Tour of California Cycling Blog

Century Bike Rides, Double Centuries, and more

2010-12-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Tour of California Cycling Blog, covering long distance road bike rides in California and related topics. Rides start at around 100 miles in length and range from centuries and gran fondos to double centuries and multi-day tours.

To quickly explore different rides, use the interactive ride finder. This tool allows to group and sort rides by type, name, distance, elevation gain, month, and location. For each ride, the ride finder provides a route profile, GPS satellite data, and a link to details.

Cycling News Feeds:

The following content is syndicated from VeloNews, Yahoo! Sports, and BBC Sport, respectively.

You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.

Top Bike Climbs in California

2010-02-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

In his book The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in California, John Summerson gives a great overview of the 100 hardest climbs in California.

He developed his own rating method, which is similar to the method used in this website, with additional adjustments for altitude, grade variability, and road surface.

[At 10,000 Feet]

Below is a brief summary of the top climbs. The book covers additional categories as well as many more climbs with relevant details.

Most Difficult Climbs:

1) Onion Valley
2) Horseshoe Meadows
3) White Mountain
4) Sherman Pass
5) Whitney Portal
6) Mount Baldy
7) Shirley Meadows
8) South Lake
9) Mount Palomar
10) Mosquito Flat

Greatest Elevation Gained:

1) Horseshoe Meadows - 6,234 feet
2) White Mountain - 6,204 feet
3) 190 - 6,199 feet
4) J21/245/180 - 5,750 feet
5) Mosquito Flat - 5,548 feet
6) Dantes View - 5,475 feet
7) South Lake - 5,445 feet
8) Sherman Pass - 5,316 feet
9) Emigrant Pass - 5,309 feet
10) Onion Valley - 5,169 feet

Highest Elevation Attained:

1) Mosquito Flat - 10,220 feet
2) White Mountain - 10,152 feet
3) Horseshoe Meadows - 10,034 feet
4) Tioga Pass - 9,945 feet
5) South Lake - 9,852 feet
6) Sonora Pass - 9,624 feet
7) Kaiser Pass - 9,184 feet
8) Onion Valley - 9,163 feet
9) Lake Sabrina - 9,141 feet
10) Sherman Pass - 9,126 feet

See also Top Bike Climbs in the United States.

Bike Ride: Borrego Double Ordeal

2009-11-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Find a Borrego Double Ordeal interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Borrego Double Ordeal bike ride.

204 miles with 13,000 feet of elevation gain

View bike route as Google Maps overlay or play bike route as Google Earth three-dimensional animation.

[GPS Satellite Data]

Elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data]

Borrego Double Ordeal - Cities/Towns Visited:

Borrego Springs, Santa Ysabel, Ballena, Ramona, San Pasqual, Escondido, San Marcos, Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Luis Rey, Bonsall, Valley Center, Pauma Valley, Julian, Scissors Crossing, and Desert Lodge

Borrego Double Ordeal - Counties Visited:

San Diego County

Borrego Double Ordeal - Climbs:

Mile 1 (cat. 1), 29 (cat. 3), 72 (cat. 4), 114 (cat. 4), 125 (cat. 4), 139 (cat. 2), 159 (cat. 4), 166 (cat. 4), 171 (cat. 4), and 192 (cat. 4)

Borrego Double Ordeal - Rest Stops:

Mile 14, 43 (Santa Ysabel), 76 (Escondido), 98 (Oceanside), 136, and 167

Borrego Double Ordeal - Description:

The Borrego Double Ordeal is a difficult double century, starting in the desert town of Borrego Springs and leading over a mountain range to Oceanside and back.

The ride starts with a long climb up Montezuma Grade, before descending towards Lake Henshaw. It then ascends steep Mesa Grande Road, which turns into a rolling back road that eventually merges into Highway 79, which leads to Santa Ysabel.

The route continues on Highway 78 until Ballena, and further on the Old Julian Highway until Ramona. It then uses Highway 78 until Escondido, where it follows some urban roads until San Marcos. San Marcos Boulevard eventually turns into Palomar Airport Road, which leads all the way to Legoland in Carlsbad. The ride then continues on the Coast Highway and bike path towards Oceanside Pier.

From here, San Luis Rey River bike trail, North River Road, and Highway 76 head east towards Bonsall. West Lilac Road crosses Freeway 15 and gradually ascends towards Valley Center. Cole Grade Road leads to Highway 76, which passes through Pauma Valley and climbs to the base of Mount Palomar, before continuing towards Highway 79, which leads to Santa Ysabel.

From here the ride ascends on Highway 78 to Julian, the highest point of the day. Then it descends on Banner Grade into the desert, and eventually turns onto Yaqui Pass Road. In Desert Lodge, the route follows Borrego Springs Road, which leads back to the starting point.

Borrego Double Ordeal - Personal Notes:

Sandra accompanied me for a weekend in the desert, for my first double century in about two years.

The event was awesome, Anny B. is putting her heart into the organization. Highlights included a Julian apple pie rest stop, lunch on the beach in Oceanside, and a fresh smoothie rest stop (I had four cups). And yes, there are a million stars at night.

I will remember the coldness both in the early morning and at night, with a temperature in the low 30s (at 4,000 feet elevation). Like many riders, I did not have enough warm gear, and to prepare for the final descent into the desert, I ended up putting newspaper in the front of my jersey, medical rubber gloves under my cycling gloves, and paper towels around my calves.

For about 150 miles I was riding with Alex R. from Chico, who finished his fifth double century for the year. Welcome to the «Thousand Mile Club»!

Borrego Double Ordeal - Pictures:

[Montezuma Grade - Sunrise]

[Lake Henshaw - Fog]

[Oceanside Pier]

[Bernd and Alex]

Borrego Double Ordeal - Current Weather:

See also California Triple Crown.

You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.

See also Year-Rounder Challenge.

Interactive map of bike rides.

Bike Ride: California Coast

2009-09-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Find a California Coast interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the California Coast bike ride.

650 miles with 35,900 feet of elevation gain

Day 1: Fort Bragg - Bodega Bay (113 miles / 7,350 feet)
Day 2: Bodega Bay - Half Moon Bay (101 miles / 6,990 feet)
Day 3: Half Moon Bay - Carmel (111 miles / 4,900 feet)
Day 4: Carmel - Cambria (98 miles / 6,550 feet)
Day 5: Cambria - Solvang (115 miles / 4,910 feet)
Day 6: Solvang - Malibu (114 miles / 5,230 feet)

View bike route as Google Maps overlay or play bike route as Google Earth three-dimensional animation.

[GPS Satellite Data]

Fort Bragg to Bodega Bay elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data - Day 1]

Bodega Bay to Half Moon Bay elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data - Day 2]

Half Moon Bay to Carmel elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data - Day 3]

Carmel to Cambria elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data - Day 4]

Cambria to Solvang elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data - Day 5]

Solvang to Malibu elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data - Day 6]

California Coast Bike Ride - Cities/Towns Visited:

Fort Bragg to Bodega Bay: Fort Bragg, Caspar, Mendocino, Little River, Albion, Manchester, Flumeville, Point Arena, Anchor Bay, Gualala, Sea Ranch, Stewarts Point, Fort Ross, Jenner, Bridgehaven, Carmet, and Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay to Half Moon Bay: Bodega Bay, Valley Ford, Tomales, Marshall, Millerton, Point Reyes Station, Olema, Woodville, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, Tamalpais Valley, Almonte, Marin City, Sausalito, San Francisco, Daly City, Broadmoor, Edgemar, Pacifica, Montara, Moss Beach, El Granada, and Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay to Carmel: Half Moon Bay, San Gregorio, Pescadero, Davenport, Santa Cruz, Soquel, Aptos, Moss Landing, Marina, Seaside, Sand City, Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel

