SD Bike Commuter - Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:07:01 -0700

An invitation to all:

Come ride to Julian for the weekend (5/1-2). Short two day tour. We'll leave from San Diego, camp in Julian, and return the following day. The basic route is Old Highway 80 and Hwy 79. The route is subject to change and it won't be the same way both directions. Camping will be at William Heise County Park, about five miles from Julian. Mileage should be about 65 each day, if we get an early enough start, should have plenty of time to get there. The plan is not to bring food other than light snacks, regular food will be bought along the way. That is mostly to save on weight (plenty of places along the way). Plan on about 5000' of climb to get to Julian. Most of that will be leading up to Hwy 79 on US 80/I-8, past that it gets easier, at least without long steady climbs. Last year, I averaged 12 mph to Julian, 15 mph back to San Diego. Don't let the average scare you away if it seems fast for you. The only requirements for the ride are the ability to make it all in daylight and to be able to make the climb. Sunrise will be about 6:10am, sunset about 7:30pm.

The ride will be fun, great scenery and great riding. Who's with me?

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Velo Cult — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:22:44 -0700

well, i suppose that's my call to finally build up my touring bike. still need to get it painted actually.

so long as im in town expect me on this tour. thanks for planning it.

i have toyed with planning tours too on this group and one thing that i always think about is that all riders have their own "touring pace". you know, that pace that just works for you for hauling gear and going long distances. deviate from that pace a little bit and the ride gets harder or take longer than it should. do you think we should all follow the same route but roll at our own pace? perhaps we can carry maps and even have GPS coordinates.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:33:35 -0700

Well, staying as a group, for this short a distance, is probably better, though the long climbs may make it tough at those points. A final route will be either mapped out or written out, but it isn't tough to follow. So far, I've found my touring pace to be fairly close to my regular pace, just a slight slower when climbing. Assuming the weather is decent, the ride should be a lot of fun. If the weather isn't decent (rain or strong winds) than it may be canceled. One thing is certain, expect a change in the weather beyond Alpine.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:45:55 -0700

I also wanted to add I put down two weekends for the ride. Whichever works best for the most people is the weekend we'll go. Personally, both work for me, but I'm going for the May 1-2 weekend so far.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

surfer mike — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:53:59 -0700

ok, i'm gonna start training now and i'm gonna look for some racks and stuff.
consider me a maybe with a strong chance of not making it.
gonna try hard, but i am not sure i can whip myself in shape that quick.
either weekend is fine with me, but may sounds better

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Sam — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:59:05 -0700

Husband and I may go. I prefer the May dates. But I like having a long day too.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Bev — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 11:05:01 -0700

I like indoor plumbing! And flat terrain. But sounds like you could have some good company there.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Sigurd — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:51:34 -0700

I am definitely aiming at doing this one, but need to get some gear together: Thanks, Mike, for setting it up!

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:53:36 -0700

I've made the decision on May 1-2. After looking at the available camping spots, it looked like it might be full sooner than later. So, I made the reservations. We have site #82 at William Heise County Park.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Sigurd — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:26:36 -0700

So, Mike, your intended route (between El Cajon and Cuyamaca Hwy) would be along the lines of this, then?

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:35:59 -0700

Yes. Since it worked so well, I'm planning the same route as the farm ride late last year through eastern San Diego, La Mesa, and El Cajon.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

surfer mike — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:19:46 -0700

so what is the general route out to el cajon?
just gonna take el cajon blvd/fletcher parkway?

you guys have any suggestions on some training hills to climb. i was thinking of riding out to mission gorge rd near mission trails and just keep riding up and down that hill over and over to get some hill climbing done.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:46:06 -0700

Hill climbing is part of it, getting used to the weight on the bike is another. I would suggest going on a few rides with the bike loaded, maybe not fully, but with gear. Around San Diego Bay is a good ride, helps with endurance. The route from San Diego to La Mesa will be a route I've found, called the Northern Mesa Bypass (ok, I call it that). It bypasses El Cajon Blvd all the way to La Mesa. From there, through Grossmont and El Cajon Blvd to El Cajon, Chase - Mollison - Washington - 3rd - then back to Main St / Old Hwy 80.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:50:53 -0700

I would also add that, for me when I rode this last year, it was more of a mental barrier than physical. Julian SEEMS farther than it really is. 65 miles is long, but not that bad. Hwy 79 was something I wasn't looking forward to, but it wasn't an issue when I went. Even the last time I took parts of the road, on January 9th, it wasn't that big a deal. People seemed to give more room, especially when the bike was loaded with gear.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Sam — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:54:14 -0700

We just need a tent and a sleeping bag right? And water. I know I have gigantic heavy things for camping...but I imagine everyone else has the fanciest lightweight gear...right?

