merider1

I'm seriously considering mapping out and putting together a route for a ride from the Metrolink station in Van Nuys to the Amtrak station in Santa Barbara with a stop for lunch on State Street somewhere. I'm trying to determine interest. I would design the route to include climbing, but until I start mapping, I don't know the gain yet (duh). Depending on route, I'd start this one early so that we could make a train back from SB at 4:29pm. However, that is not the last train out, so we could leave on the 7pm train, and plan to leave later in the morning and eat in SB after the ride and then take the Amtrak back.

I've included a poll to access interest. Please give me your thoughts and I'll start planning. I'm looking at either late March (if I'm not doing Solvang double) or sometime in April, but on a weekend that no major ride is occurring so there will be little conflict. Upfront, I will tell you that I doubt there will be SAG on this ride as I don't have a DH that can do it- so, unless I find a volunteer, it would be an unsupported ride, but with designated stops along the route to buy water and fuel.

Also, if there are some of you who are interested and know a route up that you love through canyons (i.e. those of you in TO, etc.), I'm open to suggestions for sure. No, I'm not asking you to map for me - just suggestions of canyons/roads that you have ridden that are particular fun/challenging/less traffic. I actually would like to design the route myself as I love riding up the coast and through those areas.

Okay, who is interested? (please take the poll so I can keep numbers)

cjbruin

Uh...did you forget the poll?

merider1

No, sigh. This forum posts the thread before one can complete the poll! Drives me crazy.

voltman

Sounds interesting. I was looking at Amtrak from Santa Ana to Van Nuys, but the earliest is 9:30 or so.

merider1

Huh? Santa Ana?

voltman

Train ride (for me) to the start, then straight from SB to home.

merider1

Look it, Volt, I came your way yesterday. You just drive on up for this one (or carpool with any of the other OCers).

roadfix

I'm up for it. And generally winds are favorable during winter months.

Brandy

I'll have to wait and see which date you pick and see if it works for me.

merider1

Yes, but vote "yes" - so I know you're interested without having to go back and read everyone's comments.

Brandy

Okay, okay. I picked the early option...children and all, you know.

awiner

I'm in !

Voted.

I can help mapping if you need. I believe Thomson and Paul have already mapped out a route so maybe they can be of assistance.

merider1

I completely understand! Thanks for voting.

Adam, please vote which option!

merider1

Did you vote in the poll?

roadfix

yes I did.......I voted for the 7pm train but return time makes no diff. to me...

merider1

ooh..sorry

heddywouldgo

What exactly is "linner" in SB?

roadfix

Linner is like having supper in Santa Barbara before boarding the train...

ovoleg

I did a route that Danno suggested and I really liked it.

If theres a ride I come out to, it'll definately be this one. Expect me there if you guys do end up doing this

Luwin1026

Voted for the earlier option due to demands of fatherhood.

heddywouldgo

What's sad is that it took me a few minutes of reading it to realize that it was suppossed to say "dinner". i thought it was some BF joke that I had missed

ovoleg

YEA right...lol

Actually we can start the drinking on the train on the way back...WHERE IS THAT OPTION???

roadfix

ovoleg

Hey I was going to come out to that OC ride even though I got home at 1, I got your email and then went to sleep

ronjon10

+100 on rides that start close to my place