So.Cal Vs Nor.Cal Rumble ?

[Manuel Acosta]

Damn Andy and his rumbling shenanigans now there needs to be a rumble in Cal.

Slight talks on the other threads. Like to clean things and get things semi more organized. 

Lets make this happen I'm off for the summer and I wouldn't mind driving down somewhere in the middle.

Any ideas?

[Anne Paulson]

Big Sur?

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-- Anne Paulson

My hovercraft is full of eels

[Andy Smitty Schmidt]

I probably won't make it to this, but I like where this is going. 

[dougP]

San Luis Obispo is central to lots of great cycling, and is accessible to all.  It's generally considered mid-way between LA & San Francisco.  If this is unknown territory for some, all the better!  Camping?  San Simeon, Morro Bay, Montana de Oro.  Plenty of lodging choices plus tons of good coffee places in SLO itself as well as outlying areas.  In Templeton is the Bike Lane Inn, a small B&B run by  a couple who have been touring for decades and have an inventory of routes around the area. 

Manny, this is the best idea you've had, and you get some pretty interesting ones!  I like it a lot.

dougP

[René Sterental]

Sounds like a very enticing idea. Hopefully I'm going to be available when it's scheduled. I'm off on the first half of July...

 

René

--

[Mike Schiller]

The Central Coast has some nice rides for sure. Except Paso and Templeton get really hot in summer... like 100 degrees.  How about somewhere like Huntington Lake. There are some nice backcounty roads up there including Kaiser Pass. The roads into Edison and Florence lake are remote, single lane and above 7000 ft. There are campgrounds and hotels around Huntington.   There is quite a bit of climbing to Kaiser pass which is at 9184 ft.

~mike

[Joe Bunik]

Yes yes yes yes mike Schiller has it - just make it a weekend or
whatever I can make it!!!

[hsmitham]

Mike that's an interesting idea, I was recently thinking about a short tour/camping in the Southern Sierra. I'd be game if it was scheduled on a weekend  I'll take a day or more off if necessary. I too like where this is going. Doug don't we have a S240 tentatively planned in July? El Morro camp? 

Best,

~Hugh

[Mike Schiller]

I was up there last summer for a backpacking trip out of Florence lake and thought that the roads would be perfect for a fat tired bike tour. We could do day rides from Huntington or even a tour to Vermilion Resort.   http://www.edisonlake.com/   The roads to Florence  and Edsion lakes are  the most remote in the Sierra's. The roads are paved now but past Kaiser Pass they look like someone just paved a dirt road with out grading.  

It's a 4 hr drive  from LA or SF so a three day weekend would allow for 2 days of riding.  

The is good riding also in the Alta Sierra Range  west of Lake Isabella. Better in Sept maybe. One could ride up to the old logging mill in Johnsondale and then up towards Alta Sierra on narrow paved roads through pine forests. 

~mike

[dougP]

We'd picked July with the 12th, 19th & 26th open.  I need to contact the park to see if they've got any large groups scheduled.  Now is a good time to do so as I expect any large group would need to plan well in advance.

OTH, if the stars align for an out of town adventure with the NorCal group that would be preferable.  People have more flexibility in summer so I think the turnout would be better.  Those elevations are definitely for summer time too.  I don't know any of those areas so it would be new turf, which is always welcome. 

dougP

[Hugh Smitham]

Let's shoot for a SoCal, NorCal adventure in July and the S240 @ El
Morro on any of the open weekends. Just my two cents worth.

~Hugh
Hugh
Sunland, Ca

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[dougP]

Agree. 

How does Mike's suggestion sound to the Northern Californians?  Looks to be due east of Monterey Bay. 

dougP

[allenmichael]

I would be interested in a few days either in SLO or the Southern Sierras with a slight preference for the mountains. What dates are we talking about? I have a trip planned from July 5-9 but could get away for three or so days any other weekend in July.

