All - Just in case weather throws a monkey wrench in the planned Kitchen Creek / Engineers epic this coming Sunday, March 1, here's an option to consider, which will still include the milk shake at Major's. Kitchen Creek is usually pretty shielded from high winds, which get worse up along Sunrise Hwy at the top, as well as it being colder at 6,000 feet on Mt. Laguna. So whatever we do, I propose we keep Kitchen Creek in the route, and then "mess around" on US 80 and points south. There is a nice 27 mile south loop to Campo Rd, using Buckman Springs and La Posta - see http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1166127 . We could throw that in at the beginning or end, with a Kitchen Creek climb, and maybe a Sunrise Hwy descent (or just out/back on Kitchen Creek).

I really don't want to bail out on this ride, but please refer to the Forum as we get closer. Last fall, we were a bit unlucky with weather and only a few intrepid souls were out there, fighting the wind. Currently, weather underground shows a little snow in Pine Valley on both Sat and Sunday, which doesn't look great. However, Monday is much milder so keep your fingers crossed that maybe weather conditions will shift.

Karl

Just checking weather again today. Weather looks worse. It looks like snow in Pine Valley from Sat-Tue now (moving in the wrong direction) and even rain in San Marcos. I'll make a decision by Friday night. Perhaps a fun, "rain gear" ride in San Marcos to a warm coffee shop somewhere  ? Stay tuned...

Went on a scouting expedition today. I rode the Buckman Springs / La Posta (west part of Boulevard race loop) southern route to Campo, 27 miles to the Kitchen Creek start. Then up Kitchen Creek and back to Pine Valley. A beautiful ride (MUCH nicer) than heading straight down US 80 to Kitchen Creek. The weather was so fantastic, overheated on that southern loop and didn't cool down until the top of Kitchen Creek. A nice 47 miles with 4800' elev, just hilly enough.

That said, Weather Underground still shows about a dozen degrees cooler on Sunday with precipitation of mixed rain and snow. The NOAA link which Paul prefers is about the same.

Quote[NOAA] Sunday: Rain and snow showers, becoming all rain after 10am. Some thunder is also possible. High near 46. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.

I would be going for sure if it wasn't for that thunder warning. Wet is OK if prepared. I won't lead the group into dangerous lightning. I also might add, if things look better tomorrow evening, that breakfast at Majors at 8am  is good - I stayed topped up the whole ride today with their biscuits and sausage gravy specialty before the ride 

I will check in again tomorrow. Regardless of what I decide, Diana and Tony aren't at all interested in riding in rain gear, so there will be an alternate 8:30 ride from OCRR on Sunday no matter what. It may be the main event if we need to cancel.

Bummer - we missed a beautiful ride by only two days - it should be great tomorrow, too, if any of you have time to go out there.

Karl

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?map.x=183&map.y=257&minlon=-118.75&maxlon=-115.9&minlat=32.35&maxlat=34.88&mapwidth=354&site=sgx&zmx=1&zmy=1#.VPFLQ4Y76nP

Well, the NOAA forecast has settled down to rain only and no snow or thunder/lightning. That means I'll be there at Majors 8am for breakfast and welcome any other souls who feel like checking out the southern route, then up to Kitchen Creek as I did last Thursday. At Kitchen Creek/Sunrise, we'll improvise. I will be there for sure and am fine with 0 or more joining me.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Tony and Diana plan a ride from OCRR. There is rain forecast there as well, but it will be about 15 degrees warmer. Either way, a wet Sunday. Rider's choice.

The great thing is that we really need the rain. But let it be Mon-Fri next time.

Karl

See you there

Good info riding in the rain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WWF-W9lBU4

Great video. Those tips are more useful for club riders than the one we show in TS 101 (which has better background music by the Doors, though). Thanks for sharing!
Karl

Keith, Nigel, and I took it on. Rained all the time, but we were reasonably prepared. However, cold set in as the elevation rose on Kitchen Creek and we turned around after 2 miles. Booties and an extra pair of gloves might have made the KC climb to Sunrise possible, but there was probably snow at the top. Still... a nice 40 miler - best part was breakfast at Major's. Did an OCRR ride take place?
-Karl

I've often had bad winds on Kitchen Creek  especially before the first gate..   You were lucky Karls to not have experienced those.

Chapeau to you hard men! You come close to making me regret a day spent inside on the sofa watching the K-B-K suffering.