Amtrak Century

Did it last year.  I am not sure I'd do it again.  Beginning is about 40 miles through Irvine (it's a net gain in elevation, so be prepared for that).  It is VERY crowded unless you leave really early.  I was worried for the first 40 miles that I'd get creamed.  Cyclists of all stripes, passing on the right and left, bad bike handling skills.  And there are so many lights in the first section, the cyclists you get away from come screaming by when you hit the inevitable red light.  And often on the right.......

Once you hit the coast, it's very nice, and tends to open up a bit more.

Last year (and maybe every year) they said Pendleton was closed.  I think it's just because they don't want that many cyclists on the road.  So most take the freeway route, but a small group of us went through Camp P.  You just have to show your drivers license, just like any other ride.  It was SOOOOOOOO  nice to get away from the crowds.   Returns to Hwy 1 in Oceanside, and goes partly on the California 70.3 run course.

Gets more crowded as you close in on SD. 

Post ride support is pretty good.  Lots of food and drink, change tent, in a nice location near the harbor.  Training for IMAZ, I did a brick afterwards.

What made it memorable was the guy that brought the case of beer, and all of us that brought several different kinds of meats and cheeses and cookies... the ride back might make it worth it if you plan it right.   We were full and drunk by Carlsbad. 

I just signed up for this.    See you there!

How early does this one sell out? I was thinking about it but it was long gone at that point...

Or have a friend do it for you    I think it sells out in a half hour or so