Comrades!
As discussed, on April 22, the Saturday Regular Roadies group will have a leisurely coastal century on offer. The route will head out on RSF road into Encinitas. Coast Hwy all the way North to Oceanside. Next riders will have a quick 7.5 miles on the shoulder on I5. Don't forget to exit and ride through the rest stop, as required by CA law. Exit I5 and enter the Old Highway bike path that will take us up to San Clemente. After a quick jaunt through town and a fast run on the protected bike lane, enter the beach road. Once through the camping area, there is a tricky little loop to enter the bike path along the river channel that will take us into San Juan Capistrano. The return route is more or less the same. Returning through San Clemente, we will take the bike routing through side streets. Once back into Carlsbad, the route will return to San Marcos on Airport Rd.
There are a few things I ask riders to consider about this ride. This WILL NOT be a hammer fest. This will be paced ride so that the group is not splintered after 15 miles. Th stronger riders will take more turns at the front. Lets have a nice day with our mates. Enjoy ourselves. Many will be using this route to get in an easy century to be ready to launch a full assault on the Santa Ysabel century in May. This not to say we will noodle along. But pace lines need to be kept under 20 and we will have several regroups. The break stops will not be rushed. I am considering running this as an Audax* style ride - no route slips will be provided, and myself and a few others will guide the group along the route.
Why do I have the route using the shoulder on I5? In my experience, this is a safer and easier route to get North and South between Oceanside and San Clemente. It is a well know fact that a cyclist is much more likely to die while riding through Camp Pendleton. The road surface of the shoulder is smooth, and typically kept clean, as well as being wide enough to keep those speeding big rigs at arms length, unlike the roads through the base. For those of you that might be bothered by the noise, I might bring some earplugs.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19244349
Hope to see everyone there.
-Robert
*Audax is a style of randonneuring developed in Italy, which became popular in France and later Britain. It involves a group riding a set course, keeping a set average speed, staying together for the entire route. Several ride leaders guide the group along the route.
Rob,
OK, I-5 is a go. I never did that section before.
Ken
As I mentioned at the ride start yesterday, there are a few tricky sections on the route that are a no-brainer if you know what to look for. For those not familiar with any part of this route, here is more information that will help, with photos to illustrate.
At the end of Old PCH, just before Basilone Rd, we have to cross over onto the SB shoulder and pass through a gap n the fence to get onto the bike path. Do not continue onto Basilone. This short bike path is a fast downhill followed by a steep, narrow climb. Be aware that there may be heavy pedestrian traffic. It is a major beach access point. We will pass through this both North and South-bound. See attached photo #1.
The second photo attached is to show the entrance to the San Juan bike path. After riding through a camping area just South of Dana Point, the road becomes Park Lantern. When you cross over a bridge while riding parallel to Coast Hwy, look to your left, because at the north end of the short bridge is the entrance to a side path that goes West towards the beach. This path ends, and youmake a U-turn to enter San Juan Creek path. If you miss the path after the bridge, turn into the parking lot and ride towards the beach. You'll see the Lifeguard station. That's where the bike path begins.
The third photo illustrates the bike routing to travel South through San Clemente. We will use this routing because El camino / PCH is a long climb on a road with no shoulder, not bike lane, on street parking, and plenty of rude afternoon traffic. Also, it's kind of fun. However, DO NOT run stop signs. There are some intersection where a motorcycle cop will hide, waiting for bicycles to run stops signs. Yes, I have seen them, and yes, they will ignore cars. I'm not sure if this is still a thing, but I know a few people who have been ticketed. Anyhow, on the route slip, there will be a note to "Follow signed bike route". The routing is clearly marked, some roads have sharrows and/or arrows painted on the road. This section is only a few miles, but it's also rolling hills through neighborhoods. If you follow the routing correctly, you will end up on South Ola Vista heading South.
The fourth photo illustrates the break stop. At the North end on the bike path, it's a quick jog on some side streets and then food! There should be plenty of options to satisfy everyone's lunch wishes. For those that prefer the old standard, there is a Shell station just West on Ortega Hwy, and we can also jam across the way to Starbucks if a little boost is required. Plan on being here for 30 minutes or so to get everyone regrouped and fueled.
Some final notes for riders.
1) There will be two route slips. The first route slip, which will be posted at the start of the ride, is the North-bound route. The second route slip, which I will hand out at the break in Capistrano, is the South-bound route.
2) A few people have expressed dismay regarding the route using I5. Those that are not comfortable with this and wish to travel through Camp Pendleton may do so, but I am obligated to inform said riders that they will be considered to have deviated and are "off route", on their own ride, until they are able to rejoin the main group on the posted route. Understand that this can put riders 10 - 20 minutes behind, and they will not be waited on at regroup points. Consider the use of I5 a brief lesson in cycle touring and long distance riding. Using the shoulder of major highways and interstates is often times the best and/or only route.
Rob,
Looks like our turn-around point in San Jan Cap is at a burger shop? Well planned. ;)
Ken
Proletariat,
Not to hijack Dear Leader's ride but if anyone wishes to leave with the 7am ride but turn back at Camp Pendelton for a ride south to Torrey Pines and other environs for a 60-ish+ mile ride I will be happy to lead. Many excellent coffee stops along the way!
Allen
Great ride Robert!, loved passing the cars on I-5. Some pics:https://goo.gl/photos/VmFDbjpDXi7Hsert8
Paul,
Thanks for the PICs and videos. Excellent memories from a super fun day. Ditto to Rob for setting this up! :)
Ken
Lots more pics and videos uploaded today.