MDRCC Event and Ride List – January 2010 through July 2010
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All Sunday rides, unless otherwise listed, leave from Helen’s Marina Del Rey Bike Shop, 2472 Lincoln Boulevard, between Washington and Venice Boulevards.  Departure time is 8:00am January through late May, moving to 7:30am on May 30, except as noted on out-of-town rides.  Please be ready to roll at the specified departure time!  It is recommended that you come equipped to fix a flat (i.e., spare tubes, tire levers, patches, inflators, etc.), and bring filled water bottles, snacks, and lunch money. Helmets are required and no headsets or earbuds on the rides, please!

January 3, 2010 - 8:00am – PV Loop, Clockwise

South through Playa Del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beaches to the Palos Verdes.  Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove.  Long ride continues clockwise around PV on Palos Verdes Drives North to the Palos Verdes Drive East climb.  First up, then down, then up a little more, then down a lot.  Continue the loop back on Palos Verdes Drives South and West.  Stop for refreshments at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach.  56 miles with one gradual climb.

January 10, 2010 - 8:00am – Encinal Canyon

Journey up PCH to Trancas.  The short ride turns around here (or back at Malibu).  The long ride proceeds a few miles more to Encinal Canyon.  A scenic climb up Encinal brings us to a choice of Mulholland or Upper Encinal, and then over to Kanan Dume for a long fast descent down to the coast and brunch before returning on PCH.  The short ride is about 45 miles; the long ride is about 68 miles with a fair amount of climbing.

January 17, 2010 - 8:00am – Benedict Canyon

Cruise through Beverly Hills to Benedict Canyon, and climb up to Mulholland.  Turn back to Sepulveda for 30 slightly hilly miles, or head east on Mulholland to Griffith Park, for 57 slightly hillier miles.  Stop at Priscilla’s in Toluca Lake for the long ride, or a coffee break on the Westside for the short ride.

January 24, 2010 - 8:00am – Topanga to Sepulveda Loop

Ride up PCH to Topanga Canyon.  Climb to the intersection of Topanga and Old Topanga and stop for a breath at the post office.  The short ride returns to the Westside for brunch.  The long ride continues up Old Topanga and returns through the Valley via Dumetz and Wells, stopping on Ventura Blvd. in Encino at the Corner Bakery.  The short route consists of 27 hilly miles.  The long route is 49 hilly miles.

January 31, 2010 - 8:00am – San Pedro

South through beach cities to Palos Verdes.  The short ride turns around at Malaga Cove and returns, perhaps stopping at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach.  Our long ride proceeds around the peninsula on PV Drives West and South to San Pedro.  We stop for brunch in San Pedro or continue on via Gaffey and PV Drive North and stop at Catalina Coffee.  The short route is 36 and fairly flat miles.  The long route is 59 mildly hilly miles.

February 7, 2010 - 8:00am – PCH to Trancas or Mugu Rock

Zip up PCH to Malibu.  The short ride returns to the Westside.  The long ride continues to up the coast past Zuma Beach to Trancas and then further up the coast to Mugu Rock.  Turnaround and then enjoy the prevailing tail winds for a quick ride back.  Round trip mileage to Malibu: 30, Trancas: 51, Mugu Rock: 78 miles, all relatively flat.

February 14, 2010 - 8:00am – Stradella to New Topanga

Up Sepulveda to Moraga and then wind our way through scenic Bel Air, up Stradella to Mulholland Drive.  The short ride returns to the Westside via Sepulveda.  The long ride continues on Mulholland over the San Diego Fwy to Encino Hills Drive for a steep descent into the Valley.  From Hayvenhurst, continue to wind our way over Carl’s secret commuter route to Valley Vista, Wells, and Dumetz to Topanga Canyon.  Take New Topanga up and over and down to PCH.  The short route is 30 hilly miles.  The long route is 50 more hilly miles.

