The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike)
In California
Table of Contents
Preface/Acknowledgments ............................................ 10
Introduction ................................................................ 11
Climbing ...................................................................... 11
About this Guidebook: .................................................. 13
Defining a Hill Climb
Definitions of Terms
Rules of the Road
Improving Climbing Ability: ............................................. 20
Cycling Techniques
Specific Training for Hill Climbing
Descending
Mental Training
Climbing Tactics
Memorable Climbing Performances .................................. 31
Maps of Climbs ............................................................ 48
Climbs:
Northern California ...................................................... 52
Central California .......................................................... 68
Southern California ..................................................... 104
Bay Area ................................................................... 134
Hill Climb Races ........................................................... 157
Organized Rides with Significant Climbing ........................ 158
Seasonal Climbs .......................................................... 159
Most Difficult Climbs: ................................................... 160
Overall
By Distance
By Region
Most Difficult Climbing Sections ..................................... 165
Additional Climb Categories (climbs > 1.5 miles): .............. 167
Steepest Climbs
Fastest Descents
Most Technical Descents
Greatest Elevation Gain Climbs
Highest Elevation Attained Climbs
Longest Climbs
Climbs with Greatest Length of > 10% Grade
Most Scenic Climbs
Northern California Climb Categories ............................... 170
Central California Climb Categories .................................. 172
Southern California Climb Categories ............................... 174
Bay Area Climb Categories ............................................. 176
Climbing Resources ...................................................... 178
Additional Data ........................................................... 180
Climb Profiles .............................................................. 239
Index ........................................................................ 288
Select California Climbs:
Refugio Road
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Total elevation - 3,857 ft Length - 10.9 miles
Average Grade - 6.7% (17%) Rating - 2.77 (cat 1)
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Refugio Road is a stunning climb into the coast mountains west of Santa Barbara. A very narrow, twisty and variable grade road takes you up the hill, often under a tunnel of trees near the bottom. A steep switchback to the left (stay to the outside) several miles in will get your attention as the trees begin to thin. Continuing over a variable grade, at mile 5.2 you reach a junction. From here (turn right and try to ignore the warning that the road is not maintained from this point) the road is true single lane and hugs the cliff side in places. Continuing over a narrow road and a variable grade, the route is exposed for the majority of the 2nd half of the ascent. The steepest climbing is at the very end as there is a double digit grade ramp just before the road dead ends at a cell tower facility.
Directions - From Highway 101 in Santa Barbara, CA head north for ~23 miles to the Refugio Road exit. At that junction head inland up the hill for 1.8 shallow grade miles to the 3rd creek crossing (house on right) where the listed climb begins.
Mix Canyon Road
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Total elevation - 2,178 ft Length - 4.0 miles
Average grade - 10.3% (20%) Rating - 2.36 (cat 1)
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Mix Canyon is one of the most difficult climbs in California and the United States over a similar length. Somewhat isolated, the first mile is fairly shallow but things gets more difficult as you ride over a variable grade. There are a few houses along the way but you should encounter little if any traffic on this very narrow route. Soon the grade reaches double digit and stays there as the last 2 miles you will likely remember as they are steeper than California icons Bohlman/On Orbit and Old Priest Grade and feature one of the most difficult miles in cycling. The entire route resembles some European climbs as it is over a narrow, single lane. Near the top are several severe switchbacks that will also get your attention, one of which contains the maximum grade of the ascent. Towards the very top riders also receive views down into the valley. The grade finally eases over the last 0.2 miles and at the very top the road turns to dirt in a pleasant setting. Due to its steep grade and twisty route Mix Canyon is a technical and difficult descent as well.
Directions - From Vacaville, CA on Interstate 80 exit to Cherry Glen Road. Head north on Cherry Glen Road for 1.1 miles and take a left on Pleasant Valley Road. Travel 5 miles and Mix Canyon Road appears on the left. The listed climb begins 0.8 miles down Mix Canyon Road.
Welch Creek Road
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Total elevation - 1,904 ft Length - 3.9 miles
Average grade - 9.2% (18%) Rating - 1.80 (cat 1)
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An isolated climb, Welch Creek is an amazing road that winds through a preserve and ends at a few houses on top. It is one of the most narrow roads around and carries the rider over a very variable grade and through tunnels of trees in places. Its 2nd half is the real test which is mainly double digit grade and contains the max grade of the hill. The road turns to dirt at the top.
Crux stretch - The final half mile which contains the max grade of the climb.
Directions - From I-680 between Pleasanton and Fremont exit to Calaveras Road. Head south on Calaveras for several miles to Welch Creek Rd on the left where the listed climb begins 1/10 mile down the road.