Carmel to Cambria: Carmel, Carmel Highlands, Big Sur, Lucia, Gorda, San Simeon, and Cambria

Cambria to Solvang: Cambria, Harmony, Cayucos, Morro Bay, Baywood Park, San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano, Callender, Guadalupe, Orcutt, Sisquoc, Los Olivos, and Solvang

Solvang to Malibu: Solvang, Santa Ynez, Santa Barbara, Summerland, Carpinteria, Ventura, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Malibu

California Coast Bike Ride - Counties Visited:

Fort Bragg to Bodega Bay: Mendocino and Sonoma Counties

Bodega Bay to Half Moon Bay: Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo Counties

Half Moon Bay to Carmel: San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties

Carmel to Cambria: Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties

Cambria to Solvang: San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties

Solvang to Malibu: Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties

California Coast Bike Ride - Climbs:

Fort Bragg to Bodega Bay: Mile 19 (cat. 4), 28 (cat. 4), 81 (cat. 4), 89 (cat. 3), 93 (cat. 4), and 102 (cat. 4)

Bodega Bay to Half Moon Bay: Mile 1 (cat. 4), 8 (cat. 4), 13 (cat. 4), 38 (cat. 4), 49 (cat. 4), 56 (cat. 3), 67 (cat. 4), 71 (cat. 4), 79 (cat. 3), and 88 (cat. 4)

Half Moon Bay to Carmel: Mile 8 (cat. 4), 11 (cat. 4), and 13 (cat. 4)

Carmel to Cambria: Mile 16 (cat. 4), 28 (cat. 3), 63 (cat. 4), 67 (cat. 3), and 73 (cat. 4)

Cambria to Solvang: Mile 77 (cat. 4), 98 (cat. 4), and 104 (cat. 4)

Solvang to Malibu: Mile 7 (cat. 4), 18 (cat. 3), and 111 (cat. 4)

California Coast Bike Ride - Rest Stops (Self-Supported):

Fort Bragg to Bodega Bay: Mile 58 (Anchor Bay)
Bodega Bay to Half Moon Bay: Mile 69 (San Francisco)
Half Moon Bay to Carmel: Mile 77 (Moss Landing)
Carmel to Cambria: Mile 65 (Gorda)
Cambria to Solvang: Mile 65 (Guadalupe)
Solvang to Malibu: Mile 73 (Port Hueneme)

California Coast Bike Ride - Description:

This ride covers 650 miles of the about 2,000 mile long Pacific Coast Bicycle Route between Canada and Mexico. It leads through parts of Northern California, all along the Central Coast, and through parts of Southern California.

The ride is designed to be a six day series of centuries finishing in Los Angeles. While there is not a single major climb, the overall amount of climbing is significant. Most of the route follows Highway 1, also known as Pacific Coast Highway, Coast Highway, Shoreline Highway, and Cabrillo Highway - one of the most scenic roads in the United States. Parts of the route are featured in the Amgen Tour of California.

[Bixby Bridge]

Day one starts in Fort Bragg, a once booming logging town surrounded by redwood forests. The route simply follows the Coast Highway. Two worthwhile extra mile options include a detour through the town of Mendocino and an out-and-back visit of Point Arena Lighthouse. Fort Ross, a former Russian settlement, is a point of interest along the course. The route visits several small towns and includes a mentionable climb near Jenner.

The second day starts in Bodega Bay, known as setting for Alfred Hitchcock's «The Birds». The route again simply follows Shoreline Highway. An alternate on quiet back-country roads is available between Valley Ford and Tomales. While many cyclists choose an inland route when approaching San Francisco, this ride follows the more scenic but less safe Highway 1, climbing the Pacific shoulder of Mount Tamalpais. The section through San Francisco and its suburbs requires the use of surface roads. South of San Francisco on Coast Highway, the route includes a climb and following descent through an area known for landslides and erosion, referred to as «Devil's Slide».

Day three starts in Half Moon Bay, the oldest city of San Mateo County, and leads through a large rural agriculture area. The ride continues on Cabrillo Highway until Santa Cruz, optionally using the former stagecoach route through Pescadero, which runs parallel to the coast. Starting in Santa Cruz, the course follows surface roads and the bike path until Monterey peninsula. One of the highlights of the day includes 17 Mile Drive, which passes by famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.

The fourth day starts in Carmel, known for its natural scenery and artistic history. The route again simply follows Cabrillo Highway. This part of the coast is known as Big Sur and is absolutely stunning. Towards the beginning, the course crosses a few historic bridges, including Bixby Bridge. There are only three tiny towns along this section, Big Sur, Gorda, and Lucia. Towards the end, the course passes San Simeon, home of Hearst Castle and one of only two beaches in California where elephant seals come ashore (the other one is in Año Nuevo and is less accessible). The route includes two mentionable climbs, one in Big Sur, and the other one close to Ragged Point.

Day five starts in Cambria, a quiet little seaside town. The route follows Cabrillo Highway until Morro Bay. From here it leads inland towards San Luis Obispo, before returning to the coast in Pismo Beach. The course then continues to lead inland, passing through Guadalupe and Orcutt. Eventually it follows Foxen Canyon and Ballard Canyon all the way into Solvang.

The sixth day starts in Solvang, the «Danish Capital of America». The route leads through Santa Ynez Valley and then climbs San Marcos Pass (the highest point of the ride), before descending to the coast in Santa Barbara. From here it follows the coast, passing through several cities and towns, including Ventura, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme. At Point Mugu the route continues on Pacific Coast Highway, which leads into Los Angeles County.

California Coast Bike Ride - Personal Notes:

What an amazing trip. We rented a minivan and took all day Sunday to drive up to Northern California. There were five of us - Joel G. and I, the riders, and Sandra, Guillermo C., and Sergio J., the runners.

While Joel and I were riding, our «crew» went running, sightseeing or shopping, and tried to catch us by the time we arrived at the hotel. On the second day we were joined by Mark G. from San Francisco, who showed us a great route through the city. Except for Ward and Jacky B., who are on a trip around the world, we only met few fellow cyclists.

Weather and wind were perfect during the entire trip (we went the week before Labor Day), the only headwind section was around Monterey, where the coast turns west. Traffic was light, and even «extremely hazardous» sections such as the Pacific shoulder of Mt. Tam and «Devil's Slide» turned out to be no problem.

Crossing the Golden Gate by bike is definitely an experience, but my favorite stages include the dramatic shoreline of Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, and the spectacular Big Sur coastline, where we saw California condors soar and heard sea lions bark while riding along mystical cliffs.

Here are some statistics:

- Total distance: 652 miles
- Min. / avg. / max. daily distance: 98 / 109 / 115 miles
- Total climbing: 35,920 feet
- Min. / avg. / max. daily climbing: 4,900 / 5,990 / 7,350 feet
- Highest elevation attained: 2,160 feet (San Marcos Pass)
- Total calories expended: 42,990 (Garmin accuracy)
- Flat tires: Bernd 1, Joel 0

California Coast Bike Ride - Pictures:

[Mendocino Coast]

[Ward and Jacky]

[Cows on Sonoma Coast]

[Stinson Beach]

[Golden Gate Bridge]

[«Devil's Slide»]

[Dinner in Half Moon Bay]

[Sea Lions in Moss Landing]

[Cannery Divers Memorial in Monterey]

[17 Mile Drive]

[Lone Cypress in Carmel]

[Point Sur Lighthouse]

[Big Sur]

[Ragged Point]

[Elephant Seals in San Simeon]

[Morro Bay]

[Mural in Guadalupe]

[Foxen Canyon (Solvang)]

[Ballard Canyon (Solvang)]

[San Marcos Pass]

[Santa Barbara Pier]

[Malibu]

California Coast Bike Ride - Current Weather:

For a related book, see Bicycling the Pacific Coast.

