Tour de Julian
By Amber Ward

Bicycling enthusiasts have the opportunity to tour the Julian hillside while getting a bit of exercise.

The R&B Bicycle Club's annual Tour de Julian is set for Nov. 11 and 12 and will hit the trails and streets for a 28-mile course and a 55-mile journey.

The 28-mile course starts at the winery, heads to Pine Hills, goes down Boulder Creek and then up and over Engineers Road to Lake Cuyamaca, before heading back to the winery.

The 55-mile course includes the 28-mile ride, plus a trip up Sunrise Highway to the top of Mount Laguna and then back to the winery.

On Nov. 12, the club will also offer mountain bike routes through the newly opened Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve. These routes range from 11 to 19 miles.

Both rides will include well-stocked rest stops, event T-shirts, and after the rides, Julian pie and ice cream. On-site camping will be available at the Menghini Winery for the event days only.

Registration and check-in begins at 7 a.m. The Saturday rides depart at 8:30 a.m. and the Sunday ride departs at 9 a.m. Advanced registration for the Tour de Julian is available online.

The R&B Bicycle Club was started in 1988, and sponsors bicycle events in the Borrego Springs and Julian areas throughout the year.

The club also offers private mountain bike tours. There are several to choose from including Julian, Cuyamaca, Mt. Laguna and the Anza-Borrego Desert.

You can bring your own bike or rent one. Starting at $49 a person, group discounts are available. For more information about the R&B Bicycle Club and any of its events visit www.julianactive.com or call 760-765-2200.