I was discussing rides with various people and came across this one. Apparently we've done it before but I don't think since I've joined the club. Seems like a very nice ride on some of the most awesome roads in San Diego. Comparable to Kitchen Creek ride in difficulty and driving distance to start.
Start in Santa Ysabel, at or near Dudley's Bakery.
Head up towards Julian, but halfway to Julian turn left on small road called Wynola. This is a twisty road through forested area with mild climb. Very beautiful.
Wynola joins Banner Grade. Head down Banner Grade.
Make left on Yaqui Pass towards Borrego Springs.
From Borrego Springs take Montezuma up and up and up.
Head back towards Santa Ysabel from top of Montezuma but take Mesa Grande instead of the main highway.
Anthony Scozzari I think you were looking for a ride similar to this? Only difference is instead of Palomar we're doing Montezuma, but comparable in difficulty.
Nerius -I think this ride has been in the rotation. I haven't done it but would like to. This ride can be very difficult if it's windy (If this is the same ride I think it is).
I need to see a map to know what you're talking about Nerius for sure but I know I've been on some of those roads and they were fun (except for the gale force winds that occurred that day on my first long grade climb - Montezuma.) I tried to put a ride together but maybe I over-reached trying to include Old Julian Highway and wanting to do East Grade since the little car vandals messed up my last attempt (no Bill, I did not arrange a break in just because snow and rain were coming.)
So, here is my attempt although it needs expert help from someone, I tried to not make it a complete out/back but not sure if I picked the best options. Maybe it ought to start/stop in Santa Ysabel to shorten it? I added going up to the Observatory since I've never been up there yet.....on the way out BEFORE the first pie stop. So, add/delete/change/comment.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2035915
Anthony
OK that's a pretty decent ride and I'm up for it.
BTW I did manage to find the ride up Montezuma: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Dudleys-Banner-Montezuma
Nerius, your route is the one we did a couple of years ago, when I could stay on Jeff an Ursala's wheels going up Montezuma. The cross- and headwinds were amazing, as was the sight of the Ranchita yeti - or maybe the yeti in Ranchita!
I remember this riding.
We rode on April, 2011 and that day was very windy day.
I recorded maximum speed as 50 mph during downhill of Banner-grade, but I didn't realize it was fast.
I felt really strong tailwind was pushing us when I stopped.
On Borrego springs road (Northbound), we had very strong crosswind that makes us hard to steer.
Borrego springs road is turning to eastbound, and then very strong headwind is started.
This was my first time to climb up Montezuma valley road.
I expected it will takes at most one and a half hours, but actually finished up with over two hours.
Uphill with very strong headwind was very painful.
I went to Borrego spring once again along with 140 mile riding.
In this riding, there is no headwind at all.
So, it was very exciting riding.
Actually, this second riding also had strong wind weather forecast.
We need to avoid windy day for this riding.
Nerius,
This is EXACTLY our "Dudley's ride," including the Mesa Grande return. We typically do it in in either April or October. Last time we did it, Anthony forgot his helmet (Greg Pschaida had an extra - woohoo!) and it was incredibly windy - ask Jeff and Ursula. We did not do it last spring as we replaced it with the 140 mile Borrego death march, and this last fall (late) we did Kitchen Creek instead.
If you go to the Sunday rides catalog from the Roadies link, it is listed as:
"Banner Grade, Borrego, Montezuma, Mesa Grande (map and routeslip (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Dudleys-Banner-Montezuma), 79mi, 7100' elev) Start: Dudley's Bakery."
Let's do it instead of the 140-miler this spring.
Karl
_instead_?
Aww.
I like both of those rides.
But yeah I've done Montezuma several times and I think once it was windy. Not a very pleasurable experience when there is wind, but otherwise it's not as hard as Palomar.
The ride was very memorable at 50 mph descents and 0 mph ascents up Montezuma. Frank was my hero that day blocking the wing. Other wise I would still be in desert.
Nah, lets do the 140. It a good training ride prior to do ing the doubles :D
See Jan 27 ride... weather permitting... we can still squeeze in the 140 in early March (Solvang double is Mar 23). If we do this, Nerius MUST do the double 8)
I SECOND that motion!!!!!!
Anthony, which notion do you second?
The notion that we should do an awesome ride on the 27th of January?
The notion that I should attempt a double century in March?
I sure hope it's the former notion.
I second the motion where if reads 'Nerius MUST do the double'. You're ready. Hey another idea! You and Ursula can do it on the tandem ;)
You need to talk Ursula into that.
Because I won't.
Edit: Oh wait I have a better excuse. I'll be driving to Arizona that day for PAC Tour. :-)