Ursa Minor

200km/4672ft RUSA Brevet

Starting from San Marcos, venture out to Del Dios Highway, passing Lake Hodges and then through the posh neighborhood of Rancho Santa Fe along Paseo Delicias and Linea Del Cielo. When you reach Solana Beach, you’ll make your way north along the coast through all the various beach communities 0f San Diego and South Orange County.

After Oceanside, you’ll jump on the Interstate 5 to the Las Pulgas Ave exit before continuing on miles of bike paths. If you have a base pass, you may elect to traverse through Camp Pendleton. Unfortunately the base has closed the Oceanside visitor office where you can obtain the DBIDS Recreational Bicycle Pass. Presently there is no announced date of reopening.

When you arrive at San Juan Capistrano in Orange County to refuel and refill your water bottles, you’ll begin your return ride back to San Diego County, following the same route on your outbound ride. On your southbound journey on I-5, motor vehicle traffic will have picked up to cause traffic congestion starting at Las Pulgas. You’ll likely speed by cars making their slow crawl with the wind behind your back. Take a moment or two to feel pity for the drivers stuck in traffic.

Returning to Oceanside, you’ll jump on the San Luis Rey bike path and start your ride east. You’ll need to hop on Hwy 76 for a short stint before connecting onto Camino Del Rey in Bonsall. You’ll pass by vineyards and ranches before reaching Old Highway 395, where you will start your final miles south to the finish in San Marcos. Standing in your way is the famous/infamous “Champagne Climb.”

Please read our accepted proof of passage.