For those that are first timers and have never been to SD and done the infamous “base ride” and those that live here and have not had the opportunity to drive the course, I thought I would give my two cents on the bike course and what to expect.
-Leaving T1 you will be in the O-side harbor, there are a few turns all left then up a short steep climb (10 second effort) then a flat section and onto Camp Pendleton.
-Approximately 1.5 miles in you will have a right then another sharp right, up and over I-5 then a left at the light. There will be a short down hill section and you will go behind the commissary then take a left onto Stuart Mesa Rd.
-First climb of the day is “kilometer hill”. If your a strong cyclist this is a big ring climb. Like the name suggests, it’s approximately 1 kilo then levels off.
-After you finish that climb this is a great section to pick up some speed. I dont know if the next section is slightly downhill or what but I can always accelerate through the next mile and maintain it through mile 7…there is one more short climb “seperation hill” at mile 8. Once again a big ring climb for strong cyclists.
-Relatively flat for the next 1.5 miles, you will make a smooth sweeping right hand turn onto Las Pulgas Rd for the out and back section. This road is flat. Once you turn around and head back you will leave base and get on old coast hwy.
-Old Coast Hwy. This is a flat section of road for 11 miles. There are a few sections to be aware of. The first is the right hand turn onto old coast hwy. The trail portion has cracked concrete every 5 or so feet for probably half a mile. I would ride on the road to the right (if allowed), the cracks are sporadic and less of a “bump” then the path is. At some point you will have to get on the path and it is decent pavement for the remainder. There will be one section that you pass under I-5 (around mile 18). This can sometimes be covered in water, mud or sand. I’m sure the RD will sweep and clean the area however be aware and be prepared to slow down. The other is the camp ground. Campers may wander around and there is a section were the yellow lines on the road have road cones or plastic poles (Heres a pic because I dont know what to call them). Anyways have your head up because there will be S-bends/curves with these leading in and out of them and you dont want to have to make a quick dodge to miss them…not that I’m speaking from experience here!
-Before the right hand turn onto Christianitos road theres a small incline then rolling hills after you pass over I-5 for the next 2 miles. Once back on base there is a right hand turn then about 1.5 miles ahead is the hill everyone talks about.
-Mile 32.5…Okay the hill everyone fears…it’s not that bad people…seriously…it’s .5 miles and averages out to be about 11%. Then a quick steep descent and it’s flat again for another 3 miles.
-Mile 37 begins a slight climb for about 1 mile…nothing too steep, just enjoy the view. This descent is the one everyone talks about and you will have to slow to 20 or 25 for. there is a “semi” sharp left at the very bottom but the speed posted is definitely safe enough so dont feel like you have to slow to 15 so you dont crash.
-A small hill at 41 then a short down hill before your final “long climb” of the day. Once again, it’s not steep and is only about .6 miles long. you’ll have rollers for the next 5.5 miles then a right hand turn onto Vandegrift.
-If there is going to be wind that effects you, it will be on the coast and heading back to the coast on Vandegrift. You never know how it will be so I cant tell you, it’s flat so all I can say is push through it because you only have 9 miles left.
-You’ll have one more short uphill section then go back behind the commissary and return the same way out as you came in.
All things said its a great course and one that NO cyclists can do because from Christianitos Gate to Vandegrift Road is off limits to bikes…so enjoy your ride. Here is a link to Map My Ride and realize it’s posted here as 58.4. The variable is the out and back section on Las Pulgas Rd.
Oh and one last thing…I may have some time Thursday or Friday to offer a course preview for some out of towners and first timers free of charge. Yes I’m just that nice of a guy…Seriously, if I can get away from work long enough one of the days while I go to packet pick up, I want to drive the course again and can take 3 people along (sorry that’s all the seats I have in my beater mobile)…why out of towners, well because if your local you’ve had enough of a chance to see more of the course then they have and why not help them out. Send me a PM if your interested and I’ll let you know the day and time.
BUYER BEWARE- this is my opinion only and may have errors (though few if any)…if you notice anything dramatically wrong please let me know…
