Southern California - ZACA Fire - Cool Breeze - info here

here's info from the ZACA fire as relates to today's standing

a pic and short clip from the front page of the SB NewsPress.

here's a link to the Zaca fire incident page (http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=190) of the Forest Service - which has links to the fire perimeter maps (right side submenu area)

I'm based in Western Goleta and as of this AM, we have had some small ash acummulations over-nite, the first in about 10 days. Until yesterday the smoke plume has stayed behind the front mtn range due to prevailing westerlies. However, yesterday there were no westerlies to speak of and the plums seemed to move and open over most of the Goleta/SB area and I'd assume the same for CARP. Accumulations are 'light' around here. And currently the 'cover' seems a combo of smoke haze and light marine layer.
If the westerlies again return, they should blow most smoke back over the hill, towards the NE.

Since I'm at the western extreme of the Goleta area, my comments are area specific.
Yesterday, I did ride up through Mission Cyn area, up Las Canoas and out Mountain Dr to Coyote and had some high smoke haze, but no real 'ash' to speak of. But that may be different today.

Since I often have an early Friday at work, if that happens 2morrow I'll prolly ride out to the 150 and get as far as 'conditions' allow, maybe to the 2nd summit/Casitas Overlook area, and see how 'conditions' are.
At any point ash becomes a factor I would turn around.

In any case, I'll try and post a further update on Friday early eve.

Anyone, especially in the Eastern SB/Summerland/Carp area who has more info or observations they can add here?

Just copied from the NOAA weather site, point forcast for Santa Barbara;


Today: Widespread smoke. Partly cloudy, with a high near 83. Southwest wind between 7 and 10 mph.

Tonight: Widespread smoke before 11pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 62. North northeast wind between 3 and 10 mph.

Friday: Partly cloudy, with a high near 83. Northeast wind at 8 mph becoming west southwest.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 61. West southwest wind between 5 and 8 mph becoming calm.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 78. East southeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southwest.

Saturday Night: Patchy fog after 11pm. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

there is ash all over ojai. the news told us not to go outside for any aerobic activity until the smoke clears. everything has that red tint to it because of the smoke. put your bike on the trainer and watch tv instead.

There was smoke from this fire even in Bishop. It must be quite bad even closer to the actual fire.

here's a cool google map (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=105524280382284020010.0004351434f7c4b6bb5eb&ll=34.82395,-119.881439&spn=1.165669,1.492767&t=h&z=10&om=1), showing fire perimeter on actual terrain

also, here's the Santa Barbara NewsPress Zaca Fire photo Gallery (http://www.newspress.com/sbnp_zaca_2007/gallery.html) link

here's the SB Newspress Weather forecast (http://www.accuweather.com/forecast.asp?zipcode=93101&partner=sbnp) link

although area temps have actually been high 70's in the afternoon, and in the 80's in Downtown SB.
TV forecast predicts about the same... mid-high 70's coastal, mid 80's 'inland' (that be the foothill areas), mid-90s Ojai.

Wow, thanks for the links...

mid 90s? no, more like low 100s.

Tyler, where are you exactly? In ojai? Is the sky ashy?

here's the SB Newspress Weather forecast (http://www.accuweather.com/forecast.asp?zipcode=93101&partner=sbnp) link

although area temps have actually been high 70's in the afternoon, and in the 80's in Downtown SB.
TV forecast predicts about the same... mid-high 70's coastal, mid 80's 'inland' (that be the foothill areas), mid-90s Ojai.

Doesn't really describe air quality. Oh, and thanks for the links.

i am in the middle of downtown ojai. the sky is red and ashy and gross. if you go back in time through my flickr i have a bunch of pictures of ojai during the day fire last year and it pretty much looks the same.
www.flickr.com/photos/botanicamysteria

I think we need to rename this the "Cool Wheeze."

I think we need to rename this the "Cool Wheeze."

:cry:

I may need to figure out how to hang my inhaler around my neck...:(

Ash on cars is nothing new but today the sun was blocked and looked like an orange ball. It looks like a nuclear winter here, seriously. I wanted to ride tonight too.

Doesn't really describe air quality. Oh, and thanks for the links.

I'm not one to go sluggin thru 'smoke N ash' (is that like 'shock n awe' ??, where's 'shrub' when you really need him?)
compared to the Day fire ash-ification, the ash here has been minimal... so far...

but it defnitely looks heavier as you scan east.

another consideration, by Sat is the ash 'cover' on roads and the 'roost' when vee-hicles ride by...

