The route has been finalized with the controls in place for the Missions 600k, subject to final refinements. This route was inspired by my son's 4th grade California history lesson when he and his classmates covered the "Mission Era". During his research, I learned that these missions, built approximately 30 miles apart, were about a day's journey by horseback, as though they were controls along the El Camino Real. Though much of this lore may have been just myth created by the Automobile Club of Southern California to encourage people to drive their cars, it seems only appropriate as a counterpoint to transform this mythical trail into a randonneur's adventure to ride our bicycles through Southern California. Instead of the usual coastal travel, this 600k will venture inland along Hwy 126 to reach Missions San Fernando and San Gabriel before returning to the coast. In 40 hours or less, participants will pass 9 of the 21 missions, reaching Mission Basilica San Diego, the last on this route, though chronologically was the first mission founded by Spanish missionaries led by Junipero Serra. While on this brevet, you'll also pass through the diverse regions where various indigenous people continue to reside, from the Chumash in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to the Kumeyaays in San Diego County who first made contact with Serra's party back in 1769.

Highlights of this route:

• Between Lompoc and Solvang is "Sideways" country (though we ask that you to remain upright throughout this brevet), as the wineries and restaurants in the area were filming locations for the movie. The ride will climb Harris Grade Rd into Lompoc and then the bucolic road and scenic wineries along Santa Rosa Rd to Solvang.
• Note that Mission Santa Ynez is in Solvang, not in Santa Ynez, as Mission San Jose is in Fremont, not in San Jose. 
• From Solvang to Gaviota on the coast the route guides you onto the rural countryside which Alisal Rd runs through to Nojoqui Summit on Hwy 101. As a heads-up, the route will require you to cross the highway at the summit to ride southbound to Gaviota.
• The route will be on Hwy 101 until Goleta where it will traverse inland through Santa Barbara before returning to the coast toward Ventura.
• After Ventura, the route will turn inland and pass through Saticoy, Santa Paula and Bardsdale before jumping onto Hwy 126 at Piru to Valencia (known as the Heritage Valley), passing Six Flags Magic Mountain before continuing on the South Fork bike trail to Santa Clarita. 
• After Mission San Fernando, the route will follow along the Angeles National Forest through Tujunga Canyon to Flintridge-Canada and then to the Mission San Gabriel, passing the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech campus and Huntington Library. Expect urban riding through this part of LA County.
• In Pasadena, the route will pass through "Bungalow Heaven" landmark district, named for the more than 800 small craftsman homes built there from 1900 to 1930.
• After the overnight control at the Quality Inn Rosemead (9488 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, CA, 91770), the route will continue on the Rio Hondo/San Gabriel River Trails to Seal Beach.
• From Seal Beach, the final stretch to San Diego will follow along the usual coastal route, except for a couple of inland diversions on river trails to reach a couple of missions.
• Between Orange and San Diego Counties, you will need to ride on Interstate 5 south from Las Pulgas Rd to Harbor Dr in Oceanside. If you have the base pass and Camp Pendleton is open to bicycles, you may take the Stuart Mesa Rd to Vandergrift Blvd option. Here's the link to Camp Pendleton's website on how to obtain a DBIDS Recreational Bicycle pass. You will need to be a US citizen and apply in person at the visitors office.
• The finish hotel will be in Hotel Circle by Mission Valley at the La Quinta Inn and Suites (641 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108).
• The closest trolley station is the Hazard Center stop just a mile from finish control. From this trolley station, you can reach Santa Fe station in downtown.

Drop bag support - Each rider is allowed 1 drop bag (back pack or gym bag) that you can leave with the organizer at the Santa Maria start. It will be ready for you at the Rosemead overnight control. We will bring your bag to the finish control in Hotel Circle/Mission Valley. 

Start/overnight/finish controls - Participant will be responsible for booking your own rooms at the start, overnight control and finish, if needed. For the overnight control, there is the Hoilday Inn a couple of blocks down the street. You will need to pick up and drop off your drop bags at Quality Inn.

• Start - Best Western Santa Maria - 1725 N Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
• Overnight - Quality Inn Rosemead - 9488 Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, CA, 91770
• Finish - La Quinta Inn & Suites - 641 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108

Rider limit - There will be a 30-rider limit. If registrations reach the limit, a wait-list will be created. If you would like to be on the waitlist, please send me an email at sdrandos@gmail.com.

Travel to the start - by train:

• From San Diego, there are 2 Surfliner trains that will take you to Santa Maria downtown. However, as of Jan 1, 2023, the connection between Oceanside and Irvine will be by bus until they repair the San Clemente Corridor. It will be another bus service from Goleta to Santa Maria. Note that each train will limit 6 bicycles.
• From Los Angeles, there are 4 Surfliner trains, 2 will stop at Guadalupe and 2 in downtown Santa Maria by bus. Like above, each train limits 6 bicycles.
• From Northern California, you will need to reach San Luis Obispo to board the Surfliner.

Travel to the start - by rental car (highly recommended):

• Avis offers 1-way vehicle rental from San Diego airport to Santa Maria airport. Depending on the type of vehicle, your cost varies from $90 for a sedan to $162 for a minivan. If you are willing to offer to rideshare in the minivan which can fit 3 bikes and riders (including driver), the person cost is $50-60 excluding gas.
• Other rental locations allowing one way include San Jose (SJC), San Francisco (SFO), Pasedena and LAX. Cost varies based on location.
• I personally found car rental the most convenient way to reach the start based on past experience for the Pinnacle Travelers and California Coasting.

Travel to the start from out of state:

• If you are flying in to take part, the suggestion is that you fly into San Diego and then rent a car to drive to Santa Maria. If you have a bike box, I can help arrange storage in San Diego for retrieval at the finish.
• If you are flying in with your bike box at the start, I may be able to carry 1 or 2 bike boxes with the drop bags.

At the finish:

• The finish control will be at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Hotel Circle (641 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108). As the name of the area suggests, there are plenty of other hotel options that fit your preference and budget. Your drop bag will be available for pick up at the finish, as well as your bike box if we have arranged storage for you in San Diego.
• Hazard Center is the nearest trolley station about a mile from the finish. It can take you to Santa Fe Station to catch the Surfliner train north.
• If you are returning to Northern California, the suggested method to return is to rent a car for a one-way trip from SAN to your destination.
• If you are flying out of San Diego, you can take an Uber or taxi to the airport.

Life happens. If you need to cancel before the start, here is the refund policy: No refund if cancel April 1, 2023 and after.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at sdrandos@gmail.com.