The Official Friday Coffee Ride, aka Jack’s Coffee Ride

This is for all of my fellow south Orange County (California) cyclists who like me, are sadly underserved by OC cycling clubs when it comes to casual-paced rides that start at a respectable time in the morning. I started this ride several years ago with the idea of an 8 AM roll-out time. (wow, no 5 AM wake-up to drive/ride to the start) You are welcome to join us if the description below doesn’t scare you away. See Strava graphic for more info.

Our original start was at what was the former Pure Ride Cycles (miss you Kristen) in Lake Forest. With their closure the ride’s official start point is now right in front of the Cloud Cafe, directly across the street from Pure Ride. Easier for rolling-out with the traffic and a ton of parking! 

About our riders: typically 4 to 8 very active riders putting in 4,000 to 10,000 miles/year at a comfortable 16 – 18 mph average. Faster on portions of the ride where terrain, traffic, road conditions permit and a good bit slower when necessary. Since this is a Friday morning ride most of us are semi or fully retired. 

Start-time (s): 8 AM sharp roll-out from Cloud Cafe. No one will be waiting if you are late.

Other start locations not on this map, for those who want to ride to the start from RSM, Lake Forest or other parking locations near the route. 

7:40 AM on the Aliso Creek Bike Trail just below the Portola / El Toro intersection. Parking further up the trail on El Toro or at the Lake Forest Sports Park. https://maps.app.goo.gl/AdYAhx5nJ7rokHMRA 

Distance, official loop approximately 37 miles. Mostly flat. 

Coffee stop: Starbucks PCH across from the Back Bay exit/entrance, typically 20 to 30 minutes max. 

Return is somewhat hillier.

This is Not a race-pace pace line. In fact we rarely do pace line riding. Wheel sucking is very much permitted, only if you demonstrate you know what you are doing. No wheel overlapping.

No drop, for the most part but you may find yourself lagging sometimes. Follow the example of the ride leader (s). If you want to race to the next intersection or TT yourself to Nirvana then it was nice knowing you. 

Stop for all mechanicals!

Usually return around 11:20 AM. Earlier with a shorter coffee stop and/or a good tailwind. 

PM me for more details. 

Time to renew my Strava subscription so I can edit the route name.