June 6 regular rides

[Robert Abraham]

Comrades!

This Saturday I have a ride up Palomar scheduled. There will also be a regular route, which I will put up slips. Please note that the ride going out to Palomar will leave OCRR at 7:00, not 8. The website will be updated to reflect this. As most of us are familiar with the route, I probably will not make a lot of route slips. Be aware that the first mile or so climbing Hwy 76 will be interesting. CalTrans, in their infinite wisdom, has placed rumble strips on parts of the shoulder. I haven't had much a problem with it, but it may be a surprise to others. I recommend tail lights on solid while on the climb. Be aware that the weather should be nice, so there may be motorcycles. Do not worry about going fast, just enjoy the ride. There is a break planned for the 7-11 at Harrahs. We will use this to regroup and stock up on water and food. I don't not have any breaks planned for the return, as it's basically all downhill, so if you have two full bottles when you leave Mothers, you'll be fine. There are places to stop if needed.


-Robert

[karlos]

Regarding the rumble strips, I have documented the situation and communicated this to Caltrans in the attachment below - you'll find the photos "interesting." Note that I have enlisted the SD Bike Coaltion (at the local level) and CalBike and CABO (at the state level) to put a full-court press on Caltrans as these bumper strips are becoming common place across the state (California coast and Eastern Sierra if you've ridden there recently). On the descent, when you get past Rincon Ranch Rd, please take the middle of the lane all the way to the taco shop. You should never ride to the right of the edge stripe on ANY part of the Palomar descent, btw. Just last weekend, Bernie Bogard of the Descenders, inadvertently slid to the right (you're going fast, so if you're not out in the lane, this is easier to do by accident than you may think) hit those rumble strips on the descent, lost his Garmin and almost his control, arriving at the taco shop badly "shaken." I don't want that (or worse) to happen to any NCCC riders.
Karl

[Robert Abraham]

Thank you for the update Karl. That's a well written letter that (hopefully) should get their attention.

[karlos]

We DO have their attention. This is the reply from Seth Cutter's supervisor. Seth is on vacation until next Tuesday.

Thank you for the concise summary.  I assure you that Seth and I have discussed this previously and have reached out to other functional staff specifically responsible for the operations and maintenance of our facilities.  The rumble strip policy directive you cite, has resulted in the placement of rumble strips on several facilities.  We have discussed the policy and the implication to non-motorized roadway users with staff delivering safety and roadway rehabilitation projects.  We have emphasized repeatedly the applicability of this run-off the road countermeasure in areas where cyclists are present or likely to be present.

Upon Seth’s return on June 9th, we will re-double our efforts to address the issues you raise.  Be assured as well that the subject has been elevated within our organization to assure that it receives the attention it deserves.  Thank you for helping to bring clarity to the concerns and providing detailed documentation.  Seth will be in contact soon.  In the meantime, feel free to give me a call.

Chris Schmidt, AICP
Senior Transportation Planner
Caltrans District 11
Planning Division, MS-240