Northern California - Vacaville - Mix Canyon & Gates Canyon Suffering Hill Climbing Ride Report

How is it that Vacaville ended up with arguably the two toughest medium length climbs in California? And how is it that they are only 2 miles apart? I don't know, but I do know these are two of the hardest climbs I've ever done.

Mix Canyon climbs 2178 feet in 4 miles, averaging 10.3%. The 10.3% is misleading, however, as the first 1-2 miles are rather sane. The steepest mile averages an incredible 15.8% (for a reference point, Old Priest Grade only averages 15.0% for its steepest mile and Bohlman/On Orbit averages a puny 14.6%). In Summerson's California climbing book, Mix Canyon is #1 on the list for steepest mile sections and #3 for steepest half mile (16.2%).

Gates Canyon is not listed in the climbing book but is similarly hard. Total climbing for the day was about 4500 feet. My legs were done by the end of it.

The full ride report with all the pictures and maps is here: Vacaville – The Diabolical Duo – Mix Canyon & Gates Canyon (Super Steep) Hill Climbing (http://www.toughascent.com/blog/?p=224)

And some pictures to entice all of you who like the steep stuff..

Mix Canyon:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_8HKEZakuboQ/THH7xEXuAWI/AAAAAAAArh8/EU60LG-SuPg/s800/CIMG3819.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_8HKEZakuboQ/THH7tX4G_WI/AAAAAAAArgw/hqUK1OR96iI/s800/CIMG3805.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8HKEZakuboQ/THH7rrtGf8I/AAAAAAAArgQ/2QgyPUq9crY/s800/CIMG3801.JPG (http://www.toughascent.com/blog/?p=224)

Gates Canyon:

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8HKEZakuboQ/THH8DuIWhUI/AAAAAAAAroE/Nu6C1O1zlUk/s800/CIMG3877.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_8HKEZakuboQ/THH8CmkKVVI/AAAAAAAArnw/lpo7ApTCO60/s800/CIMG3875.JPG (http://www.toughascent.com/blog/?p=224)

Fun stuff :thumb:

Great ride and another great report. I think that Blue Ridge there is a county highpoint, good to see there is access. If youir are into that.
You should write a new book.

Like I said in another forum, this is amazing and WTG on both climbs (esp. considering I live here and have not completed either climb). (Wussie shoes fit, dammit.) Thanks for posting -- holler next time you want to do this and we'll make sure you don't climb alone.

Great ride and another great report. I think that Blue Ridge there is a county highpoint, good to see there is access. If youir are into that.
You should write a new book.

Thanks :) Blue Ridge looks like a very scenic ride with great, panoramic views. It may even be fully ridable on a road bike too; I was able to ride it for almost a mile with no problem.

I've actually toyed with the idea of turning my ride reports into a book. The main problem is that the pictures are a huge part of the report and tons of color photos in book form = expensive book. It would be fun though.


Like I said in another forum, this is amazing and WTG on both climbs (esp. considering I live here and have not completed either climb). (Wussie shoes fit, dammit.) Thanks for posting -- holler next time you want to do this and we'll make sure you don't climb alone.

Thanks :thumb: If I ever make it back out to Vacaville, I'll let you know. Any other good climbs in the area?

I understand there is a group of riders that is now doing "Mix Mondays", time trialing up Mix Canyon at 6PM on Mondays. Insane.

Great post! I have done Mix a few times and will try Gates in the near future. And yes, "Mix Mondays" are announced through the DBC listserv... I'd like to get out there and be humbled before we lose sunlight.

I understand there is a group of riders that is now doing "Mix Mondays", time trialing up Mix Canyon at 6PM on Mondays. Insane.

Insane is right. What times do the best riders usually post?


Great post! I have done Mix a few times and will try Gates in the near future. And yes, "Mix Mondays" are announced through the DBC listserv... I'd like to get out there and be humbled before we lose sunlight.

Let me know what you think of Gates when you do try it.