For good cycling maps, see Adventure Cycling Association.

See also Los Angeles to San Diego.

Bike Ride: Cool Breeze Metric Double Century

2009-08-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Find a Cool Breeze Metric Double Century interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Cool Breeze Metric Double Century bike ride.

128 miles with 7,200 feet of elevation gain

View bike route as Google Maps overlay or play bike route as Google Earth three-dimensional animation.

[GPS Satellite Data]

Elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data]

Cool Breeze Metric Double Century - Cities/Towns Visited:

Ventura, Oak View, Ojai, Montecito, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Summerland, and Carpinteria

Cool Breeze Metric Double Century - Counties Visited:

Ventura County and Santa Barbara County

Cool Breeze Metric Double Century - Climbs:

Mile 18 (cat. 4), 23 (cat. 4), 37 (cat. 3), 40 (cat. 4), 53 (cat. 4), and 57 (cat. 3)

Cool Breeze Metric Double Century - Rest Stops:

Mile 20, 34 (Lake Casitas), 59 (Montecito), 80 (Goleta), 101 (Montecito), and 113 (Rincon Point)

Cool Breeze Metric Double Century - Description:

The Cool Breeze Metric Double Century is a hilly ride on great roads through Ventura and Santa Barbara County. Multiple routes are available, including a century and a metric century.

The ride starts in Ventura and follows the bike path up Ojai Valley, before eventually passing through Oak View and Ojai. From here the course climbs some more through nearby plantations and returns in a loop back to Ojai.

It then continues towards Lake Casitas, following Casitas Pass Road, which was used in the Amgen Tour of California (in reverse direction). The course ascends and descends Gobernador Canyon, before leading back to Casitas Pass Road and Foothills Road.

It then continues parallel to the coast, with a short detour through Montecito Golf Club. From here the course climbs again to follow East Mountain Drive, offering a beautiful view of Santa Barbara. An out-and-back section leads towards Goleta, the western turning point.

On the way back the now fairly flat course follows the Ocean, passing through Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland, and Carpinteria, and eventually leads back to Ventura.

Cool Breeze Metric Double Century - Personal Notes:

An awesome ride, and like the name suggests, the temperature was okay for this time of the year (it gets hot around Lake Casitas though).

Sandra was signed up for the metric century, but since the course did not overlap with the metric double, she was riding with me and called it quits in Montecito (she sure got in some extra climbing). We started late and were riding at a relatively slow pace, so when I continued on my own, the rest stops were already closing or closed (there were no popsicles left at the finish line).

Cool Breeze Metric Double Century - Pictures:

[Ojai]

[Lake Casitas]

[Santa Barbara]

Cool Breeze Metric Double Century - Current Weather:

You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.

See also Year-Rounder Challenge.

Interactive map of bike rides.

Bike Ride: Great Western Bicycle Rally

2009-05-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Find a Great Western Bicycle Rally interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Great Western Bicycle Rally bike ride.

104 miles with 7,100 feet of elevation gain

View bike route as Google Maps overlay or play bike route as Google Earth three-dimensional animation.

[GPS Satellite Data]

Elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data]

Great Western Bicycle Rally - Cities/Towns Visited:

Paso Robles, Templeton, Cambria, and San Simeon

Great Western Bicycle Rally - Counties Visited:

San Luis Obispo County

Great Western Bicycle Rally - Climbs:

Mile 37 (cat. 4), 41 (cat. 4), and 81 (cat. 2)

Great Western Bicycle Rally - Rest Stops:

Mile 29 (Templeton), 57 (Cambria), and 89

Great Western Bicycle Rally - Description:

The Great Western Bicycle Rally is a celebration of cycling that is held every Memorial Day Weekend in Paso Robles, dating back to 1965. The rally offers many events, including a best of bicycle show, track stand contest, wine and cheese tasting party, and more. It also offers competitions like a hill climb, time trial, and ultra distance challenge, as well as multiple rides, ranging from a few miles in length to a century (different route from year to year).

The 2009 GWBR Century, also known as San Simeon Century, is an awesome ride through varied terrain. It starts in Paso Robles and loops out into the country near Creston and through Templeton, before heading towards the Coast on Highway 46. Two detours lead through vineyards, the first on Jack Creek Road and the second on York Mountain Road (York Mountain Winery is the oldest winery in the area, dating back to 1882).

Highway 46 eventually descends to Highway 1, which leads into Cambria. The course then continues along the Coast to San Simeon, primarily known as the home of Hearst Castle. Here the route turns around and leads back on Highway 1, before ascending on Highway 46 and rolling back into Paso Robles.

Great Western Bicycle Rally - Personal Notes:

Sandra, Lisa, and I had a great weekend. Paso Robles is always a favorite destination, and combined with a fine cycling event even more so.

We arrived on Saturday and visited the local arts festival, before attending the rally's social event in the evening. On Sunday, we rode the century. About halfway through the ride, my right shifter cable broke, forcing me to use a big gear on the climbs (ouch). After 75 miles, Sandra decided she had enough fun for the day. On Monday, we went wine tasting and visited Morro Bay on our way back home.

Great Western Bicycle Rally - Pictures:

[Bamboo Bike]

[York Mountain Road]

[Cambria]

[View of Morro Bay]

Great Western Bicycle Rally - Current Weather:

You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.

See also Year-Rounder Challenge.

Interactive map of bike rides.

Bike Ride: Wildflower Century

2009-04-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

Find a Wildflower Century interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Wildflower Century bike ride.

107 miles with 6,900 feet of elevation gain

View bike route as Google Maps overlay or play bike route as Google Earth three-dimensional animation.

[GPS Satellite Data]

Elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data]

Wildflower Century - Cities/Towns Visited:

Creston, Pozo, and Shandon

Wildflower Century - Counties Visited:

San Luis Obispo County

Wildflower Century - Climbs:

Mile 3 (cat. 4), 15 (cat. 3), 28 (cat. 4), 34 (cat. 4), 46 (cat. 4), 73 (cat. 4), 78 (cat. 4), 86 (cat. 3), and 96 (cat. 4)

Wildflower Century - Rest Stops:

Mile 27 (Pozo), 46, 72 (Shandon), and 97

Wildflower Century - Description:

The Wildflower Century is a beautiful hilly ride on quiet roads that starts in Creston, close to San Luis Obispo. The course initially leads South on Highway 229, Highway 58, and West Pozo Road, which leads into the small town of Pozo. From here the route heads North on Parkhill Road and Huer Huero Road.

The course then continues East on Highway 58 and leads North again on Shell Creek Road and Truedale Road into the small town of Shandon. From here the route heads South on Highway 41 and La Panza Road. It then continues West on Highway 58, before O'Donovan Road leads back to Creston.

Wildflower Century - Personal Notes:

We experienced another awesome day of cycling. Sandra rode the first 50 miles with me, only five days after running the Boston Marathon. The following day we stopped in San Luis Obispo and went wine tasting in Edna Valley.

Wildflower Century - Pictures:

[Wildflowers]

[Highway 229]

[Shell Creek Road]

Wildflower Century - Current Weather:

You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.

See also Year-Rounder Challenge.

Interactive map of bike rides.

Bike Ride: Dana Point - Palm Springs

2009-04-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Find a Dana Point - Palm Springs interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Dana Point - Palm Springs bike ride.

130 miles with 9,000 feet of elevation gain

View bike route as Google Maps overlay or play bike route as Google Earth three-dimensional animation.

