545 miles. 7 days. 1 mission.
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Antelope Valley Calif Poppy Reserve
50 Miles Rolling hills and gradual climbs
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Ride ID: 2594
Meet: 8:30 AM
Mandatory Safety Speech: 8:45 AM
Ride-Out: 9:00 AM
Rain Cancels
This scenic ride is well worth the trip. There are many kinds of flora (from orchards of cherry trees to Joshua trees) and fauna (a llama ranch and a bison ranch, although none of the region’s eponymous antelope). The hills are mostly gradual, but at times steep (sometimes snow is visible on the distant San Gabriel Mountains or Tehachapis), and there are plenty of uninterrupted stretches of road (a half-dozen signals in the first mile, another signal in the next mile, and only 3 stop signs in the next 23 miles). As we trace the San Andreas Fault, we pass by a lake and then cross the California Aqueduct on our way to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
Be prepared for strong winds and bring sunblock. The desert temperatures can vary widely and change suddenly, so bring layers for unpredicted changes in weather. Because of the remote location, be sure to carry sufficient supplies of food and water.
Even if the poppies don’t show up (it’s hit-or-miss), there are still many attractive things about this ride and points of interest:
• Very few stops: after the first mile or so, there are only 3 stop signs before the halfway point, and thus only 3 stop signs until the last mile or so.
• The route follows the San Andreas Earthquake Fault for several miles, and also goes past Elizabeth Lake (which is a water-filled depression in the earthquake fault).
• There are a llama ranch and a bison ranch on the route, and a chance to see those animals roaming
• We pass a cherry orchard, which sometimes is in bloom.
• The route also crosses a branch of the aqueduct.
• While there is some climbing, most of it is not very steep. As a result of the climbs, the relatively sparse traffic, and the few stops, there are some great downhills, too.
The meeting place is at the northeast corner of Rancho Vista Boulevard (formerly Avenue P) and 10th Street West, in a shopping center called Sierra Commons (across the street from the Antelope Valley Mall). From I-5, take SR-14 (the Antelope Valley Freeway) to the Rancho Vista Boulevard exit (Exit 37), turn left onto Rancho Vista Boulevard (Avenue P), right onto 10th Street West, and immediately right again.
Link to Cue Sheet https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bwj7HqPr_FGkN1BqVzU1RG1iY2M/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-3mB2BCIrWmZOzhlKudyZ2Q
The route is: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38638740/
Have questions? Contact Martin Keleti at martin.keleti@gmail.com
REQUIRED ITEMS: bike, helmet, water bottles, tire changing tools
COVID-19 Policy: Vaccination is required to participate. All participants must have received one Johnson & Johnson dose or the second Pfizer/Moderna dose at least two weeks before the Training Ride. Masks are required when 6’ of social distancing cannot be maintained. This includes rest stops, indoors and in vehicles with more than one person.
If you experience problems with the RSVP button, please email the RSVP to martin.keleti@gmail.com
Check out our Facebook event https://ridewithgps.com/events/202332-alc-antelope-valley-calif-poppy-reserve