Thread started by Creative Thing at 07.24.08 - 8:59 am

This story is in today's O.C. Register:

Bicyclists can't go from San Clemente to Oceanside via old Highway 101 this week because of military exercises at Camp Pendleton.

But Caltrans has an alternative: Cyclists will be allowed to pedal between Orange County and Oceanside along the shoulders of I-5 during the closure, which the Marines expect to last through July 29.

The closure took effect this morning on a portion of the old highway between Las Pulgas Road and the "S" curve along I-5. "During this period, there will be continuous heavy military vehicle movements requiring the road closure to guarantee the safety of military service members and civilians alike," the Marines' statement said.

The old highway is heavily used by bicyclists on weekends.

"Right now we're allowing the bicyclists to ride northbound and sounthbound on Interstate 5," said Hayden Manning, a Caltrans spokesman. Caltrans urged caution, since there is no barrier separating the freeway shoulder from the traffic lanes. Manning suggested that bicyclists consider using the car this week, if they don't need to ride.

If Camp Pendleton's exercises end earlier than July 29, the freeway restrictions will be reinstated as soon as that happens, Manning said.

Dee Milosch, a state park supervisor, said the San Onofre State Beach entry kiosk, through which the Highway 101 bike path runs, is aware and can direct bicyclists.

"The military has been requested to provide temporary signage at Las Pulgas and Basilone for the affected cyclists, directing them to the right shoulder of the I-5 for traveling to and past Las Pulgas,' Milosch said.




"Manning suggested that bicyclists consider using the car this week, if they don't need to ride."

They will have to pry my bike from my cold, dead fingers!



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COOL....now maybe more people will start using that route.
The more people that use the 5, the more we could push for better paving. It's faster anyway.
I know it's a long shot and that it doesn't affect 99.95% of you, but hey, I can dream.



Drew
07.24.08 - 9:33 am

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This is true. We live down here and ride through Camp Pendleton several times per week, but the road is currently closed before the "tank tunnel". The ride is still on though. It will be fun!



Bernd
07.24.08 - 2:41 pm

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This is a portion of the 5 fwy that has been opened as an additon to the 7ish mile stretch into Ocean Side, which remains open to cyclists indefinitely.



tern
07.24.08 - 2:55 pm

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Aw. I did enjoy going through the base.
At least its temporary.



Lizzard
07.24.08 - 10:15 pm

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BTW, how was your ride last week Lizzard? I would have liked to come, but we had our own Train Ride (aka Beer Ride) from San Clemente.

A few weeks ago we ran into a group of messengers who were doing the same ride, and it was pretty cool riding with them... They do this ride three or four times a year.



Bernd
07.24.08 - 10:42 pm

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It was fun. Not many showed up... actually.. no one at all showed up. With the exception of creative thing doing part of it.

My next ride will probably go from santa monica to santa barbera. Let me know if you want in.



Lizzard
07.25.08 - 12:40 pm

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Santa Monica to Santa Barbara sounds good. It's much shorter than L.A. to San Diego, so we could go out-and-back. Or I might start down here in O.C.



Bernd
07.25.08 - 3:25 pm

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L.A. to S.D. was an adventure. Only three of us showed up, but not much more could be expected with less than a week notice. Coming back on the train was a blast.

I scheduled the same ride again for end of October, maybe we will get a bigger group for even more fun.



Bernd
07.28.08 - 12:00 pm

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