tbrown524

Does anyone happen to know of a mapping website that maps for bike routes besides bikemetro.com? Both google and Mapquest do street mapping however it doesn't show elevation which is important if you're biking.

I'm planning a ride to Thousand Oaks through the PCH and would like to know the elevation of some roads through the Santa Monica Mountains.

awiner

I use Google Earth and run my mouse over the top of the passes to check elevation.

What roads do you want to know ? I've ridden most the Santa Monicas and can tell you from memory.

thomson

Sounds like it should be a fun ride.

RouteSlip will give you the info you want but it is very hard to map a canyon road as you need to place a marker at every turn. Also, their server gets busy a lot so you will need a lot of patience.

TopoRoute has a 'follow road' feature that will connect two dots over a real street, not just a straight line. It does have an elevation chart but it won't give total feet climbed. But you can get an idea

Conejo Vally Cyclists maintain a little chart that will list some of them
https://www.cvcbike.org/routes/hills.html

And, last but most, ask away here. There are several people here that ride through those mountains regularly and can address any questions you may have. Are you looking for gentle, moderate, or steep slopes?

[edit] Adam's suggestion on Google Earth is good. I keep forgetting about that. You can actually see the grades, you may find it easier to discern the pitch by exaggerating them(one of the options)

tbrown524

15: Turn RIGHT onto MALIBU CANYON RD. 4.6 miles Map

16: MALIBU CANYON RD becomes LAS VIRGENES RD. 1.6 miles Map

17: Turn LEFT onto MULHOLLAND HWY. 3.1 miles Map

These are the roads that I'll be taking from the PCH... Just want to make sure it'll be possible for me to ride. I"m looking for a gentle climb!!!

Thanks..

awiner

I would not recommend Malibu Canyon/Las Virgines road from PCH. There is too much traffic and cars are in way to close of a proximity to you on parts of the canyon where they can punt you off the 2500' drop.

I would take PCH to Encinal Canyon. This is by far the easiest way over the mountain from PCH. It connects into Westlake Bl. where you can descend into Thousand Oaks.

Encinal is 5 miles and is approx a 2000 - 2500' climb at about an avg of 6% grade.

If you want a little more of a challenge you can climb Latigo Canyo from PCH. Latigo is 10 miles long and connects into Kanan Dume Road. From there you can take Kanan to Mulholland and connect with Westlake Bl.

thomson

Agree with Adam. Also, there is a narrow tunnel on Malibu Canyon and it will be slightly uphill the direction you are going prolonging your time in the tunnel. Encinal is a better bet. But, look at a map to make sure you have the directions up Encinal proper. As an example, while on Encinal after 4 or 5 miles you will see a sign saying Encinal goes to the right. Stay straight instead and dont turn right until you get to the T (Decker). When you get to the stop sign (Mullholland) turn right. When on Mullholland for a couple of miles (3 little hills), you will see a sign that says Mullholland to the right and Westlake if you go straight. Go straight here. Enjoy the downhill.

awiner

For sure Jim..... Tbrown will definitely have to map this right as there are many twists and turns in the canyons.

As far as a gently climb, I am not sure I would rate any of them a "Gentle". However they are very do-able. Make sure to feed your body right on the ride however so you don't bonk and just take it slow and easy. Enjoy the scenery.

A good idea may be to come out here and explore some of the canyons before hand. Feel them out so to speak.

Another great route is Mulholland from PCH. Again, maybe more climbing that you are looking for but it is a wonderful ride on a clear and sunny day.

As with any of the canyons here you need to stay alert and keep your eyes and ears open for cars and motorcycles (Right Jim ).

thomson

Very big grin

JustMe

Tom, if you go to the Motion Based GPS Network you may be able to find a route that someone has recorded with GPS including the elevation data. These routes can be downloaded into an Excel file for converting to various uses. They provide data in miles/Km, elevation, percent of grade and can be overlayed onto Google or Topo maps. It takes a little effort, but gives you accurate info except for things like traffic conditions.

Brian

If you'd rather put in the miles than the climb, you can go all the way to Potrero, or even out to Camarillo and then it's only a short climb.

awiner

Yes, but climbing Potrero back into Thousand Oaks from that end is a heck of a fun time

Brian

True. Encinal to Mulholland, to Decker would be the best route. Maybe stop at Calamigos and get a free lunch? And Decker only has a single easy climb from Mulholland, then it's all downhill, as fast as you dare.