rogerwong

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forums but I recently decided to try and get healthier following a not so great check-up with my doctor. One of the ideas I had was to train and get fit enough to ride from LA to San Diego over 2 days with camping in between. I created a website at https://bellflowertosd.blogspot.com to send to my friends to encourage them to go on this ride but I don't really know how hard this is. I know it's 120 miles total and should be doable over 2 days.

In terms of training, what would you suggest? I'm trying to get 2 friends to go but we're all in different parts of the world (Seattle, NY, and Carribeans) and we won't be able to train together.

Can anyone tell me what the rides like? Any potential problems along the way?

Thanks in advance!

magicant

Mostly flat, a lot of traffic, some beach paths that are nice. The ride itself won't be that challenging if you can work up to riding 60 miles in a day (which you have time to do between now and July). But you do need to get used to riding on city streets, so include that aspect in your training plan.

For training, personally, I'd look at a "century" training plan and just use that as the guideline. To ride 120 miles over two days is easier than a one day century - so if you follow one of the century plans, you'll be more than prepared. There are plenty of those training plans available online.

I'd suggest picking up "Bicycling the Pacific Coast" - I used it about 6 years ago when I first rode from LA to San Diego. A little dated, but gives an overview of some of the routes.

I'll be riding to San Diego between now and March. Once I do a route slip with all the turns in it, I'm happy to post it. It won't be the exact same route, but should be pretty close from where you're starting.

There are some hills - not big ones, but you should include some hill climbing in your training - 300 - 400 foot elevation climbs. The first time I rode it, the hills hurt a bit because I only trained on flat rides. Torrey Pines is the tough one if you aren't used to climbing because it comes near the end of the ride.

magicant

One other suggestion - the MS Bay to Bay 150 ride is a 150 mile ride over 2 days for MS, through much of the same area.

It's a supported ride, with camping overnight. Very much what you're describing but with a much larger group. I've never done it but I've heard it's a good ride (merider has done it, I believe).

Might be an interesting option - it's in October so a little longer training time, a little longer ride and there are other people working toward the same goal.

big john

Do you ride now? How many miles per week? What kind of bike? There are many variables. Why that particular route? It's mostly urban and traffic filled, yuck. There are so many nice rides in SoCal, but you must have your reasons.

Pamestique 

Wow a very ambitious goal.

First let me say this - years ago before I became a cyclist, I used to do the Lung Association rides that went from Tustin, to Lake Elsinore, down what is now the 15 and over to Carlsbad and back. I did that ride with no training. Did I suffer? Yes, but it was doable.

Riding along the coast is not all that flat. Many sections have large rolling hills. From LA to Huntington Beach it is flat (overpasses don't count) , with a few bumps but once you move out of Newport Beach and into Corona Del Mar, Laguna, Dana Point etc, the big rollies start. There are sections of flat but then you hit San Clemente (streep climbs on narrow, very busy streets), Del Mar (same as San Clemente) and then Torrey Pines. From Torrey Pines down into San Diego, traffic gets heavy and you must ride with caution.

Not certain where you live but ride for distance to get comfortable on your saddle and then once or twice a week do some hills. If you are anywhere near Palos Verdes - do the Loop. Or go from Pacific Palisades up to Will Rogers State Park and back. Also going through the Santa Monica Mountains or riding through the "Conejo" area like Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, etc. would be good training.

60 miles a day is very doable is you have a decent base which means at least 50 miles a weekend and at least some cardio traning (like spin classes) during the week.

Once the days get longer or if you can ride suring the day, then ride - at least 25 - 30 miles if possible.

Good luck - it's a fun ride. Just watch for traffic. Those crazy beach people you know! Also riding through the Marine Base - bring valid ID - it is checked - and also be aware that it is fairly hilly throough there. And then there are the tank crossings... :-(

jsigone

The San Clemente State camp ground are about the half way point so it should work out pretty good for you. From the camp ground it's pretty flat, some rollers through the marine base, then relatively flat til you hit Torry pines hill which is like 6-7% grade from about 1 mile or so, from there you go downhill for a bit then back to flatness. I assume your taking the train back so you can ride to downtown SD going through Mission Bay, again flat.

jm01

check out www.crazyguyonabike.com

rogerwong

Hi bigjohn and everyone else who has been extremely helpful so far..

