Northern California - Ride Proposal-the other half of the Santa Cruz Mountians

I am putting together a ride that will venture through the real Santa Cruz Mountians,;) Im thinking starting with a climb up Hwy 9 and dropping down the other side through Boulder Creek and Felton and into Scotts Vally. Then climbing back up E Zayante Rd, up to Summit and back to the top of Hwy 9. Then decend Hwy 9 back into Saratoga. This is a great route. The climbs are longer then the Los Altos side, and they are higher mountians. Great for getting the climbing legs stronger. We can stop for lunch in Felton. The climb out of Scotts Valley to the top of Castle Rock is a great climb, and is all about pacing. Is there any interest in this ride? Im thinking in a couple weeks.

I'm interested. I don't know that area well and would love to see it. I also need the work on climbing.

I also need the work on climbing.

Well... that'll do it for ya :p

I'm definitely out .... my climbing was suspect even before the crash!

There are lots of great climbs out of Santa Cruz. The Sequoia Century has done East Zayante and Mountain Charlie in recent years. Eureka Canyon is a popular (and easier) alternative.

I'm interested as well.

interested

Ok, so there is interest from those I suspected would be. The climb up hwy 9 Im sure all of you know about. On this day it will be a warm up. In other words a nice relaxed pace. Then a long decent/rolling ride down hwy 9 through Boulder Creek and into Felton(meaning pedaling is required);). We could grab a quick bite, or just snack. What lies ahead is a long,(something close to 18 miles) of climbing. Some not so steep and some rolling terrain. Not many cars will be seen on these roads. These are some of the best roads around, althoough not talked about as much as some others. But if you consider that we will be climbing for roughly 18 miles to a peak of 3100 feet you will see its not so bad. Zayante has a steep section, but there is severral areas for recovery time. The ride along Summit to Skyline and up to Castle Rock in incredable, very beautiful.


Once you know the area there are many options for routes you can put together in the area. Last year on the Sequoia Century Alan and I did Mt Charlie Rd, then Summit to Skyline. Its a great climb with plenty of recovery sections. There are several intersections where it can get a bit confusing, so we regroup at intersections. This is an endurance climbing ride, not a race. It is a great ride to get accustomed to if you want to do the Sequoia Century.

Okay so who is in, and what date works for you. We can meet at my shop at hwy 17 and San Thomas, which gives us a decent warm up before the climbing begins, about 30 minutes.

a few links

Zayante
http://www.actc.org/profiles/index.php

Skyline South
http://www.actc.org/profiles/index.php

There is some miles between Zayante and Skyline but it is also rolling like Skyline, but to a lesser degree.To gove a better perspective here is the climb and decent of hwy 9

http://www.actc.org/profiles/index.php

The ride is around 80 miles, and there are some other options to get back to Los Gatos, but they include a bit of dirt from Lexington to Los Gatos on the creek trail. A shorter route would be up Bear Creek Rd. So if some are interested but dont want to do the long route you could climb Bear creek and cut off about 20 miles.

I'm in as long as it's after 4/12.

I'm in. I'd join at the top of Hwy 9.

Hwy 236 through Big Basin would be nice little detour, rather than going straight down 9 to Boulder Creek. It's a little longer and has a couple of minor climbs, but I think it's one of the nicest rides in the area.

Hwy 9 from Boulder Creek to Felton tends to have a lot of traffic. The part from Ben Lomond to Felton, including a couple of narrow bridges, can be avoided by taking Glen Arbor and Quail Hollow to Zayante from Ben Lomond.

That looks like a great ride. I've got training ride planned out until the middle of July, though. I'd love to give it a try sometime.

JB

I'm interested if the date is open for me.

I'm in. I'd join at the top of Hwy 9.

Hwy 236 through Big Basin would be nice little detour, rather than going straight down 9 to Boulder Creek. It's a little longer and has a couple of minor climbs, but I think it's one of the nicest rides in the area.

Hwy 9 from Boulder Creek to Felton tends to have a lot of traffic. The part from Ben Lomond to Felton, including a couple of narrow bridges, can be avoided by taking Glen Arbor and Quail Hollow to Zayante from Ben Lomond.

Perfect, you are more then welcome to lead as you know the area much better then I.

Im planning on doing this ride on Saturday. If anyone want to join feel free. I like to scout out new routes and areas so I know what to expect.;) As far as the group ride there was a request for after the 12th, so how about the 19th of april?

What time would you be starting and from where? I have a show with the band Friday night but it should be an early evening since we go on second on the bill.

What time would you be starting and from where? I have a show with the band Friday night but it should be an early evening since we go on second on the bill.

Im not one for real early starts until it get hot out. Im thinking a 9:30- 10am start. My shop is right along the LG Creeek trail so it is a great place to meet then head to hwy 9.

I might be interested, although that's a big drive from Oaktown. What kind of distance/climbing/pace?

I might be interested, although that's a big drive from Oaktown. What kind of distance/climbing/pace?

Well Id guess it is about 80 miles and 7000 to 8000 ft. Im not expecting to hammer the climbs as they are lond and more about endurance. There is little to no flats on the route, basically ups and downs. I would guess it will avg to around 15 mph for the ride.

interested

I am pretty sure that I am in.

I'm interested in riding this too.

I will be there.

OK, now we have many interested. Im not sure but it sounds like most are interested for this weekend the 5th of April? So the start will be from my shop at 10am? Does that work for everybody? Im figuring this ride is gonna take in excess of 5 hours, maybe closer to 6 hours.

The 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th are good for me. If it's the 5th or 6th, I won't make it.

The route taking 236 through Big Basin and then climbing Bear Creek is one of the rides in Bay Area Bike Rides (57 miles starting and ending in Saratoga). I think Zayante is worth the extra riding, unless you want to stop at one of the wineries on Bear Creek.

