Road Cycling - San Diego Rebel Century Ride

This is to any and all rebellious riders.

Arguably, San Diego is about the best year-round riding in the USA. Accordingly it needs an annual century but does not have one. We need to drive at least a couple of hours to take part. I've tried to get an "offical sponsored" century going but the charity and potential sponsores are sitting on thier collective hands even though they say they are interested.

The tentative date was the 8th of November this year. Now, after stalling for a couple of months the response was "oops, to late, maybe later".

Accordingly, I will ride the route myself and am encouraging every other rider in town, or who may stop by, to ride as well. It will be unsupported, but what the heck, there are plenty of 7-11s along the way. We will make it "unoffical". We can call it the rebellious century.

There is a ride on the 1st of January, but we need to develop an annual "offical" ride. Anyone interested, respond and I'll let you know the proposed route, start time and location.

Hey CycleFrog... I live up in OC, but i'd love to ride a century down in the San Diego area... I thought your subject line was interesting... the club i ride with up here is the OC Rebels ! Didn;t know we had a San Diego chapter :D

Jeff

CycleFrog........keep updating info, please. I don't mind driving down to SD from LA for a group century. For me, it's like driving up to Solvang for their ride.

As I see replys and get any info I'll post it here. As it stands the ride is still unsupported. I'm like most riders, I don't mind driving a fair distance for an organized ride. It just seems that in an area like San Diego there should be a ride considering the 52 week per year riding environment.

SipperPhoto,
To my knowledge you don't have a chapter down here. The name just seems appropriate since the powers-that-be seem to be slow on the start. If they won't move faster, we can rebel and ride it without their support and that means wihtout their benefit.

More to follow.

Definitely post any developments. I am in San Diego about one weekend every month, with bike in hand.

Count me in as well if you don't mind. I would be happy to meet a couple people from the board.

Hey Heresy.......is that you in the signature photo or is that George Harrison??

Originally posted by George
Hey Heresy.......is that you in the signature photo or is that George Harrison??

The picture is George.

For those still interested:

There are a few riders here in San Diego planning to ride this ride. There are 50 and 100 mile routes planned. Again, it will be completely self-supported.

If someone can tell me how, I'll attach a map and ride directions.

Th plan is to leave the start point at 7 AM on the 8th of November. The start/finish point is the parking lot at the boat ramp on Sea World Drive just east of Sea World in San Diego.

Cyclefrog

Hmmm sounds interesting... and I can crash at my cousin's house afterwards... he lives off Sea Wrold drive....

you should be able to attach the file if it is a .jpg pic... if not maybe we can set up a mailing list, and you can email it to all of us interested...

how is the course ?? hilly ? rolly ? flat ??

Let us know :-)

Jeff

I am still interested. I have a couple friends that will probably join us.

I would like to ride my fixed gear......how's the terrain??

I would like to join in ... if only I had the money for airfare.

The first 15 miles or so are virtually flat. Then you get into the east county and it starts to role. I live in the east county and it takes me about 2 hours to get to the Viejas area (about 20 miles) and only 45 minutes to get back. The second half is as easy as you like. at one point you can go through Mission Gorge park or over the hill next to it. I'm going through the park. There are a few short hills on the back 50, but they are not that big a deal. However, unless you have tree trunck quads, I don't think I'd try it on a fixed gear bike.

In a couple of weeks I'll post a more difinitive terrain breakdown. Next week I'll be riding in the western Washington State area and will post the info when I get back and go over the course again.

The map and directions are in word files and are fairly small. However, anyone who wants the info emailed, just tell me where. I'll make a list and send it out.

Keep up the interest and talk it up with other riders!

Cyclefrog

you can send me the route and info at sipperphoto@excite.com

Thanks

Jeff

Send the info to me at heresy22@yahoo.com.

Thanks
Chris

I'm history for the next 10 days or so. If you know anyone interested in a shorter version, there will be a 50 mile route also. I'll send out the routes and directions when I get back around the 15th. In the mean time, enjoy the miles.

Cyclefrog

I'm back.

Just returned from a cycling vacation in the Northwest. If anyone gets a chance to ride Whidbey Island in Washington in the summer, take the opportunity. It was easly the best ride ever. The only rude driver I saw the whole time had California plates.

I'm riding the half century this coming weekend to confirm all of the right and left turns and then the full century the following weekend. As soon as I have the routes confirmed, I'll send them out with a map.

