Tour de los Padres 2020

[ec_duz_it]

Its time for a fresh thread for this year.

Updates for 2020:

The long route will be a loop this year!

Not much change to the shorter route. 

Draft versions of both routes are up on the website here.  Routes are not final, but are very close to final.  https://tourdelospadres.weebly.com/ride--route-info.html

[phillip]

Wow!! Now I think I could schedule this.  Way to go EC!!!

[phillip]

So, the gpx shows the loop travel as clockwise.  how about anti clockwise?

[ec_duz_it]

The loop could be done clockwise or counterclockwise.  I actually think it would be about the same difficultly in either direction. Totally open to opinions on that! 

[Julie K.]

Wow, I'm really excited. And scared, haha. That first set of climbs will be a doozy no matter which way it runs. Thanks for designing the route, ec!

[hellvetica]

Awesome!

I am in for the big proper loop.

-Max

[ahutner]

Hi All!  My boyfriend, Gil, and I are interested in doing the "Tour Route".  If we are intermediate riders without a ton of bike packing experience, do you think we could make it to the 55 mile Tipi campsite in the first day, then the "Hidden Potrero Camp" around mile 102 on the second day (Sat) and then finish on the third day?  Anyone else up for the Tour Route?

[greggd]

Can?t wait for the big loop! Good news - There will be more resupply options for us. Thanks for all of the work on this Erin.

[ec_duz_it]

Making it to the Stargaze Tipi rentals on day 1 of the tour route should be totally doable. The majority of tour route riders usually make it past there to Santa Barbara canyon and camp along the creek on night#1.

I am pretty sure Joe S and his friends are also riding the tour route. He will probably be the leader that will be sending off the tour route riders, since I will be riding the loop route.

That reminds me why I choose clockwise for the loop. That would mean loop and tour riders would be passing each other on Day 2 since the 2 routes would be going in opposite directions.

[sulkyjunior]

Hey guys,
Tour Route, setting an O.K. pace you'll definitely make it to the Tipi rentals (depending on the  @ The Place). Usually try to go a little further into Santa Barbara Canyon to get some of that ride out of the way, though there is some beautiful camping down next to the fire-road past Reyes Gate and into SB Canyon (between the 62-65 mile mark). I've camped at the 72m mark and 70m mark and it's always windy and quite cold overnight. Finding shelter is a big +.

I'll be taking some hiking "asides" with some friends to see Painted Rock, maybe Madulce Peak, Big Pine Summit hike, and generally taking a little longer than past routes. Too bad there's no hidden keg in the bushes up there, but will make do 

Would love to see the Proper Route riders on the way around, Erin. Great route idea!

[whatirideby]

Hey Erin, the new proper loop looks great! And with so many resupply options!

[Rocknroll]

The new loop looks awesome Erin! I can't make the grand depart, but I'll try for an ITT at some point.

[ec_duz_it]

Sulkyjunior and I did some trail work on Chorro Grande Trail with Los Padres Forest Association's Mickey McTigue about a month ago and I also worked with Mickey again on Boulder Canyon Trail this last weekend.  LPFA is having a group work day on March 7th on Chorro Grande Trail.  Here is the facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/577373859513758/    This is a great opportunity to pay it back and make portion of the route great before April!

[greggd]

Hello all, I rode a portion of the route this weekend with a friend. We had an excellent time. Chokecherry is clean & slightly flowing (no tadpoles yet) - we need more rain. Painted rock was excellent as always. The liquor store and deli in New Cuyama have a TON of great resupply options.

I think Erin has really put together a great route this year. Spread the word!

[Julie K.]

Thank you Gregg and Erin for scoping things and doing trail work! Do either of you or anyone else have an idea yet of the max distance between possible water sources on the route? I guess more specifically, is there water right now at Painted Rock? Just planning out water carrying options. I hope we will get some more rain, but none to be seen yet in the forecast.

[greggd]

At the risk of encouraging carelessness. I think this route is a huge improvement upon the TDLP route for resupply. There are many more options for food and water compared to the previous route. Last year was a "wet" year and I had a major issue with dehydration and lack of water and I think others did too. That's what makes these SoCal routes special. You really have to think about water and food. Luckily it looks like the longest stretch without water is from chokecherry spring to New Cayuma. That's just under 40 miles. Maybe I'm wrong. But that?s pretty good! Caution to all - do not underestimate this route. It will chew you up and spit you out if you are unprepared.  

[Julie K.]

For sure, having done Stagecoach, it's hard for me to believe all of those water icons on the course map Some are specified as iffy. Thanks Gregg! Yes, it's also quite nice to see so many services along the way compared to last year's route!

[bikebuckets]

getting amped
sea to summit and back!

[ec_duz_it]

Speaking of summits, the new route will provide the opportunity for any peak baggers to summit the highest peaks in all 3 counties. Big Pine Mountain(SB county), Mt Pinos (Kern county) and Reyes Peak(Ventura county). Anyone that wishes to take on this challenge will get a 7 hour time bonus

[Kevin C]

Hello -

I'm planning to come down and ride the Proper Route/ Full Course this year.  Is there a good spot to leave a car for several days near the start? 

Thanks