No, never tried the route you laid out. I've decided to just do Option 1 for now and work on my fitness level on nice fireroad/double track! However, once I get some more rides in, I'll try this out. Thanks!
Have you ever started at Nix's Nature Center? It is a great way to start out the ride. After climbing up and going down to four corners take Camarillo West and head left at the top. Under the 73 stay left and climb up to Willow. Emerald Canyon downhill, climb out and head over to Fenceline and Lizards. After Lizards just head back the same way to Nix. Its about 14 miles and 2600ft of climbing.