rms13

I'm moving to Stevenson Ranch and if it's safe to ride to the Newhall Metrolink station? I want to try using the train to commute and ride to and from the station. I would be getting home around 730 so would have to ride in the dark some of the year.

PhotoJoe 

I live in Santa Clarita. Which train station are you wanting to use? Newhall or Santa Clarita (by the speedway)? Newhall would require all road riding, but I don't think it's bad riding, for the most part. It would be straight down Lyons to Railroad. If it's Santa Clarita, there are lots of MUP's available for part of your ride with all sorts of variety, but it's further from home. Crossing the 5 will probably be the worst part of the ride, but not all that bad. If you're not familiar, check out MapMyRide. It'll show you where the bike lanes are. Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm happy to help.

rms13

Thanks for info. I would assume I would commute from Newhall since it's closer

PhotoJoe 

Ooops. I guess it says that right in the first post. My bad.

I haven't been down Lyons westbound lately, but I think it's three lanes with no shoulder. I could be wrong. If it is, you may want to consider something more like this:

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/13092515

I don't think I'd want to ride up hamburger hill (Lyons at the 5) in the dark. I know that's three lanes with no shoulder.

rms13

Thanks! I'll probably do a weekend test run and general riding around before I do it during commute. Probably another month before I'm moved up there

rms13

I'm finally moving at the end of the month. I've pretty much ruled out bike or mixed modal commutes for various reasons but I would love suggestion on good road rides in the area. I'll be living by McBean/Old Road. Also, are there any active clubs in the area that are worth checking out for group rides?

PhotoJoe 

There is great riding in the area. I'm not sure what level of rider you are, so I'll just cover the gambit:

1) There is a great MUP system throughout the valley. There are a few areas that are more prone to runners/dog walkers/strollers/kids using the center line stripes as an obstacle course, etc., however, for the most part, it's all cyclists. The valley gets pretty small after a while, though.

2) Want some climbing? Take the old road up to Castaic. You can do the Ridge Route climb for an up and back, or go up past the lake and circle around and back down Bouquet or San Fransisquito. Or, go to the east side and climb Sand Canyon up to Camp 9. Drop down into the valley then back up through the Newhall pass.

Clubs? Yah, there are clubs.
1) CBS on Lyons - HARD CORE.
2) Santa Clarita Velo - Performance Bikes (not the chain) - On Cinema Drive - they have multiple levels of clubs. I won't ride with them just from my past experience with a handful of members who I don't consider to justify the air they breath, but that's probably not fair. I'm sure there are some nice people....I've just never met them.
3) SCV - Pedaling Posse - out of Bicycle Johns. This started as a very low key group of people intimidated by "club rides". They started just riding the MUP's, but now they've grown to regular rides, including some good climbing. Saturday rides are often destinations, like Ojai, Malibu, etc. Sunday rides include Soledad Canyon to Acton, Camp 9, Sand/Placerita/Sierra Hwy/Old Road and back, Ridge Route, etc.

I ride with the Posse from time to time. I'd like to ride more, but let life get in the way too often.

volosong

A couple times, I've left from Central Park and take highway 126 to the end of Seward in Ventura. Out and back is an imperial century with plenty of places to stop for a break along the way. Usually, I stop for a few minutes on South Mountain Road between Bardsdale and Santa Paula for a snack. Then a lunch break at the beach. On the way back, I usually stop at a gas station convenience market in Santa Paula and the last stop at one at the Piru signal.

Not all of the route is on 126. When you get to the signal at Piru, turn left and take Guiberson/South Mountain to Santa Paula, then Telegraph/Telephone to the beach. That means you only have about 15 miles or so on 126; very, very heavy traffic, but a very wide "bike lane". Avoiding debris is more of a concern than getting hit by an inattentive driver. You will be thankful you have some ear plugs.

Only caveat is that there has been some heavy construction at the 126/I-5 interchange and bikes are/were prohibited. It's been going on for awhile. Hopefully they'll be done soon and re-open to bikes. There is a detour, but I have not taken it yet. From Stephenson Ranch, it will be close to a century, but probably slightly under. You can always add on a few miles to fill out the hundred miles, if that goal is important to you. No hills of note along the route. A gentle gradient to the beach and a gentle upgrade toward home, but you'll have the wind with you in the afternoon for the return trip. For a century, I can't conceive of an easier one. Total elevation gain is less than 2,000 feet.

PhotoJoe 

I do that ride one way, meeting my family at the beach. Nice ride.

f4rrest

I like SC. Try this loop with Little T optional.
https://www.strava.com/activities/145611135

I bet you won't miss the Glendale drivers!

f4rrest

Santa Paula is awesome too. I think this route is similar.
https://www.strava.com/activities/159801326

rms13

I've only had the chance to do one quick ride but definitely not missing the Glendale drivers

trailangel

You mean the forty year old guys living at home driving BMW's and chainsmoking, racing stoplight to stoplight on GlennOaks Blvd? You gonna miss the kabobs!