If Alan doesn't plan to ride, we could meet at the old San Marcos Landfill/methane power plant which is located on the right side of San Elijo Rd before you get into the little town of San Elijo Hills, on your way to Alan's house. Unfortunately I don't know the mileage from Rancho Santa Fe Rd.  There is a wide gravel driveway and a sign.   From there we can ride a short distance on the road to a fireroad that goes to the top lookout spot at La Costa Preserve.  It is steep, but rideable, which is more than I can say for the last fireroad we tried to take to the top.  Then we can go down Whiptail....at the bottom we can traverse over to Horned Lizard and climb back up to the view point.  Then go back down Whiptail (it is worth doing twice) but this time take the Copper Creek Trail which heads back to where the Landfill is.  There are other options once we get into the area that would add miles.  There are trail maps online. 

Pls. look for me around 7:45 am