vile1

By the way, before I start - I've noticed that there is no section here at BF for organizing rides or basically in the sense of: "Heading out to X tomorrow, any one wanna join/meet?" So, that's kind of where Im coming from...There's like 100 different sections here, I think there should be one like this on BF, just my $0.02.

So tomorrow I'm planning on my first really long ride. I'm going to be riding from Escondido, CA to Julian, CA and back. The longest I've ridden is 20 miles straight through, and this will be 80 miles total.
The thing is, I'd really like to ride with some other cyclists rather than solo. Is it rude to ask if I could tag along if I happen across a group while on my way out?
Also, is there a forum or some place I could go that lists rides in Souther California so I could possibly hook up with some people going for weekend long rides?

And just to get a little review on my rig: here's what I'm packing:
Camel back full to the brim
water bottle full to the brim
Allen wrench set
multi tool
spare tube
air pump
tire levers
zippo lighter (you never know when these suckers could come in handy!)
cell phone
Garmin etrex to calculate miles/avg mph, etc
4 zip ties (again, you never know)
and my driver's license

I plan on wearing a tight cotton tshirt and some of those stretchy biking shorts with the pad on the butt and nike sneakers, with some custom finger-tip cut motocross gloves lol.

drmweaver2

You could try the Regional Discussions subforums - there are at least 2 California subsubforums.
To your gear list, I'd add: $20/debit or credit card, and a patch kit or a 2nd spare tube (I'm paranoid about flats on long rides). Also, consider carrying some small on-bike munchable snack - raisins, GORP, energy bar - to ward off "bonking".

vile1

Raisins! Thank you!
I have a huge pack in the pantry and a slimfast bar in the fridge, i'll make sure to pack those.

drmweaver2

Look up "GORP" in the wikipedia...

vile1

Made a big bag of Frosted mini-wheats and raisins, as well as a slim-fast bar.
I plan to start my day with 2 hard boiled eggs, a banana and some frosted miniwheats cereal and milk.
I will have a pre-packaged/pre-cooked chicken/rice burrito I'll carry as a backup.

Thank you for the suggestions!

CbadRider

Welcome to the Southern California forum!

There are a lot of local group rides posted here.

vile1

AWESOME! Thanks guys! I hope I see some of you out there tomorrow and would be much obliged if you'd let me tag along in the back of the pack

robertkat

Pics or it didn't happen.

vile1

I made it to Julian, un fortunatelty I'm stuck in the middle of Highland Valley Road. Ran out of water and food and was feeling faint. Pics to come when I get home, I'm not dicking around trying to upload the here from my cell phone, or search Anthony Bruscella on facebook and they should be most recent pics on my wall.

I got this, next time I just gotta pack way more water and bring actual money for FOOD so that way I can actually have a lunch and not starve.
Also: don't take CA-78 from Esco to Ramona, it's a deathtrap!

calamarichris

Dude, sorry.
If I'd seen you post this last week, I would have warned you about that stretch. That is NO place for a bicycle! (We're all going to be riding down it next Sunday on the Tour de Poway, but going down is much, much safer than pedaling up it, especially on a hot (for us) day like today.

Post your ride a few days in advance next time, so more of us can join (or warn) you.

LAriverRat

Always take money or debit card. I take $40.00 in small bills. I don't like having anything on my back so i have two 24 oz insulated bottles. I put them in the freezer the night before half filled with ice cubes and water, ice cubes and Gatorade. When i leave throw in more ice cubes and water/Gatorade. Ice lasts about 2 hours or more even in this heat. Stop at a fast food place, buy a drink and fill up on ice and water/beverage. Another hint is to drive the actual route to see if it is OK or not. You will do better the next time.

robertkat

^^^ This. The Polar insulated bottles seem to be the best in this heat, but still only last a few hours. But to the OP: good on you and a wonderful show of spirit. Sometimes it's more fun to just take off and do it. Next time will be better, and every ride is a learning experience. I've done the same thing several times. Just call it a training ride and plan accordingly, then go do it again when the weather is nicer.

sd_mike

Also check the weather forecast and try not to choose a very hot day. I've ridden to Julian before, it is best when it is a lot cooler considering the climbing involved.