On Tuesday, June 4, 2013 10:53:02 PM UTC-7, Manuel Acosta wrote:

[cyclotourist]

SLO would be great, especially if it revolved Firestone Public House! I'm probably unavailable for any extended trip, but late July or August weekends miiiiiight work.

Cheers,
David

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[Manuel Acosta]

General Rule of thumb for most trips is that the designation can always be changed but the date needs to be set in place. 

I propose the date for the California Ramble Rumble as July 27-28.

On Tuesday, June 4, 2013 10:53:02 PM UTC-7, Manuel Acosta wrote:

[Hugh Smitham]

I'd be good with the Southern Sierra on Manny's date. Just wondering
though is it worth a 4 hour drive 8 hour RT for two days? Shall we
make it at least three? Or would that cause a drop off in
participation?

Mike since you know the area let's talk route. I imagine we would have
have a meet up spot, then ride to a base camp with a next day Rumble.
Just throwing it out there perhaps Meet at Shaver lake and ride to
Huntington Lake 22 miles for camping then the next day ride out
perhaps toward Kaiser peak on some of those graded dirt roads? Or meet
at Huntington Lake and ride the 24 miles toward Florence Lake? Let me
know what you think? If this firms up I'll look for a USGS map of the
area.

Best,


Hugh
Sunland, Ca

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[dougP]

July 27-28 works for me.  Agree that the date is the primary decision & location secondary. 

dougP

[Curtis McKenzie]

Hi,

Just put together my new used Homer.  What a bike!  It would be fun to meet up with you guys....however I will be walking from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite at the end of July.  I will keep my eyes open for socal riv riding events. 

This group really inspires.

Take care

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[Mike Schiller]

Hugh, The road from Shaver to Huntington has a lot more traffic. The best roads are up to Kaiser Pass and then to either Edison lake or Florence lake. Even though it's only ~27 miles one way  to each, there is a lot of climbing and the downhills are slow  due to the narrow winding roads. 

 

I don't know if the consensus is day rides from a base camp or an overnight to one of the lakes?  A round-trip to one of the lakes would be like 50+ miles and 5000+' of climbing. Obviously the s24o would be 1/2 of that. There is a nice cafe and store at Edison near the campground and showers. There is also a day 3 option to go around Kaiser Peak and stay at a more primitive campsite off of Stump springs rd. 

 This is one of the rare places you can ride deep into the Sierras on your bike but you have to work for it.

SLO would be a lot gentler riding and access by train. 

.... also that weekend works good for me.

~mike

[Anne Paulson]

I like the idea of access by train or bike. People both from the Bay
Area and from the LA area can ride to SLO, but riding through the
Central Valley in July is not at all appealing.

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[allenmichael]

I will ask for these dates tonight and see if my better half will join me.

On Tuesday, June 4, 2013 10:53:02 PM UTC-7, Manuel Acosta wrote:

[dougP]

The Sierra option means either a drive or a hot slog across the valley.  OTH, once there, the altitude means cooler temps.  Mike is correct about the temps around Paso Robles / Templeton / Atascadero area being hot.  There is a serious range of hills east of SLO that makes that valley a lot warmer than the coast.  San Simeon / Cayucos / Moro Bay can be considerably cooler. 

As Manny pointed out, the date is the key, then we worry about the destination.  And once I'm north of LA, I'll spend longer than a weekend. 

dougP

[Mike Schiller]

food for thought  http://pathlesspedaled.com/2013/01/california-dreaming-undiscovered-cycling-playground/

~mike

[Anne Paulson]

Better for fall/winter/early spring than for high summer.

On Fri, Jun 7, 2013 at 9:38 PM, Mike Schiller <mikey...@rocketmail.com> wrote:
> food for thought
> http://pathlesspedaled.com/2013/01/california-dreaming-undiscovered-cycling-playground/

[Hugh Smitham]

I agree with Anne my thoughts exactly. I'll drive to the Sierra's
perhaps some carpooling can happen?

