Rando Finds "Body" Along San Juan River Trail

John took no picture of the body. So I used this little mole!

I got a note from rando John Fry today after completing one of my Rando routes: Ursa Minor #2084. After reading and re-reading it, I did manage to send out a NEWS FLASH to some of our local rando buddies. It went like this:

Last Friday, while riding Ursa Minor Permanent, astute rando John Fry III discovered a "corpse" along side the San Juan Bike Path!

Being a good citizen that he is, he investigated, jumped on his Ti Lynskey and quickly peddled to the nearest Police Station off Del Obispo. After forever trying to get officers to the scene, calling 911 with no cross street reference, pleading his case to the dispatcher and getting frustrated, he told them to "plant it in their crotch" and continued on the rando route.

Later, riding the return leg past the body scene, all traces of the corpse were gone!

Totally baffled, he amped it up and posted another good solo time for Permanent Route #2084

In hindsight, he reported that next time he'll dig out his cell phone and document the entire episode for the cops!

another epic Ursa Minor ride,

kellyjay

==================== FOOTNOTE:

Now, either this is a tall tale, actual fact or John is light headed from too many marathons.

Go figure?

- randorides

Rando Gravel Route III

Troy's Garmin plot of his ride today.

After our illustrious gravel ride a few weeks back, I had been working on several "gravel" type routes to submit to RUSA for permanent approval. Not MTB type routes, but what they call around here "gravel grinders". That is, maybe 1/3 gravel and the rest roadie riding. I had to up the ante and shoot for more like 50/50! Only the hardcore randos would make the time cut on those.

Rando Sam Thomas just sent me an email noting he was claustrophobic and needed a ride this weekend. That sparked an email to my buddy John M. and he said he was all in. I'd post up a last minute route, email a few buddies and see what happened. That done by mid-week, I hit the computer and fine tuned a route I called Rando Gravel Route III (more advanced version of I & II).

Kelly's Scott boost 27.5 at the start

Several riders had shown interest, but it was just John & I at the 7-Eleven start. Today was to be the hottest day this year and my ride in was warm enough. After several attempts, John had the route up and running on his Garmin 520 and we were off at 0700. 1/4 mile and we were into gravel/trail mode.

Neither one of us could clear the first straight up single trak climb on  the Melrose Dr. to El Fuerte St. trail. Once again, I had traction, but messed up on the gears. Heavy overgrowth on the downhill side had you wondering where the trail was. Thistles were in abundance as my legs and hand would verify. Much easier riding on the downhill El Fuerte Wilderness Path. Sand laced and a fast downhill to where Troy Buss on his TREK full-sus MTB was taking a few pics as we passed. Sorry Troy, just us two riders today!

Troy & John at Ridgeline Trailhead

Chit-chat as we graveled around the Carrillo Elementary School and onto the busy Rancho Carillo Trail. Walk the dog and family day today. A short blast down Melrose Dr and soon we were onto Dove Tail gravel side path and single trak behind San Elijo Albertson's. This is a nice trail and today was marked with BWR signs. This route had us taking every gravel side path up towards Double Peak instead of the easier "roadie" smooth climb.

Lakeview Trail was another matter. I was following Troy and John as we dodged the few hikers out today. Just as we were getting ready to blast up the last little steep climb to the Trailhead, two hikers appeared and it was H-A-B the last 10' to the water stop. Time for a refill and some candid pictures. Local ranger was chatting with several horse riders about riding the trail today. We commented about blasting around Lakeview Trail and meeting up with a few horses! OUCH!

Around the gate and we were off down Attebury Dr., past the pond and new home build site. I
reminded the guys to enjoy this because we would be grinding up Questhaven on our second trip up Double Peak later today. A short side path took us to Seaquest Trail and more downhill dirt. At Elfin Forest Road downhill, I told John to "take off, cause you got the road bike". He was soon gone out of sight as Troy and I labored behind on the rollers.

