And also, the cumbersome shenanigans with physically exporting files to a computer and then uploading may simply not be required with the continuing evolution of bike computers. For example, for my Wahoo Bolt, I just select Starred routes on the Bolt and any RWGPS route that I pinned is just automagically there upon a sync with my wifi at home, or if I forget to sync, I just open the Wahoo app at a start of the ride and my pinned (aka starred on Wahoo) route is selectable and transferred via bluetooth in a few seconds. No cumbersome file exports, cables, computers, etc. required. All that is required is letting the Wahoo have access to my RWGPS account, a one time setup with your Wahoo account.

All - Since many of us ride the coast through Carlsbad, Carlsbad is considering options to improve the intersection at Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd (101). See details at https://www.carlsbadca.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/12148. Comments on which option you prefer should be sent in by this Friday, Feb 3, to traffic@carlsbadca.gov. Agencies count support letters for each option to help direct their final decision, so send something in if you have a preference. Below is the letter I sent into support the roundabout Option 2.

Dear Carlsbad Traffic Commission

I strongly support your roundabout option for improving the intersection of Tamarack and Carlsbad Blvd.

As a Solana Beach resident who regularly drives and bicycles our North County coast through this intersection, the primary benefit is improved safety for everyone who uses the road: motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, and others. The safety improvements are well known by reducing the number of conflict points at a roundabout intersection, making the most injurious head-on and T-bone collisions between a motor vehicle and others virtually impossible. The accommodation for pedestrians in a modern roundabout ensures pedestrians only need to look for conflicts in one direction as they proceed to/from the pedestrian refuge in the splitter vane halfway. These safety improvements are important for your Vision Zero aspirations.

Speeds will be reduced to a moderate 15-20 mph: slower speeds through the intersection again make it safer for all. Average travel times through a single roundabout will shorten trips and eliminate waiting at traffic signals, where idling vehicles only add to pollution and noise, not to mention the aggravation of having to sit at a light.

As a League of American Bicyclists certified cycling instructor, we teach that proceeding through a traffic calmed roundabout intersection is safest when fully integrating with vehicle traffic through the roundabout. I especially like that you've included sharrows in both the throat and the inner circle per the CA MUTCD recommendation to make it clear how bicyclists should use the roundabout.

Finally, your artist rendition for Option 2 shows how you can create not only a functional safety and efficiency improvement but beautify an otherwise utilitarian road intersection. This will be a wonderful place to drive, bicycle and walk, a model for other intersections along our North County Coast.

I urge you to go forward with this beautiful improvement. Well done 👍!

Karl Rudnick
1019 San Patricio Dr, Solana Beach
BikeWalkSolana member. advising the CIty of Solana Beach for bicyclists & pedestrians
League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor #3481
North County Cycle Club Ride Leader

And I hope I can renew in February when mine expires. This is also a chance to remind all that they are no longer issuing the slick ID cards to ride thru. It is now an awkward 8.5x11 paper which you either need to put in a baggie or just take an image on your phone (unverified method as of yet).

Once again, the epic route planned for this Sunday, originally for New Years where bad weather forbade it, is again cancelled because of forecast rain on the Santa Rosa plateau. I am so sorry as we have had more Sunday cancellations in the past few months than in all the years combined while I've been leading this ride. We'll eventually sneak it in.
Karl

Passing on an email report from the Cyclo-Vets:

Subject: Cyclo-Vets Camp Pendleton Bicycle Permits

I wanted to alert club members that Camp Pendleton has currently stopped issuing bicycle permits or renewing permits at the visitor's center. I found the visitor's center closed today when I went up to renew my permit and they told me at the gate that it will remain closed for some time, but they did not know how long. They said I could go north to the Las Pulgas gate and go to the temporary visitor's center there. I did that only to find out that they are not issuing permits and no permits will be issued until the main gate visitor's center reopens.

I asked if they would honor permits that had expired in the meantime and they said they would not. 

So, no riding through the base for me for the foreseeable future and I wanted to alert the club members. 

Hi Jon,

The DM group I joined typically stayed indoors, but encouraged tent bringing, in case indoors turned into outdoor camping.  If you like the "charter" method of travel, then you should do it. I never did it because a core group of us turned up every year or so to do the ride. More personal and fun, imo. There are two Colorado rides this year that are, as you put it, "charter" groups. Thinking about joining them. They certainly take the edge off the duller aspects of cycling camping, like putting up/taking down tents, providing hospitality tents after the day's ride, and other niceties. It's all in what kind of experience you want.  Most people love the ride; I look at it as a 7-day party, but us older peeps don't party that much. Have fun!

Thanks, Steve.

Sorry I missed you yesterday.  Charter is the term that is on the Ragbrai website for organizations that provide various levels of service that is beyond the luggage carting that the Ragbrai staff do already.  Things like dedicated campsites, tent rental, parking at the end location and bus service back to the start, etc.  Some of them include extras like food, laundry service, and showers and towels. 

When you joined the Des Moines group, did you bring your own tent?  Or did they provide that kind of stuff for you?

I'm signed up for the ride, and I'm excited about the experience.  Just trying to figure out what logistics options are best for me.  Last year, I had planned to do the trip with my dad and he was going to drive his RV, but I broke my shoulder in May, so that was out for 2022.  This year he will be out of the country for most of July, so I'm researching options.

Thanks!

Thanks very much Karlos! I'll see if I can drag my butt out of bed. 

Hey, Mike. Nigel Rodgers will be leading the ride tomorrow. I can't say how many will show. The Sunday ride is usually smaller 8-12 folks, sometimes as small as 4. Introduce yourself to Nigel and Keith who will also be there.

I am sorry to say that health issues require me to stay off the road the next few weeks. That said, I will continue to post Sunday rides with No Ride Leader, unless someone volunteers. I'm especially sorry to miss the epic Wilderness Trail / La Cresta offering on Jan 29. I am leaving it there since it was cancelled on New Years due to rain and muddy conditions. I will be back, so stay tuned.
See you virtually on Strava at least   - Karl