Mike, you obviously know this area and I don't know the area at all so
I'll need to map it a bit in the near future. Sort of preoccupied and
full in on next week's tour down the coast.


Hugh
Sunland, Ca

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[Mike Schiller]

the inland routes are too hot for summer. The See Cyn route is close to the ocean and would be fine. We would need to come up with another ride that goes north and is along the coast during mid day and afternoon. Maybe Stagecoach rd  to Tv Tower rd to the coast and back thru Morro Bay.

~mike

[Manuel Acosta]

So date seems set.

July 27-28 For the Rivendell Ramble Rumble (California Edition)

Now lets agree on a place where we can meet.

Lets worry about route and places to sleep afterwords. If we can all agree on a central place then those things will fall into place.

Not like any of those things are super important...... We can make those things up as we go!

[jimD]

I've attended the Great Western Bicycle Rally based in Paso Robles for the past 4 years.

This is held in early summer. Even when it is hot in PR, the coast and attendant cooler (much) micro climate is ~30 miles away.

The diversity of riding and climate in this area is great. 

-JimD

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[Esteban]

Let the wild rumpus start!

http://vimeo.com/19843769

[Hugh Smitham]

Too bad they didn't show the NorCalers on Steel bikes and SoCalers
driving low riders doing battle :-)


Hugh
Sunland, Ca

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[dougP]

Looks like we've got an event!  Now, a key driver of location:

Camping?  Morro Bay SP is adjacent to town with all the attendant services.  San Simeon SP is a couple of miles north of San Simeon & several miles north of Cambria.  Oceano Dunes is adjacent to Pismo & Arroyo Grande, about 10 miles south of SLO.  Area has a mix of lodging as well. 

Lodging?  SLO is a natural, with tons of places.  Cambria is right on the coast BUT you have to snag a decent rate catch a deal well in advance or take your chances on "day of".  Moro Bay also has lodging so if it's a mix of campers & lodgers that may be preferable.

Personally I favor camping within walking distance of a restaurant (not being much of a cook).  What do others prefer?

dougP 

On Friday, June 7, 2013 11:48:51 PM UTC-7, Manuel Acosta wrote:

[Anne Paulson]

As I recall, there are a couple of restaurants in San Simeon, but it's
not a very big town. Hearst Castle is amazing to visit if you've never
been there. I've camped at San Simeon, Oceano and Morro Bay; as I
recall, Morro Bay was the nicest.

I also recall once, a long long time ago, riding north from Morro Bay
up Big Sur. Beautiful, but very very strong headwinds. That was in the
spring; the summer has smaller winds I think.

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[Mike Schiller]

If we want to reserve a regular site we are too late to get a good campground with showers. The best ones...Morro Bay and Pismo SP's are booked that weekend. 

Morro Strand is open but no showers or and few trees for shade.  San Simeon has only the primitive section open ( no showers) .  We could do the hiker/biker sites for the train travelers but that wouldn't work for those that drive there.

The best of the leftovers to me is Morro Strand SP. Flush toilets, closer to a decent size town, and not to far from the train station in SLO.

any other ideas?  The Motel 6's ( two of them) are 5 miles south of SLO and charge $106/n. The south one is better BTW. 

~mike

[dougP]

Hiker biker at Moro Bay may work.  The town of Moro Bay is pretty casual.  Drivers could park in town & ride to the campground.  It's right next to the town. 

Moro Strand is intriguing if the above won't work.  I didn't know about it & must have ridden by many times.  At San Simeon the hiker biker sites are next to the highway.  As Anne pointed out, San Simeon is pretty small, with limited services. 

dougP

[Mike Schiller]

Morro Strand is north of the main business area. Right on the ocean north of the big rock( Morro) .  

I'm probably going to ride the Surfliner up on Friday. Depending on when others are arriving I'll probably stay at Morro Bay SP hiker/biker that night.

