Tour De Los Padres 2019

[Ben Salthouse]

Thanks for the update. On the bright side there may be more water out there for the drinking. I'll keep an eye on the forum and keep my fingers crossed.

[Ljefe00]

I didn’t notice this poll until now, so didn’t get to weigh in.  But I am hoping against hope for a delay!  I’ve been looking forward to repeating this ride since the day we finished last year.  But I’m out of town the week of March 22nd.  If you all go that weekend I’ll probably still try to go on my own a weekend or two later so if anyone else is in the same boat, let me know.   Any other weekend, including April 26-27 and I’m in like Flynn!!
-Jeff  

[bikebuckets]

i am planning on riding 2019 tour, and use the Himalayan shuttle   April 12 is preferred, but I just got on this thread so will have to wait and see with weather
Thanks, Ian

[ec_duz_it]

Happy Friday. Here is the latest update on weather, conditions, etc. 

The recent storms brought heavy rain (and probably some erosion).  But the snow levels were high, so the lower half of Mt. Pinos (6500' feet elevation and lower) might be rideable by now.  The upper part of Mt. Pinos remains at 2 to 3 feet of snow still:   http://www.frazmtn.com/fmcoc/snowcond.htm

I have not been able to do any scouting near Little Pine, Big Pine, etc. along Buckhorn Road.  Its been too muddy and wet the last few weeks.  So conditions of that road are unknown.  Buckhorn Road last year was completely re-built.  Its been 2.5 years since the Rey Fire, so I would imagine some erosion has occurred on that road from the recent rains, but probably not as bad as in 2017. 

Long term weather outlook looks pretty good.  Looks like it is going to warm up by late next week.  If it is dry from March 15 to March 26, March 22nd MIGHT be feasible.

I am hearing a good amount of support for postponing the date.   A postponement to April 26 would probably be the responsible thing to do. Then there would be more time for scouting, and trail reports to surface, etc.  Also Romero Trail MIGHT be re-bulit by late April (but probably not).  I like to hear from those who still would like to do the March 22nd start.  From what I can tell over the past two weeks, there are not many folks left who want to do the March 22nd start. I am tempted to move the date to April 26, but would like to hear from more people first before making that official. 

-Erin

[Ben Salthouse]

I'm hoping for a march 22 start. I won't be able to make the later dates but I understand if it makes sense to push the race back.

[adegoede]

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

[greggd]

I'm totally willing to do a March 22nd start. However, Can we get a full roll call here on WHO would actually show up?

If only a few people sound off, I say we should push to the April date. That would only give 1 week of recovery after Stagecoach, but I'd be okay... I think.

[bikebuckets]

I would vote for and be there for sure to do the April 26th.  I was out on grade valley rd last two days off Lockwood to fishbowls camp and the amount of water mud and erosion is remarkable. My opinion only

[woodsy]

I'd give it a go on March 22nd. The April date doesn't quite work, but if March trail conditions are poor that's not gonna be a fun time for anyone.

[Blake]

I'm in for the March 22 start. I would also be able to make the April 26 time slot.
Blake

[whatirideby]

I'm in for April 26 and not-likely for March 22. If I joined you all on 3/22, I'd do the proper route in "tour" mode...so really just out there at the same time. Would definitely prefer better trail conditions.
Lynne

[ec_duz_it]

Thanks for the input from all of you More snow came last night Photo below from this morning from my friend who lives in Cuddy Valley (mile 7 on the routes). 

Also I hiked up to McKinley Peak this weekend. This is the peak next to Big Pine. There is currently about 2" to 4" of snow (only on north facing slopes), starting at about 5500' elevation. Photo below.

I am going to go ride Romero Trail today at lunch.  I am hearing rumors that it has been repaired in the last few weeks (fingers crossed).  Then I am going to post the final routes and cue sheets later tonight and get the Trackleaders sign up ready. 

I know this is unorthodox, but with all the crazy weather this winter, having two start dates seems like the best solution this year to maximize the fun for everyone. 

I will give an update later tonight after I ride Romero, update the tracks, and update the cue sheets.

[ec_duz_it]

Good news!  I rode Romero today and it is WAY better than it was one month ago!  I assume Ray did the work, but i am not sure.  Whoever it was did a fantastic job.  There are only two stream crossings which require walking now.  The trail is much chunkier than it was a few months ago, so you have to watch your downhill speed.  This is not a great year to ride a rigid bike! The first 2 photos below are the two crossings that require walking. The other photos are other sections of the trail. Other than the two crossings, it is rideable both uphill and downhill. 

Both routes are up and finalized for 2019 here: https://tourdelospadres.weebly.com/ride--route-info.html

I will upload the cue sheets and waypoints to the website in the next day or two.

So just to recap-- there will be two group start dates this year.  March 22 and April 26th.  You choose the date which best fits your needs.  I will post here when the Trackleaders sign up is up and running.  Those wishing to head out March 22nd should wait until Friday or so to sign up, to get a more accurate weather report. 

[ec_duz_it]

Cue sheets are now up too. 

[evdog]

Any word on what the bloom is like on Carrizo Plain?  I can't get enough time off to do the full route but might be able to swing a regular weekend if it's worthwhile heading up there.

[ec_duz_it]

looks like the super bloom is just starting. here is the latest post i could find on social media.

[ec_duz_it]

Trackleaders sign up is ready to go, but the weather is looking questionable at this point for a March 22 start.  The weather report could change, but as of now it does not look stellar.

[Ben Salthouse]

I don't mind riding in the rain but is the rout just not ride-able if the trails/roads get too damp? I guess I'll sign up a couple days before when the weather forecast is more accurate. I'm 100% in for the 22nd start as long as the weather isn't peanut butter mud inducing.

[ec_duz_it]

The Carizzo plain can get peanut butter death mud after a storm, and so can parts of the Sierra Madre Ridge and the climb up to Big Pine. The soils are clay and sandstone, not granite, so rule of thumb is don’t ride 72 hours after a significant storm. Not sure how much precipitation will come next week, we will see.

[Ljefe00]

I’m in for sure for April 26th.  Can’t wait!  Please reserve me a spot on the shuttle.  The trackleaders registration still says 2018?  For those going in April, should we hold off on the trackleaders registration until after the March ride (if it goes)?