CA: Ranchita Rambler '24

 The Ranchita Rambler was now in its third year. I had ridden it during the inaugural running and had a blast. Figured I was do for a repeat and to kick start my riding season. My friend, Emily, hosts the event and it's typically the weekend the US turns clocks back - which throws us Arizonans for a loop. The total route is just under 60 miles, with over 40 of those coming on the first day. It's self-paced, self-navigated, but we all re-group at camp. For this ride that means the Anza-Borrego State Park.

As mentioned in my previous post, I had stopped in Yuma for a quick spin on the Sugarloaf Mtn. trails before meeting Emily in Borrego Springs for pizza. We had planned to camp at the group site that night, then leave her van there with goodies for when the others arrived the next night. She had some friends coming out to help too. They'd load up on snacks, ice and plenty of beverages.

The next morning we made the short drive up the hill to Ranchita where a bunch of riders were already getting their bikes loaded. As start time neared, Emily grabbed everyone's photo by the famed Yeti of Ranchita and made some final words about what was to come. We had a nice sized group around 20 riders for the fast paved rollout.

Almost go time.

As soon as we reached dirt, it almost felt like civilization was left behind sans a few ranch properties. The group began to spread out over a series of three climbs. I rode ahead to grab some photos.

Chris leading the charge.

Jason & Julian, who I met on the past Queen's Ransom.

That's a good framebag for hunting season.

Re-grouping as we closed the the first loop of the route and made our way towards the big desert descent.

Bombs away!!

Of course there was this one punchy climb tossed in.

A few more riders grinding their way up.

Now we go down for good.

Alyssa keeping her distance from the Cholla. Good call.

It was a very fast descent, sandy, but not bad with the right tires. My 2.6" Teravail Honchos were up to the task, railing the soft corners. This is NOT a gravel route, leave your skinny tires at home.

The surface became a bit more hardpacked in this area.

I picked up a thorn in my front tire, needed to top off sealant as more riders came through.

A quick re-group to discuss our options here.

The route gpx had us going up to the busy, paved Hwy78. We had an option to stay off the route and make our way down a wide wash area that would eventually funnel us back to the route without fear of getting run over. It seemed a bunch of us opted for the wash.

Emily and Scooter!!

This is why wider tires are a must for this route.

Riding through the wash was fun, pick a line and go!!

We rejoined the route here, on Old Borrego Valley Rd in Cactus Valley.

The dirt road dumped us out on pavement where we'd turn left, straight into a 30+mph headwind. Oof. Nothing like putting out max effort to ride 5mph on flat pavement. I tried to keep a steady pace and not work too hard. Burritos weren't too far away now.

Nearing town the wind persisted.

Emily added a detour this year, taking us by a few of the Galleta Meadows sculptures. These things are so impressive and scattered all throughout the Borrego Valley.

This was the coolest of the horse sculptures.

Bald Eagle taking flight. You could make a nice day ride trying to see all the sculptures.

Thankfully, the route made a 90º turn north and the headwind became a crosswind. Mild relief.

When I rolled up to Los Jilberto's Taco Shop, it had already been taken over by our group. Having this stop near mile 40 meant I hardly had to carry any food, only some snacks. I didn't need much water either. Logistically, this is an easy ride to plan for. Most of us grabbed something to eat and something to go. It was mid-afternoon and camp was only a few miles away.

Entering our home for the night.

Our group site was nestled up near San Ysidro Mtn. by the mouth of the Middle Fork Borrego Palm Canyon. Our proximity to the mountains helped to cut down on the wind. 

Our group getting settled in the fading light.

0% chance of rain in the desert = cowboy camping for me.

Emily bought some wood to keep the campfire going for hours.

I had a second really good night of sleep here, felt rested as daylight crept over the mountains. I wanted to get an early start, mostly because I had a long drive home and would be now losing an hour with the daylight savings time change. But I also knew I'd be slow on the climb. I was hoping my legs would cooperate this time around and not cramp like last time. Today's ride was only 15 miles or so, but we'd gain over 3,000'. It's not a steep climb, just a steady grind with about 2/3 of it on pavement.

Not a bad view to wake up to.

The mountain were ablaze at sunrise.

Making my way out of town. I still had half of a burrito, so no need to go back into town.

Up, up, up. It doesn't take long for the vista to spread out.

Down below was the headwind area from the previous day.

The highway snaking up the canyons and contours. These mountainous roads are such an engineering marvel.

Roadside mini-pumpkins??

Kimmi & Jesse caught me as we made our way up Culp Valley Road., the final 1/3 of the climb. I had met Kimmi almost 10 years ago on a ride in Sedona, small world.

More sandy hardpack riding.

My legs were playing nice and the sand wasn't bad at all.

We'd get an occasional view back to the desert.

Topping out near 4200', the end is almost in sight.

A fast cruise on pavement to wrap things up.

It's always nice to be greeted at the finish.

Once again this ride delivered. Fun route and great people to hang out with. I may have convinced a few of them to head over for the Queen's Ransom this coming spring. We'll see. This ride gets capped at 30 riders, so if you want to be a part of it next year, follow @ranchitarambler on Instagram. Registration is announced there and done via a mailed postcard. 

Full photo album here:

Route: