rdtompki

The elderly in the 50+ forum are starting to organize for next year's annual 50+ ride(s). West Coast is on the agenda and I can provide information on rides in Northern California. In the south land we would want to find a smaller organized ride around which to plan a weekend + of casual rides. The ride needs to be one that doesn't sell out, or at least not immediately, since we would want to afford folks the opportunity to decide a month in advance.

Any suggestions out there?

Pamestique 

I assume you are looking for an event ride - like a century with options. Here are some suggestions which then also provides resort lodging and other ride options:

Cool Breeze Century - August - from Ventura to Goleta and back. See cibike.org for other ride options.

Palm Springs Century - February - obviously lots of resort lodging and lots of ride options.

Cruising the Conejo - May - N Valley/Camarillo area.

Big Ring Century - June - Orange County. This was the first year and hopefully there will be a next (so its still very small). It's a nice route (one I do parts of alot) and you can't beat Orange County for weather/lodging/route options. More info on OC routes go to bikeirvine.org or ocr.com.

I will have to check further on San Diego rides - San Diego is the area I would recommend just if nothing else, how nice the area is and with lots of ride options.

CACycling

The Great Western Bike Rally in Paso Robles on Memorial Day Weekend.

hamster

"Smaller" in terms of length or the number of participants?

What kind of level of difficulty are you looking for?

Do you have preferences as to the part of Southern California?

eja_ bottecchia

No. Not North Valley, unless you are referring to the Conejo Valley, and in 26 years living in the area I have never heard anyone refer to it as No. valley.

I have done the Cruisin' the Conejo ride many times--the first time in 1989. It is a beautiful ride and very well supported.

The Ventura Beach Party Ride is new for this year. They offer a regular century and a metric century. The regular century is challenging but it can be done. It will take riders up some of the same sections as past editions of Tour of California. The portion of the ride that goes through Santa Paula and Moorpark is very scenic and it includes a view of Somis' famous Alpaca Ranch.

Here is info:

https://www.venturamarathon.com/event-info/ride

Mr. Beanz

I've done Tour Of Borrego a few times. Desert scenery but a much prettier ride than Pam Springs and WAAAAAY less crowded and the roads not as thrashed. To do the longer 80 mile option I believe it does a repeat of one section (didn't when I did it but was only 40'ish at that time).

Well supported and friendly people.


22, 40, 62 & 80 routes. $49 per person (specials for tandems) and $10 for a t shirt.


https://www.julianactive.com/tour%20of%20borrego.htm

Pamestique 

ok ok to this OC person anything north of LA and South of Ventura is N Valley; I admit its actually further north than that.

Cruising the Conejo has been a favorite ride for many years but in terms of thinking about making it a loooong weekend and doing other rides, OC may be a better place.

Borrego is way the heck out in nowhere land and not much else to do out there other than the ride. Lodging maybe an issue but I suppose there will be no problems trying to sign up as the location is very remote. I was just thinking about people flying in or driving from points unknown - would be a long trip again out to Borrego (It's a 3 hr + drive from OC).

The new Ventura Ride looks interesting... I just did the metric ride (on my own) last weekend. I love that Ojai climb. Ojai is a nice place to stay although pricey. Ventura can also be expensive. We stayed out at Pt Hueneme at a dive motel and that was expensive. Not that OC would be any cheaper though...

Mr. Beanz

It's a drive from you but the OP asked about SoCal and Borrego is more SoCal than Ventura.

The traveling would be up to the OP but Palm Springs is 1:30 away and San Diego 2 hours. If the travel is too much for them, that is understandable but I know myself traveling the morning of a ride has never been a problem. I figure the riders will get to their destination the night before and there are casinos and hotels within driving distance.

Pamestique 

I don't think the travelling is a problem for anyone living here... what I was thinking about was someone driving or flying in from say Ohio and then having to fly or drive back out. I was just trying to find someplace that was 1) conveniently close to an airport, 2) area had an overabundance of motel/hotel choices in price and luxury (so cheap up to expensive depending on what people wanted to pay), 3) thereare many other rides options for multi-day riding, 4) non-riding spouse will have something to do while spose is out riding, 5) it's a nice vacation destination.

OK Borrego for a day but I wouldn't want to spend a long weekend there (I have so I know). I suppose the option is staying in Julian with its limited lodging but then again its not close to any airports or major cities - it's very remote. I like the Borrego area alot myself, but it is an effort to get there.

And yes I admit Ventura is a drive as well (Although lots of lodging options) which is why I suggested OC. Major airport right in the heart of alot of great riding. I can literally catch the San Diego Creek trail (and ride down to the beach or up to the mountains on the Mountains to Sea trail) almost right from the airport.

hamster

Neither Cruisin the Conejo nor Tour of Borrego are typical SoCal. Conejo is almost Central Coast. Borrego is almost Arizona (and so is Palm Springs). Either is 2+ hours from OC, most of LA county, and most of IE.

For a quintessential SoCal ride, look at Amtrak Century (though it does not fit OP's requirements because it sells out in advance and it's not exactly "small" in any sense of the word). Tour of Long Beach or San Diego Century could work.

curiouskid55

San Fernando Bike club has several rides of various length and difficulty each day of every weekend. They start at Cal State Fullerton.