I always tend to eat really crappy food when doing long rides and I really want to rectify that problem. We need some good eating stops along the way.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:04:42 -0700

Basic camping gear only. We won't need too much, being overnight. Water is needed, but more can be obtained en route if need be. As to food, there are regular restaurants in Julian for dinner and breakfast, Alpine has some places for lunch. I plan to bypass Viejas at least eastbound, just not needed.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:11:00 -0700

Very tempting and I routinely ride with cargo. What is the maximum grade we will see? 15%, I can deal with.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:16:20 -0700

Maximum grade should be about 8%, for a couple short sections. The rest, maximum is around 6%. None of it is really bad, the worst I'd say is the climb through Alpine from Chocolate Summit to South Grade Rd, that and the climb on I-8. Winds can make things tricky on the Sweetwater River bridges.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:20:41 -0700

As there is no defined start location, the idea would be to work east, picking people up going along. For those west of me (North Park), you can meet me here. I don't want anyone to have to ride out of their way to get to a start point.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:49:07 -0700

I could always ride out the bike path along the 56 and then cut down the 67 to Lake Jennings and meet the group on old highway 8?

Wonder how that is?

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

surfer mike — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:50:41 -0700

cool, i think i'll start riding down to mission bay and doing a few loops then riding home. i live near 54th and university. it's about 13 miles to the bay.

i have 2 super small backpacking stoves and i'll bring enough fuel for an hour or so just in case anyone needs it.i have titanium cookware, it's so light :face-smile:

the mental barrier is the hardest for me. once i break through the barrier i'm good to go. i have never quit on a ride before so i'm sure i'll make this one.
my dad used to tell me (yell at me) 2 things when we went on long rides.
"you can rest at the top of the hill"
"you can rest on the down hill"
when i start to get tired on hills i can him telling me those things. it replays in my head till i get to the top.

maybe i don't want to go on this ride, i'm not sure i can handle my dad's voice in my head that long. :face-devil-grin:

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

surfer mike — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:52:32 -0700

bikingbill:I could always ride out the bike path along the 56 and then cut down the 67 to Lake Jennings and meet the group on old highway 8?

Wonder how that is?

the 67 is dangerous to drive on. i'm not sure i'd want to ride a bike on that highway.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:53:35 -0700

On long climbs and long days, I just tell myself that every foot higher and every foot further is closer to the end. As long as I'm moving forward, I'm getting there. Simple but works for me.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 23:55:43 -0700

Where are you starting from? There are many alternative routes. At the simplest, I'd head for Mission Bay, then east along Friars Rd to Mission Gorge Rd, then east to Santee, then southerly Los Coches Rd to US 80. Going via 67 would introduce a lot more climbing than necessary, aside from the traffic issues.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:17:13 -0700

surfer mike:
bikingbill:I could always ride out the bike path along the 56 and then cut down the 67 to Lake Jennings and meet the group on old highway 8?

Wonder how that is?

the 67 is dangerous to drive on. i'm not sure i'd want to ride a bike on that highway.

The section between Scripps Poway Parkway and Lakeside? Is Sycamore Canyon a decent ride?

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:18:24 -0700

mike_ballard:Where are you starting from? There are many alternative routes. At the simplest, I'd head for Mission Bay, then east along Friars Rd to Mission Gorge Rd, then east to Santee, then southerly Los Coches Rd to US 80. Going via 67 would introduce a lot more climbing than necessary, aside from the traffic issues.

Carlsbad ... although, I could use the train to get to Old Town etc...

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:18:35 -0700

Sycamore Canyon is dirt. Great ride, but dirt, sometimes singletrack. I'd avoid 67. There are much better and easier routes.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:23:18 -0700

OK, makes sense. Now to figure out if I can get the time to do this. What will people do if they can't get in contact with me 24/7? The horror!

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Velo Cult — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:30:31 -0700

i would be on the ride otherwise i would offer to run sag to pick up riders that just can't make it up the hill. or even to take people's heavy camping gear if they don't have lightweight touring gear or even a touring bike. maybe someone will volunteer at some point. sounds like this is the first tour for a lot of people so the reassurance there's of a sag wagon might be nice.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:40:14 -0700

Any help is appreciated. I've never really ridden with a sag wagon before, always unsupported. In any case, I'm still carrying all my gear, I'll need the practice for my trip in June.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

surfer mike — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:03:08 -0700

bikingbill:The section between Scripps Poway Parkway and Lakeside?

yeah, a bunch of crazy drivers, some are drunk or extra tired (being at the casino all night)
i don't like driving through there

Velo Cult:i would be on the ride otherwise i would offer to run sag to pick up riders that just can't make it up the hill. or even to take people's heavy camping gear if they don't have lightweight touring gear or even a touring bike. maybe someone will volunteer at some point. sounds like this is the first tour for a lot of people so the reassurance there's of a sag wagon might be nice.

if it's needed my wife will most likely be available, but not to carry gear (that's cheating :face-angel: )
if someone can't make it i'm sure she wouldn't mind driving out to give someone a ride.
i know that she's gonna save me if i need it.

if everything goes as planned we are buying a tacoma in february so we will have a truck.

biking bill, if you need a ride from carlsbad i might be able to pick you up and you can start the ride at my place.

if for some reason we don't have the tacoma then i'm not sure if i can get rides for people.
i will keep this thread updated with the tacoma info.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Sigurd — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 07:59:26 -0700

surfer mike:so what is the general route out to el cajon?
just gonna take el cajon blvd/fletcher parkway?