I intend to leave the start point near Sea World at 7 AM. On the 8th of November there is also a 25K run at Mission Bay, but I have done the deconflict with the coordinator and we will not be a problem for each other. By the time we get back from the century, Fiesta Island will be clear.

Any comments are appreciated and bring lots of riding buddies on the ride day.

Cyclefrog

I'm very interested. It's a good warm up to the Tour de Tucson on November 22.

Please email me the ride route at darthdiz@san.rr.com

Some friends have already expressed interest.

Hey Cyclefrog...

Anyway you can email the route you have so far ? I'm curious about the terrain... also is the 7am starting time for all riders ? or will there be a later start for those possibly doing a half or metric century ?

Thanks

Jeff

Uhm...what's the anticipated average speed going to be? Just wondering, so that I won't be over my head and get dropped...

The route terrain covers both flat and hilly. I'll send out what I have so far. As far as getting dropped, I consider myself an average rider and recommend sticking with someone who knows the area so that turns are not missed.

The start time is based on the century. Since this is an unofficial, unsupported (self-supported) ride, anyone can start at any time. I am going to be on the way at 7 AM and hope to explain the route before departure to the other riders.

There isn't anything on the ride that is hard and fast since it is supported only by the riders. The charity and sponsor had the opportunity to get involved and delayed to long. So, we do it ourselves.

Again, I'll send what I have by the end of the week and then update it the first week of October.

Cyclefrog

Thanks for the email.

Chris

Jedi - You planning to ride the 50 or 100? I'm fairly new to road riding and will probably do the 50 miler at a 14-15mph pace...too slow for you? Also, I've never done a ride at either of these lengths yet, but would like to do the 50.

CycleFrog - Can you email the information? j_miller_25@yahoo.com

Thanks -

Miljam,

The 50 miler has one hill .9 miles long that is a pump and only 1 or 2 other short hills that can be called hills. The rest is failry flat or down hill. What is your longest distance to date? This one should be a good one for you.

Since you are in San Marcos, not a long drive, maybe you can join me Saturday morning? I'll be leaving the South Shore parking lot at Mission Bay (just off Sea World Dr) at about 7:30 AM.

CycleFrog

Cyclefrog - My longest distance so far is about 35 miles. I commute to work 2 days a week 40 miles round trip from San Marcos to Poway.

Are you riding the route this saturday? I'm not 100% sure, but I think I can do it. I'll let you know later today.

Yes, this Saturday. If you are able to make it, do you know where the boat ramp parking lot is at the South Shores of Mission Bay (off Sea World Dr)?

If you've done 35 miles and commute 40 miles twice a week, this will work for you.

Cyclefrog

miljam,
I plan on doing the 100 miler. 14-15mph is kind of misleading because it depends on the terrain, so I can't answer if it's too slow for me or not.

What time do you guys plan on doing the 50miler?

Cyclefrog,
Thanks for the directions!

The 50 mile route has been finalized as those who sent email addresses should already know. I'll be leaving the South Shores parking lot at Mission Bay between 7:30 and 7:45 AM on the 27th of Sept. (this Saturday). Anyone interested in riding part of or the whole route is welcome.

CycleFrog

Both the 100 and 50 mile routes have been riden and measured. The email went out this morning. If anyone did not get it or if there is anyone new who wants it, let me know and I'll get it to you ASAP. Other than that, talk up the ride, lets see how many we can get there and see you on the 8th of November.

CycleFrog

WHAT? :eek: No Torrey Pines?!?

Just kidding. I don't think I would be up to that climb 90 miles into the ride. The course looks good. I can't wait.

Cyclefrog -> I didn't get a copy of the route. Can you email it to me? Thanks - j_miller_25@yahoo.com

Have I missed anyone with the route list and map? If I have, send me an email at nnorth@cox.net and I'll get it right to you.

i don't remember reading about it in the directions, cyclefrog, but do you have planned stops along the route for regroups or things of that nature? just wondering. not a big deal if everyone has a map.

Jedi and anyone else.

I figure that we can discuss regroups etcetera when we get together on the 8th. There will be some 50 milers and some of us doing the 100. We may even just pick our stops along the way based on need.

Afterall, we are self supported since the original charity and sponsor sat on their collective hands.

Speaking of the 50 miler...who else besides me is doing the 50??

