I used to do as a regular weekend ride the Los Angeles to San Gabriel River Trails. Started in Long Beach, rode out to MArina Pacific caught one fo the trails and rode up to Irwindale (there is a slight grade all the way up) crossed over and caught the other trail back down to Long Beach. 80 miles. Fairly easy but times had changed. Don't do this unless you are in a group. Some iffy people using the trails nowadays. And yes there is alot of construction so many detours to deal with.

Re Cruising the Conejo: Do the moderate metric. It's plenty hard. A couple of tough climbs to contend with. A monster downhill into Camarillo. Take your time, eat at every rest stop but don't stay too long (my rule - no more than 5 minutes unless you need to use the restroom). Keep up a consistant pace. Save some energy for the hill climbs and strong headwinds at the end.

I'm hoping to do the ride this year. I'm just coming off my collarbone surgery and starting to ride again. I should be able to tolerate the metric but longest ride since October has been 20 miles. I need some seat time!!!