[GPS Satellite Data]

Elevation and grade from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data]

Dana Point to Palm Springs - Cities/Towns Visited:

Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Lake Elsinore, Winchester, Hemet, and Palm Desert

Dana Point to Palm Springs - Counties Visited:

Orange County and Riverside County

Dana Point to Palm Springs - Climbs:

Mile 15 (cat. 2) and 78 (cat. 1)

Dana Point to Palm Springs - Rest Stops (Self-Supported):

Mile 28 (Lookout), 68 (Hemet), and 88

Dana Point to Palm Springs - Description:

This ride starts in Dana Point and follows the most scenic route to the Palm Springs area. Depending on the final destination, the route can be up to 10 miles longer. The ride can also be shortened to a century by starting near the top of Ortega Highway.

After leaving Dana Point, Highway 74 (Ortega Highway) leads from San Juan Capistrano to Lake Elsinore, presenting the first major climb of the day. The ride then follows surface roads to Hemet, including Lakeshore Drive, Railroad Canyon, Newport Road, and Domenigoni Parkway (it passes by Strawberry Bicycle Shop, in case supplies are needed).

After Hemet, the route continues on Highway 74 all the way to Palm Desert. Keen Camp Summit, located just under 5,000 feet, marks the top of the climb up Mount San Jacinto, the second major climb of the day. The next 10 miles are at altitude, before a 20 mile descent leads down to the Palm Springs area, which is close to sea level.

Dana Point to Palm Springs - Personal Notes:

I rode this ride with Bart B. and Ryan P. from the San Clemente Renegades. Thanks a lot to Ryan's family for letting us stay in one of their homes, and also to Sandra for driving out to Palm Springs only to pick us up.

Some of the roads do not have a shoulder or only have a narrow shoulder, but eastbound traffic was not bad. Leaving early in the day is recommended though.

We were lucky in terms of weather, with a tailwind and moderate temperatures. Mount San Jacinto can be very cold and Palm Springs very hot, depending on the time of the year.

Dana Point to Palm Springs - Pictures:

[Keen Camp Summit]

[Mount San Jacinto]

[Palm Desert]

Dana Point to Palm Springs - Current Weather:

See also Dana Point Century (Northbound), Dana Point Century (Eastbound), and Dana Point Century (Southbound).

You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.

See also Year-Rounder Challenge.

Interactive map of bike rides.

Bike Ride: Orange County New Year's Day Ride

2009-01-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

Find an Orange County New Year's Day Ride interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Orange County New Year's Day Ride bike ride.

88 miles with 2,100 feet of elevation gain

View bike route as Google Maps overlay or play bike route as Google Earth three-dimensional animation.

[GPS Satellite Data]

Altitude, ascent, and temperature from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data]

Orange County New Year's Day Ride - Cities/Towns Visited:

Long Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, Irvine, and Tustin

Orange County New Year's Day Ride - Counties Visited:

Los Angeles County and Orange County

Orange County New Year's Day Ride - Climbs:

Mile 40 (cat. 4)

Orange County New Year's Day Ride - Rest Stops (Self-Supported):

Mile 34 (Dana Point) and 49 (Irvine)

Orange County New Year's Day Ride - Description:

The Orange County New Year's Day Ride is an annual critical mass event that attracts hundreds of cyclists. Many riders start at the Alamitos Bay Marina in Long Beach, just off Pacific Coast Highway. The ride then follows PCH all the way to Dana Point, picking up new riders along the way while dropping some riders due to the fast pace (up to 35 mph on the flat sections).

After a regroup and refuel, the ride heads inland, following San Juan Creek bike path, before hitting some hills in Mission Viejo. After another regroup and refuel, Trabuco Road and Irvine Boulevard continue on to Tustin. San Diego Creek Channel bike path and Back Bay Drive eventually lead back to PCH again, from where the route heads north to the starting point.

Orange County New Year's Day Ride - Personal Notes:

It is exciting riding in the draft of a few hundred fellow riders, at a pace set by some professionals and cat. 1/2 racers in the front. We occasionally stopped for a red light, which I welcomed because it allowed me to catch some breath. I only saw one crash involving two riders, less than what I had heard about.

Orange County New Year's Day Ride - Pictures:

[Peloton on PCH]

[Peloton on PCH]

[Peloton on PCH]

Photos courtesy of Kenny B.

Orange County New Year's Day Ride - Current Weather:

You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.

See also Year-Rounder Challenge.

Interactive map of bike rides.

Bike Ride: Borrego Springs Century

2008-12-31T18:00:00.002-08:00

Find a Borrego Springs Century interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Borrego Springs Century bike ride.

97 miles with 2,800 feet of elevation gain

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Borrego Springs Century - Cities/Towns Visited:

Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs Century - Counties Visited:

San Diego County

Borrego Springs Century - Climbs:

Mile 42 (cat. 4)

Borrego Springs Century - Rest Stops:

Mile 20, 47, 65 (Borrego Springs), and 84

Borrego Springs Century - Description:

The Borrego Springs Century is a scenic desert ride through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It is designed as two partially overlapping counter-clockwise loops, the first one measuring 65 miles in length and the second one 32 miles. The event is small but with fine support, including Julian apple pie and ice cream at the finish line.

Both loops start at Palm Canyon Resort, go by Christmas Circle, and continue on Borrego Springs Road (southbound). The first loop leads out-and-back to Hwy. 78, passing a tiny airport. Both loops then follow Yaqui Pass Road to Borrego Valley Road and Palm Canyon Drive. From here loop one continues out-and-back on Borrego-Salton Sea Way to the microwave tower at the Imperial County line.

Both loops then follow Henderson Canyon Road, only the final part is different. The first loop continues on Borrego Springs Road (southbound), Verbena Drive, and Hoberg Road, while loop two follows Di Giorgio Road, Christmas Circle, and Borrego Springs Road (northbound), before leading through the Country Club and back to Palm Canyon Resort.

Borrego Springs Century - Personal Notes:

About half of the ride I was participating in pacelines, and the last loop I was riding with Mike A. from Corona.

Along the course there was an exhibition of free standing prehistoric sculptures, featuring creatures like mammoths, saber tooths, and more.

Borrego Springs Century - Pictures:

[Borrego Springs]

[Anza-Borrego State Park]

[Salton Sea]

[Oranges and Snow]

[Mammoth]

Borrego Springs Century - Current Weather:

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Bike Ride: Spooktacular Century

2008-10-31T18:00:00.001-07:00

Find a Spooktacular Century interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Spooktacular Century bike ride.

107 miles with 9,300 feet of elevation gain

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Spooktacular Century - Cities/Towns Visited:

Twin Oaks and Caliente

Spooktacular Century - Counties Visited:

Kern County

Spooktacular Century - Climbs:

Mile 9 (cat. 1), 42 (cat. 3), and 51 (cat. 3)

Spooktacular Century - Rest Stops:

Mile 19 (Cow Flat), 33 (Breckenridge Road), 51 (Cemetery), and 81 (Caliente)

Spooktacular Century - Description:

The Spooktacular Century is a difficult mountain-rural ride (with a Halloween theme), starting just east of Bakersfield and leading into the Southern Sierras and Sequoia National Forest.

After a few miles of rolling hills on Comanche Drive, the route turns onto Breckenridge Road, the major climb of the day. While the average grade for the next 20 plus miles is less than five percent, there are several sections towards the top with double digit grades. On the other side of the mountain, a long descent with a nice view of Lake Isabella in the distance is awaiting.

A shorter climb leads up Caliente-Bodfish Road and eventually down into Walker Basin. After several flat miles, Walker Basin Road slowly ascends towards Twin Oaks, followed by a long gradual descent on Caliente Creek Road into Caliente.

The course then continues on Caliente-Bodfish Road and Bena Road, which features some short climbs followed by a downhill and flat section, before turning into Edison Highway. Comanche Drive eventually leads back to the starting point.