So to answer the questions: Do you ride now? Yes, I ride now casually to and from work when it's not raining here in Seattle and during the summer/fall I occasionally did 25 mile flat rides. How many miles per week? Right now, it's about 8 miles a day so 40 miles a week with a good climb on my way back home. On weekends, I will probably do a 20-30 mile ride with limited hills. What kind of bike? I have a Trek 3xxx series MB with 26x1.3 Continental Sportcontact slicks. My brother who will be riding with us has an On-One single speed MB (will he have MAJOR problems on the Torrey Pines climb?)There are many variables. Why that particular route? To be honest, it just seemed to be a nice ride along the coast and my brother lives in La Jolla so we'll have transportation and housing when we get down there. I didn't realize that there was climb at the end but I think we can overcome that It's mostly urban and traffic filled, yuck. There are so many nice rides in SoCal, but you must have your reasons. So pretty much after the beach areas near Newport, most of the riding will occur on normal roads right? Are there bike lanes?

Thanks again for all of the helpful advice. The real intention is of course to give myself a nice goal to go after and in the process reconnect with old friends who I haven't seen in a long time as well as make some fundamental changes in my lifestyle to live a healthier life!

roadfix

You brother may have problems along the route on his singlespeed if hauling food & camping gear.

ronjon10

I did a solo two day trip down to San Diego back in 2003 as a test to see if I'd like bicycle touring. I split it into 2 days, 70 & 50 miles. I wasn't in the best of shape either, but I started early and plugged along through it. Good that you're only going to La Jolla as it gets more annoying past that point. There are certainly some big rollers, and on a singlespeed, I hope he's a strong rider. But, none of the climbs are even a mile, so worse comes to worse, just walk it up the hill.

Part of the trip goes through camp pendleton, where you'll need an id to get through. If you're friend from the carribean isn't a us citizen, that may or may not cause an issue. Worse comes to worse, you can ride on i-5 for that stretch which I had fun with (no one was allowed to pass through back then) but most people seem to hate with a passion.

I also recommend "Bicycling the Pacific Coast". If you do, just stick to that route. There are some better alternatives known by locals, but some can get a little complicated (save the fact that as long as the ocean is to your right, you're ok)

I had a blast on my trip, I think you will as well. Gorgeous scenery, some traffic, some surprisingly desolate spots and good friends, sounds like a good time to me. As Nike says, Just do it!

Pamestique 

Many of us that ride down to San Diego, take inland routes to avoid beach trafffic. Sortof depends on
the time of year you plan on doing your ride. If during the summer, when you have alot of daylight, you will also have the worse traffic.

Listen, it's all doable and you are riding enough already (although I would put one 50 miler in, fully loaded to see what fitness level you are at). Just be aware that the roads along the beach routes are busy with lots of parking or leaving traffic. Generally there is a shoulder or bike lane but through some places like San Clemente and Del Mar, the streets narrow and you'll have to ride out in traffic. Many cyclists do. Also there really isn't all that much flat... to me flat is no elevation gain or remains less than 500'. The route is generally rolly so fully loaded just keep this in mind. But it will make a great adventure. Just do it. Have no worries!!!

rogerwong

Thank you everyone for the advice and the encouragement. I am determined to do this no matter what but I just hope my friends will not find this daunting. Most of my friends are not even casual bike riders so I just wonder how I can convice them to do this. I'll definitely pick up the pacific trail book to get a better sense of some alternative inland routes that may be good as well.

We're doing this in July so I think the weather should be pretty nice. We'll pack 1 larger tent and one of us (probably me) will have to handle the cargo. I'm totally out of shape right now (205lbs targeting 180lbs by then) so I've got my plan cut out for me.

In terms of the bikes, how much of a difference would it make if I picked up a road bike instead that's much lighter than my current MB? Are my shocks going to hurt or help me on a long ride like this?

voltman

You could always get new friends.

