Speaking of Off-Pavent Rides... Come to Redlands this Spring!

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cyclotourist

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Oct 9, 2013, 9:14:19 PM10/9/13
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Over the years, the SoCal chapter of the Rivendell Bicycle
Appreciation Society has put on a lot of great rides!

I've loved EVERY one I've been on, and met a lot of greatpeople.
They've actually lead to some pretty good friendships IRL, which is
the best part of them. The other thing I love is seeing new areas of
the state I've never been to. Amazing to explore back-country from San
Diego to Ventura with the above-mentioned folks.

I also love the idea of the organized rides/brevets/populairs that are
happening like the D2R2 in Vermont, and La Ruta Loca in the Bay Area.

So I think to myself: Why not combine the two? Which gives us this:
http://redlands-strada-rossa.blogspot.com/

Some locals and I are trying to put on an "organized" ride, that shows
the best of Inland Southern California in the Spring, and keeps people
on as much dirt as possible. The rest is majority back/rural roads.
Many of the SoCal rides have been on parts of this route, but this
links the segments together in an amazing loop that comes out at just
about 100km.

A decent amount of climbing to keep folks honest, but there are no
chest-bursters. Some singletrack as well. Not terrible technical, but
1km section of climbing that may cause some walking. Not a biggie.

The vibe aimed for his an extended Riv-Ride. There are no timing
devices, no podium spots, no t-shirts, just the knowledge that it'll
be good people on a good route.

And it's free! Not a money-maker, either for for profit or charity.
Just a good ride! I am trying to arrange a post-ride meal and party
hosted by the Redlands Bike BBQ http://www.bikebbq.com/ that will be a
donations-only set up. They're good people and I'd like to help them
out, but again, that's not the point of the ride.

So long/short: The ride is on March 15th, 2014. Weather should be
great. I hope many of you can make it here for this. Cheap/clean/safe
hotels in town. Quaint historic downtown to walk around and lots of
Victorian, Arts & Crafts, MCM homes to look at for significant others
that may not be into the whole 100km bike ride thing.

Oh, and two independent breweries in town as well. Just thought I'd
mention that!


--
Cheers,
David

"it isn't a contest. Just enjoy the ride." - Seth Vidal

Jeremy Till

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Oct 9, 2013, 9:46:39 PM10/9/13
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This sounds amazing!  Just might have to take some time off for this....

cyclotourist

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Oct 9, 2013, 10:33:38 PM10/9/13
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I hope you can! Can't think of a better reason to take a day off and
travel some!!!

This is the inaugural of what I hope will become an annual event.
Might get bigger/more organized and with more amenities added, but
this one is as advertised: An opportunity for a bunch of like-minded
folks to get together and have a good time on two wheels! See some new
scenery, meet some people that you've only corresponded with on
electronically.

No downside on this!
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Tom Virgil

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Oct 9, 2013, 10:50:42 PM10/9/13
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Just plain excellent.  Marking my calendar.  Thank you, David, for proposing this.  Hope we see some of the usual suspects.


On Wednesday, October 9, 2013 6:14:19 PM UTC-7, cyclot...@gmail.com wrote:

cyclotourist

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Oct 9, 2013, 11:02:41 PM10/9/13
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I hope to see you there!

You won't even need your mobile ice-chest if things go according to plan!
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Tom Virgil

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Oct 10, 2013, 12:43:05 AM10/10/13
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On Wednesday, October 9, 2013 8:02:41 PM UTC-7, cyclot...@gmail.com wrote:
I hope to see you there!

