Getting Dirty On The Rando Tumbleweed Ride

Supposed to be real cool this morning as I left San Marcos heading for the training ride start at Mule Hill in Escondido. Wind was blowing at my back as the 27.5 x 2.8 tires hummed along on the hard surface. I finally bought a digital tire pressure gauge and my tires were aired down to precisely 25lbs for this ride. Wasn't that cold at all as I caught a little trail dirt before meeting up. Keith Olsen, Troy Buss and Mac Imacsing were the only riders there today. Others said they would show, but too much Christmas OR they were a little shy on the dirt side.

Training route we took today. A few new trails in there

Troy had the only carbon bike today

Mac had the oldest, cracked tires today!

Keith's bright Klein was the oldest bike here today!

Kelly had the newest bike today: Cannondale 27.5

Made our way around Lake Hodges, checking things out before jumping onto Del Dios Hwy. for a short haul. Back onto the trail near the dam, we made good time up the switchbacks. Met two MTB"ers near the power towers and they followed us to Lusardi Loop. The Loop Trail was congested with tumbleweeds. Not the kind you can ride around, but the trail blockage kind. Often times we had to just blast thru! Met a small group of 5 riders after clearing the Black Mtn. Trailhead and the rocky downhill section. They didn't know which way to go and some had turned off trail. After telling them: "The pros go this way", some turned and followed our route uphill!

Kelly, Mac & Keith crusing along Lake Hodges Road Trail

Mac contemplates trail bridge while reading sign

Leaving Lake Hodges, Mac, Troy & Keith climb after crossing the trail bridge.

Lusardi Loop: Under Camino del Sur. Mac called that a "water crossing"! Huh?

Lusardi Loop: After "Cardiac Climb", Mac said his HR was 150. Ya Right!

We managed a few off route miles by taking the long way to Camino del Sur and break time at Circle K. Managed to pick up a free banana at the usual SR-56 Bike Path watering station. Sat around Circle K for a while as several picked up a sandwich. Handy place and good stop here. After a bit, we were off on the Bike Path and a few new trails in McGonigle Canyon.

Mac & Troy chomping down at Circle K break-time.

Troy & Mac took the "magic gate" route while Keith & I did the 41 steps down to the bushes route. Both ended up at the same place. Next time it's thru the gate for us too as the stair-step route was nasty and wet! Further up the trail it was HAB time. I had been this way before and appreciated someone cutting in some toe holds in the dirt. Troy & I scooted up quick, while Mac checked things out and backed up for a run-up. Well he got up about 10 feet and bailed to hiking up too. Keith followed. logically using the toe-holds. After crossing Sundance Street we were onto another trail and finished it off with a HAB thru some bushes and up a small hill to the road.

Stair step Trail: Keith takes alternate route to McGonicle Canyon below.

Keith finishes off Stair-Step Trail with some "bushwacking"

Troy & Mac took the "Secret Gate" trail from up there

Mac contemplates 40% climb. Then backs up and let's 'er rip!

Mac walking up: "If I had a bike like Troy's, I would had made it up!"

"Is that a hole or a trail?" Yep, we have to go in there. Turn your lights on!

Smooth riding now as we rode north on Black Mtn. Road. At mile 26, Keith wasn't feeling well and continued on back to Lake Hodges via roads. The trio took the old loop road down into Lusardi country. All we got was a dead end housing project. After walking around a bit, we hoofed it down some hill, thru new home lots and were soon back on the dirt road riding west.

Troy's old Lusardi Loop route took to a housing development. We trying to get out!

Not to be deterred at the Coast To Crest sign, we by-passed the single-trak uphill and opted for a new single-trak sidehill. Several gnarly spots later we were at the water crossing. Of course, I think we all got a little damp on that crossing.. I know I got wet-footed as my foot slipped off a rock. Downhill switchbacks ahead. I was watching Troy cruising around each turn and managed to nip a post and fall over. A little dirt rash, but my Garmin took a hit from my camera and was now 1/2 blue screen of death! Bummer.

