NCCC 2014 Spring Century

[Robert Abraham]

Hi all.

My plan for the century this year is the Santa Ysabel route, to be held on May 10. According to RidewithGPS, the route is 104.5 miles with 7200'. I like this route because it gets us out of the urban areas and into some wonderful parts of SD county that the regular club rides do not visit. The weather should be nice, and I do not plan on arranging any sort of SAG support. I have 3 main stops planned - first at the new 7-11 at Harrahs, then a nice lunch break in Santa Ysabel (everyone chip in and we can split a couple pies!), and lastly a break at Daniels West just outside of Ramona. At mile ~34.5, there is the La Jolla market if you need to top up on water. Yes, the route takes Mesa Grande. If you would like to cut out 4 miles of beautiful countryside and skip out on that wonderful climb, you can continue on to Santa Ysabel on Hwy 76 and 79. However I only recommend this if you enjoy riding on a dirty, narrow shoulder while being buzzed constantly by high speed traffic. Plan for a 7 AM start.

ridewithgps.com/routes/4005518/

[Robert Abraham]

I am moving the date up a week. We will do this ride on May 3. If the weather is bad for some reason, it will be rescheduled to May 10. Get the word out! May 3.

[Robert Abraham]

Alirighty guys, ignore my previous post, I goofed. There are conflicts. The century ride will remain scheduled for May 10. So get the word back out. Sorry for any confusion.

---Robert

[Robert Abraham]

Ok. A few people have asked about how to bypass Mesa Grande. Why anyone would want do this is beyond comprehension, but here you go.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4452200

I will not provide route slips that use this bypass.

[karlos]

Please, folks, if the "Grande" is scaring you because it sounds like some impossible climb, this is one of the greatest roads in SD County. Sure, you have to go up a bit of a grade at first - if you don't want to jam, just slow down and enjoy the vistas of Lake Henshaw. Then, you get to roll along the "Mesa" in a very peaceful setting, with virtually no cars, with a nice descent down to a couple of ugly miles on 79 (wish there was a way to skip THAT part).

My advice is to follow Robert's original, full route.
Karl

[Robert Abraham]

I hope everyone is ready. And if you are not, don't worry, it's easy. Weather is forecast so far is looking good. Expect high 70s to mid 80s. The route still stands as planned. Breaks at Harrahs, Santa Ysabel, and Ramona. IF needed, there are services available on Hwy 79 after the climb before the turn off onto Mesa Grande. Typically, this section is also where we may see high temps and dry wind. I expect the group to slip into two or three, but it would be nice to keep things civil. Hope to see everyone out there.

Please note: unless some of you make your own arrangements, there will be no SAG of any kind. I only point this out because a few people have asked, and last year we had it because someone volunteered to do so, especially because of the expected high temps. It is my feeling that a SAG is unnecessary. Two water bottles should be sufficient to get you from one stop to the next, and you should carry something to eat at all times. As always, my cell # is on the route slip. If you do encounter a problem that cannot be resolved or are unable to carry on, something can be worked out to get you back to the start. There is only one bike shop on the route, so make sure everything is in order before you start.

Yes, we will have pie in Santa Ysabel.