Vernal Equinox / First Day of Spring Blackstar Ride

Ride Name: Vernal Equinox / First Day of Spring Blackstar Ride
When: Thursday, March 19th, 2020
Time: 5:30 pm
Where: Xmas Tree Farm on Blackstar Canyon Rd
Ride Description or Details:
Continuing in my theme of doing a group ride on seasonal dates...
As this date will be the first day of spring (official vernal equinox 8:50 pm on 03/19) in our Northern Hemisphere, let's do another Blackstar ride.
Us slower folks will be starting at 5:30 to make it to Beek's by 7:30.
Faster people can start later or do extra credit past Beek's place.
The goal is to meet at Beek's at 7:30 and toast the vernal equinox. And perform whatever solstice or pagan rituals you feel like. (Please, no human or animal sacrifices).

Lights will be needed, we will have no moon as it will set in the afternoon.

Sunset is at 7:03 pm, so just before we get to Beek's.

Any significant rain on the day or preceding days will cancel as none of use want that Blackstar clay.
~~~~~ Optional Details ~~~~~
Meet Location: Xmas Tree Farm on Blackstar Canyon Rd , near the intersection with Silverado Canyon Rd, which is near its' intersection with Santiago Canyon Rd.
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Ride Pace: Social Cruise
Type of Ride: Out and Back
Rider Limit: Infinity squared
Anticipated Mileage: 18
Elevation Gain: 2200
Ride Duration: 3 Hours
Previous Ride Reports:
Possible Bail-Outs: Turn around and go back, but you'll be missing out.
Facilities: Probably no drinkable water on trail. The world is our restroom, just don't pee near a stream.
Food/water suggestions: Most get by on a bottle of water or so. Snacks if you want. Maybe a beer or two or something to toast the equinox at Beek's.
Option to Upload:

 

TFPU, Punxsutawny Jim. I wish I could join you for the good times and a toddie.

 

I hope to make this ride!!

 

In light of the CIVID 19 virus pandemic, certain things will be done for everyone's safety on this ride.
No member of a vulnerable population will be allowed. So, if you are 70+, immunocompromised, and/or suffer from breathing complications = sorry.

All riders will maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet at all times.

Snot rockets will be strictly verboten.

Handshakes and even fist bumps will be banned. Toe tapping will be allowed.

Rider limit is now 250 in line with Governor Newsom's proclamation.


If the rainy weather predictions in the next come anywhere near reality, then in all likelihood, this ride will be cancelled.
My schedule permits no reschedule.

 

Last year it was a lean group due to the rain. Looks like a potential repeat, but we'll see...

 

Any chance for an alternate venue if it's mudded out? Maple Springs? The gate will probably still be closed.

Four Corners isn't as interesting as Beeks, but the weather up there can oft provide entertainment...

 

B* mud no bueno.

 

Could be an option. As long as it isn't raining that day.

 

Even though we probably won't get enough to count as a group; with some rain expected and all the drama going around, I'm gonna be like every other event.

CANCELLED

Let's try the Solstice .

 

I celebrated the Spring equinox with a ride of my own. It was awesome!