Thinking about riding back down to Ventura on Monday-Tuesday. 

~mike

[Manuel Acosta]

Morro bay sounds good how's our dirt options? Would had to drive all that way just to ride more road. 

[Jeremy Till]

Damn.  Leave for the east coast from OAK early that Monday and probably have to work on Saturday, so I think the Rumble is a no go for me.  Oh well, I'll look forward to pictures!

[Mike Schiller]

Hi Oren, Seems like they are a little closer from the train station than Morro  Bay and the Edna Valley is a very nice place to ride. .But does Biddle allow camping?  All I see is day use.  Lopez is nice but  pretty hot on some days if I recall as it is about 12 miles inland.

I guess we need to decide where to camp. 

and do you have any suggestions on mixed surface rides?  

~mike

  

On Sunday, June 9, 2013 5:50:48 PM UTC-7, oren wrote:

i live in SLO. all stated above are great ideas. another suggestion for the camping would be biddle co park. i believe there is camping there. it isnt too inland (not incredibly hot). it is out edna valley area so therefor it is close to the train station and it is an absolutely beautiful bike ride. there is also camping very near by at lopez lake.

[Mike Schiller]

Mitch from SLO ( Atlantis owner) emailed me some info about El Chorro County park, which is on the road between SLO and Morro Bay. There is camping there and they have showers. http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Page11103.aspx  This looks like another option.   I don't know if there are any food options nearby, so not optimal, but could work.   

Still looking for routes. Like to have some backcountry roads with some dirt thrown in.  The See Canyon/Prefuma rd has a fairly long climb with a dirt section. 

http://www.lkjh.org/bike/california/slo/see/index.html

~mike

[cyclotourist]

I think I can pull off the 27-28th. Will need some good planning on my part though, as the calendar is pretty filled up.

Cheers,
David

[René Sterental]

Looking tough for me, but I'll see if I can pull it off. 

​René  

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[dougP]

Have a look at these routes:

http://mountainbikeslocounty.com/

One of the great features of this area is a lot of back roads that are lightly traveled and go thru scenic areas.  While there's plenty of interesting un-paved stuff to choose from, even the paved bits getting there are pretty nice. 

The suggestion of Old Stagecoach up to Towers is excellent.  This is the ridgeline between Oso Valley and the valley where Paso & Atascadero are.  One possible return is down Poly Canyon into the university.  I continued on the ridgeline to Hwy 41 & on to Morro Bay.  This requires crossing a not-for-the-faint-of-heart rock slide (David, you ARE doing this!).  Total loop is roughly 40 odd miles, give or take. 

I've done See Cyn from both sides & suggest coming from the Avila Beach end.  The climb is more shaded & more interesting, and you do the dirt on the way up.  Toward the end it ramps up steeply just before the summit, so you sort of "pop out" on top and have this amazing view of Morro Rock to one side and the Oso Valley to the other.  You then get to enjoy a screaming downhill on pavement with decent sitelines, etc. 

Mitch's comments have encountered some interweb interference, so if they don't pop up shortly I'll just copy & paste them, with appropriate attribution of course.  You can't beat local knowledge.

dougP

[Mike Schiller]

So what kind of timetable are people planning? Arrive on Friday night or Saturday Morning?   Trying to figure out if someone should reserve a campsite for Friday night.  

I'm planning on arriving on the 100pm Surfliner  on Friday from LA. There is also one that arrives from LA @ 830pm. 

The Coast Starlight arrives at 320pm from SF. 

There is a hostel near the train station  in SLO, but bike parking is outside. 

it's 16 miles to Morro Bay from the Amtrak Station if we stay there. 

~mike

[Hugh Smitham]

I was hoping for the Sierra's and of course will go with the
consensuses as SLO is a good second. Considering coming up Friday. I
have requested Sunday the 29th off so we'll see how that shapes up.

