Riding through Camp Pendelton

[robertkat]

Whats the best way to ride through the marine base Camp Pendelton? If I can remeber right, isn't there a paved bike path through part of it? Can anyone give me some specifics? I'm planning on heading north out of O'side to Dana Point and then back down again.

[Grumpy Pig]

Wear a helmet and bring a picture ID or they won't let you in. Check in at Main Gate, proceed on Vandergrift Blvd., Left at Stuart Mesa Rd. (2nd or 3rd light). After 8.5 miles since the main gate, you'll come to a T intersection. Go left. Exit Las Pulgas Gate. It's about a 9 mile total trip. After exiting the base, go a couple of hundred yards and make a right into a little parking lot. There is a gate at the back of the lot but there is an opening on the left side. Go through the opening, follow the trail for a few more miles and you'll end up at the south end of the state park.

[ken cummings]

Unless you want a shot of the Tank Crossing sign I would recommend skipping the base and just using the wide freeway shoulder. Legal, flatter smoother, and a full rest stop in either direction.

[jsigone]

you can use my route slip to get you there, I just started from esco and took Palomar Airport Road to the Coast then North from there.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Esco-to-Dana-Point-Century-O-B

Wear a helmet and bring current ID

[LCI_Brian]

http://www.efgh.com/bike/old101.htm

[cjbruin]

Unless you want a shot of the Tank Crossing sign I would recommend skipping the base and just using the wide freeway shoulder. Legal, flatter smoother, and a full rest stop in either direction.

IMO this is not great advice. I've found the shoulder of I-5 to have a lot of debris. Not to mention that having your back to freeway traffic is pretty scary.

[Extort]

Unless you want a shot of the Tank Crossing sign I would recommend skipping the base and just using the wide freeway shoulder. Legal, flatter smoother, and a full rest stop in either direction.

I agree that it is bad advice, but that is because cameras are not allowed to be used on base (think homeland security/terrorist threats type stuff) and Marines carry loaded machine guns for the expressed purpose of shooting at targets (you) that break the rules and even the clerks have mastered the M-16... :eek:

[Indolent58]

IMO this is not great advice. I've found the shoulder of I-5 to have a lot of debris. Not to mention that having your back to freeway traffic is pretty scary.

The shoulder is full of debris in spots. It seems worse going South, and the shoulder is somewhat narrower on that side as well. The choice of I-5 vs Pendelton depends on your priorities. Pendleton is much more pleasant and scenic but the route is both hillier and longer. I-5 is fast and a better choice if you trying to make time on a long ride. Some people find it scary, others not so much.

[Chucklehead]

I agree that it is bad advice, but that is because cameras are not allowed to be used on base (think homeland security/terrorist threats type stuff) and Marines carry loaded machine guns for the expressed purpose of shooting at targets (you) that break the rules and even the clerks have mastered the M-16... :eek:

they're marines. EVERYONE masters the M16.

[cyclezealot]

do all you can to get thru Camp Pendleton. Whenever, I was forced to ride the cursed freeway, I- 5; I'd get a flat.

[Garandman]

I agree that it is bad advice, but that is because cameras are not allowed to be used on base (think homeland security/terrorist threats type stuff) and Marines carry loaded machine guns for the expressed purpose of shooting at targets (you) that break the rules and even the clerks have mastered the M-16... :eek:
Other than MP's or other security forces there aren't a whole lot of military folks strolling around posts with loaded weapons. In contrast with the rest of CA....

You're a taxpaper - they need you!

[Extort]

they're marines. EVERYONE masters the M16.
and hand to hand combat...

don't mess with the Marines... cause even if they are not carrying a rifle, they can easily catch you and twist you into a pretzel! and the occasional tank that rumbles past could lob a 105mm depleted uranium round at you, or make you dance by using the M-60...

and yes I am a taxpayer, but terrorists in this country also pay their taxes to stay off the radar of 'the Man' so that is not much protection...

[Chucklehead]

and hand to hand combat...

don't mess with the Marines... cause even if they are not carrying a rifle, they can easily catch you and twist you into a pretzel!



it's not the skinny little ones in cowboy hats that'll get you, but the ones with arms bigger around than your head that he hangs out with.

[robertkat]

Awsome, thank you everyone for the advice. I know the base has some hills, but it's better than than I5. I can't fathom having to use the shoulder on a bike.

[Nachoman]

. . . . Some people find it scary....

Yes! Those tanker trucks passing you at 75 miles per hour and you are only a few feet away! It freaked me out!

[cyclezealot]

might not hurt to be aware of the national security alerts. If it's red or orange, usually Pendleton will close down to cyclists/ at least that is how it was.