Last year we were lucky to have the clouds break just when we started the full moon ride out to Boulevard and climbed Kitchen Creek. To reduce the risk of overcast skies, this year's full moon populaire will be out in the desert starting and finishing in Ocotillo. The route will be the shortened version of the ever popular Lazy Lizard 200k. If no non-riding volunteer is available, I will provide support along the route with water, snacks and SAG if anyone must abandon due to a unrepairable mechanical breakdown.
The ride will start promptly at 17:00. With sunset at 18:01, you'll have just over an hour's time to start the ride and pass the Border Patrol station about 8 miles from the start on Sweeney Pass Rd just before entering Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Once in the park, you will be on County Rt 2 making your way to the first major climb over Sweeney Pass. Called the "Loneliest Road", there will be few cars, if any, to bother you as you gaze at the moonrise with stunning desert landscape illuminated both by the setting sun and white shimmering glow of the full moon. Perhaps the only driver will be me. Here's a link to a 2004 article on the history of the Loneliest Road (link to article).
At mile 18.2, the road name changes to the Great Southern Overland Stage Road of 1849. Please refer to it by its full name, as Ed Pogue kindly reminded all in his ride report. For all the Mark Twain fans, the famous American humorist documented his travel on the stage coach route through California with his brother Orion in his book Roughing It. Here's the link to the history of the route published by the US Department of Transportation.
No stores or any services will be available. To reiterate, this ride will be staffed either by a volunteer or me to provide water, snacks, and SAG. The current plan is to set up at the Vallecito Stage Station County Park just after the turnaround.
Though all of the road is paved, there are sections near Ocotillo that will be so broken and rough that you will be "roughing it" under the full moon light.
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 be staffed. SAG support and water/snack stop will be provided along the route for this event.
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.