February 21, 2010 - 8:15am – Out-of-Town – Larry’s Three County Ride

A very pleasant tour of roads and places we don’t normally ride.  Starting in Fullerton (Orange County), we warm up for a few miles through Brea on the way to Carbon Canyon and take this over to Chino Hills (San Bernardino County).  Then we head back through Diamond Bar (LA County), Roland Heights, La Habra Heights (OC), and Hacienda Heights (LA).  Back over Turnbull Canyon into Whittier, and then back to the start.  A 57 mile loop.  Here is the detailed route:

http://www.mapmyride.com/view_route?r=445126315653997969

Start from the parking lot just west of La Mancha Shopping Center.  Take I-10 East to I-5 South to I-91 East.  Exit on Harbor Blvd. (#28), and go left (north) 1.2 miles to N. Berkeley Ave, turn left, and then turn left again into the parking lot. Allow 45 minutes driving time from the intersection of San Diego (I-405) and Santa Monica (I-10) freeways to parking lot.  Ride start at 8:30 am. 

Anyone who can’t make this ride but wants a local ride can meet at Helen’s and pick their own.

February 28, 2010 - 8:00am – The Westside Three (or Two or Four) Canyons Ride

A tour of the Westside canyons above Sunset.  Palisades Highlands, Amalfi, and Mandeville.  We used to do Tigertail as well, but for years, everyone has wimped out after Mandeville for a total of 46 hilly miles.  Bring a low gear for Palisades Highlands which gets very steep for the top mile and one half.  Bring tough tires for the rough stretch of Sullivan Fire Road above Amalfi.  And bring your good behavior for manic motorists on Mandeville.

March 7, 2010 - 8:00am – Chatsworth Reservoir

Over Sepulveda to Burbank Blvd., Woodley, Victory, and up DeSoto to Devonshire.  Around the Reservoir and stop for brunch at Label’s Table in Calabasas.  Return over Old Topanga Canyon to PCH.  Moderately hilly 61 miles. 

March 13, 2010 (Saturday) – Solvang Century, Solvang

March 14, 2010 - 8:00am – Daylight Saving Time Starts! – Latigo Canyon

Everyone’s favorite PCH climb!  Through Santa Monica and up PCH to Malibu.  The short route bails and returns to Santa Monica for brunch.  30 flat fast miles.  The long ride proceeds up Latigo Canyon Road for an incredibly scenic but long climb.  At Kanan Dume Road we take the speedy descent back to the coast, where we stop for brunch before returning on PCH.  60 miles, with one fun climb.

March 21, 2010 - 8:00am – PV, The Summit Crest Route

South through Playa Del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes.  Climb to the “Crest” of the peninsula via Via Del Monte, Montemalaga, Silver Spur, and Crenshaw.  Back down Hawthorne and around PV Drive West, with a scenic detour via Via Coronel through the PV foothills in search of peacocks.  Lunch at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back.  A relatively hilly 49 miles with an annoyingly steep section on Silver Spur.

March 28, 2010 - 8:00am – Beverly Glen

Go through West LA to Olympic Blvd.  Turn north at Beverly Glen and take a winding, varied, and scenic tour all the way up to the top at Mulholland.  Short ride turns left and returns via Mulholland and Sepulveda.  Long ride turns right and takes Mulholland to Cahuenga, then over on Barham Blvd to Forest Lawn and Griffith Park before turning back through Toluca Lake for a brunch stop at Priscilla’s.  Return via Moorpark and Sepulveda.  55 miles.  Moderate climbing.

April 4, 2010 - 8:15am – Out-of-Town – Lake Casitas to Santa Barbara

The ever popular Lake Casitas – Santa Barbara ride.  Drive Highway 101 north to Ventura and exit on California. Turn right on California to the top of the hill.  Turn right then left into driveway and park behind city hall.  Allow about 1:15 driving time from Santa Monica.  Meet at 8:15am for an 8:30 am start.  Ride through Ventura before climbing up to Lake Casitas.  Ride around spectacular north end of lake before climbing up and over toward coast.  Also, we add the usual side route over Gobernador Canyon Road, just because we like the name.  Continue north through Carpinteria and on to Santa Barbara for lunch.  Zip back to Ventura via coast.  68 miles with a few big climbs.

