Southern California - newbie seeking info on SR 56 bike path

Hi all, first post here, and just have a few questions on the highway 56 bike path.

to start, i havent even gotten my bike yet (its in the mail). i read a lot on here about going to the local bike shop and getting checked out on sizing and whatnot, however the few times ive been into the local one i havent ever gotten help, so i decided to hell with it, and purchased a bike online based on reviews, my beginner status, and price point.

decided to get a 2010 dawes lightning tour at off of ebay, via bikesdirect. i know its probably not very great quality, and at the bottom level, but hey, for a first bike why not. i can always either upgrade later depending on how i continue with the sport.

for the most part i am going to be commuting to and from work, at least twice a week. i live in the heart of poway (near the walmart), and will be going thru the 56 all the way to almost the 5. specifically the shopping center off of carmel creek road. i've trip-metered it, and its around 15 miles each way, with a few hills.

previously i was biking to work about 4 miles when i worked and lived in a different location, and i would average about 15 minutes... so i'm hoping that i will be able to do this ride in around an hour.

i plan on doing a few dry runs before actually going to and from work, but would love to have an estimate from anyone who regularly rides this path along the 56 for time, and difficulty. granted i'm not in the best of shape right now, however i'm quite determined to start doing this to one; save gas, and two; get into better shape.


any advice is GREATLY appreciated as to good shops in the north county san diego area where i can browse and pick up gear such as clothing and shoes, as well as possible upgrades that are worthwhile in the near future.

thanks! :thumb:

I've ridden part of that route (about 12 miles) several times. I've got a friend who lives in Penasquitos and we've ridden together from his place to work on Torrey Pines right on the coast. The path is great, I wish there were more dedicated bike paths built this well, and going this far in San Diego County. The only scary part is where you cross under El Camino Real just before the path ends (you may not be going that far) because when the little stream that crosses the cement path is running it leaves an algae slime that is awfully slick. I had one friend go down in it:lol:. It should be a great commute, I wish I were able to ride it daily myself.

I ride that path at least twice a week as one of my commute routes and overall it is a pleasant ride. As far as timing goes, I would say that from the from the Vons Shopping Center (if that is the one you are referring to) plan on about 45 to 50 minutes (faster if you are in good shape) to the end of the path at Sabre Springs Parkway. Heading west it is almost all down hill and is only about 30 minutes.

Heading east it is mostly uphill but it is a shallow grade so it is not that hard with the exception of two segments. First is the hill just before Black Mountain Road. It is about 3/4 of a mile long but it is below the freeway and when the sun is out it can be 15 degrees hotter than the rest of the path. My wife and I like to refer to it as "the oven!" The second pitch is just east Rancho Penasquitos Blvd where the hill is very short, maybe 300 yards, but it is a 10 - 14% grade at its steepest.

Other than that, have fun. You should have a lot of company, as I usually pass over a dozen riders heading west in the morning. I'm going the other way at that time, so if you should pass someone on a black Specalized with a blue shark on the handlebars that'll be me so say hi!

As far as bikeshops go. I can't help you too much as I live in Carmel Valley. I have had good experiences with Black Mountain Bicycles in Mira Mesa, and while he is probably too far away for you, if you need an excellent mechanic go see Mike the owner of North of the Border Bicycles in Sorrento Valley. He is the best I have found in San Diego.

one more thing, the exit you want to get of the bike path can be very easy to miss on your first trip. It will be on the left just after you go past an old small brown house. It will put you right on Carmel Creek Road. Also be very careful when getting on the path there. It is a pretty blind entrance and people will often be hammering up the path in that area. I have almost had a few collisions myself.

danny,
I live right there in Sabre Springs and ride the path and up by your house quite often. The comments on the bike path are right on, there are a couple of variations you can take to break up the monotany once you get used to it. As far as getting from your house to the head of the trail (at the 56/15 junction), it has a couple of hills as well. I'm assuming you'll be coming Community to Twin Peaks to Ted Williams... That's a great route I ride all the time, it just may take a bit to work up the stamina to get up the Ted Williams from the Target area... Coming back home, you've got short but steep climb back up past the Target to Twim Peaks. No worries, just didn't want you to be surprised. Don't get discouraged! Have Fun! ;)
Chris

thanks for the quick replies guys! sounds like i'll have a good time. since ill be heading west in the morning, its a relief that its mostly a downhill on the 56, as the hill going from the target center up ted williams will be my biggest challenge!

and btw, heres a picture of the bike i purchased, just a stock photo. shimano components, i would assume they would just be the 2200 series, since that is the most economical one, right? or is there an even 'lesser' series?


http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo250/chicabikephotos/ltsportXLsilver.jpg

^That looks like a good place (so to speak) to start with.

Whistler is spot on regarding the terrain, I've ridden it on the SS as well as the geared bike and it's good training for a novice (me).

I do find that once you get into the area of the path that goes through the residential area (Ruette de mer) the path is awfully bumpy and narrows down as well as having flow control posts in several spots, after this area and on the other side of Carmel Country rd watch out for peds. There is a separate path for them, but I find they like the bike path just as much.

Also the path is sometimes flooded as it goes underneath Carmel Country Rd, some choose to plow through I don't bother, it also gets slimy there as well.

In your area, the closest shop I know of is Bike Empire. Is that where you went? I've bought lots of stuff from Black Mountain Bicycles in Mira Mesa, but if you want to go a bit north, you can try out Bike Bling in Escondido. One place that's closer than Escondido Beyond Bikes, but I refuse to shop there anymore.

In your area, the closest shop I know of is Bike Empire. Is that where you went? I've bought lots of stuff from Black Mountain Bicycles in Mira Mesa, but if you want to go a bit north, you can try out Bike Bling in Escondido. One place that's closer than Escondido Beyond Bikes, but I refuse to shop there anymore.

yeah, bike empire is where i went. maybe it was just busy the times ive been in there, because my little brother always brings his bikes there, but ive never had good service. i'm going to go check out black mountain today since i have the day off, and i know where it is.

everyone has different experiences everywhere I guess... I get totally ignored most of the time I go to Black Mtn... I wish I lived closer to California Bicycles, then and Cal Coast are the two best in SD IMHO...