Southern California - Shuren Rd / Saddle Peak construction

It was a little different view than normal up top Saddle Peak (Santa Monicas) on Saturday because of construction going on. I'm fairly certain the work is being done to lay a new water pipe since there has long been a temporary one running the length of the road. For those planning a trip up Shuren Road, just before it reaches Saddle Peak is where the bulk of the construction is happening. They have the roadway blocked off with mounds of dirt, but there's a pathway going up and over for their trucks. If it's good enough for a truck, it's probably fine for a cyclist. You may end up doing some walking, but you'll make it through.

They're also using Stunt Road near the peak as the office and to store pipes and supplies, so there might be some additional road hazards to deal with.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/michsis/sddlpeakwork.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f140/michsis/shurenwork.jpg

This would be right where the wash out is and the road is narrowed?

This would be right where the wash out is and the road is narrowed?

It's right at the top/end of Shuren just before Saddle Peak, where Stunt ends as well.

when is the construction going to be over , because this is really messing up my routine

when is the construction going to be over , because this is really messing up my routine

We were told at least a couple of months...

It appears they are fixing the road in addition to the water pipe.

Mulholland Madness used that route and location last year as their last rest/check point before the finish. I'm guessing an alternate route has been planned for this year (happens in April). Anyone know?

Mulholland Madness used that route and location last year as their last rest/check point before the finish. I'm guessing an alternate route has been planned for this year (happens in April). Anyone know?

The Mulholland Challange is next weekend, and they are not changing the route at all.....one good
thing is the weather will be ALOT better then it was last year on Mulholland..

The Mulholland Challange is next weekend, and they are not changing the route at all.....one good
thing is the weather will be ALOT better then it was last year on Mulholland..

Agreed about the weather! Should be heaven compared with last year's near inferno-like conditions. The construction will add an interesting twist with riding on dirt for a stretch. I was up there on Saturday, and there was no work being done (weekend off), so machinery shouldn't be an issue for this coming Saturday. Perhaps they'll have the road cleared by then.

Thanks for the update. Has anyone gone through that section while they were working there? Did they let you by?

I went up Stunt last Thursday, and didn't attempt to get through because it looked pretty busy.

I went through there 3 weeks ago while they were doing work. They didnt say anything to me as I rode on the dirt coming up Shuren.

Well, now PU is saying the route will most likely change. I'll be curious to see how that looks.

Well, now PU is saying the route will most likely change. I'll be curious to see how that looks.

Very interesting. If they're going to keep the challenge part of the Mulholland Challenge, in all likelyhood they have to keep the Stunt Road climb (with Saddle Peak at the top being an idea rest stop), but instead of descending Piuma because of the construction, will they also descend Stunt? That will shorten and take away some 200 feet of the climbing challenge if so. If you find out the new route in advance of Saturday, please post what you know.