Southern California - Let's talk about Las Flores Canyon Rd

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Ben FR
09-21-08, 10:12 PM
I did Las Flores Canyon Road today for the first time. Damn is this thing steep. Is it possible to do this climb staying in the saddle? I saw somewhere where it said 8% average grade, but I swear there must have been a 1-2 mile stretch of 15-20%.

DScott
09-22-08, 12:16 AM
La Grange website has Las Flores as 8.3% avg. grade, highest 21%, with steepest pitches between 12-20%.

http://www.lagrange.org/local_climbs.htm

I can't imagine sitting through the whole thing. :O
VanceMac
09-22-08, 07:50 AM
That 1-mile stretch in the middle is the attention-getter. Great canyon climb. Descending, not so fun.

KiddSisko
09-23-08, 01:00 AM
I suppose with mnt bike gearing you can sit and spin all the way up. I specifically outfitted my bike with 50/34, 11-30 so I can ride up Las Flores and it's sister canyon Tuna without it becoming a mockery. Both have a middle section of a mile or more of 20%ish, with Tuna having the longer section of brutality. First time up Las Flores was very successful. I felt really good that day. 2nd time some 2 months later, I had to stop or drop dead, then could only continue on foot for a half mile. I still don't know why.