Hikers relive the old days at Lake Hodges

Turn on Via Ambiente and around the vehicle gate brought some nice dirt again... Escondido Creek Trail. Decent fire road that follows along above Escondido Creek. Troy stopped to take some shots as John motored ahead on his Schwalbe 35mm G-ONE tires. Around several yellow vehicle gates with a short steep concrete downhill, water crossing and back onto dirt again as we wound our way toward horse country estates.

With several "hellos", we were past the guard shack and back onto side paths again along Via de las Flores, Aliso Canyon and Lago Lindo. My water bottle was missing and John offered one of his. Surprise easement route between estates brought us out onto Del Dios Hwy. Some roadie riding brought us down to the Paridise Produce Market at the bottom. Pricey water here, but at least I had enough to get to Mule Hill Chevron. We noticed lots of road riders heading south on Del Dios. Must have been the San Diego Century riders. Several were stopped under the shade talking with a CHP officer, lights flashing and all! OH, OH?

Santa Fe Trail is a good one. Today is seemed busy. As we climbed our way northward toward the bridge, we met several BWR type rigs. On a climb, several hard body gals were stopped, pondering their next move. We sort of rode around, but I ended up nearly bumping into John, who was stopped. I veered off some and ended up with a full sagebrush in my front wheel. Heck, after a restart, my forks got a quick dust-off from the rotating bush!

Troy & John at Del Dios town.

Bridge regroup and on we rode, meeting several riders trail-side doing repairs. Most had gravel bikes and indicated they were doing BWR recon today. LOL. Troy mentioned his Garmin read 104F and climbing! Short photo-op overlooking Lake Hodges Dam. Some old guy we passed earlier, motored by on his heavy Walmart full-sus special! Onto Lake Dr., where we met a couple on gravel bikes. Even with matching kits, they didn't look happy at all.

We did a vehicle gate ride-around to miss the first part of the San Dieguito River Trail around Lake Hodges. Troy led out, as we worked our way thru hikers, dog-walkers and oncoming racers, stopping several times to let traffic clear. The last narrow rocky section before the parking lot always was a H-A-B for me and today it was for all of us. Pit stop at parking lot, as I listened in on a few aged hikers sitting in the shade, recanting old times.

Troy checks out Filipino Flyers at Mule Hill Chevron

Just a few bikers out now as the temps started to rise riding around the Lake on the lower, main trail. Rough riding, rock gardens, fine red dust galore and even the little ladder bridge over the steam seemed caved in. About time for some hydration as we amped it up toward the Mule Hill Chevron. There we were greeted by a group of Filipino Flyers with their carbon kits! Vitamin Water for me. Troy hit the quart Gatorade and John swallowed a liter of water with his warm sandwich. Yummy!

Time for a new plan. I popped a Tylenol for my shoulder (SUV roll-over my head last September), John was beat up bad and Troy had his sore foot. We were over half-thru the route and hard stuff to come including a trip up Double Peak from the South. I suggested we continue on the route over to Harmony Grove Road, cut off and go to the BWR Expo in San Marcos. No deserters here. The only caveat was the Gamble Road climb! Hehe.

Old blown Chev PU had over-heating problems

 Bike path to the El Ku bridge, then a dirt trail to hard surface again. Climbing toward Citracado Pkwy., we stopped by a overheated 55 Chev. PU with a blown big block. He finally got it started as we sighted the Gamble climb ahead. Up we went. I really luv my 10x42 cassette for 17% stuff like this. Add to this the single 30T chain-ring in front and it's all up for me! Harmony Grove here we come.

We stopped at Harmony Grove/Country Club Dr. Troy showed us the 4th Of July Park where there was water and bathrooms. Nice to know. There John & Troy decided to continue down Harmony Grove to Elfin Forest and on homeward. I would ride over to San Marcos and check out the BWR Expo. I gave John his loaner bottle back and away we went. 40 miles on route was a good effort. Add to that the ride in and back and figure 60 miles for the day.