Skies are currently lightening - mostly marine layer burning off.

I'll try and take and post some pics later...

okay, back to watchin our ash... (iff'n I was Leno I'd have a bunch of good material here)

Well, obviously, I'm over-reacting (sorry, but when you have asthma, you tend to over-react to these situations), but what I'm trying to determine is if there will be smoke/ash in areas along the route of the century as well (I'm not married to the double metric and can go up there and ride it any old time I please - besides, I've been over Casitas Pass enough this year!). If it's a "it will depend on how the wind blows" type of situation, then I'm bailing and offering my spot (which was given to me by a real sweetheart) to someone else so that it doesn't go to waste. I could miss the ride, and it turn out to be perfect air, weather, etc. But I'd rather miss it than risk it as the other alternative will affect my breathing.

Ash on cars is nothing new but today the sun was blocked and looked like an orange ball. It looks like a nucleaer winter here, seriously. I wanted to ride tonight too.

I recall it looking that way during the San Gabriel fire a few years ago. I was working at Santa Anita and dawn was just an orangish grey haze. Eerie. :(

You're making me not even want to make the drive down :(

You're making me not even want to make the drive down :(

The ride will go on without her, you know. :p

here's my personal observation: I'm not riding at lunch today; it's pretty bad. My bike has a nice white coat over the front from the ash and it looked like I had a bad case of dandruff when I took my helmet off :eek:

It comes and goes though. Two weeks ago it was horibble on Friday and fine on Saturday... it is supposed to get better over the weekend, they are predicting a shift in the atmospheric winds (just said on the radio).

So, Steve, are you riding Saturday? Cause if YOU'RE not, I'm out for sure.

you keep your bike outside?

Just as a suggestion from my brief training in sports medicine and analyzing air quality before college football practices (this was at UCLA) to 'ok' the practice - you probably do not want to be doing a century in that area. Asthma or not - you will be putting considerable effort on the part of your lungs to sustain oxygen levels - unless you wear a bandana over your mouth for your entire ride, you will also be breathing in minute particles of ash. Riding a century in these conditions *will* be like doing a spinning class at a chain-smokers haven club in China. Not only will it not be the most pleasant experience, you may risk seriously harming your lungs.

FYI.

(and no, I'm not a doctor, just have a lot of knowledge and experience in regards to sports health)

Well, obviously, I'm over-reacting (sorry, but when you have asthma, you tend to over-react to these situations), but what I'm trying to determine is if there will be smoke/ash in areas along the route of the century as well (I'm not married to the double metric and can go up there and ride it any old time I please - besides, I've been over Casitas Pass enough this year!)...

yeah, totally agree
you're not over reacting
everyone has a different set of 'what works for me'
I also have the luxury of not needing to ride any route or all of it since I do most of it all the time anyway. And since this was just gonna be a catch as catch can kinda social java poseur kinda thing (with some mileage of course :)), 'posin' is transferrable coin of the realm just about anywhere :)
or
I can just ride out the door on Sat and see how things develop, and just watch my ash. :)

I am tryin to give reasonable and hopefully objective reports from a rider's view.
I'd also agree, even not having 1st hand info, that the leg around Ojai and the lake is gonna be where the most difficult air conditions might develop if this all holds as it is at the moment.
All depends on how the local winds develop or not.
it would be a shame if the ride did get affected
until yesterday we've had some absolutely gorgeous ridin weather, inspite of the backcountry bein ablaze

So, Steve, are you riding Saturday? Cause if YOU'RE not, I'm out for sure.

Which Steve?

If you mean me-steve: I'm riding the DM, definitely.

Which Steve?

If you mean me-steve: I'm riding the DM, definitely.

I think she meant umd. You're starting at 7:30, right, Cass?

I think she meant umd. You're starting at 7:30, right, Cass?

I'll start with the SFVBC group, currently planned for 7:30.
I'd start earlier if the group wants to, but certainly not any later.

you keep your bike outside?

I know you're not talking to me but I keep mine outside. I prefer not to but it's a balcony. It's not a big deal. Just wipe off some dust. Would love to get an indoor stand though.

I've been riding the last couple of days in Agoura Hills. The sun is a deep orange and the sky has brown wispy streaks thru it. No ash down here, but I found myself coughing just a little. Wouldn't the ocean breeze keep the air a bit fresher? I've really been looking forward to the Cool Breeze.

