Kitchen Creek
200km/10200ft ACP Brevet
| Start time | Saturday October 18, 2025 7:00 am |
|---|---|
| Time limit | 13 hours 30 minutes |
| Ride ends | Saturday October 18, 2025 8:30 pm |
| Start location | Now closed Major's Diner, 28870 Old Hwy 80, Pine Valley |
| Nearest parking | Parking available at behind the former Majors Diner in front of the Pine Valley post office. |
| Map | rwgps |
| Organizers | Dave Milsom, Matthew Cazalas, Aaron Holdaway, Osvaldo Colavin |
| Registration info | RUSA memberhip is required to ride this brevet. Ride fee is $10. Online registration is open until Thursday October 16, 2025 12:00 pm. |
| Register | To cancel a registration, email the ride organizer. |
| Registered riders | There are no registered riders. |
SD Randos’ fall classic brevet for those ready for a good day of climbing in the East County mountains.
Starting from the parking lot behind former Major’s Diner in Pine Valley, you ride along the undulating hills on Buckman Springs Rd and Campo Rd before the descent into Jacumb on Old Hwy 80. As you are approaching the town, you will see the US/Mexican border to your right. After a quick stop for food and water at the store, you will double back on Old Highway 80 on a long ascent.
Kitchen Creek is a tale of 2 climbs. The first half before the gate is a series of short steep ascents as you intersect the Pacific Crest Trail. After throwing your bike over the first gate, the climb turns to a steady 5-6% grade until you reach the second gate. Near the top, the grade reduces further but be careful of the potholes as this final section of the pavement has been degrading. During your climb, you’ll see the changes in the vegetation, from the sage bushes and scrubs at the base to the pine forest on the top. During your climb, don’t be surprised to see very few cars passing you even on either side of the gated section.
After a stop at the Laguna Mountain Lodge on Sunrise Hwy (S-1), the route continues along the ridge. On sections of the highway, you’ll pass dramatic views of the edge where the alpine landscape of the Laguna Mountain rapidly falling into the Borrego desert. Once you have descended down the Lagune Mountain, you’ll turn right on Hwy 79 to start your climb up to Julian. After your descent to Wynola, you’ll turn around to make your way back to town and double back on Hwy 79.
Passing Sunrise Hwy, you’ll ride by Lake Cuyamaca and the Cuyamaca State Park. Descending on Highway 79 to Descanco, you’ll negotiate your last 1.5 mile-climb over Guatay on Hwy 80 before reaching the finish at Pine Valley. Over the 124.4 miles, what you lack in 0 traffic lights and just 5 stop signs to contend with, you’ll make up for in an abundance of amazing views and scenery.
Please read our accepted proof of passage.