~Hugh
Hugh
Sunland, Ca

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[Mitch Browne]

I live local and have been attempting to post but posts are automatically deleting. Jim is trying to help but nothing obvious is going on. So. This is a test post.

Mike there aren't any stores very close to any of the discussed camp sites. El Chorro stores are about 4 miles next to CalPoly and the intersection of Foothill and Santa Rosa (Highway 1). Albertsons grocery, Starbucks, Panda Express, Pita Pit, Carl's, BBQ etc. I should note there's one small hill that takes about 2 minutes at 24t + 32t gearing between the campsite and town.

I think your biggest concern will be nailing down a reservation in the popular tourist area.

Mitch Browne

San Luis Obispo

[Mike Schiller]

Thanks Mitch. You might try a different browser. I had the same issue until I switched to Google Chrome.

I didn't think there were any stores near Cuesta, seems kinda odd with the school there.  I'm very familiar with that shopping area as my daughters both lived very near there while attending Cal Poly. 

I agree with you on the reservations need . I need to get some input from others if they will be there Friday night or Saturday morning.

~mike

[dougP]

Mike:

I like your idea.  I'll plan to be there Friday afternoon as well.  Are we considering hiker-biker at Morro Bay or getting a reservation at Morro Strand?  Or other location? 

Related topic:  I plan to hang around the area a while longer (or maybe come up earlier) & check out some new-to-me routes.  Let me know if you want to spend a bit more time around the area.  Maybe change campgrounds just for fun. 

dougP

[Mitch Browne]

Doug,

I caution you on accommodations.

I believe most campgrounds will be in demand with limited reservations, if any, with maybe some first come first served spots.

El Chorro says on their website that arriving in the middle toward end of the week is the best chance.

I wouldn't count on camp ground hopping but then again you might get lucky.

Another thought is checking Craigslist and maybe getting a rental for a few days, if you have enough people this may be economically workable.

As you know there are many distances / possibilities. Out to the coast and back could be anywhere from 30-40 miles. looping through Morro Bay to Los Osos /  estuary up over Turri Road to Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) back toward SLO up O'Connor way through Camp San Luis / Cuesta College would be manageable for many. 

As mentioned my post that didn't post I am a daily work commuter. 16 miles round trip from SLO to Cuesta College and errands / shopping on weekends puts me at a comfortable 90+ miles a week. I don't do much long distance on the weekends so I don't know many of the local courses but there's something for everyone.

Mitch Browne

San Luis Obispo, CA

[dougP]

Manny:

I feel a bit like Mike & I have hijacked your thread.  Not intentionally; I just got excited by the whole idea. 

What are your thoughts on camping vs lodging, and some of the sites that have been tossed out?  Other than Morro Bay & San Simeon, all I know about the other places is what I've seen on the internet. 

dougP

[Manuel Acosta]

Lots of great talk. Lots of expectations.

Dirt options look good. Before the route gets made up....

Lets decide on campgrounds. 

There was a handful mention... 

[Mike Schiller]

which nights will you be down? Friday and Saturday night or just Saturday night?  And windswept beach or inland valley campground?

looks like at least 5 from SoCal are planning on being there.

~mike

[allenmichael]

I will be coming down from SF, late on Friday night. My vote is for a cooler windswept beach. I think the strand is reasonably close to the Taco Temple. Also wouldn't mind carpooling if someone else wants to drive down late on Friday from SF area.

Michael Allen

[Mike Schiller]

Just checked out the reviews on Taco Temple...  looks like we have a Friday night dinner spot. I'ts .6 miles from  Morro Strand Campground.

~mike

[allenmichael]

I'll be too late for Friday, but I would like a taco before heading home on Sunday.

[Hugh Smitham]

Mike,

Have you made a reservation for Morro Strand Camp?

-Hugh

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[Manuel Acosta]

Leaving Saturday for me.

[oren]

i will keep posted and as the camping location gets set in stone i will help with possible ride ideas. i know the county well and i may be able to offer great on-road/ off-road suggestions.

