In this week’s series of rides, Alexis takes us to the Bay Area of California bringing us some of the most interesting and varied riding we’ve come across.
He’s carefully curated this selection to provide something for every one’s taste, but there’s some brutal climbs in this series, so approach it with caution and be sure to read the route notes…
Quimby Rd is a short cut which bypasses the section of Mount Hamilton Road to the first intermediate descent, eliminating 8 miles and 1500 feet of climbing. This ride starts from the Mt Hamilton side. This is a small climb with epic views from the Mt Hamilton valley and a classic from the Tour of California after they descent from Mt Hamilton. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with amazing view of the Soutb Bay on clear days.
More InfoSoda Springs is a rarely visited climb because it is a dead end and is away from more frequented routes. Situated to the south west of Los Gatos, Soda Springs is accessible from Alma Bridge Road, between Old Santa Cruz Highway and the Los Gatos Creek Trail. The gradient is quite consistent for the entire duration of the climb and averages 8% over the span of 5.3 miles. As a result, it climbs about 2300ft and is one of the few climbs longer than 5 miles in the area. It terminates at the gated private property at the top. Note: contains RW segment
More InfoSierra Road climbs from busy Piedmont Road into the residentially-populated hills over Milpitas. The grade is steady near 10%. This selective hill was used in the Tour of California and inflicted pain even on jaded professional cyclists. The views are fabulous, whether looking towards the Bay or towards Black Mountain, Mt. Day, Rattlesnake Butte, or Mt. Hamilton. At the top, Sierra Rd continues as a rolling, twisting, narrow road to Felter Road.
More InfoQuimby Rd is a short cut which bypasses the section of Mount Hamilton Road to the first intermediate descent, eliminating 8 miles and 1500 feet of climbing. It starts of innocently in a residential neighborhood deep in San Jose, but the grade increases steadily, until with 1 mile to go one is assaulted with a series of vertical switchbacks and an extremely steep, truly daunting final straight which, with the help of the pitiless sun, will sap any remaining strength from the legs. Two farm gates on the top. After surviving this, climbing the remaining 2800 feet of Mount Hamilton Road seems trivial. Wild turkeys may observe suffering from sidelines, so try to put on a good show.
More InfoIt is no coincidence that the climb starts at the Saratoga's Madrona cemetery where many an exhausted cycling souls may have found a rest! This ascent of Bohlman Road is just brutal with the best views of the valley if you are still alive! Kittridge Rd will warm up your will of survival before putting you onto On Orbit: a small stretch of road averaging 20% which will put to test your will, before coming back on Bohlman for a nice finish to the top."
More InfoFelton-Empire Rd (3.7 mi, 1520ft, 7.8%). Of the 3 main routes (Alba, Jamison and Felton-Empire) from Hwy 9 to Empire Grade, this is the easiest. It starts very gently in the residential area, then delves into the forested redwood area and steepens. The grade is highly inconsistent, and wide selection of gears may be required. The redwoods scenery is the most beautiful, if you to take time to enjoy it.
More InfoJamison Creek, the northernmost paved route from Hwy 9 (via Hwy 236) to Empire Grade, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, starts out steep, then gets steeper and steeper. Near the top it sustains very interesting grades, making the summit a long-overdue sight. Along the way, if you have time, you can enjoy the sound of the water in the creek as well as nice vista of the valley.
More InfoAlba Rd originated in 19th century as road providing the farmers at the north end of Empire Grade with a route to Ben Lomond, their nearest place of trade. It was known as Alba Grade, Ben Lomond Grade.This climb is also known as A Long Brutal Ascent. The 10% average grade is rather steep for a road that climbs over 2,000ft . The grade is highly inconsistent with with sections near 5% intermixed with significant portions at 15% to 20%. Surviving this climb is an exercise in pain testing your fitness to the maximum. The steep sections aren't so long that a fit rider can't power through them, however. It does offer some magnificent views near the top if you still have any energy to remember to enjoy anything at this point of time.
More InfoBrutal, oppressive, brutal, painful, savage, arduous, killer, murderous, blood-and-guts, formidable, backbreaking, grinding, fatiguing, unsparing, harsh, merciless, intense, exhausting, austere and even slavish! This is a really crank- twisting climb and will put your uphill determination to a severe test. It is no coincidence that the climb starts at the Saratoga's Madrona cemetery where many an exhausted cycling souls may have found a rest! The listed stats show a considerable average grade of 9%, but it is much worse than that because there's considerable flat section and even mild descent at the top. Steepest section compensates with best views of the valley.
More InfoMt. Diablo towers over the East Bay area with the summit altitude of 3,849ft. On a clear day, views from its summit stretch more than 200 miles. Mount Diablo has the largest view shields in the United States and second in the world (the first one is Mt. Kilimanjaro). North Gate Road to the summit is only a mere 11 miles. The ride is very curvy but not too steep. The unobstructed views are to die for as North Gate Road climbs up the west side of the mountain, and every single corner will have you pulling to the side to stare in amazement. This level of openness is probably unparalleled in the entire Bay Area. The lower elevation flows up a draw and then it’s a series of switchbacks weaving a tapestry of pavement up the mountainside. The very finish is quite steep – way over 10% and will demand some prayers!
More InfoOriginally hailing from the Caen in North of France, Alexis Berthillier, 48, has been living in Mountain View California for the last 20 years.
A seasoned ultra rider, to date, he has completed more than 100 double centuries (200miles non stop) as part of the California Triple Crown in the past 7 years.
ABOUT ALEXIS
