Tuesday, March 29, 2016

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Day 3: This classic ride has the best of what Santa Barbara County has to offer, quiet beautiful rolling hills through the vineyards, orchards and rich agricultural farmlands on Santa Rosa Rd to Jalama Rd for the gorgeous roll out to Jalama Beach for the “famous Jalama Burger” and spectacular Pacific Ocean views!

Exit Flying Flags and head south on Avenue of Flags to the Santa Ynez River crossing onto Santa Rosa Rd.

Santa Rosa Rd is a quiet back road with minimal to no traffic that runs for 16.9 miles from the east end at Avenue of Flags to the west end at Hwy 1. The first four miles takes you along the flat valley through the many horse ranches and open farmlands.

The rolling terrain takes you up and over the valley to the beautiful hillside vineyards and wineries around Santa Rosa Hills.

The road continues through the gorgeous valley vineyards.

The rolling climbs winds around the valley with fabulous views of the rich agricultural farmlands before dropping down towards the entrance to Santa Rosa Park.

The short climb from the park up to the ridge has an average grade of 7.8% with views of the Purisima Hills. The road winds along the valley floor followed by another short 0.3 mile climb up to the narrow gap with gradient ranges of 4-7%.

Enjoy the valley views!

Santa Rosa Rd drops down towards the west end of the valley with expansive open farmlands, orchards and vineyards.

The road tilts up with a short climb over the valley.

The Salisipuedes Creek crossing takes you up to Hwy 1; it’s a half mile climb with an average grade of 4.8%.

Beautiful wildflower covered hills!

Head south on Hwy 1 to the turn onto Jalama Rd.

Jalama Rd begins with a very short pitch up to the wide dirt parking area and continues on rolling terrain to the bridge crossing over Salisipuedes Creek.

The next couple of flat miles takes you along the scenic valley through horse and cattle ranches, farm houses with weathered barns, open farmlands and vineyards.

The road ascends from the valley for 1.6 miles with an average grade of 7% and steep pitches of 10-11%. The climb has fantastic views of the Lompoc Hills to the west and the Santa Rosa Hills to the east.

The road rolls along the top of the ridge for a short stretch.

Beautiful wildflowers!

Jalama Rd drops down into the valley and quickly rolls westward through the shaded woods for the next four miles.

 

Spectacular display of wildflowers along the entire valley floor!

The rolling climbs that follow go on for 2.4 miles through the lower canyon out to the creek crossings.

Beautiful display of yellow mustards carpet the hillsides!

Wildflowers!

The Jalama Creek crossing leads to the climb up the side of Palo Alto Hill; it’s 0.6 mile with 5-7% grades.

The road continues to wind around the hill to the RR crossing at Jalama Beach Rd.

Jalama Beach Rd drops down into Jalama Beach with stunning ocean and mountain views!

Stop at Jalama Beach Store.

Gorgeous Jalama Beach views!

Reverse your way out of Jalama Beach and climb back up to the RR crossing.

Drop down through the canyon to the rolling climbs out to the open valley.

The flat run through the valley leads to the climb back up to the ridge.

It’s one mile long with an average grade of 8%.

The fast descent drops down onto the flat lands and takes you back up and over to Hwy 1.

Head north on Hwy to Santa Rosa Rd.

Descend Santa Rosa Rd for the climbs back up and over the gaps towards the expansive farm lands.

Wind your way back along the valley through the orchards and farmlands to the hillside vineyards.

The last few miles gently rolls through the valley floor.

Return on Avenue of Flags to Flying Flags.

This is a gorgeous ride along the quiet back roads from the valley out to the beach This beautiful route can easily be shorten by starting at the Santa Rosa Park on Santa Rosa Rd or at the wide dirt parking area on Jalama Rd Hwy 1. Put this on your list of “must do” rides for a future cycling trip along California’s Central Coast. The views are spectacular, you’ll love it!

Garmin Stats:
69 Miles with 4715′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 1137′
Max grade: 11%
Terrain: Moderately hilly with a few steep climbs

Weather: Partly cloudy with afternoon sunshine. Temps ranged from the low 40’s to the low 60’s with breezy NW winds.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: