Southern California - first century to Sandiego

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dooodstevenn
11-24-09, 10:24 PM
this is going to by our my friends' and i's first century, going to sd i know we have to go through camp pendleton, just wondering, since we're high school students, will our student ID be good enough? or do they not allow minors through?

also we plan on staying there a few days, check into a hotel or something, anyone know of a "bike friendly" hotel? and we want to take the amtrack back home, how do i find out what trains allow bikes, and such. and can i buy tickets online? also how do i store my bike without having it get dinged up? wrap it in blanket? bike case or something? if i just put it in without anything, will it be okay during the train ride home?

rooftest
11-25-09, 12:06 AM
I assume that you don't have drivers' licenses or ID's because you're under 16? You should be okay - I don't see them turning a bunch of kids away and making them ride the freeway. If they do, it's not that bad, but my money says they'll let you on base. If you do have drivers' licenses - or any kind of 'real' ID (passport), just bring those to be safe.

As for the Amtrak, we do long distance rides with Amtrak return all the time. ALL the trains have racks for bikes - they are either in the passenger cars, or in a dedicated luggage car. When you buy your ticket, they'll tell you which it is.

So - you don't need a blanket, bike case (how would you ride down there with a bike case?), etc. You may want to bring a lock, although I usually just run down to watch the bike at all the stops.

Have fun!
dooodstevenn
11-25-09, 07:09 PM
sounds good, thanks

bretgross
11-28-09, 01:45 PM
IF your I.D. isn't acceptable at the Las Pulgas gate, don't worry. The freeway ride isn't really that bad. Just a couple suggestions to remember:

1) Ride single file and as close to the right of the shoulder as you can (safely).
2) There's a "Rest Area" about three miles south of Las Pulgas -- be sure to exit there and re-enter. You don't want to be crossing the off/on ramps with vehicles exiting/entering!
3) If you ride up on a vehicle parked on the shoulder, use good judgment. I always stop, dismount, and walk my bike around the right side of the vehicle. (It doesn't happen often.) It'll take you about 30 seconds, but it's a whole lot safer than getting clipped by a motorist!

Have a great time. It's a beautiful ride and a memorable first century.