Update:  Unfortunately, we have had to cancel this event for 2023.  Hwy 33 was severely damaged during the rainy winter and is closed to all traffic.  The latest info from Caltrans is that work will continue well into the summer.  Here is a video showing some of the damage.  We will schedule this event in 2024- it really is a beautiful ride.

You must register in advance for this ride- registration closes at noon on Thursday before the ride.  There is no late registration or day-of-event registration.  You must be a member of both PCH Randonneurs and RUSA in order to register. 

This is a challenging ride that travels some beautiful, remote mountain roads.   From the start in Ventura riders will make a gentle warm-up climb to Ojai, and then the real fun begins.  The route travels north on Highway 33, through the Wheeler Gorge and the Sespe Wilderness Area.  At Pine Mountain Summit (mile 51), riders will have already climbed over 6000 feet.  Food and drinks will be provided here.  After re-fueling you will make the rapid descent down to the Lockwood Valley Road, where you will begin the "Heartbreak" climb up to Lake of the Woods. (This climb gets its name because it seems like you have reached the summit at mile 66, but there are actually two more bumps to climb until you reach the final summit at mile 80). Next you will work your way to Lebec, Gorman, and Lake Hughes- a mostly downhill segment, but it may not seem like it because there are plenty of climbs along the way.  After visiting the little market at Lake Hughes, you will descend Lake Hughes Road to Castaic, then follow the Heritage Valley back to Ventura.

The total climbing for this ride is about 14,000 ft.  This is a great way to help build your fitness for your upcoming difficult rides in the summer.