Belgian Waffle Ride Expo in San Marcos

Belgian Waffle Ride Expo. Large event for the area. Big name cycling vendors like Shimano,
Cervelo, Lost Abbey Brewery and a host of others. Many cyclists were picking up their ride packets and partaking of the freebies. I cruised thru, took a few shots and stopped at the desolate Nytro booth stuck in the corner. Chatted with gravel Dave a bit before heading out to the Joslin Center where Zaharah had a event today. There were all packed up by the time I arrived so I rode home.

Tough ride today, with the surprise high temps, dusty riding and lots of climbing (around 5000') for such a short route (42 miles). I felt OK, but when I got home I couldn't drink enough!

Rando Gravel Route III Video

- randorides

Dirt Devotion Derby: 60km/100km Combo Route

Cycling memorabilia inside Rouleur Brewery

Late start from home as I spun up the hills on Palomar Airport Road toward the 3D start at the Brewery off Faraday/El Camino Real. I finally arrived and cruised around the parking lot, checking out the hi-end gravel hardware most riders had. For sure, not only was I the only rider on a MTB, it was a 27.5" Plus too! John was sitting on the curb next to this Eric guy, chatting about Randonneuring. I handed over a Rando Card and had a few word to say on Eric's shiny GT titanium ride. He just put on a set of Schwalbe Big One tires, 35mm. Just like what John was running on his SCOTT Addict 10 Gravel bike.

Great signage on trail to Questhaven Rd.

Riders all looked slim and tall as I checked inside for water. A few bikes and many wheelsets on the wall as I waited in line at the bathroom. Rouleur Brewing Company... neat place with lots of cycling pics on the wall too. Wandering outside, organizer Dave said we would start a little late.. not a good sign. Different groups went off as we waited for the last 60km group. Soon we were on our way for the first section of the 60km route.

Group soon split up as we hit different traffic lights on the road. At the first gravel section, the main guru rider led his minions off course. John & I just smiled and followed the Garmin track ( plus we had a Pre-Ride last Saturday), commenting on the advantage of a course recon first. We were alone and enjoying ourselves when the group finally caught us at a stoplight. "Guru-man" soon led the group off course again, leading the clones off toward Copper Creek trails.

Deep Attebury Pond. Dan fished for bass here long ago!

"Adios Amigos" as we picked up a few others riders ( who shortcut) before the steep trail up behind San Elijo Albertson's. John & I had commented earlier on how many riders would HAB (hike-a-bike) up here. Two dudes just ahead of me couldn't make it and I managed to ride around both of them. Same with John. Alone again as we wound upward on the gravel path toward Questhaven Rd.The group following some distance behind.

Short regroup as we climbed toward Double Peak. One lone hard-body woman made the gap and we chatted a bit. Her legs were ripped and cut like a gym instructor. She had no computer and didn't know which way to go. We were giving instructions as we met a few more 100km riders heading the wrong way. These guys had a cue slip too small to read!

Near SeaQuest Trail

We quickly made our way over toward Ridgeline Trailhead thru a busy trail packed with dog-walkers, hikers and a guy with his fishing pole, looking for a way down to the pond below. Short water break at the Trailhead, where there were a bunch or riders grouping up. We left them there.

Fast ride down Attebury, past the deep pond and a large new home under construction. More riders ahead at the Seaquest Trail entrance hanging around waiting for their buddies, who were coming in from another direction. We rode around them at the gate and continued on the dirt trails. Time to pick up the 100km route down San Elijo Road. Others were following a few hundred meters behind. At the bottom of Harmony Grove Road, we made the turn to catch the Escondido Trail. Others were not far behind.

Start of Escondido Creek Trail

Horses! We waited at a trail turn for them to pass. Cowboys were friendly enough and after some small talk, we were off on the fire road again. Can't get lost here, so I dropped back of the group to check out the equipment. Lots of carbon and 35mm cross tires. One quiet girl was riding well on her new blue gravel bike.

John was pulling the load as we offed the trail and on to the rough, water district steep downhill road, cross Escondido Creek and more rocky fire roads to end up at a residential guard shack. Back on roads again, I opted for the horse path along side. Other soon followed as we turned on Camino del Norte and more roadside gravel.

