Tour De Los Padres

[trebor]

Race leaders won't get the benefit at Miranda Pines. I'm of the opinion it's not equal support to all. However, that's my opinion only. I won't use it, whether it's provided or not.

Thanks for the update on Chokecherry. That's a critical spot.

[robotfury]

I remember some chatter last year about there being a particular stretch with zero water resupply. What section was that?

[adegoede]

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.

[suntrails]

Art, looking forward to ride with you if I can. i heard that Erin will carry some extra wine as well
Claude Frat

[trebor]

I remember some chatter last year about there being a particular stretch with zero water resupply. What section was that?

Between Gillam/Gifford to Chockcherry last year was the one of worry. However, last year the exact location of the spring at Miranda Pines was not known. This year its known and marked in the GPX and waypoint file.

[bigportions]

I'm still looking for a ride to the start on Thurs from LA if anyone has room for 1 more. Can meet you wherever.

[Roland Sturm]

Compared to Stagecoach, Los Padres is not overly dry, I only had 4 bottles  (never filled an extra 2 l bladder I carried), whereas I start Stagecoach with almost 2 gallons. However, hearing from Art, I'd be concerned about Ventucopa to Gillam. Never occurred to me that Selby might not have water, but good to get have a warning that even an otherwise reliable water source may be out of water! I would have had difficulties without water at Selby.

And Chokecherry was a critical spot for me as well. I had a delay due to a mechanical failure a few miles before (resulting doing the rest of the ride single speed) and had been out of water by then.

[ec_duz_it]

Here is the last bit of info from me:

#1  We will have a group talk on water sources at the starting point.  I have a contingency plan for the lack of water at Selby Camp.

#2  If you are going on the shuttle (aka the Limousine - Please detach your saddle packs and and other large packs from your bike before loading your bike in the van.  We will have time to load your gear on your bike when we get to Frazier Park. Also, please come with cash for the remainder payment of the shuttle.  If you paid me the $30 deposit, a $20 bill will be the remainder of the shuttle ($50 total).  Some of you gave me a different amount for the deposit and I have a record of who gave me what.  MEET AT SANTA BARBARA TRAIN STATION AT 5:45 FOR A 6:00 departure. 

#3  Below is a list of those who have registered.  If your name is not on this list, you have not registered.  Registration deadline is end of today. 

Weather looks a little warmer than perfect, but not crazy hot.  I would expect highs of low 80's and low's of low 40's.  My bike is still in shambles and I still have to pack, but looking forward to it!!! 

Gregg Dunham
Rob Roberts
Forest Baker
Art deGoede
Blake Bockius
Mike Abbott
Robert Newton
Rachel Finch
Wes Barber
Trevor Thorpe
Michael Grosso
Claude Frat
Roland Sturm
The Tortoise
Duke Hudkins

[trebor]

Does the Tortoise = Rich Wolf? If so, isn't he still racing the AZT750?

[trebor]

BigPortions - I'm going on Friday. Have 1 seat. Don't know from where I'm leaving just yet however. It will either be from Burbank or from Topanga depending on logistics.

[bigportions]

Thanks Trebor but I think I'm going to try and maximise my rest before the start By sleeping at the ststart. I do have a ride but was trying not to inconvenience a friend who is not participating.

[forest_on_bike]

Yeah I tried calling a hotel in Frazier Park this evening but no answer. That might be a better bet because it's right at start. will let you know

\

Bigportions and MTBRich - Blake and I are also staying in the motel 6 in Lebec on Thursday night. The 4 of us should grab dinner. Call my cell if you want to meet up: four one five 779-6515.

Forest

[bigportions]

That sounds great. We are going to stay at a place in Frazier Park though so not sure what's up. Will let you know. Shoot me your number, I'm still not sure what time I'm coming in

[forest_on_bike]

That sounds great. We are going to stay at a place in Frazier Park though so not sure what's up. Will let you know. Shoot me your number, I'm still not sure what time I'm coming in

Blake and I will be dropped off in Lebec around 3pm. Not sure what time we'll head to dinner. If you guys cruise through Lebec between 5-7 (a reasonable time for dinner), we should grab some food together. My number is: four one five 779-6515.

[Roland Sturm]

The trackleaders site is now active: http://trackleaders.com/lospadres15
A small selected group, like last year, but really the perfect size. Other events have just gotten too popular - even Stagecoach. (When I did Tour Divide, our group start was 15 people as well, unlikely to find that again).

I may not be able to do the regular TDLP route this year: My lungs haven't cleared up after getting sick on a business trip to Europe 2 weeks ago and I couldn't walk up the stairs to my office as recently as Monday. So I loaded the tourist route as well just in case I need to take shortcuts (at least I hope to make it back to SB on my own power).

[Mini Bear]

Have been stalking this little event for a few and got the confirmation from work that I can get Friday off. I'm in, though it looks like too late to register my spot. Not that I'll be challenging for the 'win', but I'll have all my gadgets with me to track proper-ness. See everyone at the start!

-Chris Ellefson

[ec_duz_it]

Ok, as some of you noticed already, the map is up.  Please turn your SPOT on if you are not renting and make sure you show up on the map.  Maybe press the "Ok" button as well.

It looks like once again, mileage is off.  Trackleaders says 312 miles, Ridewithgps.com and cuesheets are 292 miles.

Chris, I am pretty sure if you have your own SPOT you can still register.   I am pretty certain they can add you to the map today.  

Last thing that I forgot to mention yesterday-  PLEASE BRING A BIKE BELL.  You will want to start using a bike bell on all single track descents from Santa Cruz trail until the finish, as that is where you will start to see more a lot more hikers and equestrians on the trails.  It is a very good idea to use it on the Mt Pinos descent as well.  It is just the right thing to do, so please do it.  

Cheers

[ScottM]

Still time to add your own SPOT, just fill out the registration and I'll get you added.  Too late for rentals, of course....

I adjusted our 'route factor' down to be much closer to 292 miles.  The GPX looks good.

Good luck everyone - I'm jealous of the trail miles ahead.

[robotfury]

Are the Spot Rentals the Gen 3 or the Tracer? We used the Tracer (or is it Trace) at the SC400 and it came with batteries.  Just wondering if I need to pick up some batteries.

[ec_duz_it]

Spots are Gen 3, and they just arrived in the mail.  Anyone renting a SPOT must bring (4) AAA batteries with them to fire up their spots.   

Also everyone please turn their SPOTs on at around 7:45 tomorrow morning so everyone can get on the map ahead of time.