The QERs are designed to be self-supported randonneuring style rides, with no SAG/aid stations. We will provide some supplemental food and nutrition to take along at the beginning of the ride, but please bring what you usually need for a long ride like this.
This ride is open to all Endurance Team members. Registration is required.
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For the last QER of 2023, we will head west to the Santa Monica mountains for a day of spectacular riding!
The ET committee brings you the "Santa Monica Barbell":
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44951038
73 miles, 8560 ft of climbing
Meeting time: 7:30 am
Rolling time: 8:00 am
Starting location: Pedalers' Fork in Calabasas (free parking available at a nearby lot)
This is a scenic and challenging route that samples some of the best roads in the Santa Monica Mountains and includes two loops with robust climbing and rewarding descents. The east loop takes us up Saddle Peak via Stunt and down Piuma. The west loop takes us down to PCH via Encinal Canyon and back up via Mulholland Hwy. In between these two loops, there is plenty of action with the famous Rock Store climb/descent that you can still enjoy car-free (for now).
If you have ridden in this area before, you don't need me to waste more words to convince you to come. If you haven't had the pleasure to do so, you can whet your appetite by reading this fantastic article by Patrick Brady on the magic of riding in the Santa Monica Mountains and the Malibu canyons:
https://www.cyclingescapes.com/bicycletours/california/climbingcamp/roadbike.pdf
Regroup stops (with water and bathrooms):
Mile 22.2 King Gillette Ranch
Mile 44.3 Leo Carillo Campground
Mile 61.0 Paramount Ranch
Shorter options: If you feel that the whole route is too much or you are short on time, you can skip either the east or west loop and still get in an excellent ride that's worth the drive to get there.