[dougP]

Oren:

That's great to hear.  Local knowledge trumps internet info every time.  I can live wherever we decide to land.  The inland campground at El Chorro sounded like better amenities but was remote while the beach one at Morro Strand lacked hot showers but was close to Morro Bay.  People should probably express a preference so we can settle that question. 

dougP

[cyclotourist]

FYI, the hostel had room for eight in the male dorm last I checked.

Cheers,
David

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[dougP]

I assume the hostel can accommodate an equal number of women.  The unknown is bicycle security.  Bicycles are not allowed inside the building.  They claim to have an area outside that is safe.  Maybe one of our SLO riders could have a look & give a comment?  Address is 1617 Santa Rosa, a short walk from the train station. 

The hostel is an interesting option, especially for those only spending the weekend, and especially if your train arrives after dark or you want to catch an early AM return train.  It's definitely worth consideration. 

dougP

[cyclotourist]

I like the hostel option, but don't know anything about this one. If it's in town (yet not next to the rail line) that seems like a plus (Firestone, Firestone, Firestone...). If there's any interest in that, maybe we can find out if they can offer a group discount even. Although $25 a night aint too bad.

Cheers,
David

[Manuel Acosta]

Seems like we are having trouble with camping grounds.

Here's my proposed idea. I don't know how a handful of folks feel about it. BUT this could work out with some local knowledge around the area.

We could all meet (via car or bike or train or spaceship) at a designated spot. 

Then we ride to a STEALH camping location good enough for a good group of folks. Then ride Sunday Morning somewhere. 

I don't know how big of a group we are having but if I'm sure we can get a head count. 

I try not to over think this things. We can worry about camp showers and water but seriously it's just going to be a night. 

Any thoughts?

[Mitch Browne]

Manny,

I've been mostly keeping out of this discussion but will offer my local insight here.

I work at Cuesta College, half-way between SLO and Morro Bay. It also happens to be directly across Highway 1 from El Chorro campground.

I ride to work most days and the campus is right at the Marine "curtain" between inland and coast influences. From my house in SLO 8 miles away I can never predict what the weather will be close to campus. It's a nice mix of sunny 6:30 mornings or maybe misting fog. This morning it was foggy all the way to the coast. yesterday it was sunny though foggy on the coast.

Summer is foggy most days in Morro Bay. I like the fog for a few miles but once I get wet and start to cool I appreciate sunshine. Your chances are good that you will see fog most of the day and night at Morro Strand campground. You're likely to see sun sometime in the morning at El Chorro. Chance are you'll see sun even sooner in SLO.

We just hired a new web programmer from Hanford who camped at El Chorro last week. He said they have lots of primitive campsites that are first-come-first-served, no reservations. He added that the $1 in quarters gets you 10 minutes of hot shower water.It's a county park staffed by county rangers who close up about 5pm.

IF the Hostel were still an alternative I'll try to think of a place you might be able to store bikes for the night but none come immediately to mind. The Hostel is about 200 feet down a small hill from the train station. Doug, bike parking appears to be in a rack along the Hostel driveway entrance. I'll try to stop by after work and ask about bike parking and maybe take pictures.

If you're planning on riding toward the coast I'd recommend gloves, wool, and some sort of beanie.

There is much to do for everyone but little time ;) Cheers, Mitch

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[Manuel Acosta]

Mike this helps a lot. thanks!

So details so far.

Date: July 27-28

Location: El Chorro campgrounds 

I'm planing on leaving early sometime Saturday. Hoping getting there sometime in the afternoon.

This okay with everyone?

[dougP]

Manny:

Thanks for driving the stake.  I'll see you at El Chorro on Saturday afternoon. 

dougP

[Manuel Acosta]

Any objections? If this is fine with everyone I'll make a separate post just for the official shindig. 

