Northern California - What is the best Woodside loop?

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ROJA
10-02-08, 04:25 PM
I've done a few different rides in that area and they are all great. Last time, however, I climbed Old La Honda (great) and ended up on 35 (Skyline) for a few miles until I turned right on Alpine. The problem was that Skyline was downright scary due to the very fast cars (especially compared to my climbing speed) and minimal shoulder. I thought I was going to die.

Alpine was AWESOME and we continued on to Pescadero. From there, we took Stage across, did the short bit on 1, and climbed Tunitas Creek. After a fast descent on Kings Mountain, we were back home. I believe that it was about 60 miles and tons of climbing.

Is my route the best one in the area? Will I have better luck on Skyline if I start early? (I was there around noon or 1:00 last time.)

I assume that the shortcut would be to skip OLH and just take 84 to La Honda (the town) and then take Pescadero Crk to the town of Pescadero and then follow the route above.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks.

murphstahoe
10-02-08, 05:19 PM
from the top of OLH just go straight down the other side of OLH. Then left on 84, left on Pescadero.

You definitely do not want to climb 84 from Woodside. In all my years I have descended it maybe 200 times, and I have only seen 3 riders going up it.
BlastRadius
10-02-08, 05:21 PM
When you get to the top of OLH, just continue on across Skyline. OLH will meet up with West 84 and you continue onto Pescadero Creek like you mentioned.

edit: Murphs got it.

velogirls
10-02-08, 05:32 PM
I'm not a fan of descending West OLH. Instead, I'll descend Skyline to the junction (Alice's) and then hit 84 down to Pesdacero Road. I love descending that stretch of 84.

Another option, climb Page Mill and descend West Alpine (I'm also not a fan of descending West Alpine).

84 is very climb-able, but only if you're early enough to miss the cars and motorcycles. it's the easiest route up and over the mountains.
velogirls
10-02-08, 05:33 PM
another option, climb King's Mtn, take skyline to the junction (Alice's). I think this section of Skyline is pretty safe.
johnny99
10-02-08, 05:36 PM
If you don't want to ride on Skyline, I recommend this loop. Very little traffic, except on Woodside Road.
Start at Woodside city hall (corner of Woodside Road and Whiskey Hill Road)
South on Whiskey Hill Road
Right on Sand Hill Road
Straight on to Portola Road
Left on Alpine Road
Right on Arastradero Road
Right on Page Mill Road up to Skyline
Continue straight across Skyline and go down Alpine Road
Left on Pescadero Road
Right on Stage Road (food and water in town of Pescadero)
Right on Hwy 1 (briefly)
Right on Tunitas Creek Road up to Skyline
Continue straight and go down Kings Mountain Road
Left on Woodside Road back to your start