Anyone who can’t make this ride but wants a local ride can meet at Helen’s and pick their own.

April 11, 2010 - 8:00am – Stunt via Sepulveda

Take Sepulveda to the Valley, then Ventura to Topanga.  The short ride returns on Topanga.  The long ride takes Topanga to Mulholland to Stunt Road and up to Saddle Peak.  Return from here either on Saddle Peak to Topanga, or by taking Schueren to the Rambla Pacifico - Piuma junction and pick a direction – up or down.  Up follows Piuma to its summit and down to Las Virgenes.  Down goes down an extremely steep winding road to PCH.  Mileage depends on route selected, but expect 50 to 60 miles.

April 18, 2010 - 8:00am – PCH to Trancas

Zip up PCH to Malibu.  The short ride returns to the Westside.  The long ride continues to zip up the coast past Zuma Beach to Trancas and the Howes Market or Starbucks for a cup of joe, then returns to the Westside for some more substantial grub.  Short route is 30 flat miles.  The long route is 51 less flat miles.

April 24, 2010 (Saturday) – Wildflower Century, Creston

April 25, 2010 - 8:00am – Nichols Canyon

Through Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood, and up Nichols Canyon.  East on Mulholland to Barham, Forest Lawn, and Griffith Park.  Brunch stop at Priscilla’s in Toluca Lake.  Return through the Valley via Moorpark, over Sepulveda, and down San Vicente to Ocean Avenue and Palisades Park in Santa Monica.  A fairly hilly 51 miles.

May 2, 2010 - 8:00am – PV Loop, Counter-Clockwise

South through Playa Del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beaches to Palos Verdes.  Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove.  Long ride continues counter-clockwise around PV down Palos Verdes Drives West and South.  Up over Palos Verdes Drive East and back on Palos Verdes Drive North.  Stop for refreshments at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach on the way back.  56 miles with one good climb.

May 8, 2010 (Saturday) – Crusin’ the Conejo, Newbury Park

May 9, 2010 - 8:00am – Up Fernwood Down Piuma

Up Topanga to Fernwood.  Then a winding, wooded ascent through a bucolic Topanga neighborhood up to the Saddle Peak, Stunt, Schueren junction.  Go down Schueren to Piuma, turn right and climb up to its summit and then descend down to Las Virgenes.  Back to PCH for a snack, and then on home.  About 50 challenging miles.   The short ride can turn back at the Fernwood turnoff.

May 16-23, 2010 – Amgen Tour of California

May 16, 2010 - 8:00am – Amgen Tour of California – Stage 8

The actual stage takes place the following week, but we can pre-ride the route this week.  Planned for Thousand Oaks, Westlake, and Agoura Hills.  Details to follow when the route is announced.

May 28-31, 2010 – Great Western Bicycle Rally – Paso Robles

May 23, 2010 – 8:00am – Benedict Canyon

Cruise through Beverly Hills to Benedict Canyon, and climb up to Mulholland.  Turn back to Sepulveda for 30 slightly hilly miles, or head east on Mulholland to Griffith Park, for 57 slightly hillier miles.  Stop at Priscilla’s in Toluca Lake for the long ride, or a coffee break on the Westside for the short ride.

May 30, 2010 – 7:30am (Begin Summer Start Time) – Chatsworth Reservoir

Over Sepulveda to Burbank Blvd., Woodley, Victory, and up DeSoto to Devonshire.  Around the Reservoir and stop for brunch at Label’s Table in Calabasas.  Return over Old Topanga Canyon to PCH.  Moderately hilly 61 miles.  The Barry Wolfe Grand Prix takes place this day in Warner Center and would make a good the side trip

June 5, 2010 (Saturday) – Ojai Valley Century, Ojai

June 6, 2010 – 7:30am – Topanga to Sepulveda Loop

Ride up PCH to Topanga Canyon.  Climb to the intersection of Topanga and Old Topanga and stop for a breath at the post office.  The short ride returns to the Westside for brunch.  The long ride continues up Old Topanga and returns through the Valley via Dumetz and Wells, stopping on Ventura Blvd. in Encino at the Corner Bakery.  The short route consists of 27 hilly miles.  The long route is 49 hilly miles.

