A great iconic North County ride and one of my favs is through Camp Pendleton, a US Marine Corps base, to San Clemente State Beach. Bring your driver’s license as they check IDs at the gates both entering and leaving the base.
It can be a little tricky merging with traffic to get onto the base from the South in Oceanside, but once you’re through that – it smooth cycling with minimal traffic and very few lights or stops signs. The roads are generally in good shape, but the rain storms have beat them up a bit so be alert to debris and bumps. Just one hill and the rest is flat with a couple rollers. (I’ll have to film it for you.)
Once you exit the northern gate of Camp Pendleton, / Las Pulgas exit off Interstate 5, you’ll be in the blissful no car zone along the old airstrip and out to the San Onofre bike trail and the beach. Cruise along enjoying fantastic vistas of bluffs, beaches, and the Pacific. In the summer, you do need to be on the watch for campers, kids and surfers running amok. There’s camping, picnic and restrooms available throughout the park.
Yay, getting back in the road bike saddle. This was my 5th and longest ride post kidney stone surgery (see my Honoring the gift of health post). (Yes, I drank my H2o on the ride.) I cut it about 10 miles short for a total of 46 miles with 2,015 elevation gain/loss. 
Speaking of camping and biking, I ran into the “starving cyclist” , AKA Greg Valenzuela, on my ride. He’s been on the road for nearly 5 years biking around the world on his Cannondale. Greg didn’t want his picture taken so here’s his rig instead.
I asked Greg some questions about his adventures .
How many miles do you ride a day?
Between 40 and 100 depending where I am and where the next stop is.
Where’s the best place to ride in the States?
Washington and Oregon as there are so many cyclists who live there and the scenery is great.
Where have you felt the least safe?
Mexico and Nicaragua are sketchy (understatement).
Did you get any tickets?
4 tickets in New Zealand for not wearing a helmet.
How much does your rig weigh?
Got it down to about 121lbs…
Have you been in any accidents?
Yeah, a couple, but nothing serious.
Any tips?
If you’re riding in hot climates like Thailand, take saunas in the morning if you can. It will help you acclimate to the heat.
Where to next?
Dana Point on my way to Redondo Beach and then off to Morocco.
Who inspires you?
Check out the inspiration page on my blog.
And who inspires your inspirator? (Some really great sites & videos here!)
http://www.bikewanderer.com/inspiration-1/
Happy adventuring!
