Some might call that high desert, but if I recall right, Ranchita is at 4000' elevation.

Those numbers seem out of wack from your Garmin. I wouldn't have thought there would have been almost 2000' of elevation gain on that route.

Anyway, as soon as it warms up a bit (maybe wait until 9am) I'm going to head out and give my run a shot.

I just tracked my planned ride on Google Earth.
50.3 miles.
I may only average 15mph.
That should have me back by 12:30 or so.

How about this one if you want more miles and climbing?

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/52725776.

I am doing this on Monday if anyone wants to come.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/56051852

_________________
"Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and
feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize
fishing is stupid and boring."
--Desmond Tutu

51 miles, 5200' of climbing in just over 3.5 hours.
Not fast, but I have not ridden that far in twenty years....

I am soooo glad I brought a beenie and some cold weather gloves along.
After I made it to the top of Montezuma it got cold fast.

I would die on either of your routes. Although the first one (Ocotillo) would be fun, the Mtb route to there, from Borrego, is much shorter. AND you can stop at both the Iron Door and the Lazy Lizard to beer up!