Gravelstoke Holiday Adventure and Lost Cyclery Grand Opening Celebration
Dec 25 Update: We’ve decided to postpone the event and ride due to wet conditions. Tentatively rescheduled for Sunday, Jan 16. Be sure to subscribe below to get all the updates.
It’s that time of year again as we celebrate the holiday season together with commonality, adventure, and festivity. Join Gravelstoke and friends as we explore a new gravel route with fresh terrain from the brand new Lost Cyclery location in San Marcos, CA on the day after Christmas. We’ll depart 581 NTOV Road for some of our favorite dirt sectors East and West of the Avocado Highway in a counter-clockwise endeavor. Departing at 8:30 AM riders will head south towards Lake Hodges, Highland Valley, and Raptor Ridge singletrack before connecting to northern trails in the hills above Reidy Creek. We will return to Losty Cyclery for a Grand Opening celebration complete with food and beverages for all, starting around 12:30 PM post-ride.
Established Ways
Please don’t confuse this day with other drop bar rides, as Gravelstoke is best enjoyed together at moderate speeds with frequent regroups. Let’s roll as one group until mile 7 as we carefully turn right onto West Valley Parkway/Del Dios Highway. From there riders can spread out and enjoy the feeling of gravel beneath their wheels until mile 21 where we will regroup at the intersection of Bandy Canyon and Ysabel Creek roads. From here we will endure a 12 mile stretch of road together with options to stop for water and restrooms at either Fran’s Farm Stand (opens 10 AM) or Mountain View Park. From here prepare yourself for two final arduous climbs on Vista Verde and Lilac Hill, with both resulting in joyous dirt descents including the splendid Cougar Pass at mile 39. For those who wish to forego the final delight may skip it with an alternative Holiday Short route that covers just 42 miles, instead of the full 50.
Schedule
7:45 AM Gather at Lost Cyclery, 581 N Twin Oaks Valley Rd, Unit E, San Marcos, CA 92069 for coffee. Restroom and parking available.
8:30 AM Roll out for 50-mile gravel ride.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM Return to Lost Cyclery Post-Ride for food and beverages.
And as always… Have Fun - Be Safe - Make Memories - Take Photos