After a leisurely flat ride north through Encinitas and Leucadia (passing the world-famous Swamis surf spot and Self-Realization Temple along the way), the Swamis Ride turns east onto La Costa Blvd along Batiquitos Lagoon. From there it turns briefly south onto El Camino Real then left at Levante.  At this point the group is going uphill to the east and the pace quickens. At the top of Levante the ride makes a quick right on La Costa Ave then immediately left on onto Rancho Santa Fe Road, which ascends to a sharp right onto San Elijo Road then right on Elfin Forest Road. The next 10-12 miles are rolling uphill on the road through Elfin Forest. The peloton frequently shreds at this point on the beautiful country roads, with the more rabid riders leading us ragged!  In Escondido the group regroups at a church.  Most riders return to the coast via Del Dios Highway, with long 40-50 mph downhills along the lake. The group then winds through the multi-million dollar estates of Rancho Santa Fe on Paseo Delicias and Linea del Cielo back to Solana Beach. The complete loop is about 40 miles. From the church, you can also pick up groups going to the climbs of Lake Wohlford and Mt Palomar to extend the ride.

Day: Every Saturday (all year)

Start Time (Updated Nov 2010):
The B Ride leaves Nytro promptly at: 7:45 am
The A Ride (faster and harder ride) leaves Nytro promptly at: 8:10 am

Start Location: Nytro Bike Shop, 940 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Distance: 40 miles

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

The Swamis ride cooks on its way through some of the the last undeveloped
land in coastal San Diego. Photo © Mark Johnson / www.ironstring.com