We are kicking off our summer gravel populaires by extending our cycling adventure into the dirt trails of San Diego County with this new gravel 105k called "Getting Stoned". This route in fact is not new. In the RUSA permanents library, It's original title is "Potato Chip Grinder" designed by Kelly DeBoer starting from the Albertson mall in San Marcos. The updated populaire's start is moved to the trailhead parking lot next to Stone Brewing in Escondido. Hence "Getting Stoned". This route has approximately 28 miles, or 43%, of dirt and gravel trails.
From the start, you'll make your way to Mule Hill Trail where you'll start your gravel adventure. Crossing Highland Valley Rd, you'll wind your way through the tree farm trail until you hit that concrete ramp that'll take you to Old Coach Rd in Poway. Weaving from paved roads to trails, you'll reach Espola Rd where you'll have the option to ride in the bike lane or on the equestrian trail that parallels Espola. After reaching Lake Poway Dr, you'll follow along the SD Aqueduct trail that cuts through the various estate home communities and make your way through Poway to reach the Upper Penosquitos Creek trail (at the time of scheduling this populaire, the wood bridges that allowed bike crossing have been removed. You may need to ford these crossing if the bridges are not put back in.) Along the upper Los Penasquitos Canyon trail, you'll climb up to Del Mar Mesa and descend down to Deer Canyon to reach Carmel Valley Rd by the nursery.
The "fun" really begins when you enter Snail Trail that connects up to the Gonzales Canyon Trail, Sword Trail and Lagoon Trail. This section has been ruggedized by the winter storms and poses interesting bike handling challenges but offers amazing surroundings as you ride on these trails. You will be relieved to reach the flat Coast to Crest trail which will take you out to Del Mar by the race track. For an unconventional bicycle obstacle, you'll have to dismount and walk over the railroad tracks before continuing. Beware of trains as you don't want to be the cause of a train delay.
You'll head north to Encinitas where the route turns east to hit more trails which winds through several Carlsbad neighborhoods. The urban backdrop does not in anyway take away some of the challenging climbs and descents as you make your way to Old Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Hopping on the dirt trail, you'll reach a tunnel that goes under Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Continuing further, you'll reach the trails behind the San Elijo neighborhood. At Questhaven Rd, you'll turn to climb Wild Canyon Dr which will connect up to Double Peak Dr. As you reach the start of the 14% ramps to Double Peak Park and the dread takes hold of your tired soul, you'll be relieved as your bike computer alerts you to make a left to enter the Ridgeline trail entrance to follow a dirt trail that will take you to the Ridgeline trailhead to mark the end of the "gravel" portions of this populaire. After the screaming downhill on Twin Oaks Valley Rd, you'll make your way back to Stone Brewing to have that well-earned beer and whatever high fat/high carb meal listed on the menu.
Despite the name change, the route is no less challenging with all the climbing, single track trails and now water crossings, mud and sand brought on by this historically wet winter storm season. I don't know if the added gravel allowance of 45 minutes so "generously" given by RUSA's gravel time calculation will be enough. If you have a mountain bike, bring it to this populaire. There will be no printed route sheets provided. You may generate your own using RWGPS. Electronic navigation is highly recommended as you ride on the trails.
Candidly, you have to be "Stoned" to want to ride this route.
If you are joining us for the first time, you will need:
ALL SAN DIEGO RANDONNEURS EVENTS ARE ONLY OPEN TO PARTICIPANTS WHOSE RUSA MEMBERSHIP IS CURRENT.
You will need to register for this ride in advance. There is no day-of registration. Start/Finish will not be staffed. There will be no SAG support and staffing at a control.
All riders must follow RUSA rules. Helmet, lights and reflective gear are a must (lights and reflective gear must be worn between dusk to dawn). Riders must follow all local traffic laws and regulations.
Although bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and are subject to the same rules and regulations, it is crucial that bicyclists pay attention to traffic signs and signals and follow all rules to reduce the risk of collisions, while on the road. Refer to the California Driver Handbook to become familiar with these rules. This excerpt is found at the DMV website for Sharing the Road (FFDL37) and can be read here.