San Luis Rey River Trail + Melrose Loop

This loop provides a long, flat warm up through Oceanside (we will be able to safely avoid the Oceanside Ironman race!), then is nice and flat all the way out to the end of the San Luis River Bike Trail. There are a few hill challenges returning on Melrose, but no long climbs and only one moderately steep section (that is about 1/4 mile). This has been one of my personal go-to rides ever since moving to Carlsbad in 2010 - good variety, good scenery, and primarily wide bike lanes on wide streets. There are several options for return routes, including turning back toward the coast at Palomar Airport Road (~30 miles), or continuing on Melrose to La Costa (~40 miles).

This is a beautiful ride with flat and rolling terrain. There will be at least two leaders.

Minimum route:

Distance: ~30 miles
Elevation Gain: ~1225 ft

Map My Ride: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/361668303

ALL RIDES WILL BE NO-DROP.

Please bring an extra tube, CO2 cartridge or hand pump, and enough fluid and snacks (suggestion: two bottles minimum for the longer ride, and two snacks).