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SoCal: Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve with team Different Spokes

April 3, 2022 @ 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

50 miles
Terrain:
Rolling Hills with Gradual Climbs
Level: Intermediate

Meet: 8:30 AM
Ride-Out: 9:00 AM

Heavy Rain Cancels

This ride is offered by Different Spokes Southern California.

Please plan to arrive at the 8:30 AM meeting time. Different Spokes will roll out promptly on schedule at 9:00 AM.

RIDE DESCRIPTION: 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: HERE 

You can see the route HERE. 

Please familiarize yourself with AIDS/LifeCycle COVID-19 Protocols prior to arriving at the start of the ride.

If you are interested in attending, please be sure to RSVP. Have questions? Contact Martin Keleti at martin.keleti@gmail.com

REQUIRED ITEMS: bike, helmet, water bottle(s) & snacks, tire changing tools, pump/Co2 cartridge, and a mask. If you don’t have any of the items listed, please contact us. We’ll help you figure out what you need and where to get it!

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.

RSVP

 

Details

Date:
April 3, 2022
Time:
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Event Category:

Venue

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf- Palmdale
39605 10th Street West. #D
Palmdale, CA 93551 United States
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Other

Event Region
SoCal