Night Ride: Bike Path X Two

Night route with start in LaCosta

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- randorides

SCOTT Fork Project

Carbon Fork:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Needed DIY pump booster to mount Schwalbe tires

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

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

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

Tire Change:

Schwalbe 27.5 x 2.8 tires with slick fork~!

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

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

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

Test Ride For Real:

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

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

Fork Project Video

BEFORE: Fox 32 fork and Maxxis Recon tires

AFTER: Carbon Fork, decals and Schwalbes

- randorides

RAAM Week Revisited: 12th - 17th June

2017 Litespeed Ti Gravel Bike Demo - NOT

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

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

RAW Start: Keith Olsen, John Mestemacher, Dave Danovsky

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

Bonsall-Coronado Ferry XP Route

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, June 17: RAAM Team Start at Oceanside Pier

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

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

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

Official holds RAAM riders at SLR Bike Path/College Ave

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

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

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

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

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

Video Hi-Lites

- randorides

 

Sailboat to Bikepacking: Riding South

Mike & Rebecca on bikepacking Timberlines

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

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

Kelly & Mike on the San Luis Rey Bike Path

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

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

Kelly & Rebecca at Oceanside Pier

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

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

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


- randorides 

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