Northern California - San luis obispo to Solvang.

In a couple weeks, I will be ridig my bike from San luis obispo to Solvang. I have decided to take
The Foxen Canyon Route. I have heard from a couple of people that there are a few hills on Foxen
Canyon Route.
Is there anyone here that has Ridden Foxen canyon into Solvang before and if so can you please let
me know if there are any kind of hills that i should be worried about. I am not the best climber.lol

Any info would be much appreciated, Thanks.

In a couple weeks, I will be ridig my bike from San luis obispo to Solvang. I have decided to take
The Foxen Canyon Route. I have heard from a couple of people that there are a few hills on Foxen
Canyon Route.
Is there anyone here that has Ridden Foxen canyon into Solvang before and if so can you please let
me know if there are any kind of hills that i should be worried about. I am not the best climber.lol

Any info would be much appreciated, Thanks.

The routes on bikely.com between SLO and Solvang show only a few hundred feet of elevation change, but theyre not using foxen cyn. The routes on bikley that do use foxen show ~900ft of descent from north of Solvang into Solvang on foxen cyn, so as long as youre not planning on riding back to SLO no big problem there. Google maps also has elevation now so you could check that out too.

I have ridden part of the Foxen Canyon north to south during my first century ride, the Solvang Century. It first is a very gradual climb, almost like a false flat, that last for about 12 miles. This very shallow climb finishes with a steeper short hill (only a quarter to half a mile), not difficult but enough to notice the difference. This hill is followed by a descent on not very good pavement from what I remember. There was then a left turn that passed through vineyards and the most challenging part of the whole ride, a 5 to 8% grade that was about a mile long.
Last Spring I rode the whole distance you will cover but it was northbound from Solvang to SLO as part of the Solvang Double Century. I do not remember any steep section one way or another. There are two climbs, one 30miles south of SLO about 4 easy miles long, and another close by of about 2, a bit steeper, miles. It's just a 85 mile very pleasant route on low traffic roads. You should have a great time.

Foxen Canyon is the featured climb on the 2nd half of Solvang Century.

Foxen Canyon is the featured climb on the 2nd half of Solvang Century.


What do u mean by the featured climb?

I have ridden part of the Foxen Canyon north to south during my first century ride, the Solvang Century. It first is a very gradual climb, almost like a false flat, that last for about 12 miles. This very shallow climb finishes with a steeper short hill (only a quarter to half a mile), not difficult but enough to notice the difference. This hill is followed by a descent on not very good pavement from what I remember. There was then a left turn that passed through vineyards and the most challenging part of the whole ride, a 5 to 8% grade that was about a mile long.

Wow. That's a good summary. :thumb:

As long as you're geared properly, you'll enjoy it. Take your time tooling through the oaks and stop at the wineries. Foxen, Zaca are on the way, as is Rancho Sisquoc, I believe. All worth a look.

Thanks for the info guys. I will be doing this ride on Thanksgiving morning, Followed by a big turkey dinner at my sisters house in Solvang. I will post a report with pics after my ride.