This is one of the routes that Mike Ballard is referring to, Surfer Mike: I have ridden it, and it works very well.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Shapps — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:57:12 -0700

This sounds great. I will need to get one of my bikes outfitted for carrying gear, or maybe even just pick up a bike that is better suited for touring. I need to work up my endurance a little, but my old work commute had some somewhat significant climbs and I would carry about 20 lbs on my back. Its still a few months away but unless something changes, I will be looking forward to doing this ride with you all. Touring is something that has me very interested. One of my goals for this year was to do Santa Barbara to San Diego and possibly even San Fran to San Diego. This seems like it would be a good starting point to moving towards that.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:18:21 -0700

It would be a good ride to test things out on. I'll be riding from San Jose to San Luis Obispo June 15-18, my third long tour.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

surfer mike — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:26:58 -0700

Njord Noatun:
surfer mike:so what is the general route out to el cajon? just gonna take el cajon blvd/fletcher parkway?
This is one of the routes that Mike Ballard is referring to, Surfer Mike: I have ridden it, and it works very well.

cool, my main question was where we were going to cross 70th since that is probably where i'll join up on the ride. i'm about 2.5 miles from 70th and el cajon blvd. i'm very familiar with that route, my wifes mother lives by grossmont hs and during high traffic times we will drive that route cause there are less cars.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:58:11 -0700

Anyone know the nighttime temps? Is a tent really needed? Would a really warm sleeping bag suffice?

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

mike_ballard — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:05:24 -0700

A tent is good to have. It won't be really cold, but it still is good to be covered.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

surfer mike — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:16:49 -0700

avg temps and precipitation for julian in may
[[_linker_]]
high temp 72.3 low temp 45 rain fall .95" i don't think you will need a tent, but i recommend it. however i'm not a fan of sleeping without cover.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:53:57 -0700

I don't have any camping equipment ... so this could be the excuse to buy some.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Velo Cult — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:54:47 -0700

bikingbill:I don't have any camping equipment ... so this could be the excuse to buy some.

try REI and go lightweight.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

William — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:23:24 -0700

mike_ballard:A tent is good to have. It won't be really cold, but it still is good to be covered.

Just sayin'. :face-devil-grin:

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:25:25 -0700

William:
mike_ballard:A tent is good to have. It won't be really cold, but it still is good to be covered.

Just sayin'.

:face-devil-grin:

Pretty. Does it taste good?

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

surfer mike — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:28:38 -0700

Velo Cult:
bikingbill:I don't have any camping equipment ... so this could be the excuse to buy some.
try REI and go lightweight.

buy the REI membership if you are gonna buy any gear from them. i usually get back 10% every year. the year i bought all my light weight backpacking gear i got a lot of cash back. few hundred dollars back. i highly recommend the REI brand tents. i have the half dome 2 from 2003 and it's still in great shape. looks a lot different than the new models. i've noticed that prices in light weight tents have fallen a little. when i bought the REI tent it was $100 cheaper than other tents of similar weight and size. the tent is about 5.5 lbs including carry bag. sleeps 2 people if they are not afraid to touch each other. i might be buying a different sleeping bag for this trip i also recommend a sleeping pad, anything to get you off the cold ground will keep your body temp higher. even if it's just these
[[_linker_]]
which are a lot cheaper at walmart

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:38:44 -0700

Got the REI membership. They had a nice 25% sale and I used it to buy my current cycling shoes.

I like the Thermarest Pads because they pack small. I'll have to buy a tall sleeping bag (Down). The goal would be bag+tent+pad well under 10lbs and small enough for the cargo box.

I think this would be a good investment because I really need some time off and a extended bike tour would do the trick.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

surfer mike — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:43:33 -0700

yeah my normal 2day backpacking pack weight 13 lbs not counting the backpack and food, but that includes cooking stuff.
i have a thermarest lightweight half length pad. time off camping is always time well spent and is a great investment.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Velo Cult — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:45:02 -0700

i have the REI Roadster one man tend for my cycle touring. it's great unless you are expecting tons and ton's of rain with stiff side winds.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:45:28 -0700

Bag: http://www.rei.com/product/762599 2lbs 5oz
Tent: http://www.rei.com/product/779205 3lbs 6oz
Pad: http://www.rei.com/product/734496 2lbs

Money? :face-sad:

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

bikingbill — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:49:47 -0700

Velo Cult:i have the REI Roadster one man tend for my cycle touring. it's great unless you are expecting tons and ton's of rain with stiff side winds.

Not in the catalog anymore. There's some 2 person stuff that is about the same weight as the 1 person.

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

Sigurd — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:08:24 -0700

I am totally stoked there seems to be quite a bit of interest in this ride!
:face-smile:

Julian Bicycle Tour Weekend - May 1-2, 2010 - Canceled.

surfer mike — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:59:56 -0700

Njord Noatun:I am totally stoked there seems to be quite a bit of interest in this ride!
:face-smile:

which makes me wonder...
how many tents and people can we have at the site?