Note: You must register in advance for the ride- there is no late or day-of-event registration. Registration closes at noon on Sunday, 3/19- this is 6 days in advance due to the complicated logistics of this ride. You must be a member of PCH Randonneurs and RUSA to register.
[For those of you have have ridden in the past, this ride is very similar to our OC Borrego Springs 400k. We have just moved the finish to Westmoreland because of difficulties with getting suitable motel space in Borrego Springs. And if we're lucky, this will also save you from riding into a headwind for the last 25 miles
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This 400k covers a huge diversity of territory from beach views along the PCH, to 50 miles of grade isolated bike paths, to views of the highest peaks in Southern California (San Jacinto and San Gorgonio), huge wind turbines, and vast desert landscapes. The 400k has only 6800 feet of climbing, mostly in a slow gradual climb toward Beaumont. It’s scheduled early in the year to avoid the possible high temperatures in Palm Springs desert area. The weather at this time of year is generally exceptionally pleasant, but you never know about the wind.
This point-to-point route makes an expansive trek from Foothill Ranch to the Coachella Valley. Along the way you will ride through Laguna Beach and the PCH, Santa Ana River Trail (SART), Corona, Norco, Upper SART, San Bernardino, Redlands, Beaumont, Banning, Palm Springs and Palm Desert, and a stretch along the Salton Sea to Westmoreland. The entry fee includes a shuttle back to Foothill Ranch on Sunday morning, plus transportation of your bike. There is also drop bag service to the finish.
The finish is at the America's Best Value Inn in Westmoreland. There will be food for finishing riders, and you will be able to access your drop bag here. The club is only going to reserve a couple of rooms for ride HQ- so there is no guarantee of bed space. Riders are encouraged to reserve their own rooms (they are very cheap here!) so you can shower and sleep before the shuttle leaves in the morning.
You must sign up at least 6 days prior, so shuttle service seating space and other logistics can be properly handled.
At the start there is plenty of street parking in Willie's neighborhood.
All participants are required to have working front and rear lights on their bicycles and meet the reflectivity guidelines as required by Article 10 of the RUSA Rules for Riders. An inspection will be conducted to ensure compliance for your safety during the ride.