For those who haven't been to Sunset Park, be aware that the only way into the lower parking lot is going westbound on La Mirada Drive.   There's a gate that's always closed and locked on La Mirada at the west end of the park, so if you're coming from the coast, you have to wrap all the way around the park, via Linda Vista, then Las Flores, to La Mirada to get to the lower parking lot.  There is a small number of parking spots on La Mirada, outside the gate, in the event you don't want to do the full circuit around the edges of the park.  The other option is to use the upper parking lot, off Puesta Del Sol, then ride the park sidewalks down to the lower parking lot.  Consider yourselves informed...   

The Civic center plaza is a clean and nice Location to meet up, easy access to lots of eateries and the freeway. Lots of parking by the LA Fitness area as well. The San Marcos Civic Center building where the IRS office is, it seems to be closed on the weekend so more parking are available as well. Whoever wants to park there can just ride over to Ryan Bro coffee shop by crossing Rancheros Dr not far at all. Kudos to whoever suggested this location.

As for Sunset Park there might be limited parking at times if there are park events such as families party gatherings and ball games. 

Right, thanks Troy!  It is more West than South.

I attended the Sat. reg. ride with Jeff.  I agree with the "pros" comments. I'll add
that it was nice to walk across the parking lot to eat lunch, instead of having to
drive somewhere else. I disagree with the "cons." SDBC has been using the UTC parking
lot and facilities for 25+ years. This club is twice the size of NCCC and there have
been no issues. The coffee shop has no issue with our restroom use--'nuff said.

After Sat.'s lunch, I drove over to Sunset Park.  It appeared to me to be a pretty location
with lots of parking and restrooms. But, there's nothing else there that begs me to ride from
this location.  There's no food.  It's not as freeway close as the coffee shop location.

You may have made an error here:

Quote from: Daniel Upton on March 12, 2024, 11:19:20 AM'In San Marcos, drive to Linda Vista and Las Flores; drive north on Las Flores, turn left (south-west) on La Mirada, then left at the end, into the South Parking Lot.'

'In San Marcos, drive to Linda Vista and Las Flores; drive north on Las Flores, turn left (south-west) on La Mirada, then left at the end, into the West Parking Lot.'

Without a tip, many people may make time-wasting errors driving to Sunset Park's south parking lot, perhaps making them late.  So, please post this tip alongside the Mar 16 Roadies ride I'm leading (and, I suggest, alongside Long Roadies ride, too.)

'In San Marcos, drive to Linda Vista and Las Flores; drive north on Las Flores, turn left (south-west) on La Mirada, then left at the end, into the South Parking Lot.'

Thank you, NCCC website people!

Daniel

Clippers have had multiple rides from 'Civic Center Plaza' which I've listed as "Ryan Bros. Coffee" for starting point.  Parking should be in far lot opposite the coffee shop to minimize customer disruption (nearer Twin Oaks Valley, TOV).  Parking s/b fine and Ryan Bros. has welcomed the Clippers.  I've rerouted several Clipper routes from that lot; a note must avoid left turn on Mission from TOV given the railroad tracks.  I think it is a good site for Wed. Clipper rides.

If you have ridden a Saturday ride from Sunet Park or Civic Center Plaza, please share your evaluation of the site as a prospect for our future ride starts.

Last week, I led the Regular group from Civic Center Plaza. My take:

Pros: A neat, clean, busy parking lot feels safe. We parked in what I  assume is primarily parking for Old Spagetti Factory, which does not open until 11:30 on Saturday, so it is a lightly used area in the morning. Half a dozen food sites for post-ride options. A manager at Ryan Bros Coffee agreed to let us use their bathroom. It gets a 3.5 mile head start on inland rides, compared to Sunet Park (7 miles round trip). This gives more options for inland routes.

Cons: The same 7-mile difference gives fewer coastal route options. We are imposing on business parking and restrooms, and could become unwelcome as non-customers. A sign on the Ryan Bros bathroom says in bold, "RESTROOMS FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY".

I have not yet been to Sunet Park.

For those who didn't RSVP and may show up in Bonsall in order to join in, please note that daylight savings time changes this Sunday. If you forget to change your clock, you may miss this ride. Folks who RSVP'd will be notified separately via personal email.
-- Karl

All forecasts show rain not until mid pm.  Morning ride should be clear for Wednesday Clippers.  Use Old Spaghetti Factory parking lot nearest Twin Oaks Valley Road.