Ride Report: California Roll XI Corona-San Clemente

July 1, 2017. Windbreakers and friends have returned from a fantastic bicycling day trip to the South Orange County coast.  This latest special edition ride, California Roll XI, took us from Corona to San Clemente via the Santa Ana River trail and Pacific Coast Hwy, with many great stops along the way.

Ferry to Balboa Island

Meet up was at 7 am sharp in Upland.  Once all seven of us (Craig, Chris, Rick, Tom, John, Mike & Jim) were loaded with the bikes and gear we headed out to the West Corona Metrolink train station, which was to be our official starting point for the day's ride.  By 8 am we were on our way south down the Santa Ana River trail, picking up friend Bill along the way, then south on PCH for a visit to the statue at the Newport Pier honoring fallen lifeguard Ben Carlson www.bencarlsonfoundation.org, and then for coffee on the Balboa Peninsula. After a short ferry ride to Balboa Island we were soon back on PCH headed south through Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach and Dana Point.

On Pacific Coast Hwy overlook - Treasure Island Park

At San Juan Capistrano we said goodbye to Craig as he was catching a train back north, we then continued south on PCH to San Clemente and lunch at Pizza Port. After enjoying some great pizzas and beer, we visited two area craft breweries, Artifex Brewing Co. and Lost Winds Brewing.  

Pizza Port, San Clemente

It was then back to the San Clemente Metrolink station ("down and to the right...) to catch the train back to Corona then home.  67 miles of great fun...we missed our fellow 'breakers who couldn't make the trip but we know we will see them again soon on the road.  Ride On!

Precious cargo headed back on the train to Corona