This route is the first in the series of gravel/mixed terrain populaires that Kelly D designed. Back when he first introduced these routes, few, if any randonneurs, cared to get their bikes dirty in order to take on these off road challenges. Some of us are now realizing that indeed he was a rando before his time for his mixed terrain advocacy.

Mixed Emotions links the following trails in one populaire:

• Raptor Ridge - Bandy Canyon approach
• Mule Hill
• Piedras Pintadas - Chelsea's Light
• Lusardi Creek Loop
• Penasquitos Creek Trail (north) to Del Mar Mesa
• Deer Canyon Trail
• Escondido Creek Trail - Rancho Santa Fe to Harmony Grove
• Questhaven

With 18 miles of gravel/dirt trails, the new gravel allowance adds 29 minutes to the time limit. This populaire's official finish time is 14:17.

A road bike is not recommended. There are some short technical sections. For novice gravel riders, walking/hiking is an acceptable gear to use to finish this populaire safely.

Here's Randorides Production (aka Kelly D) video previewing this route: youtu.be/GpTw-7n5l-s