STeve

Which Steve?

If you mean me-steve: I'm riding the DM, definitely.

I meant UMD because he rides all the time, even with food poisoning. So, if HE doesn't ride, the air must be bad.

You, on the other hand, are not human. :p (and I mean that as a compliment, so don't push me off my bike next time you see me)

you keep your bike outside?

If you are asking me if I keep my bike outside, the answer is no. I got the coat on the front when I rode this morning. I don't make it a habbit to walk around with my helmet on when I'm not on the bike...

I meant UMD because he rides all the time, even with food poisoning. So, if HE doesn't ride, the air must be bad.

You, on the other hand, are not human. :p (and I mean that as a compliment, so don't push me off my bike next time you see me)

I skipped riding at lunch today because of the air, but I'll be riding this evening, and Saturday. Not doing Cool Breeze but was hoping to run into some of you just riding around. Turns out I have to be down in Oxnard at 2:00 for an appointment with a clothing manufacturer, so I'll be riding in that general direction. Do any of you have any idea approximate times for where you will be at different parts of the route? And if you happen to see me (http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/1181.jpg) ride by, shout out!

http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/1181t.jpg

I've been riding the last couple of days in Agoura Hills. The sun is a deep orange and the sky has brown wispy streaks thru it. No ash down here, but I found myself coughing just a little. Wouldn't the ocean breeze keep the air a bit fresher? I've really been looking forward to the Cool Breeze.

STeve

Hey, that's where I live! I did 20 miles yesterday (Wed) and had no issues at all. Did a short "tune up my bike" ride, way short, a while ago, and all is fine. Marine layer, fog and smoke are gone and it's way too effin hot to ride now!!

Was in Ventura earlier today and found my boat in the harbor area sprinkled with ash. As I used it two days ago, this is new because it was washed clean then.

Right now, I'm leaning towards changing my Sat option to the Century.

Sheldon

Hey, that's where I live! I did 20 miles yesterday (Wed) and had no issues at all. Did a short "tune up my bike" ride, way short, a while ago, and all is fine. Marine layer, fog and smoke are gone and it's way too effin hot to ride now!!

Was in Ventura earlier today and found my boat in the harbor area sprinkled with ash. As I used it two days ago, this is new because it was washed clean then.

Right now, I'm leaning towards changing my Sat option to the Century.

Sheldon

Yeah, today seemed better. The sky still looks a little wierd but the air tasted fine. Still, I've been tapering off on my efforts the last few days, so its hard to tell if the big climbs would have me weezing.

STeve

Dr. weather is predicting winds from the W @ 10-12mph on Saturday.

I went out for a ride this evening in the Montecito area (Mountain Drive, San Ysidro, etc) and the air was fine

I skipped riding at lunch today because of the air, but I'll be riding this evening, and Saturday. Not doing Cool Breeze but was hoping to run into some of you just riding around. Turns out I have to be down in Oxnard at 2:00 for an appointment with a clothing manufacturer, so I'll be riding in that general direction. Do any of you have any idea approximate times for where you will be at different parts of the route? And if you happen to see me (http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/1181.jpg) ride by, shout out!

http://www.photoscene.com/kimandsteve/images/1181t.jpg

Did I see you in front of Java Jones in IV a few weeks back? I remember eye-fondeling some ES's not so long ago.


The fire is really pissing me off. I rode yesterday, but today it was much too nasty to go out. :(

Did I see you in front of Java Jones in IV a few weeks back? I remember eye-fondeling some ES's not so long ago.

I don't usually go through IV.. but I think I did pass through a few weeks ago. Didn't stop at Java Jones though.. maybe just passing by? ES's are pretty common around here though.

latest from Goleta area
I went for a very easy 20 miler right after work - 5 PM. Very light marine layer had burned off before lunch today, so everything out there was the result of the fire.
Actual ash fall was quite light, almost non-existant out in Goleta. But the smoke layer cover was quite heavy, ceiling at about 500 to 800 ft, depending where you were looking. Ridge top was very barely discernible in the Goleta area only. Ridge was completely non-visible anywhere east of the No-leta area (Turnpike area). I stayed strictly near the water, along the Bikepath. Riding was ok, although one could lightly smell the smoke. AS I rode the smoke ceiling started coming further down and deepening in thickness.

The reason for all this is that today was the 2nd day of absolutely no breeze, which normally is from the west and quickly clears out any smoke. Today was dead calm an didn't show any tendency to change.