BigSean,

Could you post the location (or address) of your shop?

I should be able to make it on either 4/05 or 4/12. I probably will be too sore on 4/19 (after Sea Otter RR).

Well Id guess it is about 80 miles and 7000 to 8000 ft. Im not expecting to hammer the climbs as they are lond and more about endurance. There is little to no flats on the route, basically ups and downs. I would guess it will avg to around 15 mph for the ride.

Wow, that is quite a ride. I'm out, but have a blast!

I will be doing this ride again later in the month also.
For 4-5 meet at 60 E Sunnyoaks Ave, Campbell 95008

9:45 am

Do you have a bikely route mapped out yet or is it a wing it as the ride goes along? Hopefully the weather will be a bit more consistent.

Do you have a bikely route mapped out yet or is it a wing it as the ride goes along? Hopefully the weather will be a bit more consistent.

I can do a bikely.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/120094

Im not always confident that bikely numbers are correct, but it says 77 miles and 8000ft. Expect a bit more on the elevation, mileage should be very close. There are also several other options for changes along the way should we decide too.

So, did we decide on the day?
Is it 4/04 or 4/05?

So, did we decide on the day?
Is it 4/04 or 4/05?

Its 4/05 which is this saturday.

I can do a bikely.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/120094

Im not always confident that bikely numbers are correct, but it says 77 miles and 8000ft. Expect a bit more on the elevation, mileage should be very close. There are also several other options for changes along the way should we decide too.

Looks good. Can anyone comment on the weather along there? After the cold weather on last Saturday's ride at Skyline and OLH I do want to be prepared but not over dressed.

Looks good. Can anyone comment on the weather along there? After the cold weather on last Saturday's ride at Skyline and OLH I do want to be prepared but not over dressed.

Sure can, its usually a bit warmer then the Pescadero area. Ill be weather watching, but planning on what I had on last saturday. It can be cold along Skyline/Summit, but we wont be there until after noon. If the sun is out it should be nice. Ill wear leg warmers and arm warmers and my vest.

As of the current weather report expect mid 50's

I'm in (90% sure, you can never be certain in my line of work) I've had to live vicariously the last couple rounds of BF rides, but so far the calendar is open for the morning/afternoon of the 5th. This will be my first time riding these hills so I'm really looking forward to it. Since I'll be driving from SF, are there any parking issues we should be aware of?

I'm in (90% sure, you can never be certain in my line of work) I've had to live vicariously the last couple rounds of BF rides, but so far the calendar is open for the morning/afternoon of the 5th. This will be my first time riding these hills so I'm really looking forward to it. Since I'll be driving from SF, are there any parking issues we should be aware of?

We are meeting at my business so we will have plenty of parking, no issues at all.:D

anyone that is coming and wants my cell # please Pm me. But if ya google map the address it is easy enough.

I'm off for this ride. Can't make it :(.
Have a good ride, guys!

Sorry I can't join you guys for this one. I'll catch you on the next ride.

Have fun!

Hey BigSean, I am a "maybe" for the ride on Saturday. I've never ridden any of the roads that far south and would love to check them out. I'll try and let you know tomorrow if my plans for the weekend take more definite shape :)

Depending on how much sleep I get I'll either drive over and park at the meeting spot or ride the bike and meet up at Pierce and HW9. How long does it usually take you to get to Pierce & 9?

Depending on how much sleep I get I'll either drive over and park at the meeting spot or ride the bike and meet up at Pierce and HW9. How long does it usually take you to get to Pierce & 9?

I would say no more then 30 minutes. I got to the top of 9 yesterday from my house in just over an hour and my house is just down the street.

I'm going to ride over to 9 and Pierce from Sunnyvale. I'll leave early to get there before 10:15ish am.

I am eating the best damn bowl of cereal ever right now. 81.5 miles for me. I turned off at Redwood Gulch. The thought of one more climb up Mt. Eden road was a big veto. Thank you Eric, Tim and Sean for being patient on those latter climbs where I was suffering.

I am eating the best damn bowl of cereal ever right now. 81.5 miles for me. I turned off at Redwood Gulch. The thought of one more climb up Mt. Eden road was a big veto. Thank you Eric, Tim and Sean for being patient on those latter climbs where I was suffering.

You were suffering? That's big news!

By the time I got back home I ended with 89.9 miles and 8428ft of climbing. Im recovering a bit so I can get up and get something to eat.:eek: Oh my, what a great ride. Big Basin is amazing, Zayante in my opinion is prettier the Tunitas Creek, road surface is definately better.;) My entire body is sore.:o

I am eating the best damn bowl of cereal ever right now. 81.5 miles for me. I turned off at Redwood Gulch. The thought of one more climb up Mt. Eden road was a big veto. Thank you Eric, Tim and Sean for being patient on those latter climbs where I was suffering.

If you're hurting on these climbs, I'm freeeekin' scaaaared :eek:!

If you're hurting on these climbs, I'm freeeekin' scaaaared :eek:!

We both had a hard time after lunch, perhaps it was the soda. Either way I had indigestion the rest of the ride. It is actually a great route. Big Basin was an amazing experience, I cant believe I had never ridden through there before. The roads were winding and smoothe, the redwoods were huge. Amazing park! There is so much great riding around here. :beer:

Yea, I rode Big Basin with Western Wheelers a couple years ago, and it completely wiped me out, but the pain was secondary as I was riding through one of the most breathtaking views around. I haven't mustered up the energy, or the nerve, to go back again.

OK, you guys are making me feel better about riding this next time :o ...

But you must admit, it's disconcerting to hear Bostic complain about a climb.