Speaking of the 50 miler...who else besides me is doing the 50??

Possibly a couple guys from here at work and maybe my wife. Aside from that I dunno.

The century coming up on the 8th of November includes alot of miles along the areas that have just burned in San Diego County. These include Mission Gorge Rd, Mast Blvd, Old Hiway 80, Alpine Blvd (being evacuated as I write), at Viejas,
and Kerny Villa Rd. Check the route directions and map. To remember the people who have experienced this disaster and the public safety professionals who are still fighting the fire, I'd suggest that we change the name of our century and half century ride as the "Burnt Road Century Ride". If anyone has a better name, let us all know. We still have time to decide.

cyclefrog

All and any new readers,

With the current catastrophe in our county it dawned on me that the ride could be used as a fund raising platform to help victims of the fires. About 70% of the century route goes through burned areas.

Riders can gather donations, 100% of which will go to the St Vincent de Paul, ear marked for fire victims. Even if a rider cannot get donations, come on the ride anyway. There is not cost and it is currently self-supported (unless someone out there wants to get involved by providing SAG support).

Any new readers who want to join the crowd, send me an email at nnorth@cox.net and I'll send you the details.

Any donation will be given in the name of the ride and the riders.

And as to a name...anymore ideas? I've gotten a few and will send them out via email. Let me know your preferences and I'll let you all know the winning name.

cyclefrog

To say the least, things are fluid in San Diego. An alteration to the last suggestion. A fund has been set up for the fire fighter who died fighting the Julian area fire and for the fire captain who was badly burned. I suggest that a portion of any funds we gather be applied to that effort and the other portion be applied to the St Vincent de PAul for other fire victims. I have contact information for the fire fighters fund.

Need some feedback.

cyclefrog

Count me in! I live here in S.D. North County. Can you post the address or best directions to the parking lot where everyone plans to meet? Is this a rain or shine kind of ride?

Diesel,

Welcome to the crowd. Send me your email at nnorth@cox.net and northn@saic.com and I'll add you to the list for updates and directions.

cyclefrog

Great news. The Viejas Outlet Center has agreed to SAG that end of the century. So drag along any riders who will join us because of the SAG support. We will also have SAG at the West Hills Sports Park in Santee and at the fire station on Eastgate Mall near Regents Rd. Also, Albertsons Grocery Stores is supplying the fluids and snacks. That means we can ride lighter.

On Mission Trails-
It is currently closed so we may be required to go over the hill on Mission Gorge Rd going and returning.
I’m trying to get permission to use Mission Trails, I’ll let you know.

What we need now are volunteers to handle the SAG stops and someone to coordinate the volunteers. Give me a call or drop me an email.

This next bit is on the checkout ride Sunday.
I rode the eastern 40 miles on Sunday from Santee to Viejas and back. The ride was sobering. As you ride through Mission Gorge you will begin to see the effects of that leg of the Cedar Fire. It continues along Mast Blvd.

After riding through Santee and Lakeside we turn east on Old Highway 80 and after passing under H8 we see the burn again. Along here it is on both sides.
Even given the enormous number of homes lost, it is amazing to see the intact neighborhoods surrounded by burned areas.

The black hill sides are dramatic. After turning onto Alpine Blvd from Dunbar Lane the ride drops down to El Capitan Reservoir and up again. It is on the rise to Alpine that you will first see homes that were lost. This section of burn continues almost too Alpine. The blackened hills begin again after Alpine and stretch to the Viejas area along the north side of H8. As the ride drops down the hill to the Viejas casino (keep your eyes on the road, the burn is dramatic but the down hill is a fast one for a short while) we ride through another fire bared area.

The Viejas Band area was spared (mostly, from what I saw) and the riders will see more burn as you head out toward the H8/Willows exit.

The return leg repeats the ride through the burn until it reaches west end of Mission Gorge.

As you ride along Mission Gorge Rd by the quarry, you will also see the burn that almost hit Tierra Santa from the south.

The ride moves into the burn again after crossing H52 from Ruffin Rd to Kerny Villa Rd. This burn area continues until we reach Miramar Rd .

All in all I estimate the burn areas we ride through constitute more than 50% of the century route. The Half century will be in the burn for about 30% of that route

The Weather Channel is confused about Saturday, but I’m betting that it will be great. I’m going to be there regardless.