FInally, when I got home I took a quick trip out to UCSB to get more photos of how much the smoke layer had lowered and thickened in 2 hours.
1st three pics below are from the Ellwood Bluffs area and taken looking at Goleta area mtns, San Marcos, and SB-Mesa area, all taken at 5 PM.
The remaining pics, taken 2 hours later at 7 PM again show Goleta West, Goleta East, SB Airport looking at San MArcos Pass, SB east, a closeup of the Mesa with smoke and finally the look towards the sunset showing the extent of the smoke layer. Guesstimate that the layer ceiling had dropped to 300 ft, at highest.
WE need wind. without it the mountains and foothills will be completely enshrouded in thick smoke.
ugh

EDIT - Since 7 PM or so I've not heard ANY plane traffic, small or commercial. Normally the evening from 7 to 10 PM is quite heavy with plane traffic and noise.

WE need wind. without it the mountains and foothills will be completely enshrouded in thick smoke.
Although, probably better with no wind for, you know, actually putting the fire out. ;) :p

Thank you, Cyclzen! Really appreciate you giving the report and providing pics. I hope they get that fire put out sooner than expected, as Chimivee has a point. Not just the ride being affected!

I'm out for sure. Those of you riding, have fun, be safe and take pics! I look forward to the ride reports. :)

I'm out for sure. Those of you riding, have fun, be safe and take pics! I look forward to the ride reports. :)

:(

Smoke inhalation is quite dangerous.

I wouldn't consider riding there IMHO

Thank you, Cyclzen! Really appreciate you giving the report and providing pics. I hope they get that fire put out sooner than expected, as Chimivee has a point. Not just the ride being affected!

I'm out for sure. Those of you riding, have fun, be safe and take pics! I look forward to the ride reports. :)

It won't feel like a BF ride without you ...

It won't feel like a BF ride without you ...

How come a mod just came and took away my keyboard?

Thank you, Cyclzen! Really appreciate you giving the report and providing pics. I hope they get that fire put out sooner than expected, as Chimivee has a point. Not just the ride being affected!

I'm out for sure. Those of you riding, have fun, be safe and take pics! I look forward to the ride reports. :)

How about doing the Century route along the coast? That area should be okay and once at Manning Park, can decide about continuing or heading back turning this into a metric. That is what I'm planning on doing.

This is from the NWS this morning:

SMOKE FROM THE ZACA FIRE WILL CONTINUE BE AN ISSUE FOR PORTIONS OF VENTURA...SANTA BARBARA AND EASTERN PORTIONS OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES THIS MORNING. UPPER LVL WIND PATTERNS WILL BECOME MORE UNIDIRECTIONAL OUT OF THE SW BY THIS AFTERNOON. SMOKE SHOULD BEGIN TO CLEAR OUT OF VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL AND VALLEYS BY THIS EVENING INTO SATURDAY. WITH THE BULK MOVING INTO KERN COUNTY.

Sheldon

How come a mod just came and took away my keyboard?

I'm not giving it back. Ever. Well, maybe in a few.

I'm not giving it back. Ever. Well, maybe in a few.

Good strategy. Wait a minute,,,oops

same story this AM as last 2 days, although the smoke layer is not as severe once you get away from the foothills. Coast area, prolly about a 2mile corridor seems okay. No further ash accummulation, at least out here in Goleta - that may be different in SB and Carp, where most of the smoke now hangs.
Forecast is for the afternoon breezes to once again start up, which would make it more feasible that the coastal routes would have less , or maybe no, smoke cover. Don't know, can't say, really up to youz...
...and thats from the KEYT weather forecast which is more oriented to 'feelgood' SB than reality - having gone the the Painted Cave Fire and watchin the 'disconnect' they had with anything happening on this spot on the 3rd rock.

I prolly won't ride up to the 150- Casitas Pass, cause that really isn't going to add much, in light of the current conditions.

If I ride out 2morrow, it'll be completely along the coastal roads and MUPS...

... but it is lookin a bit better this AM, we'll see how it develops...

...hard to believe there isn't one BFer in Carp who reads this forum and can offer a 'report'...

I appreciate the reports guys. I'm wondering if I really want to go now (Actually, I really want to go, but I really don't want to inhale the smoke). It's a long way to drive to ride in a bunch of smoke. If anyone lives in the communities between Ventura and Goleta, please report!

Is Ojai still under an orange sky?