John & I pulled off as the others rode by. We would now ride over to pick up the 60km route again. After a few road miles, we spotted a few 60km riders ahead! Huh? We weren't dragging way behind after all. Next up was the neighborhood gravel paths near John's house. Even though we pre-road these, John lost sight and missed a turn. Trail-side sawgrass cut my right thumb as blood covered my shifters/brake lever. We came across the group again looking for a water stop. We mentioned that we were stopping at the Circle K near mile 25.5.

Buba The Security Guard at end of Escondido Creek Trail

More gravel and we ended up at LaCosta Ave./El Camino Real. The others soon joined up. I chatted with the green jersey "leader" and mentioned the next stop was Sage Creek High School/Calavara. Calavara? He didn't like the sound of that and indicated that he didn't know the 60km route went there. John & I went to Circle K. We think the others went to Starbucks.

Wildflower Trail near Coast Hwy. 101

Two'fer sale on Vitamin Water today. I grabbed a few and two ice-cream sandwiches as John patrolled outside while phoning home. Ice'd up and ready to leave, I saw three riders riding north on El Camino Real. I sure thought it was our 60km comrades? Enough already?

John amped up the speed as he tried to chase down two TT riders westbound on LaCosta Ave to Coast Hwy. 101. We made good time to the jump off for more trails and RR side-roads. Someone had mowed down the trail-side flowers, which made riding much easier, but I was a little disappointed in not having wildflowers stuck all over my bike again.

Knarly Calavara Trails. Took a header near here!

Roadie ride on Canon Road brought us to Sage Creek HS, where Joe Morgan was waiting with
water/Official Aid Station. We chatted a bit before other riders started to come in. We were off to the not-beloved Calavara trails. John dumped here last week, so he was especially careful. Not me, as we missed a turn and backtracked down to the wooden walkway over the marsh. I barrelled down and did a endo. Buggered up my elbow and right shoulder. All body parts attached, we continued on with the rest of the rutted, knarly ride thru Calavara. Several 17% climbs and we were finally out of there.

Next up was a spell of road climbing and then the peaceful trek thru Buena Vista Park trails. We got passed by two dudes on cruiser bikes to start off. After the peaceful U-turn ride thru the tree lined trails, the Elite 100km riders passed us as we jumped onto Melrose Ave. Those guys were lone gone. We opted to follow them for an additional mile of final trails off Melrose Dr. At the first steep trail climb, I missed a gear shift and added a HAB to my repertoire. Another group of riders also couldn't make it and also HAB. John & I follow mercifully behind as we finished the trail onto FaradayAve. and finally to the FINISH.

Tree lined Buena Vista Park trails

I went inside Rouleur Brewery searching for water. Looked like some riders had been there for hours, as they were already rowdy. Some lady asked me what route I rode, when I signed up, etc. If you signed up before a certain date, you got pizza and free beer. If not, you were out. I disappointed her as I stated: " We rode a 85km route today. Thanks anyway, but I don't drink beer!" I was out of there. Not a good set-up at the finish.

John & I rode around the lot a bit before heading out for the ride home. We hopped the El Camino sidewalk southbound. We soon bid "ado" as John was riding south and me eastward. Heavy traffic as I finally made my way to McDonald's on San Marcos Blvd. Choc Shake $2 Special for me. Soon I was home, put the dirty MTB in the garage and went inside for a couple of Tylenol.

John checks rotor alignment on his SCOTT Gravel Bike

Interesting riding today. We had a 53 mile route.. which is 85km. Then the ride in/back of 16 miles. Looks like a 70 mile day for me. John had similar. With a fly-in from Phoenix Friday afternoon and dog-sitting all night, John had little sleep. I fared little better, with the 100km preride on Tuesday and a Fuji road route on Thursday (mixed in with 100km sections). Rode a bit on Friday.. so I wasn't rested at the start. Then take into account my Calavara header and I would be a sore for a week or so.

I thought for Dave's first adventure into route organizing, he did only OK. A little over-zealous with the emails and so many route revisions and notes. Might be best to just do one final route the week before. At the finish, there was no check-in. How did they know who went where? Crashes? DNF's? Forget the early registration for free beer. Either all riders get it or none.

