How many So Cal Riders use this forum?

Hey Pam etal :p

My goal mileage would be 40 if that's possible. Pam, any route is fine w/me, really (except major hills) please take your recovery into consideration as I don't want to have you push yourself too hard. ACG may come too (training for aids ride) as I remembered from her previous posts that she was very local. I'd love to start between 8-9 (earlier is better) If we need to shorten it a bit, that's fine too but if that's the case, I'd really like to have it end where it would be easy for me to tack on a few extra miles to get up to my goal - so the route described seems perfect since it would be easy to continue up the trail a tad.

So, yes Pam, its all new to me and I am SO excited to bike Orange County!!!! I'm feeling VERY fortunate to do it with someone who knows both what they are doing and where they are going! Brandy, its much less scary when there are other cyclists w/you as you don't feel so 'exposed', even if there isn't someone right next to you. Thats another thing I like about the organized rides, there are more riders out so the cars tend to be more aware of the cyclists. Don't know if its really any safer, but it makes me feel better :p

I'm looking forward to the 29th!

Trac'

ps. Happy Birthday Brandy! Good Job on your ride!!!

Has anyone done the Mountains to Sea Trail?

http://www.irvineranchlandreserve.or...tains_map.asp#

http://www.ocmetro.com/metro101305/sports101305.html

Hey Brandy,

That looks very cool! Although, to do a round trip, I think I'd rather start at the ocean so the downhill is on the way back! ;) Do you have a mountain bike? I've been riding my DH's old one that I had powdercoated - its 10 years old but still does the job.

Pam - have you ridden this????

Tracy

I was thinking the same thing Tracy, start down here. If you read the OC Metro article they say that it's a little more tricky because the signage for the trail goes in the opposite direction, but we're smart girls...I'm sure we can figure it out. http://www.tinklebelle.com/Smilies/images/yes2.gif

Okay...I didn't realize this was a dirt trail in parts. See what I get for skimming the article. http://www.tinklebelle.com/Smilies/images/loser.gif

Has anyone done this?

http://www.veloallegro.org/content/r.../ride-nyd.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brandy

Has anyone done the Mountains to Sea Trail?

http://www.irvineranchlandreserve.or...tains_map.asp#

http://www.ocmetro.com/metro101305/sports101305.html

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Brandy:

I am a docent for the Nature Conservancy/IRLR (Irvine Ranch Land Reserve) -the Mountain to Sea trail is only opened to the public in certain areas, the whole Weir Canyon portion is closed unless you are led by a docent (which I am and could do) but this is definitely a mountain bike trail and the lower portion is a roadie trail. I can set up the ride on the 29th to do the open/public road trail part of trail(which I mentioned previously) and if you gals want to try the mountain bike part sometime - I can do that another time. In fact, Saturday I am leading a mountain bike ride through Weir. I have done the while trail in one day on a cross bike.

You got me thinking and it might be nice to include alot of the OC bike trails (of which there are many) on our ride. We can start at Cedar Grove Park (I'll set up directions) and do the top portion of the Mountain to Sea roadie trail to Laguna Canyon (the first portion not to Laguna Canyon), up Shady Ridge (OK one steep hill but its short - if you have to walk no problems) to Bommer Canyon/Turtle Rock to Newport Back Bay (OK one more steep but short hill) to the San Diego Creek Trail and back to Cedar Grove. Depending on how folks feel we can add and substract. I think the distance will be around 30 - 35 miles. And if its hot... then we might just modify and go straight to the beach...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Brandy

Has anyone done this?

http://www.veloallegro.org/content/r.../ride-nyd.html

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Yes one time... long ago - the critical mass ride is just more awesome to observe. The speed gets way up there - generally 20 - 25 mph and more.

As long as you think a newbie can handle it, that ride sounds fine for the 29th Pam. I'm at your mercy...if you plan it, I will come. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bcipam

Yes one time... long ago - the critical mass ride is just more awesome to observe. The speed gets way up there - generally 20 - 25 mph and more.

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Oh wow...a little out of my league!

"You got me thinking and it might be nice to include alot of the OC bike trails (of which there are many) on our ride. We can start at Cedar Grove Park (I'll set up directions) and do the top portion of the Mountain to Sea roadie trail to Laguna Canyon (the first portion not to Laguna Canyon), up Shady Ridge (OK one steep hill but its short - if you have to walk no problems) to Bommer Canyon/Turtle Rock to Newport Back Bay (OK one more steep but short hill) to the San Diego Creek Trail and back to Cedar Grove. Depending on how folks feel we can add and substract. I think the distance will be around 30 - 35 miles. And if its hot... then we might just modify and go straight to the beach..."

Pam,

That sounds like just the perfect route for us!!!! Lets do that one!!

Tracy

ps. I would love to join you on a weir canyon trip. My Mtn biking skills/strength need a bit of improvement though, I'll start working on that! ;)

Tracy:

Watch the IRLR website - we generally do beginner rides (well that's a relative term) thru Weir and Limestone Canyon - actually Limestone is better and prettier. If I have a free Saturday or Sunday, and the Canyon is available (no other tours going on that will interfer) I'm willing to take you out there. Just need a working bike with wide tires, at least a hardtail is preferable but even rigid is OK. Unfortunately I'm a bit taller than you all cause I would have bikes to loan. Seems like you all needs smalls ( 13 - 15" ) and I ride a medium (17 - 18"). Or watch the site for beginner Limestone rides. I generally "work" those.

I just rode Limestone yesterday (on a private ride) and it's beautiful right now. The trail is alittle wild but they should be plowing it shortly. I prefer it unplowed but what can you do? The fields are covered with all matter of wildflowers. It was pretty impressive.

ANYONE OUT THERE INTERESTED IN THE RIDE ON MAY 29TH...

Please email me your home email address. I may have it already somewhere but I want to get them all together as I have other riders also interested in the 29th ride. Send your email address to bcipam@yahoo.com. I will send out directions to Cedar Grove Park for Monday. Note: I will try and be there by 8am or 8:15am. Please plan on being at the park by 8:30 at the latest. Parking maybe an issue (as this is a small community Park and it is after all, Memorial Day). I have a white Ford Explorer Sport, with biking stickers all over the rear window and license "BIKNPAM". Can't miss it.
I will give you all my cell number so if you are running late you can call. Please let me know who all for sure is coming so we wait for you.

Thanks for organizing this Pam. If the so Cal TE girls end up scheduling regular rides, we should think about starting a yahoo group. Might be easier than the ride leader having to email everyone individually.

Pam, I am going to check out that website as the beginner rides are probably just right for me. I do have a mtn bike so I'm good to go, just not highly skilled! ;)

I'll quiz ya more on Monday! Thanks again!

Tracy