It’s been a long while since the last Hillbillies ride! A revisit to La Mesa’s most scenic set of hills is overdue. Come ride Mt Helix and Grossmont with us from Poochie’s Hooch Urban Cidery in Allied Gardens (at 7559 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120) on Saturday March 7th, start time 9 AM.
We’ll get warmed up riding through Mission Trails Regional Park before heading south up Fanita Dr, and make our way thru the neighborhood side roads of La Mesa, wander the former artists’ enclave of Grossmont, beat the Easter bunny to Mt Helix’s famous cross atop the stone amphitheater and do an easy spin around Lake Murray as we make our way back to Poochie’s Hooch for post-ride refreshment of some of the best homemade hard cider in San Diego (it also doesn’t hurt that Poochie’s Hooch donates 20% of its profit to Labrador and Friends dog rescue group).
ROUTE:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31942500
The ride is about 31 miles, with a little over 2800 ft of elevation gain. So, there is significant amount of climbing (most come in relatively short but spikey servings). Please make sure you bike has good climbing gear ratios (a 32 or 34 cog in the cassette will make life a lot easier) and good working brakes. Have at least one (preferably two) spare tubes with you, along with CO2 or frame pump.
It’s supposed to be a cool day, but please bring at least one water bottle, and some pocket snacks for self, ’cause bonking in the hills is really not a good thing.
This will be a relatively mellow-paced ride. We will be respectful of other trail/road users, especially on Lake Murray trail which may be quite busy by the time we get there. With all the view you’ll get to enjoy at leisurely pace, why hurry? 😉