You won't even need your mobile ice-chest if things go according to plan!
 The beer and ice run allowed me to ride San Mateo unfettered (except on the way back with the beer and ice).  I will never forget the reception as I rode into the camp. Worth ever penny for the beer and ice.   Priceless for new friendships and associations.

dougP

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Oct 10, 2013, 4:20:42 PM10/10/13
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Wow!  Slip away for a month & come home to find the first bike event of next year is already scheduled.  This will be a fun time.  Inland SoCal in spring is wonderful, as David's photos show.  Hope to see some new faces & out of the area riders on this one. 

dougP


On Wednesday, October 9, 2013 6:14:19 PM UTC-7, cyclot...@gmail.com wrote:

Curtis McKenzie

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Oct 9, 2013, 10:06:23 PM10/9/13
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Sounds like a great time. I will clear the date. 
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cyclotourist

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Oct 11, 2013, 7:17:59 PM10/11/13
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From Diego to Francisco, the saints are going to be well represented!

On 10/9/13, Curtis McKenzie <cmc...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Sounds like a great time. I will clear the date.
>
> On Wednesday, October 9, 2013, Jeremy Till wrote:
>
>> This sounds amazing! Just might have to take some time off for this....
>>
>> On Wednesday, October 9, 2013 6:14:19 PM UTC-7,
>> cyclot...@gmail.com<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
>> 'cyclot...@gmail.com');>wrote:
>>>
>>> Over the years, the SoCal chapter of the Rivendell Bicycle
>>> Appreciation Society has put on a lot of great rides!
>>>
>>> I've loved EVERY one I've been on, and met a lot of greatpeople.
>>> They've actually lead to some pretty good friendships IRL, which is
>>> the best part of them. The other thing I love is seeing new areas of
>>> the state I've never been to. Amazing to explore back-country from San
>>> Diego to Ventura with the above-mentioned folks.
>>>
>>> I also love the idea of the organized rides/brevets/populairs that are
>>> happening like the D2R2 in Vermont, and La Ruta Loca in the Bay Area.
>>>
>>> So I think to myself: Why not combine the two? Which gives us this:
>>> http://redlands-strada-rossa.**blogspot.com/<http://redlands-strada-rossa.blogspot.com/>
>> email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com <javascript:_e({},
>> 'cvml', 'rbw-owners-bunch%2Bunsu...@googlegroups.com');>.
>> To post to this group, send email to
>> rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com<javascript:_e({}, 'cvml',
>> 'rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com');>
>> .
>> Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
>> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
>>
>
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allenmichael

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Oct 11, 2013, 10:59:15 PM10/11/13
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One more from st Francis.. Sounds too good to miss.

Michael Allen

cyclotourist

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Oct 11, 2013, 11:00:50 PM10/11/13
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Y'all need to set up a carpool!!!

On 10/11/13, allenmichael <allenm...@mac.com> wrote:
> One more from st Francis.. Sounds too good to miss.
>
> Michael Allen
>

hsmitham

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Oct 12, 2013, 12:56:31 AM10/12/13
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The Date is in the Calendar. Looking forward to it. Keep a tent spot open for me as it's a long drive home and I'll be enjoying the post ride activities.

~Hugh

cyclotourist

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Oct 13, 2013, 4:12:09 PM10/13/13
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I've created a flickr group to highlight the best the route has to
offer: http://www.flickr.com/groups/redlands-strada-rossa/

But even the less-photogenic portions of the route are still pretty darn nice!

And you should subscribe to the blog via email, just to stay on the
cutting edge of info!
http://redlands-strada-rossa.blogspot.com/
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cyclotourist

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Jan 10, 2014, 11:33:45 AM1/10/14
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Getting more and more legit by the moment! Official registration is now open, hosted by the Inland Empire Biking Alliance! This isn't an organized ride with numbers or anything, and it's all on public roads so anyone can just show up and ride (Just Ride!), but we're trying to get an idea of how many participants there will be. This will help with general planning, as well as the post-ride festivities! So please take a moment and register at the IEBA page! 

Again, the main info page is http://redlands-strada-rossa.blogspot.com

jinxed

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Jan 10, 2014, 12:48:11 PM1/10/14
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So...hypothetically speaking....if one were to fly out from Denver CO...what would be the closest airport? Santa Ana? 

cyclotourist

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Jan 10, 2014, 12:51:49 PM1/10/14
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A hypothetical plane would be best to land at Ontario or Palm Springs.

Glad it's being hypothetically considered!!!

