Sunday, April 17, 2016
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This ride goes along the beautiful San Mateo coastline from Half Moon Bay on Hwy 1 S towards Bean Hollow Beach. It turns inland on Bean Hollow Rd to Pescadero for a lunch stop at Arcangeli Grocery Co. Return north on Stage Rd to Tunitas Creek and Lobitos Creek Cutoff.
Take Kelly Ave to Hwy 1 and head south along the coast for the next 18.1 miles to Bean Hollow Rd.
Hwy 1 S leads you out of town past the local ball field, restaurants, horse ranches and golf courses.
The flat miles on Hwy 1 S continue through the rich coastal agricultural farmlands out to Bob’s Vegetable Stand & Pumpkin Farm.
The road continues up and down through the open coastal meadows and woodlands before dropping down towards Tunitas Creek.
Hwy 1 S tilts up from the bridge crossing with a climb up to Gordon Ridge at Stage Rd; it’s 1.3 mile with an average grade of 6.4%.
From Stage Rd, Hwy 1 S sweeps down towards San Gregorio State Beach at the junction with CA-84. The road kicks up with another climb from San Gregorio; it’s 4/10th of a mile with an average grade of 9%.
Hwy 1 S continues for the next 2.5 miles with a series of short rolling climbs to Pomponio State Beach-take a few seconds to look around and enjoy the beautiful coastal views!
The road descends from Pomponio Beach to the flats along Sand Beach to Pescadero State Beach.
Spectacular views of the gorgeous rocky coastline.
The next three flat-rolling miles continues along the beautiful coast.
Roll pass Bean Hollow State Beach to the turn onto Bean Hollow Rd.
Bean Hollow Rd turns northward towards Pescadero; it crosses Lake Lucerne before heading up to the ridge.
It’s a one mile climb with 4-5% grades.
The road levels out along the ridge with beautiful views of the coastal farmlands.
Bean Hollow Rd sweeps down from the low hill with grand views of Pescadero valley and the surrounding mountains and ridges!
Head inland on Pescadero Creek Rd to the small coastal town of Pescadero.
Take Stage Rd for a stop at Arcangeli Grocery/Norm Market. Check out the new bike station located near the picnic area!
Continue north on Stage Rd for the next 8.4 miles; it’s a series of 3 climbs aka “three sisters” with fun rolling descents in between. Stage Rd begins on flat terrain towards the hillside cemeteries to the eucalyptus lined road leading out to the valley ranch and farm house.
The first climb is about a mile long with an average grade of 4.6%.
Stage Rd sweeps down below the Santa Cruz Mountains to the bridge crossing over Pomponio Creek.
The second climb enters a grove of eucalyptus trees up to the back side of the mountain; it’s 0.8 mile with an average grade of 6.8% and steep pitches of 10-11%.
The twisty descent goes along the back of the ridge with marvelous views of the coastal valley with a glimpse of the ocean! The road drops down to CA-84 into San Gregorio.
The third climb begins from San Gregorio to CA-1 N; it’s 1.2 miles with an average grade of 6.2%.
Descend Hwy 1 N to Tunitas Creek Rd.
Stop at The Bike Hut at Potrero Nuevo Farm.
The gentle rolling terrain along lower Tunitas Creek leads to Lobitos Creek Cutoff.
Lobitos Creek Cutoff climbs out from the Tunitas Creek for the next 1.2 miles to the high point at Old Lobitos Creek Schoolhouse Farm.
The road swiftly drops down to Schoolhouse Creek onto Verde Rd.
Continue on Verde; the road runs parallel to Hwy 1 N with a short climb overlooking the coastal farmlands.
The road crosses over Purisima Creek as it turns westward onto Hwy 1.
Roll back along the flats on Hwy 1 N into Half Moon Bay.
This is a gorgeous ride along the quiet coastal back roads around the Santa Cruz Mountains. The stretch along Hwy 1 S from Half Moon Bay to Bean Hollow is quite spectacular!
Garmin Stats:
41.85 Miles with 3058′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 473′
Max grade: 9%
Terrain: Hilly
Weather: Sunny and warm. Temps ranged from the mid 60’s to the mid 80’s with mild NW winds.
View the interactive RGPS route map & profile
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