Sladnas Firestorm/SD Newbie Ride

I vote for group C too! I'm bringing a newbie friend, want to show her the place, but still want to have a good time.

 

She's really on to something here. It may be bad form to attack Daley en masse. Even in our three groups A, B, and C, that's a lot of riders.

At Sycamore recently a herd came through. We were sitting for a while letting them all pass. That was only like 15 riders. What's it going to be like with 40?

 

The first one back to the cars wins.

 

There are people I'd want to ride with at least a little bit from each group...With 46+ people we could probably string the whole group around Daley in a big circle before losing track of the person behind you :lol:

That's like one person every 1/5 mile for the whole 12 mile loop...

You sure you don't want the two of you to get lost??

 

if i could thank this twice i would.

 

The big group rides always thin out into smaller groups with the sweeps doing a great job bring in the back of the pack. I've never ridden Daley, but it has worked out just fine in other parks.

 

I know this is going to be a broken record but we do need to think about all the other people on the trail. Groups of 8 or so might be good.

I just don't want to swarm over any hikers which I have seen older people, families and kids on the fireroad sections of the trail.

We just need to keep impact on other visitors and the trail in mind.

 

Ok, I recall the intent of this ride was to:
1) Celebrate the STR community coming together and chipping in for Mark's replacement bike
2) STR social ride (both during & after)
3) Newbie ride

Last month I thought we had a lot of people when we went to Noble, but we ALL made it and in very good time at that, w/o major issues w/ trail users. Yes, splitting the group up smaller would be more manageable, but STR can/does a good job w/ big groups, as well encouraging & helping everyone along the way. There's only a few sections of single track, so that leaves A LOT of time for talking it up on the trail & re-groups. Walking up hills is 100% acceptable & leaves more time for #2 for those up front. I was thinking an option of splitting the group at the end of Crest so everyone got the best of Daley in case they don't get to ride it again. Just my $0.01

 

Great ideas all. I would like a "C" group which will be a true Newbie pace. It would be great if you could lead that ride. I've done plenty of these 60+ rides and what we need to make it successful are several sweepers. An "A" group leader, a "B" group leader and "C" group leader. I think we should have 2 way radios, at least 6 for each leader and each sweeper so we know the progress of each group. Since I don't know the trail at all, I will sweep the "B" group. I just need someone to lead this group. Also like the staggered start times with the "C" leaving before the "A" and "B" groups.

Your right, there are no really tough climbs there, but for a newb, any climb is tough and that's what stretches the group out.

Yes Mike, Cardiac was the toughest climb there. I cleaned it in my middle ring if that answers your question. I middle ringed everything we did today. You'll probably enjoy Bobcat, and the other single track on a FS. I used every inch of my 3.5 inches today. great fun today. I'm glad we did only 12 miles. My legs were a bit tired after 3 days of SSing and 82 miles of Fully Loop. #-o

PM me if anyone is interested in leading or sweeping or if you have radios. I have 1, the other is broken.

 

Put me in coach. :bang: I have two GMRS radios for group "C". Cool el_d00der1n0 and I can take care of group "C." Maybe I should have asked el_d00der1n0 first. Oh, well... :lol:

 

I agree with it all...we can probably manage just fine. :bang:

 

I forgot I made a GeoTag of Daley back in May. You will need Google Earth (its FREE) to view the files. The KML file shows the route taken. The KMZ has the photos showing places along the route. Open both to see the route and photos at the same time. This should give everyone an idea of what Daley is like.

Daley Route
Daley Photos

Here is a screen shot of what it should look like.

 

I updated the post with more details. Ben, Mark, Doug, Mitch or any of the SD locals, still need to add directions from OC and Riverside/San Bernadino areas. Please let me know if I need to add or change any of the details. Thanks, Gene

 

PARK ADDRESS: 3024 La Honda Drive • Escondido, CA 92027

From the 5 Freeway
I-5 South
CA-78 East
Turn left at N Broadway
Turn right at E El Norte Pkwy
Turn left at La Honda Dr

From the 15 Freeway
I-15 South
Take the El Norte Pkwy exit
Turn left at W El Norte Pkwy
Turn left to stay on W El Norte Pkwy
Turn left at La Honda Dr

For detailed directions here is a pointer in Google Maps.

Official Daley Ranch Website

 

If I ride, I can sweep "B" group. That way I'm not working too hard.

I also agree with the staying together as much as possible idea. This is a fun & social ride--remember? You really don't encounter too many people at Daley on the outer edges of the trail. The hikers and equestrians stay more to the central/ranch house area. A lot of the ride is fireroads and passing by other trail users isn't a problem there. For the most part, the hikers and equestrians avoid the singletrack sections where passing would be more of an issue, so we should be good there.

Also, almost all the singletrack we hit is pointed downhill, so if we encounter another biker, they will likely be climbing and they have the right of way so we'd be pulling over and they wouldn't be waiting on us, we'd be waiting on them--and for what it's worth, I can't remember a time when I had to pull over on the singletrack sections for a climber.

Remember--this is a fun/social ride and I don't see the need for anyone to be concerned too much over pace, I know everyone has a different fitness/skill/pace level, but the more advanced riders need to realize it's not about hammering and have fun--which I'm sure they do/will.

I also appreciate the concern for our fellow trail users, but let's not make this harder than it is. It's a HUGE trail area and I'm sure we'll be fine.

 

Just as a "directions" heads up... The Daley Ranch sign used to be more visible from the road...

For everyone driving out there, just be sure to pay attention to the construction arrows at the bend in the road. You'll be turning left there

I may also be bringing my SS, and if so I can probably help ride with the B group?

 

Doug, that would be great if you could help sweep and Allison lead the "B" group. Justin and Ben in the "A" group and nappyt, el_d00der1n0 or Evil Chocula in the "C" group. I will rove as I always do from front to back and front again in the "B" group. We will need for all Daley locals to confirm which ride they do and if they want to lead or sweep. Thanks.

This is going to be great, we'll be fine. We've had over 60 riders in the Black Star to Beek's place, Whiting, Santiago Oaks, O'Neill, Chino Hills newbie rides and each ride was a success. With the exception of Black Star and O'Neill, Daley Ranch has way more room than Whiting, Santiago Oaks and Chino Hills.

As far as hammering, each group's leader will have to keep the pace managable for all in their groups to keep up without stretching them too far back, keeping in mind that the pace will be set to the slowest rider in each group.

They all know that this is a social ride and that this is what they signed up for. The radios will help in knowing how each group is doing from front to back and as far as mechanicals/carnage within each group. I'm confident that STR will respesent the mountain bike community as they always do, with class.

 

I have two radios, should I bring 'em?

 

Yes, please do. We'll need them fo sho! Thanks

 

Can I lead from mid-pack? :lol:

Everyone riding in the B group - stop at all of the trail intersections to wait for me! #-o