John & I noted how ill prepared most riders were. Especially the ones we were in contact with. Cue sheet? Forget it on a trail route like this. Pre-ride preparation was solely lacking in some cases. It was follow the leader.. even if the leader didn't know the route well.

I found that the recon rides I did, along with the training route last Saturday really helped with a carefree ride, not having to wonder where you are. I'll attempt to make some of these trails/paths into a decent Rando Certified route soon.

- randorides

Dirt Devotion Recon Training

75km gravel training route

John signed us up for the Nytro sponsored "Dirt Devotion Derby- 100km/60km ride on April 22nd,  so why not a recon training ride thru some of the same gravel? I rode the route earlier and added a few dirt paths and roadside gravel paths. The ride was around 75km and mostly followed the 3D 60km route.

We left the Vista Business Center Dr. 7-Eleven/JIB slightly after 0800.  Dan had his 29'er and brother Bruce his Surly Fat Bike. John Mestemacher rode from home on his new SCOTT Addict 10 Gravel and I my SCOTT MTB-27.5"+. Late to arrive is hard core MTB'er Greg Armstrong with his Ti gravel bike. Off we went!

John, Kelly, Dan, Greg, Bruce at gravel regroup

Riding north on Business Park Dr. we hit a trail over to Melrose with a HAB (hike-a-bike). Then following the 60km route, we added several gravel path sections as we worked our way toward Double Peak. Picked up Troy Buss and his TREK full sus MTB near Poinsettia Ln. Met Rando John Fry jogging on the Melrose gravel path.

Nice trail riding as we rode near Copper Creek, behind San Elijo Albertson's and follow the path up to Questhaven Rd. Instead of following the road upward, we opted for the roadside gravel path to the Double Peak "Y". Then onto the nice, busy path up to Ridgeline Trailhead for a bathroom break. The 13.6 miles we rode seemed like 30! Reload with water, a bike check and off we went.

Troy pushes back!

Lots of downhill now, as Attebury turns into Questhaven, then Seaquest Trail. Having pre-ridden this multi-turn section, I sort of knew where I was going. The Garmin 500 was a little lagging on the turn info, so we often waited for it to relay the correct route. Multiple "neighborhood" paths found us over by John;s house off Levante St. A quick path parallel to El Camino Real took us to another break at LaCosta Circle K-Mile 25.5.

We lingered around a while before some road riding took us to Coast Hwy. 101. Not for long. We were off thru fields of wild flowers and a gravel road alongside the RR tracks before turning on Canon for the longish road ride toward Sage Creek High School.Troy had turned off for home by the rails. Just before the school, it was pleasant riding on the gravel path alongside Canon Rd. Next up was Calavara trails.

Private dirt road thru neighborhood

I wasn't that familiar with Calavara, but Bruce was. The only thing was he was so far behind on his heavy fat bike, so no easy traks for us. Nice bathroom break before the rutted, bumpy climbs found John a bit scratched up. Greg & John had several HAB's here. A few 17% climbs finally found us out of there. Not really a fun gravel bike route there.

Road riding on Shadowridge Dr took us to Buena Vista Park. Nice trail riding thru here, passing by a pond, under roadways and over a bridge. Finally out on Melrose Dr., we were soon heading for the finish. Most of us had 45-47 miles on the Garmins for this ride.

Flower field trail near Coast Hwy. 101

After some chit-chat, the brothers Phillips packed up, as did Greg. John and I headed home for a few more road miles. I managed a stop at McDonald's for a cone reward! I was a dusty mess, as was the MTB! Next up is the Dirt Devotion Derby next Saturday. I've got some better "roadie" type tires ordered: Schwalbe Big ONE 27.5" x 2.8". Hopefully they will come in before the ride. (Never did)

- randorides

Lightly Damp 11-City Loop

Eleven City Loop Route

Mike Shaw organized a rando ride for today and with it's local start, I'm all in. Sam drove down from Sun City, John Mestemacher and John Fry rode in from LaCosta area, Keith Olsen and Mike drove in, Bill Stevenson rode over from home (across the street) and I rode over from north San Marcos. Today was the popular "Eleven City Loop" route. Not a lot of climbing, but a nice little loop route which included the coast and a trip thru Poway on the way back.