Spooktacular Century - Personal Notes:

We saw more cows than cars on the course, sometimes all over the road. We also experienced noticeable headwinds, especially on Caliente Creek Road, turning the descent into a real workout.

Spooktacular Century - Pictures:

[Breckenridge Road - View]

[Twin Oaks]

Spooktacular Century - Current Weather:

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Bike Ride: Amtrak Century

2008-09-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Find an Amtrak Century interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Amtrak Century bike ride.

100 miles with 2,700 feet of elevation gain

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Amtrak Century - Cities/Towns Visited:

Irvine, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, and San Diego

Amtrak Century - Counties Visited:

Orange County and San Diego County

Amtrak Century - Climbs:

Mile 78 (cat. 4)

Amtrak Century - Rest Stops:

Mile 27 (San Juan Capistrano), 49 (Las Pulgas), 60 (Oceanside), and 81 (Torrey Pines)

Amtrak Century - Description:

The Amtrak Century is a fairly flat and scenic point-to-point ride from Irvine to San Diego, an ideal route for first-timers. Most cyclists return to the starting point in a private Amtrak train, hence the name of the ride.

The start is located at the Irvine Amtrak station. After leading north for a few miles, the ride starts heading south and gradually works its way up to the highest point, Foothill Ranch. The course then descends to the Ocean in Capistrano Beach and follows Pacific Coast Highway and the bike path.

At Las Pulgas, the route continues on Freeway 5 to Oceanside. It then passes a few more beach cities and leads up Torrey Pines. Next, the bike path leads down to San Diego. Instead of heading straight for the Amtrak station, the route visits Sea World and Spanish Landing Park, which offers a great view of the San Diego skyline.

Amtrak Century - Personal Notes:

2008:

The cool temperature in the morning and the tailwind all day made for a fast ride. Without paying attention to it, I ended up finishing in under five hours riding time (total time was more though).

In San Diego I ran into a van, who made a sudden right turn without using his turn indicator and looking to his side. He barely missed the rider in front of me, and in order to avoid getting run over myself, I steered behind him and hit the brakes hard. Besides some bruises I was fine.

2007:

This was Sandra's first century, congratulations on the accomplishment.

The most scenic part of this ride overlaps with one of my favorite training rides, Dana Point Century (Southbound).

Amtrak Century - Pictures:

[San Diego]

[Amtrak]

Amtrak Century - Current Weather:

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Bike Ride: Mount Washington Century (NH)

2008-08-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

Find a Mount Washington Century interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Mount Washington Century bike ride.

108 miles with 5,500 feet of elevation gain

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Mount Washington Century - Area Visited:

White Mountains (New Hampshire)

Mount Washington Century - Cities/Towns Visited:

Albany, Bartlett, Notchland, Fabyan, Twin Mountain, Carroll, Bowman, Gorham, Glen House, Glen, Intervale, North Conway, and Conway

Mount Washington Century - Climbs:

Mile 3 (cat. 4), 14 (cat. 4), 23 (cat. 3), 57 (cat. 4), 66 (cat. 4), 71 (cat. 3), and 107 (cat. 4)

Mount Washington Century - Rest Stops:

Mile 23 (Bartlett), 41 (Fabyan), 70 (Gorham), and 78 (Glen House)

Mount Washington Century - Description:

Mt. Washington Century is a scenic ride through the tranquil forests of New England, leading around the base of Mount Washington.

The century starts at Tin Mountain Conservation Center and leaves the Conway area on Kancamagus Highway. After about 15 miles, the route turns onto Bear Notch Road, which leads over a hill and down into Bartlett.

Route 302 continues towards Twin Mountain, climbing short but steep Crawford Notch and passing through Notchland and Fabyan. Fabyan is located next to Bretton Woods, the base of Mount Washington Cog Railway.

A few miles on Route 3 lead to Carroll, where the ride continues on Route 115. Route 115 eventually merges into Route 2, which leads up Jefferson Notch, through Bowman, and down into Gorham, the northernmost point.

From here on the ride follows Route 16. A long gradual ascent to Pinkham Notch visits Glen House, the base of Mount Washington Auto Road. The course then drops into Glen, Intervale, and North Conway. Scenic West Side Road avoids Mount Washington Valley tourist traffic and heads back to Conway and Tin Mountain Conservation Center.

Mount Washington Century - Personal Notes:

I travelled to New Hampshire for the famous Mount Washington Hillclimb. Since such a long trip only to ride up a mountain seemed almost not worth it, I decided to add another day and ride around the mountain as well.

Mount Washington Century - Pictures:

[Brake for Moose]

[Mount Washington]

[Mount Washington Resort]

[Covered Bridge]

Mount Washington Century - Current Weather:

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Bike Race: Mount Washington Hillclimb (NH)

2008-08-31T18:00:00.001-07:00

Distance: 7.8 mi.
Elevation Gain: 4,727 ft.
Average Grade: 12%
Maximum Grade: 22%
Road Surface: 80% Paved, 20% Gravel
Wind Speed: 0-40 mph

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Mount Washington Hillclimb - Description:

Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb claims to be the toughest hillclimb in the world. The race is held annually in August on Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet the highest peak in the North-Eastern United States. This event is limited to 600 participants, and online registration usually closes within a few minutes.

Mount Washington is only open to bicyclists during the race and for several hours before for a practice ride. Racers are only allowed to ride up the mountain and have to come down by car.

The race starts at the tollbooth with a brief flat section before hitting a 12% ramp. After about half a mile, the grade eases slightly, but then soon kicks up with rolling ramps of 12-15% with occasional very short shallow sections.

The 2,000 feet elevation mark is passed, followed by the one mile marker and the two mile marker. Then the 3,000 feet elevation mark is passed, followed by the three mile marker. The trees soon begin to thin with some great views.

After the four mile marker, the road makes a sharp left turn («The Horn») and passes the 4,000 feet elevation mark. After another half mile or so the hard-packed gravel section begins.

The five mile marker is passed, followed by a sharp right turn («Cragway Turn») and the 5,000 feet elevation mark. Eventually the pavement returns. After the six mile marker a left hairpin turn leads into a tundra-like setting.

A rolling slowly increasing grade passes by the seven mile marker and the 6,000 feet elevation mark. The last 50 yards are the steepest section of the course at 22%, but spectator support is available and the finish line is within sight.

Mount Washington Hillclimb - Personal Notes:

Mount Washington is about the same length but considerably steeper than the famous Mortirolo in Italy and Angliru in Spain, known as the hardest climbs of the grand tours and sporadically used in the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España.

Mount Washington also has generally tougher weather to deal with compared to many other top climbs (this year it started hailing). Sometimes the race is postponed or canceled due to ice, snow, very high winds, or hard driving rain.

Some Mount Washington facts:

Cycling Record: 49:24 mins. (Tom Danielson in 2002)
Running Record: 56:41 mins. (Jonathan Wyatt in 2004)

Peak Wind (World Record): 231 mph

Wind exceeds hurricane force (75 mph) about 104 days per year.

Mount Washington Hillclimb - Pictures:

[Auto Road Sign]

[Warning Sign - Bottom]

[80% Paved Road Surface]

[20% Gravel Road Surface]

[Cog Railway]

[Stage Office (Wind Chains)]

[Summit]

[Observatory]

[Warning Sign - Top]

[No Bicycles Sign]

[Finisher's Medal]

Mount Washington Hillclimb - Current Weather:

See also Mount Washington Century.

Bike Ride: Los Angeles - San Diego

2008-07-31T18:00:00.002-07:00

Find a Los Angeles - San Diego interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Los Angeles - San Diego bike ride.

