Lunch Ride: Oakley

At first glance, an 11-mile road loop may not seem that challenging. When you roll out and start the loop, however, do not be fooled by the shopping centers and huge intersections. Hidden within these hills is the 1984 Olympic Road Race course, one that would go on to define a whole era of cycling in the United States. Back then, they did a few more laps than the one that makes up the usual Lunch Ride from the Oakley HQ. That should not sway you from trying this ride for yourself. Find the finish line in Mission Viejo and you will also find a map of the entire route embedded into a lamp post. Steve Blick of Oakley, our good friend and ride leader, showed us the points of interest as we traversed one quick lap a few weeks ago. "This was the sight of the infamous illegal feed", or, "Over that hill is where Kobe lives". It is always good to do a new lunch ride with a leader as well-versed as Steve. As we happen to be in an Olympic year, if you find yourself on this ride, a sprint finish is mandatory.

Lunch Ride

Oakley Headquarters

When?

People can be found riding it pretty much any day of the week, usually around noon.

Interesting Facts and Landmarks

The 1984 Olympic Road Race was won by American Alexi Grewal in a hotly contested sprint finish. See: Velominati article.

Next to Olympiad Road is Florence Griffith Joyner Olympic Park.

Finish

This ride comes equipped with its very own finish line built into the pavement in Mission Viejo.

Post Ride

Back to work! This is a lunch ride.

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If you wish to submit your lunch ride to the collection please send an email to hennie@rapha.cc. Also, take a look at the continually updated schedule of the Rapha Mobile Cycle Club to see if Hennie will be in your neighborhood.