204 miles with 13,000 feet of elevation gain*
Locate ride on interactive map.
[Interactive Course | enlarge]
[Route Profile]
Borrego Double Ordeal - Counties Visited:
San Diego County
Borrego Double Ordeal - Cities/Towns Visited:
Borrego Springs, Santa Ysabel, Ballena, Ramona, San Pasqual, Escondido, San Marcos, Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Luis Rey, Bonsall, Valley Center, Pauma Valley, Julian, Scissors Crossing, and Desert Lodge
Borrego Double Ordeal - Climbs:
Mile 1 (cat. 1), 29 (cat. 3), 72 (cat. 4), 114 (cat. 4), 125 (cat. 4), 139 (cat. 2), 159 (cat. 4), 166 (cat. 4), 171 (cat. 4), and 192 (cat. 4)
Borrego Double Ordeal - Stops:
Mile 14, 43 (Santa Ysabel), 76 (Escondido), 98 (Oceanside), 136, and 167
Borrego Double Ordeal - Description:
The Borrego Double Ordeal is a difficult double century, starting in the desert town of Borrego Springs and leading over a mountain range to Oceanside and back.
The ride starts with a long climb up Montezuma Grade, before descending towards Lake Henshaw. It then ascends steep Mesa Grande Road, which turns into a rolling back road that eventually merges into Highway 79, which leads to Santa Ysabel.
The route continues on Highway 78 until Ballena, and further on the Old Julian Highway until Ramona. It then uses Highway 78 until Escondido, where it follows some urban roads until San Marcos. San Marcos Boulevard eventually turns into Palomar Airport Road, which leads all the way to Legoland in Carlsbad. The ride then continues on the Coast Highway and bike path towards Oceanside Pier.
From here, San Luis Rey River bike trail, North River Road, and Highway 76 head east towards Bonsall. West Lilac Road crosses Freeway 15 and gradually ascends towards Valley Center. Cole Grade Road leads to Highway 76, which passes through Pauma Valley and climbs to the base of Mount Palomar, before continuing towards Highway 79, which leads to Santa Ysabel.
From here the ride ascends on Highway 78 to Julian, the highest point of the day. Then it descends on Banner Grade into the desert, and eventually turns onto Yaqui Pass Road. In Desert Lodge, the route follows Borrego Springs Road, which leads back to the starting point.
Borrego Double Ordeal - Pictures:
[Montezuma Grade - Sunrise]
[Lake Henshaw - Fog]
[Oceanside Pier]
Borrego Double Ordeal - Personal Notes:
Sandra accompanied me for a weekend in the desert, for my first double century in about two years.
The event was awesome, Anny B. put her heart into the organization. Highlights included a Julian apple pie stop, lunch on the beach in Oceanside, and a fresh smoothie stop (I had four cups). And yes, there are a million stars at night.
For about 150 miles I rode with Alex R. from Chico, who finished his fifth double century for the year. Welcome to the «Thousand Mile Club»!
Borrego Double Ordeal - Current Weather:
See also California Triple Crown.