June 12, 2010 (Saturday) – Ride Around the Bear, Redlands

June 13, 2010 - 7:30am – Stradella to New Topanga

Up Sepulveda to Moraga and then wind our way through scenic Bel Air, up Stradella to Mulholland Drive.  The short ride returns to the Westside via Sepulveda.  The long ride continues on Mulholland over the San Diego Fwy to Encino Hills Drive for a steep descent into the Valley.  From Hayvenhurst, continue to wind our way over Carl’s secret commuter route to Valley Vista, Wells, and Dumetz to Topanga Canyon.  Take New Topanga up and over and down to PCH.  The short route is 30 hilly miles.  The long route is 50 more hilly miles.

June 20, 2010 - 7:30am – Malibu to Piuma

Kinda the Fernwood ride backwards and harder.  Up PCH to Malibu at which point the weenies go back.  Up Malibu to Piuma and then up this tough little 5 mile climb.  Drop down to Schueren, turn left, and then up to the junction with Saddle Peak and Stunt.  Take Saddle Peak back through Fernwood and down to Topanga.  Back on Topanga to PCH and back home.  50 miles that you will feel.

June 27, 2010 – Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix

June 27, 2010 - 7:30am – PV Loop, Clockwise

South through Playa Del Rey, Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beaches to the Palos Verdes.  Short ride turns back at Malaga Cove.  Long ride continues clockwise around PV on Palos Verdes Drives North to the Palos Verdes Drive East climb.  First up, then down then up a little more then down a lot.  Continue the loop back on Palos Verdes Drives South and West.  Stop for refreshments at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach.  56 miles with one gradual climb.  Same day as the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, for you racing enthusiasts.

July 4, 2010 - 7:30am – Beverly Glen

Go through West LA to Olympic Blvd.  Turn north at Beverly Glen and take a winding, varied, and scenic tour all the way up to the top at Mulholland.  Short ride turns left and returns via Mulholland and Sepulveda.  Long ride turns right and takes Mulholland to Cahuenga, then over on Barham Blvd to Forest Lawn and Griffith Park before turning back through Toluca Lake for a brunch stop at Priscilla’s.  Return via Moorpark and Sepulveda.  55 miles.  Moderate climbing.

July 10, 2010 (Saturday) – Three Harbors Tour, Ventura (date not certain)

July 11, 2010 - 7:30am – Sepulveda to Old Topanga

Take Sepulveda to the Valley, west on Ventura to Topanga, up to Mulholland, over to Old Topanga, up to the summit and then down through one of the most beautiful canyons in LA county.  Return on PCH.  45 miles.

July 18, 2010 - 7:30am – Mulholland Highway

Out on PCH to Malibu. The short ride returns to Santa Monica for a total of 30 flat miles. The long ride proceeds north on PCH just past the campground at Leo Carillo. Turn right on Mulholland and go UP the canyon (with very little traffic). Jog over on Decker to the top of Encinal, and then descend all the way back down to PCH on Encinal.  Refreshments at Von’s in Zuma or the Malibu shopping center. About 70 miles, with one long hill.

July 25, 2010 - 7:30am – San Pedro

South through beach cities to Palos Verdes.  The short ride turns around at Malaga Cove and returns, perhaps stopping at Catalina Coffee in Redondo Beach.  Our long ride proceeds around the peninsula on PV Drives West and South to San Pedro.  We stop for brunch in San Pedro or continue on via Gaffey and PV Drive North and stop at Catalina Coffee.  The short route is 36 and fairly flat miles.  The long route is 59 midly hilly miles.

August 21, 2010 (Saturday) – Cool Breeze, Ventura

 

October 3, 2010 (Sunday) – Tour de Poway, San Diego

 

November 7, 2010 (Sunday) – Daylight Saving Time Ends -