Kitchen Creek Ride Report

17 August 2024

by Rob Verfurth

Riders: Mike H, Neil R, Bernie, Monica, Quoc, John A, Mike W and Rob V

Hodges called an audible and changed the scheduled route…..he wanted to ride Kitchen Creek. Mike put out the messages and organized everyone to meet at our usual spot right off I-8 and Highway 79 in Japatul. I drove to Hodges house and gave him a ride to the start in my little Prius C, bikes piled high in the back. Mike had also invited his accountant, Mike W, to join us. The above riders rolled out a few minutes after 8 am ready to tackle a challenging but beautiful ride.

We pedaled along highway 79 and turned slightly onto Old Highway 80 past Guatay and descended down through Pine Valley, everyone was chatting and remembering past Alpine Challenge rides or our old Descenders ride that took us up Pine Creek. At Sunrise Highway we waited for Quoc and Mike W. Quoc was not feeling well so he planned to turn around at the bottom of Kitchen Creek. After regrouping, we crossed the bridge over I-8 and continued east on Old Highway 80 riding parallel to the freeway. It is a fast, slightly downhill run most of the way to the turn for Kitchen Creek Road. The winds were blowing from the east and the sun was burning bright. We made the turn and started the twelve mile ascent of Kitchen Creek; everyone except Quoc. We were down to 7 riders.

Mike W, Neil and Monica were out in front. Bernie, Hodges and John A passed me in the first half mile. I settled into my pace, sweeping up the group. I could see most of the riders up ahead. I passed Mike W after about two miles and gave him some intel on the climb. He had never ridden Kitchen Creek and did not know what was in store for the next ten+ miles. I told him about the climb, about the gates and the top rutty gravel roads near the campsite areas. I told him to turn right at the top to ride to the store. What was Hodges thinking inviting Mike W to experience a rookie climb on Kitchen Creek for his first Descenders group ride? I know my pace was slow but Mike W was losing ground and was now at the back of the pack.

Hodges stopped at the crest of the first hill, about mile 3, saying he was waiting for Mike W. I rolled by thanking Mike for taking care of his invited friend. A mile or so later Hodges rolls up to me saying Mike W is going to be slow and for me to suggest to the group that we ride from the store when I get there as they will be far back. I pedal off and got to the first gate about mile 5 to see Bernie, John A and Monica just pedaling off to continue their climb. Neil R was way out front somewhere on the climb. I pulled my bike over the gate and relaxed for a minute when Hodges rolled up. He again reiterated that Mike W would be slow. I continued on what is some of the best track of Kitchen Creek. Narrow road, no cars allowed and great views as you climb up and around the mountain.

Less than a mile later Hodges shows up again and we ride together for a couple of miles to the second gate where he says he is waiting for Mike W. I pootle off, now into the alpine forest on Mount Laguna. The road is very bad in spots, but the views are epic. This is always a great climb. I finally turn onto Sunrise Highway and make it over to the General Store. Neil R, Bernie, John A and Monica are all relaxing on the porch, sippiing cokes, munching on chips and pop tarts. I saw a Snickers bar too. I headed inside to get a coke and a bottle of water. Bernie offered me a package of pop tarts, yum.

After a fairly short stop, I told them that Hodges was helping Mike W along and that we should not wait for them. I, being the slowest of our group, was definitely not waiting. We were at about 31 miles, halfway home with Kitchen Creek behind us, lots of descents coming but still plenty of climbing ahead. I was off and told them to catch me by the time we got to Lake Cuyamaca. It is a brief climb away from the store but then some long, fast descents along the edge of the mountain. Great views of the desert and S2 off to my right side. I blew by the observation deck, our usual stopping point, but took a few photos farther down. Pretty day and great time riding bikes with friends, can’t beat it.

I pedaled hard and kept looking back to see where the other riders were. The rollers and a few climbs up hurt as the legs were barking. I could see the intersection of Highway 79 up ahead; that was a quick 15 mile section. I turned south towards Lake Cuyamaca and pretty quickly was passed by Neil with Monica on his wheel. I tucked in between them and Neil pulled us past the lake for a few miles until Bernie and John A came up from behind. Neil told me that Hodges and Mike W made it to the store only about 10 minutes after I left. They were going to rest and then continue slowly behind us. Mike W could give Hodges a ride home.

Our group rode well together on the climbs and rollers past Stonewall Peak and Paso Picacho Campground before the start of the long descent towards Descanso. Neil R led us on the descent with everyone taking turns pulling the group back together as we made quick work of the 10 miles down Highway 79. I took the turn to route through Descanso (the Alpine Challenge route) while Neil, Bernie, Monica & John A continued straight back to the cars. My route added about a mile of quiet roads and everyone was still putting bikes in and on their car when I rolled up. A great 63 mile loop with about 5.5K of elevation gain.

I put Hodges after ride orange juice and his sandals behind the wheel of Mike W’s car. I drove to Hodges house to leave the rest of his stuff on his porch. Mike H and Mike W were just leaving the parking lot when I was dropping Mike’s gear at his house. Mike W got baptism by fire; tackling Kitchen Creek is a great first Descenders ride. I traded texts with Mike W today and learned that he is a very experienced rider but is coming back from an injury. He will be leading some of our group rides soon.

Thanks again to Hodges for organizing a fun group ride and great Monster Climbs training. He also had us do the Great Western Loop last week. MC Trip training is in full swing. Attached are a few photos from the ride.