135 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain

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Los Angeles to San Diego - Cities/Towns Visited:

Los Angeles, Inglewood, Gardena, Torrance, Long Beach, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, and Dan Diego

Los Angeles to San Diego - Counties Visited:

Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Diego County

Los Angeles to San Diego - Climbs:

Mile 117 (cat. 4)

Los Angeles to San Diego - Rest Stops (Self-Supported):

Mile 44 (Huntington Beach), 74 (San Clemente), 97 (Oceanside), and 118 (Torrey Pines)

Los Angeles to San Diego - Description:

This scenic point-to-point ride starts at Union Station in Los Angeles and ends at Santa Fe Station in San Diego, both connected via the Amtrak train.

The route leads through downtown L.A., following N. Los Angeles Street, W. Temple Street, and N. and S. Grand Avenue, passing by Dorothy Chandler Pavillion and Walt Disney Concert Hall. W. Olympic Boulevard continues through Koreatown to S. Western Avenue, which leads all the way south until it hits Pacific Coast Highway.

Then the route follows PCH, visiting all the beach cities and passing through Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. After a climb at Torrey Pines, the route continues on N. Torrey Pines Road, Gilman Drive, Santa Fe Street, Mission Bay Drive, Pacific Coast Highway, and W. Broadway, before ending at Kettner Boulevard.

Los Angeles to San Diego - Personal Notes:

I first got the idea to this ride when I met a group of bike messengers from L.A., who were doing a similar ride.

After consulting with different people about the best route from Los Angeles to Long Beach, I decided to use Western Avenue for safety and security reasons. The rest of the route between Long Beach and San Diego I knew very well.

Los Angeles to San Diego - Pictures:

[Los Angeles]

[Union Station]

[Santa Fe Station]

Los Angeles to San Diego - Current Weather:

See also Amtrak Century.

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Bike Ride: Climb to Kaiser

2008-06-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Find a Climb to Kaiser interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Climb to Kaiser bike ride.

155 miles with 13,900 feet of elevation gain

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Climb to Kaiser - Cities/Towns Visited:

Clovis, Tollhouse, Shaver Lake, Big Creek, Lakeshore, Auberry, and Prather

Climb to Kaiser - Counties Visited:

Fresno County

Climb to Kaiser - Climbs:

Mile 15 (cat. 3), 27 (cat. 4), 35 (cat. 1), 53 (cat. 4), 58 (cat. 2), 70 (cat. 2), 85 (cat. 4), 93 (cat. 4), and 103 (cat. 4)

Climb to Kaiser - Rest Stops:

Mile 24 (Wildcat Summit), 36 (Tollhouse), 43, 49 (Shaver Lake), 61 (Big Creek), 69 (Lakeshore), 79 (Kaiser Pass), 107 (Shaver Lake), 117, and 138

Climb to Kaiser - Description:

The Climb to Kaiser is a beautiful ride that starts and ends in Clovis (near Fresno), the «Gateway to the Sierras» - the same location as the Bass Lake Powerhouse Double Century. Shorter routes, such as a century and metric century, are offered as well. The event is held since 1976.

The ride has an absolute elevation gain of over 8,000 feet, starting under 1,000 and reaching over 9,000 feet. This is more than any top bike climb in the United States, except for the three volcanoes in Hawaii.

Kaiser Pass, the highest point of the ride, is reached via six different climbs, and there are three small climbs on the way back. At the very top are graves of three Alaskan husky sled dogs from the 1920s, named Whiskey, Babe, and Trim.

After leaving Clovis, the route leads east and then north-east, eventually entering Sierra National Forest. It follows Watts Valley over Wildcat Grade, and then Burrough Valley over Burrough Grade. The next two climbs (really one long climb), Tollhouse Grade and Pine Ridge Grade, lead up to Shaver Lake. After a short ascent and a technical descent, Big Creek Grade leads up to Huntington Lake.

The last major climb winds up Kaiser Pass, where the route turns around and leads south-west. Two short climbs on Highway 168 lead up to Tamarack Ridge, where a long descent of about 35 miles begins. It is only interrupted by a short ascent at Shaver Lake. Eventually the route leaves Highway 168 and continues on Auberry Road all the way back to the outskirts of Clovis.

Climb to Kaiser - Personal Notes:

I missed the mass start because my alarm was one hour late (it was still on standard time and not on daylight saving time). This means I had no paceline for the flat first 15 miles, and I had to make sure to meet the cutoff times.

The ride has some very hard climbs, including Big Creek Grade, which gains 2,000 feet of elevation in less than 4 miles. The average grade of this climb is 10 percent, the worst half-mile grade is 15 percent, and the steepest grade is 20 percent.

Climb to Kaiser - Pictures:

[Shaver Lake]

[Big Creek Climb]

[Huntington Lake]

[Kaiser Pass Climb]

[Kaiser Pass]

[Descent from Kaiser]

Climb to Kaiser - Current Weather:

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Bike Ride: San Diego Century

2008-05-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Find a San Diego Century interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the San Diego Century bike ride.

104 miles with 5,300 feet of elevation gain

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San Diego Century - Cities/Towns Visited:

Encinitas, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Poway, Ramona, and Solana Beach

San Diego Century - Counties Visited:

San Diego County

San Diego Century - Climbs:

Mile 5 (cat. 4), 30 (cat. 4), 42 (cat. 4), 47 (cat. 3), and 65 (cat. 4)

San Diego Century - Rest Stops:

Mile 17 (Escondido), 29 (Rancho Santa Fe), 42 (Poway), 61 (Ramona), 80 (Poway), and 93 (Rancho Santa Fe)

San Diego Century - Description:

The San Diego Century is a scenic back country century in north San Diego County. The ride is laid out as three loops connected by two out-and-back sections. A part of the course is the same as the Tour de Poway.

Starting in Encinitas, the ride heads north-east to Escondido, and then south-west to Rancho Santa Fe. From here the route leads east to Poway and Ramona, the eastern turnaround point. Between Poway and Ramona, Highway 67 crosses Mount Woodson from both sides (passing Dos Picos Park Road, the highest point). Finally the ride leads west again towards Solana Beach and the finish line in Encinitas.

San Diego Century - Personal Notes:

We rode this century with some of the San Clemente Renegades, including Barbara B., Susan T., Ryan P., and Tom R. The day was very hot, and I was still recovering from a severe cold, so I felt pretty weak.

San Diego Century - Pictures:

[Leaving Escondido]

[Lake Hodges]

San Diego Century - Current Weather:

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Bike Ride: Mulholland Challenge

2008-04-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Find a Mulholland Challenge interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Mulholland Challenge bike ride.

110 miles with 11,500 feet of elevation gain

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[Course Data]

Mulholland Challenge - Cities/Towns Visited:

Calabasas, Malibu, and Topanga

Mulholland Challenge - Counties Visited:

Los Angeles County and Ventura County

Mulholland Challenge - Climbs:

Mile 18 (cat. 3), 21 (cat. 3), 27 (cat. 4), 34 (cat. 4), 40 (cat. 3), 48 (cat. 3), 56 (cat. 4), 68 (cat. 2), 90 (cat. 2), 96 (cat. 4), and 102 (cat. 4)

Mulholland Challenge - Rest Stops:

Mile 27 (Mulholland), 50 (Little Sycamore Canyon), 62 (Deer Creek), 70 (Decker Canyon), 86 (Mulholland), and 94 (Stunt Road)

Mulholland Challenge - Description:

The Mulholland Challenge is a beautiful and difficult century in the Santa Monica Mountains. Most of the course overlaps with the Mulholland Double Century, which is held on the same day.

The ride starts in Calabasas and descends via Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon into Malibu. After a few miles along the beach, the first climb winds up Topanga Canyon and Old Topanga Canyon. The course then continues on Mulholland, Little Sycamore Canyon, and Cotharin.

