Canyon Classic Century -- How much climbing?

[backinthesaddle]

I signed up for this century ride 6/9 out of Patterson, CA. Route is up Del Puerto Canyon, then Mines Road, back to the Valley by Corral Hollow Road.

When I signed up I thought total elevation gain would be in the 5K - 6K ft range. Now I took a closer look at the DeLorme map on their website (http://www.modestonorthrotary.org/Century%20Ride.jpg)
which shows almost 11K ft of climbing.

But I know DeLorme is notorious for overstating total elevation. Anyone have an idea what the elevation gain really is??

[spingineer]

That seems about right. That terrain can get pretty hilly, or mountainous.

[bigbossman]

I did this ride a couple of years ago.

The bulk of the climbing is up Del Puerto road, just after the first rest stop at the park. I don't know the gradient, but just after the park the road pitches up very steeply for at least 3 miles - I'm thinking close to or better than double digit % grade for most of it. After that, there is a short dip, and then you climb steadily for another 7 or so miles on Mines road in full sun.

Once you get over that, it is a very enjoyable 20+ mile glide into Livermore and lunch. After lunch, you do a short climb up Corral Hollow, then a slightly technical descent that turns into a fun glide into Tracy. After that you finish up with a flat 20 or so miles and a tail wind (hopefully) back to Patterson.

I'd guessing only 4k or so climbing, but concentrated.

[SV Commuter]

It's less climbing than the Woodside Loop ride we did 5/26, everybody tells me.

[backinthesaddle]

thanks all, sounds like it's a tough ride but not 11K climbing. I'll try it, don't want to have a bad attitude but bail or SAG are always options.:rolleyes:

[bigbossman]

I'll probably be doing this ride. any slow-pokes looking for company?

[backinthesaddle]

I'll probably be doing this ride. any slow-pokes looking for company?

that's me. :D

Based on your previous comments, I'm going to try it, but I know I'll be real slow climbing the stretch after the first rest stop.

I'm planning to register soon after 7:00, on the road at 7:30. Let me know if that works for you and we can arrange to meet. Meeting another rider at registration too.

[bigbossman]

that's me. :D

Based on your previous comments, I'm going to try it, but I know I'll be real slow climbing the stretch after the first rest stop.

I'm planning to register soon after 7:00, on the road at 7:30. Let me know if that works for you and we can arrange to meet. Meeting another rider at registration too.

That is exactly the time I was thinking of. Fair warning - I'm a horrible climber. If we do hook up, feel free to drop me at any time if I'm holding you up.

PM sent.....

[bigbossman]

thanks all, sounds like it's a tough ride but not 11K climbing. I'll try it, don't want to have a bad attitude but bail or SAG are always options.:rolleyes:

Turns out that Garmin reported 5,047' of total climbing for this ride.