[dougP]

Manny:

That post would also be a good time to ask people whether they plan to join in the fun.  Mike had looked into the campground details & there was a limit per campsite but it was reasonable. 

dougP

[Evan Spacht]

Hi folks,

I was curious if there's anyone driving up from the LA area who would be willing to let me tag along.

I'd love to join in for this one, but without a car, and limited resources, it could be difficult getting up there. Has anyone used the Amtrak ?

kindly,

Evan

[dougP]

Evan:

Amtrak is pretty easy once you get used to their website, and sort thru the schedules.  So as not to sidetrack the thread, contact me directly if you'd like help with it. 

dougP

[Mike Schiller]

I'm riding up on the Surfliner on Friday the 25th that leaves Union Station at 735 am arriving in SLO at 100 pm.

There are only two trains per day that go all the way to SLO with bike racks. The other arrives at 800 pm. 

~mike

[hsmitham]

Hi Rivsters,

Well just rolled into Paso Robles after seeing some of California's finest. Been outta the loop for a bit so lets see if I've got the plans down. Meeting up @ El Chorro on Saturday camping that night and riding on Sunday. Mike are you still camping at Morro Strand?

Hugh

[Mike Schiller]

Hugh, I haven't made any reservations yet. Could stay at any the campgrounds depending on who is up there Friday. I'll be self contained on my bike.

~mike

[dougP]

So far that looks to be the anchor point, with individual arrival & departure dates TBD.  I'll be in the area earlier & likely stay later but nothing fixed yet. 

Hugh,  I know you're on a timeline back from Paso but we'll look for a trip report with photos soon. 

dougP

On Thursday, June 20, 2013 5:14:09 PM UTC-7, hsmitham wrote:

[dougP]

Morro Bay SP hiker-biker sounds good for Friday night. 

dougP

[Hugh Smitham]

Doug,

Haven't yet seen my pictures on a good screen and will have some editing to do but I'll have em up soon. I think you'll enjoy them.

I learned a lot and for sure have the cyclotourist bug.

-Hugh

--

[Evan Spacht]

Count me in for the Riv Ramble Scramble.

Thought it was this weekend but I neglected to read the 'July' part of the date.

-Evan

[pam]

This is OT but I'm planning a trip to San Fran and would like to rent a bike.  Would you know a shop I can call?  The SFBP is on the first Fri.  Have you ever ridden in it?

[Minh]

pam hopefully someone can suggest a riv-ish option, but for non-rivish there are a ton of shops which will rent you a hybrid bike in the city, it runs about $20-30 a day.

a lesser known secret is that if you stay at a kimpton hotel, they have bikes you can checkout for free.   i've stayed at the harbor court (public bikes, but only 2-3 so you have to get one early in the morning), i've also stayed at the drake, which does not have any bikes on-site but if you talk to the concierge they will give you a coupon for a free rental from a place around the corner.

of course if you're not staying in a hotel this would not apply :)

[Evan]

Pam:  

You might call these shops. They are country-bike-friendly. If they can't rent you a bike, they might at least steer you to the best bike rental place among the many out there.

American Cyclery, 510 Frederick St, (415) 664-4545

Citizen Chain, 2064 Powell St, (415) 796-2925

Box Dog Bikes, 494 14th St, (415) 431-9627

[pam]

Thanks for the tips.  This is most helpful.  I'll see what I rent.  By the way, what do you ride?  I ride a Betty Foy.  She's great!

[dougP]

I just spoke with someone at the El Chorro Campground.  They will take reservations for the weekend of July 27.  I'll make the reservation BUT need to know headcount and arrival & departure dates.  Does anyone plan to arrive on Friday or earlier, or to stay Sunday or later?  My schedule is flexible and I intend to spend more than one night there but would like to coordinate with others if there's interest in a longer stay.  I told the guy we would be around a half dozen people, each with small 1 person backpacking tent (purposely keeping it a bit vague) and the response was "no problem".  Sites are available on first come first served without reservation but I think having at least one site reserved would be a good thing. 