The descent on Deer Creek into Ventura County offers an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean, on a narrow road with dangerous cliffs. After some miles on Pacific Coast Highway, the most difficult climb goes up Decker Canyon, which eventually turns into Mulholland. The last big climb winds up Stunt Road, followed by a descent down Piuma Road. The final climb up Cold Canyon eventually leads back to Calabasas.

Mulholland Challenge - Personal Notes:

2008:

I was riding with John U., Susen S., and Bob N. from the San Clemente Renegades, as well as with Joel G. from Calabasas. John, Susen, and myself finished the ride together. We had a total of three flat tires, which prevented Susen from winning her age group.

The temperature ranged from the low 40s descending Malibu Canyon to the high 90s climbing Decker Canyon, adding to the difficulty of the ride.

This year the course was slightly different from previous years. After Decker Canyon it followed Encinal Canyon back to Mulholland, as opposed to directly leading into Mulholland.

2006:

Sometimes the remote roads are in less than perfect condition, which is part of the challenge. On one of the descents, I witnessed a crash right in front of me. The rider did not have major injuries, but his carbon frame was broken and the ride was over for him.

Mulholland Challenge - Pictures:

[Deer Creek]

[Decker Canyon]

Mulholland Challenge - Current Weather:

See also King of the Mountains Century Challenge.

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Bike Ride: Solvang Century

2008-03-31T18:00:00.000-07:00

Find a Solvang Century interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Solvang Century bike ride.

101 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain

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[Course Data]

Solvang Century - Cities/Towns Visited:

Solvang, Buellton, Lompoc, Vandenberg Village, Santa Maria, Sisquoc, and Los Olivos

Solvang Century - Counties Visited:

Santa Barbara County

Solvang Century - Climbs:

Mile 85 (cat. 4) and 90 (cat. 4)

Solvang Century - Rest Stops:

Mile 23 (Lompoc), 39, 59 (Santa Maria), 73 (Sisquoc), and 93

Solvang Century - Description:

Solvang, the «Danish Capital of America», is one of the most popular cycling regions in California. The Solvang Century is probably the biggest ride in the area. There are other rides such as the Solvang Spring Double Century and Solvang Autumn Double Century.

The century starts leading west through Buellton and follows Santa Rosa Road all the way to Lompoc. Then the route turns north, visiting Vandenberg Village and Santa Maria, the furthest point.

Afterwards the course leads east towards Sisquoc, and then south following Foxen Canyon and its climbs to Los Olivos. Ballard Canyon finally leads back to Solvang.

Solvang Century - Personal Notes:

This ride is a very popular event with great support, attracting thousands of riders of all abilities. I met several known and unknown people and had a great day.

Solvang Century - Pictures:

[Morning]

[Noon]

[Post Ride]

[With Toyota-United Girls]

Solvang Century - Current Weather:

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Bike Ride: Tour de Palm Springs

2008-02-29T18:00:00.000-08:00

Find a Tour de Palm Springs interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Tour de Palm Springs bike ride.

104 miles with 3,100 feet of elevation gain

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Tour de Palm Springs - Cities/Towns Visited:

Palm Springs, Desert Hot Spings, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Cathedral City

Tour de Palm Springs - Counties Visited:

Riverside County

Tour de Palm Springs - Climbs:

Mile 71 (cat. 4)

Tour de Palm Springs - Rest Stops:

Mile 15 (Worsley), 27 (Dillon), 51 (Travel Centers), 71 (Fritz Burns Park), and 91 (Lowe's)

Tour de Palm Springs - Description:

The Tour de Palm Springs is a big cycling event with multiple distances, ideal for beginners. The course is mainly flat with some rolling hills and minor climbs.

It starts in downtown Palm Springs and initially heads north towards Twentynine Palms, slightly climbing. Then it leads south-east towards Desert Hot Springs and follows Dillon Road all the way to Indio.

The second half of the ride, which is more urban than the first half, leads north-west and visits several desert towns on the way back to Palm Springs.

Tour de Palm Springs - Personal Notes:

A few of the San Clemente Renegades went to ride the century: old man Bob McI., who turned 73, Bart B., Tom R., and myself. Initially we stayed together, but soon we started riding faster and Bob fell back.

We all took turns pulling, but Bart did the most work. Only a few other riders were able to help in the rotation because of the fast pace. At some point Bart missed a turn though, and we did not see him again until the finish line.

Tour de Palm Springs - Pictures:

[Wind Farm]

[Happy Birthday, Bob!]

Tour de Palm Springs - Current Weather:

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Bike Ride: Stagecoach Century

2008-01-31T18:00:00.001-08:00

Find a Stagecoach Century interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Stagecoach Century bike ride.

100 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation gain

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[GPS Satellite Data]

Altitude, ascent, and temperature from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data]

Stagecoach Century - Cities/Towns Visited:

Ocotillo and Shelter Valley

Stagecoach Century - Counties Visited:

Imperial County and San Diego County

Stagecoach Century - Climbs:

Mile 34 (cat. 4) and 85 (cat. 4)

Stagecoach Century - Rest Stops:

Mile 13 (Carrizo Badlands Overlook), 26 (Agua Caliente), 39 (Box Canyon), 55 (Shelter Valley), 74 (Agua Caliente), and 87 (Carrizo Badlands Overlook)

Stagecoach Century - Description:

The Stagecoach Century is a scenic desert century. The out-and-back course starts in Ocotillo and follows the historic Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849 to Scissors Crossing, passing through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Two short loops at the half-way point make it a full 100 miles. The first half of the course ascends slightly from below sea level to above 2,000 feet, which makes for a fast second half.

Stagecoach Century - Personal Notes:

2008:

This year the course was slightly different, turning around after 50 miles, as opposed to the two short loops at the half-way point in the previous years.

I was riding with Sandra and Lisa, and both did an awesome job. It was Lisa's first century attempt, and she completed 75 miles - probably the only 13 year old to go so far. We also met John U., Susen S., and Mike G. from the San Clemente Renegades.

2007:

Due to an arctic cold front, the temperature remained in the 30s and 40s for most of the ride. While the wind was not too bad this year, it contributed to the coldness.

I rode the entire ride with Bart B. from the San Clemente Renegades. We did not stop at any of the rest stops except for lunch, which was served indoors in a heated building. On the way back, we ran into John U. and Susen S., also from the Renegades, who were riding their tandem.

2006:

At the lunch stop, I met Kenji F. from San Clemente and rode back with him. It turned out that I knew his dad Ken, whose swim clinic I attended three years ago. Ken is the person who got me interested in the Ironman triathlon.

Stagecoach Century - Pictures:

[Ocotillo Tree]

[Sweeney Pass]

[2008 - Lisa (l) and Bernd (r)]

[2007 - Bernd (l) and Bart (r)]

[2006]

Stagecoach Century - Current Weather:

You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.

See also Year-Rounder Challenge.

Interactive map of bike rides.

Top Bike Climbs in the United States

2008-01-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

In his book The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), John Summerson gives a great overview of the 100 hardest climbs in the United States (the majority of which are located in California, by the way).

He developed his own rating method, which is similar to the method used in this website, with additional adjustments for altitude, grade variability, and road surface.

[At 14,000 Feet]

Below is a brief summary of the top climbs. The book covers additional categories as well as many more climbs with relevant details.