John's new SCOTT Addict 10 Gravel

We were off a little early, as riders had a few questions on Keith & John's new bikes. Keith had another fixed gear, this time black vs his other one which was a rust color (burnt orange). John has a top rated gravel bike in his SCOTT Addict 10 Gravel, laced with 36mm Schwalbe Big-One tires. Quick pace under damp/foggy like conditions as we made our was down Palomar Airport Rd. the first check point near the coast. Started to drizzle after leaving the Chevron Station.

"Butt-Crack" jogger near Del Mar

Not many riders out today, mainly due to the dampness. We rolled past the busy Leucadia Donut and made our way down the coast for a short stop at Swami's. Riding past Del Mar Dog Beach, John noticed a jogger wearing a "butt-crack". I managed to get a pic of this, which was quite humorous at the time. A few riders around as we cycled thru Sorrento Valley and our normal bathroom stop near Performance Bike. They were staging for their Saturday AM ride.

Mike was having some front derailleur problems and Sam took a look. We hung around for a while, as they worked it out (or didn't?). Next up was the only real climb of the day, touching at 9%. We all paced up and made our way thru the residential homes at the top. Bill was needing to get back home by 12:30, so he took the alternate route straight up Black Cyn. Road, loop to Dove Cyn. and Rancho Bernardo, cross over Hodges and head back to the start. The rest of us climbed eastward on Mercy Road to the final control at Scripps Poway Pkwy. Chevron.

Sam got "nailed" by Lake Hodges

Sam was on his cell on his "Flip My House" thing as the rest of us talked bikes. Skies had cleared by now and it was heating up quick. More cyclists out now as a large group headed up SPPkwy. We were off northward on Pomerado Road, with Sam off the front. Just before crossing over I-15, Sam picked up a nail in his rear tire. I took a few pics as the group hung around. Prompt tube change and we were winding our way across Lake Hodges, which had water under the bridge ( many years since that happened).

Gruppo at the finish

Sam mentioned he was buying donuts at Peterson's Donuts, so we rode straight up Escondido Ave. and made a stop. Sam, John Fry and I loaded up, while the others were still waiting for Sam to buy! After lingering around watching people line up, we were off for the Bike Path route on the way to the CSUSM Ralph's finish.

No record today as we turned a 5 hr ride into a 51/2 hour jaunt. After a few snapshots and some chatting, John Fry and John M. headed out for the climb up Twin Oaks and on to home. Keith handed out recovery Ensure (Costco Brand) as we parted for home. Nice ride after starting out a bit damp.

- randorides

Crusin' The OC/Ursa Minor Option

Big fog advisors didn't amount to much till we rode northward.

A few riders met up early at Mace Buchanan Park along the SLR Bike Path per Sandy's instruction. Sandy, Andi, Sam, Bill and I rolled out at 0618, after waiting for Andi to pack her bags and touch up her makeup! Predicted fog advisory was a non-factor here.
Mike Shaw couldn't make it due to shoulder soreness.

Fast pace over the few miles to O'side Transit Ctr., where Keith Olsen was waiting for us. RBA Dave D. and Ben Hian showed up in due order.
Ben waited a bit for Harper to show, while the rest of the gruppo rolled out @ 0705.
Keith favored the faster I-5 route, so off we went. Later Dave spotted Ben riding thru the Base.

Fog increased the further north we rode. Sam went off on a hammerfest with Dave pushing him along. Shortly, Bill dropped off the from rest of the gruppo and Keith stayed with him. Seems his front tire collected a screw. Dave D. said "He got screwed"! Several of us waited at the NB Rest Area for a regroup. Dave & Sam continued on to meet Ben @ Las Pulgas Rd parking lot. 2 tubes later, Bill and Keith arrived and we were off northbound again.