Please post your plans soon so I can make the reservation and we can start coordinating our travels. 

dougP

[Manuel Acosta]

I'll be coming down. so count me in. I plan on driving or if there is room with other bay area folks I would love to car pool. 

PM if you need a ride.

[dougP]

I just made a reservation for Sat July 27 & Sun July 28 at El Chorro.  The site number is B-9 in the Bishop Loop.  Reservation is under my name, Doug Peterson, if you arrive before I do. 

dougP

[hsmitham]

Doug,

I plan on coming up on Friday, riding on the Sunday ride and returning to Los Angeles that evening. Evan will be joining me on the drive up. I guess I need to figure out accommodations for that Friday night.

Best,

~Hugh

[dougP]

Two options that we can muse over:

1.  I snake off a site for Friday night on the "first come first save" lottery.  I'll be in Arroyo Grande Thursday night & that's maybe 20 miles away.  I can easily get there by late AM on Friday. 

2.  Plan B (if El Chorro is full on Friday) would be hiker-biker at El Morro SP for Friday night only.  If driving, you could drive into the park (I've got a pass so we'd need to coordinate), dump your stuff, go out & find a parking spot in town (pretty easy I think) & ride in.  No, I won't set up your tent while you're gone :-).  Then move over to El Chorro on Sat.

So far we've got Evan, Hugh, Manny & Doug. 

Manny, if you get a couple of comprades, I suggest calling Paul Lee @ 805-781-5930, ext 4, and reserve a 2nd campsite.  It's only $25 per night plus a $9 booking fee.  I don't have a feel for the size of the campsites but IME 6 tents is about max.  I've slept thru earthquakes, trains, generators, etc, but YMMV when it comes to proximity to other campers.

dougP

[dougP]

Next weekend is coming fast.  I'm off the radar after Tuesday night so contact me off-list for cell phone number.  That will be the ONLY way to reach me.  I'm gone early Wed AM & am rarely interested in dealing with the computer away from the comfort of my cave.  The information below is still valid.  I will be at El Chorro site Bishop 9 on Saturday & Sunday.  That'll be my first stop on Friday to see if I can grab another night but otherwise it's Morro Bay SP (a pretty nice place too). 

It would be handy if people would post an ETA (remember, the "E" is for estimate; not a promise) so we all know who to look for & when.  Also, an exchange of cell numbers can facilitate coordination. 

Gotta go out & stick on the low riders & gather the gear.  Adventure awaits.

dougP

[hsmitham]

Doug,

I'm planning on being up Friday and don't have a place to stay yet. I suppose I can just go to Morro SP for Friday. Anyway I have your phone number so keep it charged and handy Friday.

~Hugh

[Esteban]

I've corresponded with Jim Warren a bit about this, but while I will be back in the U.S., this has collided with our vacation/anniversary trip to Mendocino/SF/points north over the next three weeks. Have a ball, and I will root for So Cal., as while I enjoy many friendships and miles to the north of the Monterey Co. line, I despise those Giants. Go, A's, though.
Esteban

[dougP]

Hugh:

I'll let you know where I land.  I expect to have it worked out by mid-day to early afternoon. 

dougP

[Manuel Acosta]

My ETA on Saturuday is around 10ish or 11ish depending on whether I can have anyone from the East Bay tag along. I was planning on leaving early 7ish. If anyone was planning on driving down I would love to carpool If not I can drive.

PM me off the list.

-Manny

[dougP]

Manny:

Sounds good.  The simplest thing I can think of is for you to meet us at El Chorro.  Space B-9 is in my name & paid for so even if you get there before I do it should be OK.  So far you have the only car so you can park there.  Hugh, Evan & I will meet you there. 

dougP

[allenmichael]

Just arrived. Looks like everyone is out riding. I'm going in to morro bay for a taco and will come by again later.

Michael Allen

[allenmichael]

[allenmichael]