2016 marks the 5th Annual Ride for the River Park, benefiting the San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF). This 2 day, 1 night tour begins at the Pacific Ocean in the neighborhood of Ocean Beach, and follows the path of the San Diego River from the ocean to the headwaters in the mountains near Julian. This is a challenging ride of 70 miles each direction, with about a mile of elevation climb on the first day. At the summit in Julian we’ll enjoy dinner and craft beers at Nickel Beer Company. The return trip on Sunday, October 2 is all downhill – a well deserved easier return trip.
Registration cost is a $30 donation to the River Park Foundation but please feel free to make a larger donation if you’d like! The event organizer and volunteers will provide snacks and water along the way and a support vehicle for carrying small overnight bags and gear. Food and drink are the responsibility of each participant as is accommodation in Julian on Saturday night. Julian is a popular tourist destination so reservations are recommended as soon as possible. There are a variety of hotels and other accommodations and many options on VRBO or Airbnb. There are also nice campgrounds nearby like Heise County Park and Lake Cuyamaca. Please note that the campgrounds are a few miles from Nickel Beer Company where we will end the first day’s ride.
* Lake Cuyamaca will be the location for a number of participants to camp. There are showers located at the Chambers Park location at Cuyamaca.
Big thanks to our event sponsors!
This ride is challenging and is on open roads, some with fast-moving automobile traffic. We welcome participants of all skill levels but please be aware that this will be a difficult ride for those not used to elevation gains or long-distance riding (more than 50 miles). Please note that the average group pace for the first day is 10 mph and 15 mph for the second day. If you’re not comfortable with this pace for a long day’s ride please bring a friend to ride along – we don’t want to leave anyone riding alone.
Notes and Itinerary:
Ground Rules
- Show up early so we can depart on time – we roll out at 7 AM on Saturday, 10/1/2016
- Bring needed gear – sunscreen, helmet (if you want), lights, spare tire tubes, WATER, bicycle, human body, snacks, cash, phone. If you have clothes, camping gear, etc. you can put in support van to take for you.
- Book your accommodations in Julian in advance of the event or secure a camping site at Cuyamaca
- Great attitude, smiles, be ready for a great time!
Day 1 Stops – Saturday, 10/1/2016
- Starbucks Coffee – 10406 Friars Rd, San Diego, CA 92120 (Grantville)
- 7-11 – 10195 Riverford Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040 (Just before Highway 67)
- Thai Time (Lunch Stop) – 2330 Main St, Ramona, CA 92065
- Dudley’s Bakery / Santa Ysabel Grocery – 30218 California 78, Santa Ysabel, CA 92070
- Nickel Beer Company (Finish Line!) – 1485 Hollow Glen Rd, Julian, CA 92036. All are welcome (non-riders included) to enjoy a pint at Nickel Beer Company from 6-8 PM with a portion of each sale going to the River Park Foundation.
Day 2 Stops – Sunday, 10/2/2015
- Breakfast – Location TBD – Alpine, CA 91901
- 7-11 – 10195 Riverford Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040 (Just before Highway 67)
- Mission Trails Visitors Center – 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
- Finish Line – Mike Hess Brewing (Ocean Beach Tasting Room) – 4893 Suite A Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107. All are welcome (non-riders included) to enjoy a pint at Mike Hess Brewing at end of ride, estimated arrival time is 3:30 PM on Sunday, Oct 2.
Hope you can join us for this great event and even if you can’t enjoy the ride you can support the work of the SDRPF by learning more and making a tax-deductible donation at: http://sandiegoriver.org/give.html.