Wondering if there is anyone wanting to ride on Sunday, yet unable to do the full 140 miles with the big guys/girls. i would like to do 50-70 miles if possible. 

email @ jonz2000@mac.com or 760.522.5047

I have an alternate plan for Sunday, March 10th, leaving at 9:00 AM from Kit Carson Park. This is Mesa Grande with Black Canyon. I have done this ride a few times and it is really good. Black Canyon has a well graded 12 mile stretch of dirt that can be done with skinny tires, no problem. 77 miles and about 5,800 feet of climbing. Here is the route;
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1047088
If you are really adverse to taking this excellent dirt road, you can go around the long way, up Old Julian Highway to Santa Ysabel and over Mesa Grande, and we can meet at the Lake Henshaw restaurant. This makes the ride about 85 miles. (Since we are losing an hour of sleep, but gaining an hour of daylight, 9:00 AM is a good start time).
Reply to this if you are interested and I'll look for you at the start......Burt

Wish I could do both, Burt. Love the Black Canyon stretch especially. It works much better uphill as you are planning - a little squirrely in the other direction with tires < 28mm. I'll schedule this for the whole group a few months down the road. - Karl

Sounds good Burt, from the look of it, the dirt section is downhill? At least I thinking I am reading the GPS correctly. So I am a bit confused as to the direction we're taking. Your description sounds as if we would be coming into the Santa Isabel area from Ramona, but the route slip says we'd be coming from Palomar.

I'm quite interested in the Black Canyon ride (but not committing to it yet, so don't look/wait for me). Out and back to Lake Henshaw might be another pleasant routing, with the option of turning before the descent to the lake and rolling back home.

Stephen, you are correct...I had the direction wrong. Here is the correct file; http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2209941 Black Canyon from Ramona up to Mesa Grande is a mild uphill grade and that is the direction we will be going....Burt

Count me in, looks like a great ride, love the start/finish location.

Due to the recent weather, I think we should NOT go on Black Canyon Road. It might not dry out fast enough. So, we'll do the usual roads on the edge of Ramona and up Old Julian Highway, all paved. This makes the ride 86 miles and about 6,500 feet of climbing and the weather looks good. Here is the route;

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2212535

First break in Santa Ysabel at mile 35, then potential stops for water or food at Lake Henshaw (mile 50), Rincon Springs (mile 66), and Lake Wohlford Cafe (mile 76). Same start time; 9:00 AM at Kit Carson Park.

By the way, the pace will be moderate, not returning until maybe 4:30 PM or later.

See you out there......

Burt

Was thinking of joining you guys do I have to be in your club to ride?

Nathan,

This should answer your question;

If you are interested in the North County Cycle Club you are welcome to join us for a trial ride.You do not have to be a member before trying us out. If you enjoy your experience then PLEASE join by going to the Members page. By joining you will be supporting all of the volunteers that give of their time, treasure and talent to make sure that rides are planned, route slips are available for every ride, July 4 and Holiday events occur, and a website is maintained. Your membership also includes coverage by the NCCC club insurance and membership in the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. Our insurance requires your joining after your initial ride if you wish to continue on our rides, for your protection as well as club liability.