I am okay with April 26th. I can ride either date.

March 22nd would be preferred start date for TDLP.

Erin, please sign me up for the shuttle. I have my own spot. Thank you

I also thought of water cache at Gifford trailhead for the climb up Miranda pines.

Single track from Gilliam Spr to Gifford was good. Yes looked like someone trimmed some bush. My concern is water supply may not be available from Ventucopa to Miranda pine depending on Selby supply. Gilliam spring has not been kept up, water trogh had no flow and cattle were in spring area that was fenced off. Gifford trough was no flow. I did ride up Gifford drainage towards spring, next drainage up from spring drainage had some flowing water but there was cattle tracks also.

I would estimate 3/27 would be a good start. Last weekend I rode the Gifford/Gilliam area. Ground was wet/puddles but no mud issues. Weather looks good for next week. Gifford and Gilliam water troughs were not kept up. No water flowing to the troughs. Cattle in the spring area of Gilliam, for the most part a mess. Could be a long haul to Miranda on the proper route depending on the weather.

Proper 2017

Erin, trying to decide riding proper route weekend before or riding tour route or proper on group start weekend. Couple of questions:
1. Shuttle Schedule? Thursday afternoon or Friday morning?
2. When checking out Cuddy Valley re-route I noticed in the Mt. Pinos area, proper route goes to nordic base and tour route skips nordic base? Is that intended? Last year both routes skipped the nordic base.

How do you insert images?

Thank you
Art

Congrats to Matt for finishing the 500. Good "push" to the end. It takes a lot determination to get this ride done. Adrian had a tremendous run at the 500, smoked it.

What a ride... I can not get over it.

Rita and I finished with the same time. Great having someone to ride with and finish with!

Day two I was little sloppy on the nasty cow trail, crashed and broke the front brake lever. I was looking for someone to trade a fiber spoke for brake lever...glad to help out fellow rider on the trail. Day 3 was a little on the edge for the trails but still manageable and rear BB7 held up.

After this year I think twice as many riders will show up next year.

Looking forward to next year, open up Buckhorn Trail for the tour route and that may be the one to ride.

See you all on the trail.

Erin, I am in for the ride, No shuttle needed.

I am all in whichever weekend scheduled but will vote for April Fools Day start. Looking at the proper route again even though last year after the ride I thought of taking it easy this year. At this rate the proper route may be the same as tour route in a couple of years... All is good and appreciate all the thought and work Erin and others put into these rides. Anyone know if Roons is riding this weekend?

Erin, thank you for putting together the Tour de Los Padres. After riding the full route past two years my first thought as I was riding/struggling up Miranda Pines, I will consider riding the "tour" route next year in a leisurely 3 days for change of pace.

I am up for any time of year, January would definitely put a different twist less daylight, colder temps. I rode Thanksgiving weekend from Figueroa Mt. to AG last year. I brought a extra sweater, rain jacket and a riding light. Pleasant night at Bluff, rough night at Miranda Pines, windy, cold then rain the last day. If January is decided on I think routing could end up different compared to last two years.

Holidays fall on March, 25th and 27th next year which could be a consideration for some riders.

I turned on my spot and see it on the spot map but not the trackleaders map? Double checked the ESN number and all appears good. How long does it take to show on the trackleaders map?

Thanks
Art

I just received an email from BLM on Selby campground water, none there April 9th, but it is dependent on staff pumping water to the tank which does not last long during the spring. Water is at Gilliam and Gifford and no cattle in sight last Saturday. Ventucopa to Selby ~62 miles plus hard ~21 miles to Gilliam spring.

Below is BLM response to my question:

I was in the campground on April 9th and there was no water at that time. 

Our maintenance staff tries to pump water to the Selby campground on a regular basis, however as spring is our busiest time of year, the water usually doesn't last too long.  We always recommend individuals bring their own water with them, as water is not always available.

Hi All, looking forward to the ride next week. Erin, thinking of the differences for this year compared to last year, if this is appropriate:
1. Go to top of Mt. Pinos
2. Skip Mt. Abel
3. long way through Carrizo
4. No changes from Carrizo to Miranda to End of paved road Santa Ynez River.
5. Follow trail along River instead of following Road up then down to the climb up Gibraltar Dam
6. Up Angostora Pass Road to Camino Cielo
7. Follow Romero Road instead of Romero Trail
8. Are there any differences after this point....?

On the parking, I think you spec'd parking north/east of the freeway. I checked city's website and it indicated neighborhood parking permit required? Any thoughts on that? I plan on parking West of the freeway.

Art