The start location has been MOVED to Lowes Center in Carlsbad at the corner of Palomar Airport Rd and El Camino Real.

Route History - 30 years ago, a couple of Poway Unified School District educators started an annual tradition for local 5th graders and their parents to ride across California over a 7-day period as a rites of passage experience (see RAC History). Over spring break, the participating students and parents would start from the Colorado River, riding between 30-50 miles each day and camping overnight. On the final day, they would finish at Moonlight Beach and mark their completion by dipping the front wheels of their bicycles in the Pacific Ocean.

In 2020, my son and I were signed up and training for that annual ride until the Great Pandemic scuttled that endeavor. My son was overjoyed. I accepted the lost opportunity. However, the route, being around 250 miles, presented a unique randonneuring opportunity. The randonneur version of this tradition will start in Carlsbad, finishing in Yuma, Arizona. After negotiating up the climbs to Julian through Elfin Forest, Highland Valley, Ramona and Santa Ysabel, the back two-thirds of the brevet will be a descent down Banner Pass followed by the desert tailwind pushing the riders through Imperial County.

Brevet logistics:

1. Starting location has been moved to the Lowes center (2515 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, 92008). Parking is available in front of Lowes.
2. If you are traveling to the start by train, you will need to transfer from Amtrak at Oceanside Station to the North County Coaster commuter train in order to reach the Carlsbad-Poinsettia Station.
3. The following hotels are near the start:
   • Homewood Suites, 2223 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
   • Hampton Inn, 2229 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
   • Holiday Inn, 2725 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009
   • Staybridge Suites, 2735 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009
4. The finish location has been changed to the Quality Inn & Suites Yuma, 1691 Riley Ave, Yuma, AZ 85365
5. Each rider is allowed 1 drop bag for pick up at the finish in Yuma. The bag must be tagged with your name that is visible from the outside and must be no larger than 12”X12”X24” that can securely contain your personal items during transport. We will not accept grocery bags or any large luggage.
6. We are planning to set up a lunch control most likely at Stagecoach Trails RV park or at Agua Caliente Springs. 
7. During the brevet, the control at Hugh T. Osborne Lookout at mile 192.7 will be staffed. If possible, we will also patrol the section between the control and I-8 after dark.
8. For your return to Carlsbad:
   • We have set up a rideshare program that will be available to the first 15 riders who have registered, make a reservation and provide proof of vaccination. As of March 6, 13 of the 15 spots have been reserved. The cost of the rideshare is $55 per rider. After registration closes, those who have reserved a spot will be contracted to pay.
   • Pick up by family. If possible, plan a family trip in Arizona after the brevet. With your bike in tow, there are several permanents to choose in the Tucson area.
   • Car rental. You can reserve a vehicle from Avis in Yuma (3.1 miles from the Radisson Yuma) for a one-way journey. Rental cost before taxes and topping off gas ranges from $260-$290. If you share the ride, the cost can be split. On Sunday morning, we will shuttle riders to the Avis office at Yuma International Airport to pick up your rental vehicle. When you reach Carlsbad, you can return the vehicle at the Avis office located in McClellan Palomar Airport just 0.9 miles away from Lowes. 
   • Train. There is the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle train departing Sunday night at 23:49 from Yuma, arriving at Los Angeles Union Station at 5:35 Monday morning.

ALL SAN DIEGO RANDONNEURS EVENTS ARE ONLY OPEN TO PARTICIPANTS WHOSE RUSA MEMBERSHIP IS CURRENT.

Randonneuring is a self-supporting event – There will be no day of registration. Start/Finish will be staffed. SAG support and staffing at a control along the route will be planned 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.