Visiting Mission Viejo area over XMas

[Smorgasbord42]

I'm going to be visiting in Ladera Ranch for a few days over XMas. I'm thinking of bringing my bicycle in the hopes of getting a couple of early morning 40-50 mile rides in, and am looking for route suggestions.

For reference, my normal ride is through Pebble Beach. About 40 miles and just under 2000 feet total elevation gain. I'd rather do more rather than less, but grades greater than 10% should be at a minimum. I have to stick to paved roads since I have narrow road tires only. I have a vehicle so I can ride a bit to a good starting point, if that's needed.

Looking forward to hearing about your favorite rides!

[cjbruin]

Lots of good riding to be had in this area. You can ride through Santiago Canyon, down to the beach and up/down PCH, over Newport Coast, Santa Ana River Trail. The map at this link should give you some good ideas http://www.octa.net/bikeways_map.aspx

[Extort]

Tons of stuff down there. If you have time during the work week, try out Ortega Highway. It is a long climb, but mostly at 4% or so, and there should still be construction there (article (http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/08/22/news/californian/4_01_528_21_07.txt)) that you should be able to get through by staying in the coned off lane... Head east in the morning (9 AM for reduced traffic) and if the air holds you will be able to see Catalina to the west and Cleveland National Forest spreading below you to the east.

Remember to save something for the grueling climb back into Ladera...

Take Antonio south and you'll run right into Ortega, turn left for the mountains, turn right to head into San Juan Capistrano and the beach.

[Groupetto]

Tons of great riding in the Ladera Ranch Area. I prefer riding Antonio up to Live Oak Canyon road and through Santiago Canyon road.

Most of the roads are wide. You will find traffic if you try to head towards PCH. Since you ride that normally around Pebble Beach this maybe a let down for you.

Good luck

[Smorgasbord42]

Thanks for the suggestions. Anyone have mapped ride in the area that I can download to my Garmin 305?

[Jaguar27]

I have ridden with my LBS...Ladera Cyclery in the past....go to...
Laderacyclery.com

Call Jeff at the shop....he's always willing to suggest some rides or you could join their shop ride....

Hope you enjoy your visit!

[Smorgasbord42]

Tons of great riding in the Ladera Ranch Area. I prefer riding Antonio up to Live Oak Canyon road and through Santiago Canyon road.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Turns out the people we're staying with live just a couple blocks from Ladera Cyclery. This morning we rode up Antonio to Santa Marguarita Pky to El Toro to Live Oak Canyon, and back down Antonio - about 35 miles and a decent 1800 feet elevation gain. The Canyon was great, the early part of the ride was fine, but coming back at 10:30 down Antonio wasn't pleasurable due to the fast traffic - even with the wide bike lane.

So, any suggestions for another morning ride? We'd like to go further this time out, and would like to stay in the canyons more. How do I get to Santiago from Live Oak?

[ovoleg]

i have no idea where that is, sounds n00bish

[Drew12]

Live Oak dead ends at Santiago Cnyn. well, El Toro, but turn right and it turns into Santiago in
about a mile.

Stay on Satiago Cnyn and ride to Jamboree, if you turn right it goes right into
the east entrance to Irvine park. Nice place for a break.
Reverse and head home. Practically impossible to get lost.

I'll be riding from Costa Mesa to Irvine park, Santiago canyon to El toro and back to the beach.
45-50 miles.

Waht do you ride, I'll keep an eye open. I'm on a black Speciazed Roubaix, and most likely
have the red Specialized jersey on.