Back together again with Ben (no Harper) at Las Pulgas, we picked up Troy Buss (NCCC rider) as we were off at a comfortable pace thru San Clemente, meeting increasing groups of cyclists along the way. Weather was starting to slightly clear and warming up a bit by now
I was riding "Ursa Minor-R" route from San Marcos today*, so I bid "adios" and headed eastward on the San Juan River Trail  at Dana Point, while the others cruised north to Newport Beach.

Sam mentioned later that the gruppo held to the inland bike path route up to Chapman Chevron Control. Shortly after the break, the group split up, with Ben, Dave, Andi, Bill & Troy off the front. Sandy, Keith and a flailing Sam next up. Sam missed his early morning Peterson's Donut run and was feeling the effect right now.

Bill "Got Screwed" on I-5 just after leaving O'side start.

After Trubuco Cyn., rando camaraderie was in full effect as Sam was starting to feel better and picking up the pace thru San Clemente to the finish. Troy finished off his ride at Las Pulgas as Keith checked out from the O'side Transit, while Sandy and Sam still had to ride eastward on the SLRey Bike Path back to MB Park.

Everyone finished up in good order with lots of tall tales of riding prowess. (Andi tops the list here!)

*I continued on to San Juan Capistrano, where I endeavored for a breakfast sandwich at Carl's Jr. What a joke. A good reminder to not get solid food at these stops. The dude didn't know which way was up! So much for $15 minimum wage.

Met groups of cyclists on the route back. I decided to take I-5 SB from Las Pulgas, instead of my usual Camp Pendleton trek. A funny decision, as I stopped to pick up a spool of rope along the way. Cars were backing up all the way north from Oceanside to the Rest Area! Don't know why, as no accidents along the route, just one lady parked in the bike lane and taking pics of roadside flowers!

Made my way along the coast with a stop at Nytro to check things out. Good day for business, as the weather warmed up and it started to clear. On my way back to San Marcos, I decided to stop by Best Buy, pick up a 24" computer monitor. The rope came in handy, as I made a few backpak straps and loaded it up for the ride home. Good thing it wasn't a bigger screen! Finished up Ursa Minor with a stop by 7-Eleven and the final receipt.



Quite a day and I was buggered out after hanging around home for a bit.

- randorides
 

SCOTT Addict 10G: Mule Hill To Black Canyon

Today's Route: Mule Hill to Black Canyon

After checking out the Cervelo C-5 gravel bike last June (Mule Hill - Cervelo C5 Test Ride), I felt spry enough for another test ride. After talking to Joe Morgan at Nytro, he suggested the new SCOTT Addict 10 Gravel Bike. I went over to the shop yesterday and he pulled one out of stock. Medium size it was. Took some time to get it set up matching my Fuji seat & stem height. It wasn't perfect, but real close. I'd have to make the final adjustments at home later.

SCOTT Addict 10G ready to roll!

Riding back to San Marcos, I noticed quite a difference in the comfort. Could be the 35mm Schwalbe G-ONE tires, carbon rims, frame geometry or perhaps a combination of all the above? This ride was fast. Yes, even with the mini-knobby tires, I was flying along. Took a few shifts to get used to the SRAM Force 1 vs my Shimano. Also liked the 1x set up with no front derailleur. Carbon rail seat was a bit too hard for me. We added a shortie stem, but it wasn't high enough resulting in a long "reach".


Back home, I added my front bag, a couple of bottle cages from the MTB, seat bag, rear light, GoPro Camera and my 2 bottles. This brought the weight up, but it still was smooth and fast. Monday was Presidents Day and several randos wanted to ride out to Mesa Grande. Can do, let's go.

Dave, Sam & Mike check out SCOTT at JIB

The Mule Hill to Black Canyon route is an interesting randonneur route. There are several sections of dirt in it's 74 miles with about 5000' of climbing, the tough stuff just after the start. Add in the Rail Trail from San Marcos and I'd be hitting close to the century mark today.

