Amtrak Century Route

[tprevost]

Can anyone tell me what the route is for the Amtrak Century? I need to do a 50-60 miler and want to start in San Clemente/Dana Point and go south. I can't tell from the map whether there is a road that follows 5 down to Oceanside or if I will have to get off and use other roads.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. AND, I'll be doing this probably April 12th or 14th so if anyone wants to join me the invitation is open.

Thanks!

Tracy

[caligurl]

you enter a bike path that follows the 5... then you go under the freeway (and same path) then last year (which is when i rode) you go onto campen and come out in oceanside... i know previous rides (and even the MS ride a year or two) went onto the freeway (bike are allowed at that point)...

[tprevost]

thanks Caligurl,

so, are you saying I can get from San Clemente to Oceanside without getting on the freeway? I'd rather not ride on 5 if possible!

T~

[caligurl]

yes... but you have to go onto camp pendleton to avoid the freeway!

i try to save route slips... but then promptly lose them i'll see if that's one i still happen to have laying around in a pile of papers somewhere!

[bcipam]

Camp Pendleton is currently open but subject to search and you must present ID at the gate.

In the past because of the Camp's closure we rode on the 5 FWY for a short stretch. You get on just South of Las Pulgas, have to exit at the rest stop, and then back on until you reach Oceanside (it's the first exit past the rest stop). Once off, turn right and follow the road into the Marina and onto PCH through Oceanside and down through Carlsbad, up Torrey Pines and then the route gets alittle iffy behind UCSD down into Mission Bay.

Just a suggestion, contact OCW - Orange County Wheelman (OCW.org) and ask them to forward you a route slip.

[tprevost]

Hmmmm.... not sure I want to do that by myself the first time (I know, chicken!) I just drove over there and couldn't really tell where exactly I'd be riding and don't want to get down there and wing it. decisions, decisions... now I'm gonna have to look for another idea!

Tracy

[caligurl]

i don't think you are chicken at all.. the reason i spend so much money on organized rides... is cuz they give me a map (and feed me!) and would pick me up if i had bike trouble! i would have never packed up and driven to malibu or ventura or even ride around the bear and BA (or borrego!) if they weren't organized rides! i like direction in my life! (heck.. that's why we ended up with the MDX.. it had the best.. and most familiar to us GPS to get us places!)

the only place we've ever gone to road ride that wasn't an organized ride.. is oak glen.. and forest falls.... and that's cuz they are both up the hill and back down to the car (except the time we did do a loop.. that that was with a route slip a local made and posted to another forum that we followed!)

however... in your case.. if the only reason you aren't doing it is cuz you can't drive on the bike path area... don't worry about that part.. it is very cool and you can't get lost down there!

but i do remember a lot of other turns and stuff on the amtrak ride before getting to the bike path!

writing about it is making me want to sign up for amtrak this year.. but if i do.. i'm riding my dolce!! no way am i letting them truck ruby!

[bcipam]

If the weather holds, maybe we could do some of the ride together. I know the route fairly well. I would suggest maybe starting in Carlsbad, do Torrey Pines and then cruise back to Carlsbad. Let me know if you are interested.

[tprevost]

Hey Pam,

I'm DEFINATELY interested!!! I'll PM you my phone number so we can see what we can work out!! YIPPEEEE!!! A ride partner... happy happy happy!

I'm pretty POKEY though so don't have big expectations!

Tracy

[bcipam]

Pokey is OK especially up Torrey Pines - the old road!

I never feel I have to rush a ride. Riding out along the beach slow is nice.

[tprevost]

ohhh good, pokey is OK

T~