We by-passed Coast-To-Crest segment and took a new trail to Artisan Way

Made good time on Santa Fe Trail over to the dam. This return route we added the single track  to the parking lot. Troy led out making it look easy ( which it was! ) and was soon stopped by a rock hit on his lower fork. I stopped and got caught in the same rocks and we didn't see Mac again for a while. Nice riding along the lake as we took the roadside trail where John went down 2 years ago. Not to be deterred, we all blasted over the drop-off and up the climb this time. Met several riders thru here on some hi-powered rigs in addition to groups of hikers. Breezed thru the rock gardens with the wider tires. Cruised into the finish! Said our good-byes and I was off back to San Marcos after filling my bottle at the handy Chevron Station.

Troy's Garmin stats from today's ride. We did OK considering all the stoppage time.

Clear skies
Hi: 68     Lo: 47
Wind: WNW gusty at times
78 miles

-randorides

Beast Looses Weight: Going Tubeless!

Hard to take off! OH, move them in~!

Always wanted to change a MTB over to tubeless... now is my chance! Didn't quite get to it on the C'dale Trail 29'er and I even thought about it on by SOMA rando bike. Time to study up and I did.. YouTube, blogs, Stans site & Continental website all have ideas on how to change over to tubeless and ease the flat tire hassle in the dirt.

1. Tubeless ready rims have a center trough with air-proof tape laced to the inside of the rim, covering the spoke holes. Regular rims can be converted to "ready" by installing a kit from Stans or making your own "pirate" version. They won't have the center trough for easy MTB tire installation.

2. Tubeless tires:
Tubeless- a UST tubeless tire can be mounted to a TLR rim with no further requirements.
Tubeless-Ready- a Tubeless-Ready tire requires that sealant be added a TubeLess-Ready tire after mounting to a tubeless-compatible rim.

Push valve stem in super tight

Well the Beast came with 45mm rims "tubeless ready".. meaning tape & center trough. I'll need:
2- tubeless valve stems (removable core)
4-2oz bottles of Stan's Sealant (4 oz per big wide 2.8"x27.5" tires
Small tool to remove valve core (I don't like pliers)

A. Remove tires from rim:
Those tires are tough to remove.. Ahhh, if I slide them to the inside trough, they come off easy. I took one side off and pulled the giant tube out. 27.5" x 2.7-3.4". Weighted on my postal scale and it was just over 16oz (1 pound)

B. Wipe down inside of tire with alcohol induced washcloth.

C. Installed Tubeless Valve Stem.

4oz Stans for the 27.5 x 2.8" tires

Really push in the stem as you tighten the outside nut. No pliers on the nut please! Push it super tight!


D. Put tire back on rim and slide it as far toward bead as possible. That sucker is tight, but the tape is slick.

E. Aired it up with floor pump. Easy! It "popped" into place. I went to 30 lbs pressure. Heck it might work like this!

F. Remove Valve Core. Rotate tire so stem is down.

G. Pour in two bottles of Stans (4oz). Easy with the small bottle tip. Didn't spill a drop. (Shake the crap out of the bottles first!)

H. Rotate tire so valve stem is not on the bottom. Air up tire to 40psi. 

That's not a backpack, its a 1 lb tube!

I. Hold tire horizontal and shake it. Rotate tire horizontally while shaking. Lay tire on bucket on flat surface. 30 minutes
per side and then flip and shake again, etc.

J. You may see some white Stan's sneaking out. It will seal ( No Stan's leak on the WTB's).

K. There is some Stan's in the tire sloshing around, you can hear it if you shake the tire. No to worry.

L. I left mine horizontal overnight and flipped them once or twice.

Beast Diet:
Started at 29.4 lbs.
Took off the reflectors (-4oz)

Letting Stan's do it work in the sunshine

Tubeless (-1.5 lbs) (Tubes weigh 1 lb each. Added 4oz Stans to each tire + stem)

Now at 27.7 lbs

Lighter than my C'dale Trail ever was.

Next up is the dirt test!

- randorides