Pala-Temecula Road

[Nerius Landys]

I was just browsing Google Maps and came across this road, Pala-Temecular Road, which connects Temecula to the small town of Pala which sits on the 76, further East from Rice Canyon.  Is there a reason we never ride this road?  Is it not suitable for bike riding?  Would be interesting to do a Temecula out-and-back ride which includes Couser, Rice, this Pala-Temecular Road, and Lilac.

[kellyjay]

Nerius,
From my own experiences riding that road, the southbound ride from Temecula to Pala is quite do-able. You'll find moderate traffic, narrow to NO bike lanes, and a few curves on a fast downhill run. Traffic will back up behind you, but it's over in a 30mph dash.
From Pala up to Temecula is to fate your nervous existence. With narrow to NO bike lanes and a nice climb, it's akin to the route UP Ortega Hwy (Hwy. 74) from Lake Elsinore to summit. I did 'em & won't repeat. UCSD riders used to have a route up that way, as well as up Wildcat Canyon from Lakeside.
Don't forget, Temecula-Pala Hwy. is the main route between two busy Casinos!

Hope that helps,
kellyjay

[karlos]

Nerius,
A similar ride used to be in the regular Sunday rotation. Bonsall start, Couser-Rice backwards, Rainbow Canyon, Pechanga, down Pala Grade (the doable) direction, 76 to Cole Grade, and Circle R, Camino del Rey return. We don't do it because of a couple yucky parts, and neither is Pala Rd. The Pechanga Pkwy is unpleasant because of the casino (I conceived this ride BC - before casinos), and the 76 stretch is now a death march, again because of casinos.

[wbturek@yahoo.com]

I enjoy Pala-Temecula going from Temecula to Pala. Lilac (not W. Lilac) picks up a couple hundred yards east of Pala on Highway 76. Did a Saturday ride like that on May 19, 2012. Here's the route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/981900

[karlos]

I agree, Bill. I'll change the route to add the Lilac climb ( and pray for no dogs), and we'll do it on a Sunday.