Hugh Smitham

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Jan 10, 2014, 12:59:12 PM1/10/14
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Cool I'm the third registrant. Planning on coming out and doing a portion of the ride soon maybe February?

~Hugh

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” ― Albert Einstein


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Mike Schiller

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Jan 10, 2014, 1:12:12 PM1/10/14
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signed up!   now I just gotta buy that fatbike for the challenging dirt sections. 

~mike
Carlsbad Ca.

cyclotourist

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Jan 10, 2014, 1:20:36 PM1/10/14
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Filling up fast!

A preview day could be a lot of fun, plus I wouldn't mind getting outside opinions on sections, either. Especially want to get the fat-bike mileage upped!

Cheers,
David

"it isn't a contest. Just enjoy the ride." - Seth Vidal





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Hugh Smitham

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Jan 10, 2014, 2:08:03 PM1/10/14
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Let's set a date soon, cause the calendar is filling up quick.

~Hugh

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” ― Albert Einstein


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dougP

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Jan 10, 2014, 11:50:25 PM1/10/14
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Ontario is closest but service has cut way back the last few years.  Palm Springs?  Mmmm, not so sure how far you can get from there.  Santa Ana / John Wayne has service to Denver. 

If you want to ship a bike, we can work out someplace to receive it & send back. 

dougP

cyclotourist

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Jan 10, 2014, 11:56:44 PM1/10/14
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Yes, what Doug said. But PS is very much adding a lot of flights. It's the "it" airport in SoCal right now. LAX is cheapest, but another hour away.

Cheers,
David

"it isn't a contest. Just enjoy the ride." - Seth Vidal





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Eric Norris

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Jan 12, 2014, 6:31:18 PM1/12/14
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Palm Springs tends to be more expensive to fly into, and there are fewer carriers. Southwest flies out of Ontario, so it's easier to get to.

Eric N
Twitter: @CampyOnlyGuy

cyclotourist

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Jan 12, 2014, 9:14:01 PM1/12/14
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ONT has dropped a lot of flights, including many from big hubs. PSP at the same time is ramping up the # of flights. PSP is supposed to be a nice little airport as well. But if you can get to Ontario, it's closer and hopefully cheaper. LAX is only another 60 minutes away, but that's a whole other story...

sameness

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Jan 12, 2014, 9:23:44 PM1/12/14
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United and Southwest fly to Burbank. Not a billion miles closer than LAX, but a much friendlier airport to visit.

Jeff Hagedorn
Warragul, VIC Australia

dougP

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Jan 12, 2014, 11:31:59 PM1/12/14
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That extra 60 minutes could be optimistic.  Even if correct, those are 60 high stress minutes if you are driving or someone picking you up.  Best escape from LAX is one of several bus services. 

dougP

Hugh Smitham

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Jan 12, 2014, 11:44:05 PM1/12/14
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Figured I'd chime in. 

There is Burbank Airport. It's a 15 to 20 minute easy drive from my house. I could pick you up depending on your arrival date and time. Say you flew in on a Friday you can hang your hat overnight at our home then we can drive out the next morning really early or I could pick you up and we drive out late Friday(large amount of commuter traffic going East) camp at David's ( hey David you did make that offer months ago) and be up for the ride early Saturday morning. 

~Hugh

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” ― Albert Einstein


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cyclotourist

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Jan 18, 2014, 8:36:03 PM1/18/14
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The RSR is now even on the face time: https://www.facebook.com/events/253431688149599

Just rode an alternative section today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclotourist/12021253736/

I think you're going to like it!

cyclot...@gmail.com

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Jan 31, 2014, 2:13:35 PM1/31/14
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A heads up that only five spaces are left. We originally set the size to 100 riders, but raised it to 150 last week. In the last 24 hrs about 30 people have signed up. If you were on the fence and thinking about it, better make that decision fast!


We're setting an arbitrary limit on it as we're provided food and music at the end, and also are trying to keep it a touch low profile until we work out the kinks. We will have a wait list as well, but I'd rather have y'all on the for sure list!