Clicked on my Garmin 500 as I rolled away from home and soon found the Inland Rail Trail. Sections of the trail were littered with tree branches and root heaves. No problem for the 35mm G-ONEs at 45/55 psi. Some road travel before I ventured onto the El Ku dirt path and I added a little more dirt by jumping on the San Dieguito River Trail on the way to the start at Mule Hill. Scheduled start time was 0800, but Mike Shaw and Keith Olsen planned on starting early.

Kevin McNulty & Sam on Black Cyn Rd

Met Sam Thomas and we decided to chase down Mike & Keith, who were going via the full Highland Valley Road. As we  looped around under I-15, met up with David Horwitt riding in. Joining up, we kept on a steady course toward HVRd. Following the river bottom, we soon started climbing eastward. It pitches up to double digit here and no grabbing the smaller chain-ring on the SCOTT. There isn't one. Seems the 44T x 44cog was up to the task for this section. Up ahead we spotted Keith and Mike on the 14% climb. Keith bailed part way up on his fixie. Said his gearing wasn't up to this climb. I grabbed the 44 cog and labored up. No problem after that. Easy to reduce the gearing, just add a smaller chain-ring up front!

Dude dries clothes near nudie pool

Sam, Mike, Dave and I made our way over to Ramona. Dave noticed the Hwy. 67 construction sign and kept going straight on Dye Rd., around Ramona. We opted for the "Construction Zone" on Hwy. 67, which amounted to 100 yards of nothing! Regrouped at JIB/7-Eleven. After refueling, noted the ride options from here. Take the dirt up Black Canyon Rd to Mesa Grande OR hard-surfaced via Old Julian Hwy., Santa Ysabel and on to Mesa Grande. We all headed for dirt first.

Last June on the Cervelo C-5, Black Canyon was soft, washboard and dusty. Today it was hard and fairly smooth from the recent rains. This offered multiple stops for the camera: Indian town in the valley, nudie pool and numerous cattle shots. A few mile in, a MTB rider came up and was chatting with us. Kevin McNulty. He used to ride with the randos in the mid-2000's. Also a RAAM 2-Man Team Rider and HooDoo finisher! Kevin has some nerve damage in his feet now and does only short rides. He turned at the old bridge and headed for Sutherland Reservoir.

SCOTT, Sam & Mike at Mesa Grande

Ride was smooth with the lower air pressure and comfy SCOTT carbon frame. After a regroup at the old Store, we were back to a higher speed run on Mesa Grande Road to Hwy. 79. No problem keeping the pace with the roadie bikes. The big, fast, curvy downhill was handled well with the Schwalbe G-ONE tires. We paced-lined into Santa Ysabel for a favorite Rando stop at Don's Market. Busy place today and NO ice cream sandwiches!

The traffic on Hwy. 78 was horrific. We hadn't figured on all the Presidents Day RV traffic from the desert back to the city today. Time to crank it up on the curves down to Old Julian Highway. Once there, it was the usual no traffic ride into Ramona. No stop this time and we paced it up thru town and back onto Highland Valley Road. Dave kept going straight down Hwy. 67 toward Lakeside and the traffic.

Near horse kick on Mule Hill Trail

Only a few steepish rollers on HVR, and the SCOTT gearing made easy work of those. After flying down the last downhill, I turned off onto Mule Hill Trail. The others rode straight on the hard-surfaced HVRd. I hooked up with a rider on a new Yeti Niner. Lots of horse traffic today and it made for careful trail riding. Stopped and let them pass, but still nearly got a kick from a audacious horse! Several mud holes were no problem and the SCOTT handled the soft sand with ease. Dropped the Yeti dude with a 19mph burst and soon rolled into the finish. Handed the Yeti a rando card and soon met the guys at the Chevron Station.

After a few short stories and water refill, I was headed home via the Inland Rail Trail again.

Weather was excellent after a cool start. SCOTT handled well, single chain-ring worked perfectly and the ride was comfy on the dirt and road sections. After fine-tuning the fit, adding a 40T ring and a softer saddle, this bike would be Randos dream!

SCOTT Addict 10 Gravel Walkaround/Test Ride Video

- randorides