cyclezen

Ventura Mission - > Somis -> Balcom Cyn (easy side up, hairy side down) -> SP -> Ventura Mission.
Given the weather we've been havin and that it certainly won;t last for the short run, this is a great time to do a comfortable loop over Balcom.
Sunday - Jan 18 - 9:15 gather, 9:30 am starttime at the parking lot across from the Ventura Mission on Main Street (near the 33/101 intersect) - just short of 50 miles RT - about 3.5 hours at an easy 'small ring' pace.
I plan on staying in the small ring, just a nice steady tempo, NOT A HAMMERFEST! I'm required to keep my heartrate below zone 5... for the time being...
A 'No Drop' social ride, with some hopes for poseur points at some coffeehouse.... ;-)
A 9:30 start should assure not needing any extra kit, so we can ride with 'summer' togs.
Route Map at mapmyride.com
https://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...a/417560219273

only 1300 ft of total elevation gain for the whole ride - really mostly flat citrus orchard ride with an easy, steady climb up to Balcom and down again to orchards

If you've a mind to, join me.
email me direct -cyclezen(AT)hotmail-com and I'll know to look for you at start. Otherwise, just show up...
I'll be drivin the 'Surf Van' - 90's Plymouth Maroon Gran Voyageur...
Ride On

mkadam68

Don't forget that short little sting at the end of Balcom's tail: 100-yards, easily close to 20%, I would guess. It was hard walking up it 2 years ago for the Tour.

cyclezen

for easy ID, I'll just wear my Old Phartes Forum Jersey...

my walker uses vintage white tennis balls...

cyclezen

thatz the other (north) side... we're gonna go down that... ZOOOOMMM ZOOOOOMMM ZOOOOMMM

thomson

Mark is referring to the last piece from the "easy" side (going north). It is steep but very short.

mkadam68

Yep. Both sides of Balcom are a PIA, but the southern side (north-bound) is alot shorter. I think--could be wrong--in that one section, it's steeper than anything on the northern (south-bound) side.