There's a book of the face page as well as the blogspot. The IEBA which is tremendously helping run runs this one: facebook.com/events/253431688149599

cyclotourist

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Jan 31, 2014, 7:51:31 PM1/31/14
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cyclotourist

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Mar 9, 2014, 12:36:22 PM3/9/14
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For those that are coming down for this event, as well as those who want to participate vicariously, we have an official map up: http://redlands-strada-rossa.blogspot.com/2014/03/final-map-unveil.html
Wow, it's one hell of a route!

dougP

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Mar 15, 2014, 11:24:23 PM3/15/14
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Strada Rossa in Redlands was an event worthy of annual status.  I couldn't ride the course but got to spend some time exploring downtown Redlands, a wonderful city with plenty of local businesses.  The apres' ride party featured music, food, beer & bikes.  Equipment was everything from serious looking MTBs to MCRBs.  The Rivendells were right there between the two extremes.  Rambler Rob was there with his Rambler No. 1 with the World's Biggest Rando Bag.  Loads of fun & thanks especially to Holly & David Estes for inviting us to this event.  Got my IEBA beer glass (very important!) and Strada Rossa T-shirt (they may have a few extras if you missed ordering). 

dougP

cyclotourist

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Mar 16, 2014, 2:23:17 AM3/16/14
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Thank you Doug, and thank you to everyone that was able to make it out for this. Doug, Curtis, Esteban, Evan, Aaron, Ian, Paul, Rob, Mike... what a fantastic showing. 

Between 130 and 150 riders showed up. The most diverse group of bikes on any ride I've been on. Full basket and Alba-fied Rivs, MCRBS, high-end CX bikes, old Schwinns, dual suspension MTBs... just everything. And the riders were the most amazing part! Smiles all about from what I saw. Final group came in @ 6:30... 10 1/2 hours to finish! They told us they came out to Just Ride, and that's what they did!

See some of the photos to get an idea of it here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/redlands-strada-rossa/pool/

We plan on having it again next Spring, and hope there will be another solid Rivendell Riders contingent! 

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James Warren

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Mar 16, 2014, 12:08:16 PM3/16/14
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Well done. It's great to see yet another assembly of exceptional people.

Missing this is a bit hard to take. Yesterday, a work thing genuinely had me saying, "this thing I'm doing for work is pretty cool, and I'm pretty lucky." Now, David's Redlands report has me grumbling, "damn job..."

Hey another So. CA Red Atlantis!



James Warren

- 700x55





cyclotourist

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Mar 16, 2014, 7:12:44 PM3/16/14
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Those red Atlantii are becoming a thing! You were sincerely missed, Jim! Especially when having pizza and beer Friday night. Oops, I wasn't going to mention that, sorry...

BTW, I was out today erasing the trail markings, and was amazed by how little wear on the trails there was. Here is a sharp turn out of an eucalyptus grove that had 130+ bikes go over it in short order: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclotourist/13203650355/in/photostream/  Pretty much unscathed from the use!

Once again, an amazing day yesterday! Mark your calendars, March 2015 is right around the corner!!!

cyclotourist

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Mar 16, 2014, 7:17:07 PM3/16/14
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Oh, and here's proof of a good ride: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30046058@N02/13194342543/

cyclotourist

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Mar 16, 2014, 9:16:18 PM3/16/14
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Mike Schiller

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Mar 16, 2014, 10:46:17 PM3/16/14
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1st ones in the beer/chow line too  I see.

~mike

cyclotourist

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Mar 17, 2014, 2:06:12 AM3/17/14
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They were committed like nothing I've ever seen!!!

cyclotourist

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Mar 20, 2014, 12:40:50 AM3/20/14
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A bunch more photos uploaded by IEBA board-member Norman: http://www.flickr.com/groups/redlands-strada-rossa/pool/

These give you a real good idea of all the different areas the ride went through.

And yes, I am trying to sell it to y'all for next year! I love the fact there was a solid Rivendell representation there!!!
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