All,

I just finished speaking with the senior ranger at Mission Trails Park. There are power lines down on the road through the park, so that is no longer an option for the route. All riders will be required to go over the hill on Mission Gorge Rd going out and returning. Just one more challenge.

Cyclefrog

As of this morning’s weather channel check, the weather looks perfect. Stand by for more last minute info this afternoon!!

Remember that this is a no cost ride. However, those riders who can bring donations, please bring it in the form of two checks. Make out one check to ST Vincent de Paul and the other as follows:

In the “To” space write “Steven Rucker/Doug McDonald Fund"

In the memo space state how you want the funds divided.

Thanx

More to follow. Dontcha just this last minute stuff??

cyclefrog

OK, here we go.

The boxes for depositing your checks will be at the first SAG stop at West Hills Sports Park. If at all possible, those riders who can bring donations please bring checks not cash. That makes it immensely easier getting the moneys to the right recipients.

Again, Mission Trails Park is closed. I’ll check again tomorrow and announce the answer the morning of the ride.

Parking at the start>>>>
I think everyone has to get on H5 to get there so.....take Sea World Drive exit. Continue through the lights at Mission Bay Drive and Friars Rd. (remember to stop if it is red). Turn right at the South Shores Park light which is the next one.

For parking, the city won’t flex on using the boaters parking area. So, continue on the South Shores Park road past the parking areas to the end where there is a loop. Go around the loop and park on the north side of the road along the curve. Most of the south side is painted red, don’t park there.

There is a large cinder block bathroom building at the parking area.

On the return if you make the loop around Fiesta Island you will get the full century. If you skip the Fiesta Island loop you get about 96 miles.

The attachments should be the last. Make copies and bring them with you. The turns are not marked, so read the directions carefully and follow the map.

VERY IMPORTANT

This is a benefit ride not a race.

I know there are lengths of road that will make for great pace lines. Enjoy ‘em but ensure that we obey all traffic signals!! There are great shoulders and bike lanes most of the ride. Let’s use them and not impede traffic. Also, be aware of the ramps at H163 going onto the hiway and onto Friars Rd just past Fashion Valley Mall and again at H15. When you get back to Mission Bay Drive there is the option of turning left or crossing and using the bike path. Traffic at the intersection can be heavy, so if you turn left, stay center (the right 2 lanes turn right) and be extra careful.

And, most of all be safe and have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cyclefrog

:D

Howdy,

This is the email I sent out on Monday. The donations totaled $1368.00. A couple of riders who missed the ride asked where to send additional donation, so the anti will increase even more.

To reiterate what was said, Thanks for all of the help and quick response to do what we could for the victims of the San Diego County firestorm.

Specifically, to the SAG volunteers, Kimberlee Caledonia, who came to help at the West Hills SAG despite recent major surgery due to a bike accident and to Chris, Heidi and Maureen (my wife) North (and Christian and Taylor, 3 years and 20 months old respectively) for handling the West Hills SAG from early morning to about 2 PM, the feedback from the riders was great for the available drinks and snacks to fuel their effort; to Dianne Connell and Eddie Gonzales of the SDBC for helping at the Eastgate Mall SAG, Dianne was there from the morning until afternoon and Eddie rode over after his SDBC ride. And to Eric North who helped set up the Eastgate Mall SAG.

I’ll also be sure that the Viejas Outlet Center is recognized for setting up the SAG for the century riders at that end of the ride, and to Albertsons Grocery Store in Santee for the quick response in providing Gatorade and bananas, the athlete’s staples, for the SAG stops.

Everything moved as quickly as the firestorm due to an awesome community of athletes and volunteers.

The 2 most common comments I heard all day were, “great route” and “...next year”. The implication is that there is an interest in doing this again next November but with a year to plan instead of 7 days. The 2 comments were all I needed to hear to feel real good about it all. If I am reading this right, to make it an annual event, let me know. Now is the time to get started.

Also, if this does become annual, it has been suggested to keep the Firefighters Survivors Fund as a beneficiary and to add the UCSD Burn Center as the other. The St Vincent de Paul Village is a good conduit to get help to local fire victims in the short term, but it can be argued that over the long term they won’t need the input. The burn center however is in constant need of support for those who are burn victims and may not be able to afford that type of advanced care. Fire Captain McDonald is there now. Those who are interested, let’s discuss it.

Again, thanks

Cyclefrog