A road bike would be more efficient.

jsigone

yes the road bike will be ALOT more effecant then the fat tires, I picked up a classic roadie for $30 of craigslist, it was perfectly fine other then old tires. So there are deals to be had out there. Make sure you get one that fits you pretty good.

thomson

Roger, is it necessary you do LA to San Diego or are you just looking for that kind of mileage on the Pacific Coast?

magicant

If you're going to be carrying a load, a light bike doesn't matter much. But 60 miles a day on a mountain bike is a bit daunting. The shocks (I think) and the big tires are a bad thing for road riding because they absorb some of the energy you could be putting directly into the road and moving forward.

A hybrid may work for you. Sturdy enough to take a load but built for road riding.

Pamestique 

You know you are only doing 60 miles a day and have all day to do it (I'm assuming you will be stopping for photo ops and stuff) so your present bike (change out the tires for slicks) should do fine especially if you plan on carrying a load. A regular road bike is just not all that suited for carrying heavy packs etc. If you do pick up a road bike - a touring bike (longer wheel base/brazeons) would be preferable. You will need a back rack (not a clip on!). Plan on adding wider tires (at least 28 but 32's or 35's would be better).

But for what you plan on doing, the MTB is perfectly fine, especially if it already has a rack. Again just change out knobbies for road slicks and you are good to go. Many folks are now, since touring bikes are rare and hard to come by, using MTBikes to tour. You might check with the touring forum for more information re bikes. Back in the 70's and 80's I toured alot, took a year off work and did the USA. You want a heavier, sturdy bike if you need to carry a tent, sleeping bags etc.

Now if you decide instead to do the hotel thing and carry only a change of clothes and a credit card, then a road bike would be better.

rogerwong

Thanks for the advice. I have slicks on my MTB already, i'll have to pick up a set to swap out on the single speed for my brother. I think we're planning on packing pretty light.. just a tent, no sleeping bags required (it's summer time in LA!) I think we're going to have to pick up at least 3-4 bikes off craigslist for my friends who don't ride. We're planning on eating along the way at restaurants and such..

So since it follows the coast, most of the time, there's nearby conveniences accesible right? Anyone know if there's bike shops near the highway in case we have any major repairs needed (chain, etc.). I'll be keeping spare tubes and such but it'll probably be good to know where we can get help if needed.

Also, for long rides, do any of the experienced riders here carry portables GPS systems?

rogerwong

BTW, I found a lot of inspiration for this ride from the guys who did the Alaska-Argentina Diabetes ride..

https://www.ribbonofroad.com/ - The amazing photos and the fun they're having inspired me to get my friends to do this.

jsigone

From San Clemente to Oceanside, there no stores or anything. If you decide to camp at the camp grounds there, you'll need to pick up all your food and such to survive the night in San Clemete before hitting the bike path which leads to the state park/camping site. From Oceanside down, you'll have your pick of places to eat. There is a bike shop in oside 2 blocks east of the beach on the corner of Oceanside Blvd and Coast Highway called Allen's Bikes and Nytro Bikes is about 15 miles south of there.

magicant

I'll have a full gps of the ride (from Universal City to San Diego) by end of March (or by President's Day if the weather's nice). That'll get you connected from the coast on down. From Bellflower to the coast, I'm out. I don't know any of those routes.

Pamestique 

If you can make it to Carlsbad instead of San Clemente for camping, then there are places nearby to eat (some walking required but its doable).

There will be areas of absolute nothing (such as through the base or near the Power station) and then areas of just so much congestion you can't imagine. Just be prepared. But plenty of places to stop and eat, get water etc.

If you get close to doing this ride, let me know. I would be willing to provide you with my cell number so if you need help, pickup, guidence etc. you have someone local to call. I'm in Orange County so close to SD and LA.

Sure you just don't want to do a hotel???? You guys can all share one room - so much easier than camping...

magicant

+1

Carrying a tent, etc. for only one night seems overly burdensome.

merider1

+1 - This is a great ride, and the MS 150 Bay to Bay is top notch. A lot of cyclists on here ride this each year, and you'd have support along the route.

caligurl

you forget the ms 150 ride isn't just about paying the entry fee and riding the ride... there are minimum contributions that must be gotten and made in order for the riders to ride....