staehpj1

Cross posted from CGOAB:

I was able to acquire the gpx files for the new Sierra Cascades route from AC. I don't think they are officially released, but they didn't swear me to secrecy or anything so I posted maps that I made using those files on my journal page.

I also attempted to map a route from the San Diego Airport to meet the Sierra Cascades route at Pine Valley. I would be especially interested in comments about the route from San Diego to Pine Valley. I sort of followed the Southern Tier, but not exactly. I was hoping that someone with local knowledge or someone who did the ST could tell me if I made any really stupid choices on this route.

My priority is probably going to be getting out of San Diego fairly quickly and I will need to get to somewhere to stay/camp.

We are supposed to land at 10:50AM on a Friday and guess we will be lucky to hit the road around noon since we will have to assemble our bikes and gear. It could easily be a bit later depending on how things go.

Our journal with the maps can be found at: https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/MountainMan

BTW, my latest correspondence with AC suggests that the maps will be released for sale a week from today.

Cyclesafe

Pete,

Don't invest too much time planning your intinerary until you get the elevation profile. SAN to Alpine is a gain of 2000 feet. To Pine Valley is ANOTHER 2000 feet. If you can make it to Alpine, you can camp at the Mar Tar Awa CG just past the Viejas Casino. https://matarawarvpark.com/

Please be careful on 371 to Anza. It is on the shortcut from San Diego to Palm Springs. Once you're in Garner Valley (where Bonanza was filmed) the traffic will calm quite a bit on 74 and then while climbing on 243 to Idylwild. Plan on climbing alot.

staehpj1

Thanks Steve.

BigBlueToe

This sounds like such a great trip, albeit rigorous. I'm very jealous, especially of the fact that your daughter is going with you! I'll be following your progress. Good luck and have a wonderful time!

staehpj1

Yeah, I am excited that she is joining me again. She is a great travel companion.

As far as the route goes... I am excited about how scenic it undoubtedly will be and a little apprehensive about how rigorous it will be.

valygrl

PM me your email address and I'll send you a .gpx file from my garmin of the route the HI-USA Christmas Trip takes from USD (less than 5 miles from the airport) to Pine Valley. I've ridden the route twice, I think it's a good one.

This 49 mile ride took me 4:15 of ride time on an unloaded road bike with a group, at a mostly casual pace. The elevation gain is 4900 feet and loss is 1200 feet.

Given that you will have to assemble your bikes, navigate, possibly shop, etc, you might want to split it into 2 days, but I don't have any info about camping.

staehpj1

PM sent, but the board was acting funny so please let me know if you don't get my message.

valygrl

message received & file sent to your email, sometimes my emails go to spam b/c of my address, so look for it in your spam box if you don't find it.

sstorkel

I'll be interested to know what you think of the route! Not sure I'd want to tackle Highway 41 through Yosemite during tourist season... Keep your eyes open around Auberry, too. IIRC, the roads are a bit narrow and the locals drive very fast! If you have any interest in dirt bikes, sign-up for a class at Rich Oliver's Mystery School. No experience necessary (for some classes) and it's an absolute blast! I did their Fun Camp a couple of years ago...

staehpj1

I guess I will find out how the traffic is on this route's worst spots. I am working under the (perhaps flawed?) assumption that it won't be substantially worse that the worst sections on the Trans America which we were fine with. My hope is that Yosemite in season will be comparable to Yellowstone in season. Am I in for a rude awakening?

The dirt bike school looks like fun. Not sure if we will take time to do that or not but will keep it in mind. In the distant past I raced hare scrambles quite a bit and dabbled in flat track, MX, enduros, and hill climb. I don't know if my daughter has any interest in that or not, but I may suggest it.

supersport

Two cautions in San Diego for ya. First, you can't turn right from Pac Hwy onto Friars road. You'll have to keep going till Seaworld Drive then turn left, then left onto Friars road. Second, be very careful on Friars road. The shoulder is narrow even though it is a bike route, and traffic is very fast since it's an expressway. The transit buses in particular will blow you around some.

Hope that helps. Good luck! Have fun!

staehpj1

Thanks.