The 2024 edition of San Diego’s Archipelago Ride is in the books. Once again, I had the distinct pleasure of greeting the first finishers as they reached the end of the trail at the top of Lopez Canyon. Some were beat down while others kept a-rollin’ on through to Gravity Heights, which was “straight ahead…go through the lights.”
Prior to their arrival, like always, I took a walk down Lopez to check out the trail work that was done in preparation for the ride. It’s a leisurely stroll, one in which you can hear morning bird songs and the buzz of hummingbirds.
Once I was at the bottom, I turned around and walked back up because, well, I was on duty and had a station to hold down. First, I had to check out the thistle.
The trail crew did quite a nice job on the trail, adding a sweet berm for descenders, though on the Arch Ride, they all would be climbing up Lopez. It’s not too bad, around 250 feet of elevation gain in about a mile. After riding upwards of 45-50 miles, or half of that, though, it can put the cramp deep in your soul, I mean leg, which I’ve seen happen every year that I’ve been posted at the top of Lopez.
Done my duty, I made my way to the party and met up with people I’ve not seen in a while. Camaraderie and friendship abounded, as well as some good-natured ribbing/banter.
Cheers to all of the riders and the volunteers. It’s a dandy of an event, one that you should plan to do in your lifetime, if you’ve not done it, especially if you’re in this neck of the “island chain” of green spaces.
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Thank you for welcoming the riders to the top of the hill!!!