Camp Pendleton - access North to South for touring cyclists

[ptr52]

Hi
I am planning to cycle from SF to SD in April-May 2017.
I am a UK citizen and I cannot use the Camp Pendleton online access system for cyclists.
I have emailed the camp, and their advice is, basically, "turn up at the gate with your ID and they might let you through"
Does anyone have any first hand of trying this since they introduced the controls?
I do know a US ex serviceman, I suppose I could apply for general access? but I only want one-off through access.
Any thoughts on the best course of action?
Regards

Peter

[JHamelman]

Hi Peter,

I don't know what the odds are that you will get through without pre-registration. I've heard it go both ways. However, if you don't want to chance or are denied access when you try to get through, note the following from our addenda:

For cyclists who do not register in advance or who are not eligible to receive access to the base, you may legally ride on the shoulder of I-5 between Las Pulgas Rd. and Oceanside (Exits 62 to 54). For safety reasons, cyclists should exit and re-enter the freeway at the Aliso Creek Rest Area about midway through this stretch.

I hope this helps.


Best,
Jennifer

[Pat Lamb]

Your best bet would probably be to find an active or retired military man who lives in the area and who's also a cyclist.  Ask them if they'd do a day ride with you through the Camp.

(Don't look at me, I haven't been within 500 miles of the place for nearly 20 years!)

[helixbikes]

Swedish citizen here: I rode through Camp Pendleton in my SF->SD ride in 2014. I did have a US Driver's license, was not asked for my passport. Things appear to made much more strict in 2016 though:

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/military/sdut-oceanside-camp-pendleton-access-2016feb01-story.html

The Bike Access form on http://www.pendleton.marines.mil/About/Base-Information/Base-Access/ has a phone number you can call for questions. It might be awkward with the timezones, but just give them a call and let us know what they say about your case!

[helixbikes]

Also, found this mention from a UK cyclist who rode in February after the restrictions were put into place: https://www.warmshowers.org/node/141943