The Montrose ride is every Saturday, route, different start points/groups, short cuts, allow you to make it as long and brutal as you like.

If you are from Hollister no one needs to tell you that north valley refers to anything north of Modesto.

rdtompki

Lots of good info and interesting banter above. I only "small" since the larger rides in my area that are scenic tend to sell out early and for the folks thinking about a West Coast 50+ ride there will be some late "deciders". Wine Country, up north, (although not north valley) is a very nice ride but sells out quickly.

Non-riding partners need to be considered as well as a locale that offers at least enough variety for a couple of days. Distance shouldn't be a problem as most organized rides offer a range from 30 miles to 100 miles (and beyond).

We have a poll going on the general location. When I've thought about this some more I might create a poll which looks at preferences within the Western US, but I'll want to be able to provide a fair characterization of the ride and location (hotels, things to do, weather, ....).

To be fair we might look further north even, but that can be a big trek from the California population centers.

Rick@OCRR

I think Pam has some excellent ideas!

While I have lots of rides I like better than her suggestions, mine aren't as airport and motel friendly (Tour de Big Bear comes to mind) or they're too long (all my favorite double centuries) or they agree with Beanz (gotta love Montezuma Grade up out of Anza Borrego! . . .plus pie stops in Santa Ysabel and Julian).

So I'll go with Pam's suggestions as meeting the OP's criteria best.

I will add, however, and hopefully Mr. Beanz with second that emotion; that I will be happy to lead a 50+ forum ride up Glendora Mountain Road (or Beanz can lead it, whatever). It would be great to introduce out of towners to Missy's Wonderful Cinnamon rolls upon arrival at Mt. Baldy Lodge!

Photo of bikeforums TrojanHorse climbing GMR.

Rick / OCRR

GP

https://bikethecoast.eventmediainc.com/

Mr. Beanz

Yes, keep your mind open and keep in mind that the more southern sections of SoCal will sometimes have better weather than the more northern parts of SoCal depending on what time of year you ride.

I'd be happy to tag along on a 50+ GMR ride if there are any riders wishing to give it a try. Rick can lead the faster group.

eja_ bottecchia

Are you sure that the SF Bike Club starts their ride from CalState Fullerton? I think you meant to write CSUN.

eja_ bottecchia

I would like to offer for consideration, a ride in my humble little county.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventura_County,_California

If you are looking for an organized ride, look at the websites for the Conejo Valley Cyclists (they sponsor the Cruisin' the Conejo ride) or the Channel Islands Bike Club (they sponsor the upcoming Cool Breeze Century ride).

There is also this ride coming up in September, but that may be too soon for your consideration. The route for the century ride is challenging, scenic and fun.

https://www.venturamarathon.com/event-info/ride

If you are not looking for an organized ride I can put you in touch with any number of people who are knowledgeable about the best places to ride in Ventura County.

As far as the non-riding spouses are concerned, there are plenty of things to do here, including a major outlet mall (the Camarillo Premium Outlet) that includes a number of major retailers.

https://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=20

Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

Ride on and ride safely!

TJClay

For a $50 entry fee i'll set up a ride in Orange County starting within 4 miles of John Wayne airport. 50 and 100 mile options and sag stops included.. Just send me your bank account info, I promise I won't deduct more the $50............

CbadRider

I deleted the non-relevant posts that were derailing the thread. Just FYI, all pissing contests need to be held in Trollheim. Thanks for your cooperation with this.

Rick@OCRR

Thanks CBadRider,

I was hoping you'd do that!

Maybe I'll see you on a double century sometime again .

Rick / OCRR

TrojanHorse

I was gonna say, that jersey looks familiar and who's the putz wearing it!

Glendora Mountain Road is always a fun ride and with Baldy village at the mid point you don't even need to worry about support. I'm not quite 50 but heck, I'd go on that ride. I can't keep up with Rick but there's got to be somebody I can.

big john

Cal State Northridge is the place. curiouskid55 has been there, he probably just had a senior moment.

For a get-together with riding you can't go wrong with Solvang. Plenty of lodging, camping, and restaurants and thing to do for non riders. Lots of options for rides and I don't see why you'd want to be married to an organized ride.

eja_ bottecchia

Solvang is a great idea. Twice a year our group gets together for a weekend of riding in the Solvang-Buellton-Lompoc-Los Olivos area. Like you wrote, there are great places to stay, dine and shop. And the area is fantastic for riding--including Foxen and Ballard Canyons. Many pro cycling teams either train, or used to train, in the area. The weather can be a bit cold at times, and there is the ever-present wind, but otherwise it is a beautiful area to ride.

Here is some info on rides in the Solvang area (also Santa Barbara and Ventura counties).

https://www.lkjh.org/bike/california/...xen/index.html

CommuteCommando

+1 if hills are an issue. This is probably the flattest century ride in S. Cal, about 1500 ft. I will be doing the 1/2C again this year (with option-I plan to detour up Torrey Pines-Genesee I5 tot he Sorrento SAG to add some climbing). The full Century is just two laps of the 1/2C, which makes it less popular among century junkies. The event is one of the nicer ones I've done in terms of the food options and party like atmospere.

This one in October will be my first full C, and it's pretty hilly https://ridetvc.com/ The food is from just one source, but it is good, though I had issues with the service last year.