Most Difficult Climbs:

1) Mount Washington, NH
2) Mauna Loa, HI
3) Haleakala, HI
4) Mauna Kea, HI
5) Onion Valley, CA
6) Horseshoe Meadows, CA
7) White Mountain, CA
8) Sherman Pass, CA
9) Whitney Portal, CA
10) Mount Evans, CO

Greatest Elevation Gained:

1) Mauna Loa, HI - 11,091 feet
2) Haleakala, HI - 9,997 feet
3) Mauna Kea, HI - 9,117 feet
4) Mount Evans, CO - 6,590 feet
5) Horseshoe Meadows, CA - 6,234 feet
6) Mount Lemmon, AZ - 6,222 feet
7) 190, CA - 6,199 feet
8) White Mountain, CA - 6,160 feet
9) J21/245/180, CA - 5,750 feet
10) Grand Mesa, CO - 5,622 feet

Highest Elevation Attained:

1) Mount Evans, CO - 14,127 feet
2) Trail Ridge Road, CO - 12,197 feet
3) Cottonwood Pass, CO - 12,126 feet
4) Independence Pass, CO - 12,095 feet
5) Loveland Pass, CO - 11,992 feet
6) Hoosier Pass, CO - 11,541 feet
7) Slumgullion Pass, CO - 11,530 feet
8) Berthoud Pass, CO - 11,356 feet
9) Fremont Pass, CO - 11,320 feet
10) Monarch Pass, CO - 11,312 feet

See also Top Bike Climbs in California.

UMCA Year-Rounder Challenge

2007-12-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

The UMCA (UltraMarathon Cycling Association) Year-Rounder Challenge is a year-long bicycle mileage challenge designed to showcase consistent performance in cycling throughout the season in centuries, double centuries, brevets, and other long rides.

[Year-Round Cycling]

Rides are categorized by type - organized or personal - and by distance - century (90 to 149 miles) or long (150+ miles). Divisions include Organized Century, Personal Century, Organized Long, Personal Long, and Combined.

The UMCA recognizes four levels of accomplishment:

Larry Schwartz Award: At least one century per calendar month
Gold: 3,000 miles or more in the Combined division
Platinum: 5,000 miles or more in the Combined division
Who's Who: The top five Platinum riders in each division

[Medal]

The award for the first three levels is a personalized medal, the reward for the last level is a personalized plaque and mention in UltraCycling magazine.

Bike Ride: Dana Point Century (Eastbound)

2007-11-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Find a Dana Point Century (Eastbound) interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Dana Point Century (Eastbound) bike ride.

116 miles with 4,400 feet of elevation gain

View bike route as Google Maps overlay or play bike route as Google Earth three-dimensional animation.

[GPS Satellite Data]

Altitude, ascent, and temperature from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data]

Dana Point Century (Eastbound) - Cities/Towns Visited:

Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Murrieta, Temecula, Fallbrook, Bonsall, Oceanside, and San Clemente

Dana Point Century (Eastbound) - Counties Visited:

Orange County, Riverside County, and San Diego County

Dana Point Century (Eastbound) - Climbs:

Mile 15 (cat. 3) and 54 (cat. 4)

Dana Point Century (Eastbound) - Rest Stops (Self-Supported):

Mile 28 (Lookout), 67 (Fallbrook), and 87 (Oceanside Harbor)

Dana Point Century (Eastbound) - Description:

This ride starts in Dana Point and follows a big loop north-east to Lake Elsinore, south-east to Temecula, south-west to Oceanside, and back north-west to the starting point.

After San Juan Capistrano, Ortega Highway climbs gradually to the highest point of the route, before winding down to Lake Elsinore. The ride then follows straight roads towards Temecula, passing through Wildomar and Murrieta.

It continues on Old Highway 395, before crossing over Freeway 15 and climbing East Mission Road to Fallbrook. South Mission Road leads down to Bonsall and Highway 76, which in turn leads towards Oceanside.

The route then follows the bike path, passing through Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base (picture ID required) and visiting San Clemente, before returning back to Dana Point.

Dana Point Century (Eastbound) - Personal Notes:

For a long time, Ortega Highway has been popular with motorcycles but relatively unsafe for bicycles.

The Ortega Highway Safety Improvement Project, expected to last from 2007 to 2010, is adding four-foot shoulders to each side of the road, among other enhancements. Until it is completed, the best option is to ride very early in the day when traffic is minimal.

Dana Point Century (Eastbound) - Pictures:

[Lookout]

[Lake Elsinore]

[Fallbrook]

Dana Point Century (Eastbound) - Current Weather:

See also Dana Point Century (Northbound), Dana Point Century (Southbound), and Dana Point - Palm Springs.

You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.

See also Year-Rounder Challenge.

Interactive map of bike rides.

Bike Ride: Bass Lake Powerhouse Double

2007-10-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

Find a Bass Lake Powerhouse Double interactive map, route profile, and ride description, as well as pictures, personal notes, and more about the Bass Lake Powerhouse Double bike ride.

201 miles with 11,100 feet of elevation gain

View bike route as Google Maps overlay or play bike route as Google Earth three-dimensional animation.

[GPS Satellite Data]

Altitude, ascent, and temperature from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):

[Course Data]

Bass Lake Powerhouse Double - Cities/Towns Visited:

Clovis, Orange Cove, Auberry, Bass Lake, and Prather

Bass Lake Powerhouse Double - Counties Visited:

Fresno County, Tulare County, and Madera County

Bass Lake Powerhouse Double - Climbs:

Mile 44 (cat. 3), 74 (cat. 3), 86 (cat. 4), 90 (cat. 3), 98 (cat. 4), 108 (cat. 3), 123 (cat. 3), 133 (cat. 3), 156 (cat. 4), and 164 (cat. 3)

Bass Lake Powerhouse Double - Rest Stops:

Mile 37 (Orange Cove), 72, 100, 123, 142 (Bass Lake), 165 (Powerhouse), and 186

Bass Lake Powerhouse Double - Description:

The Bass Lake Powerhouse Double Century is a beautiful ride that starts and ends in Clovis (near Fresno), the «Gateway to the Sierras» - the same location as the Climb to Kaiser.

The ride starts early, in the darkness, heading south through orchards and vineyards to the small community of Orange Cove. Around mile 50, the route turns north and the first climbing starts, before a descent leads down to the valley floor again.

The course then generally climbs for the next 50 miles, following Kings River, passing Pine Flat Lake, Watts Valley, and Burrough Valley. Next, Auberry is visited, and Jose Basin Road leads to Italian Bar Road, which drops down into San Joaquin River Canyon with a panoramic view of Redinger Lake.

Road 225, the rough «Paris-Roubaix» section, winds out of the canyon, before Road 274 climbs up to Bass Lake. The course then follows the lake shore and starts heading south, mainly downhill, to the old A.G. Wishon Powerhouse.

After crossing Kerchoff Reservoir Bridge, a six mile climb with switchbacks leads up Powerhouse Grade, from where the ride is predominantly a downhill roll back to Clovis.

Bass Lake Powerhouse Double - Personal Notes:

I really enjoyed this ride a lot. The temperature was perfect, the scenery was beautiful, and the hospitality was great - especially at the last rest stop, which was run by the Filipino American Cycling Team.

My challenges of the day included a flat tire in the darkness, an attack of three dogs at the top of Powerhouse Grade (I was faster), and the failure of my bright HID light, which left me with the emergency LED light.

I ran into Tina R. and her sister Kathryn, and got to know Kelly R. and Jeff W., all from the Bay Area. We met for pre-ride dinner and again for post-ride breakfast. Congratulations to Tina for finishing her fifth double century this year, and welcome to the «Thousand Mile Club»!

Bass Lake Powerhouse Double - Pictures:

[Pine Flat Lake]

[Wooden Bridge]

[Rough Road Ahead]

[Bass Lake]

[Powerhouse]

Bass Lake Powerhouse Double - Current Weather:

See also California Triple Crown.

You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.

See also Year-Rounder Challenge.

Interactive map of bike rides.