Northern California - Road or Mountain Biking Near Bear Valley, CA
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I am thinking about joining some friends for a long weekend (Labor Day) in Bear Valley. It looks like the road riding would be somewhat limited (Highway 4). Is that the only paved road in the area? Is it nice to ride? How about Highway 89, which also looks close? I know the Death Ride is run in that area, but would it be dodgy to ride those roads on a holiday weekend?
How is the mountain biking in this area? I think my friends are bringing road bikes, so that will probably be the focus.
Would appreciate any info on the area.
This ride looks pretty cool: http://www.chainreaction.com/bearvalley.htm
ericm979
08-18-08, 05:29 PM
Ebbets pass gets some tourist traffic but they're mostly in a mellow mood and polite to cyclists. It's nicer to ride on your own than during the Death Ride even though the road is closed then.
The descent of Ebbets going east is one of my favorite descents. If you know the road and are comfortable on it you can really fly but it is still technical enough to be challenging. There are some REALLY STEEP sections of Pacific that you will descend when going east, and climb on the way back. Be careful on the descent. The climb back up isn't that bad- the steep parts are short ramps and you can recover in between them.
BlastRadius
08-18-08, 07:07 PM
Shouldn't you be coming to the Mt Hamilton ride? :D
Shouldn't you be coming to the Mt Hamilton ride? :D
Hah- you got me! ;)
I was planning on it, but now I have this sweet chance to go to the Sierras that I can't refuse. I feel like I can do Mt. Ham any regular weekend!
tprevost
08-18-08, 10:56 PM
Hah- you got me! ;)
I was planning on it, but now I have this sweet chance to go to the Sierras that I can't refuse. I feel like I can do Mt. Ham any regular weekend!
If you PM me your email, I can connect you with a friend of mine who knows those roads over there very well... both Mountain and Road...
Tracy