Sunday, April 2, 2017
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Day 2: Solvang-Paso Robles Spring Destinations
This beautiful scenic ride takes you along the quiet country backroads with remote climbs through the gorgeous canyons and valleys around Santa Ynez Valley.
Head north on Atterdag Rd for the short climb out-of-town on Chalk Hill Rd.
Turn left on Ballard Canyon Rd, it travels westward across the horse ranches before dropping down into Buellton onto E Hwy 246.
Continue 6.8 miles west on Hwy 246, the road rolls out of town between the farmlands and vineyards set around the foothills of Purisima and Santa Rosa Hills.
Exit the highway onto Drum Canyon Rd, it turns north across the valley meadows and vineyards to Dierberg StarLane Winery.
The road continues on gently rolling terrain past the remote scattered ranches.
At Rancho Santa Rosa, the road narrows to a single lane as it begins to gradually rise up 1.3 miles from the valley to the first cattle guard crossing with an average grade of 4.7%.
The continues to wind its way up the Purisima Hills for the next 0.7 mile to the summit at the next cattle guard with an average grade of 6%.
Drum Canyon Rd descends for the next twisty miles towards the town of Los Alamos.
The road name changes to Centennial St as it approaches the center of town at Bell St. Turn right on Bell St and head east through Los Alamos towards the 101 underpass to San Antonio Blvd.
The frontage road name changes to Carrari as it continues eastward along the vineyards to its end at Alisos Canyon Rd.
Turn left on Alisos Canyon Rd, the road extends 6.5 rolling miles across the beautiful valley towards Foxen Canyon.
The road comes to a gentle short 4-6% climb up through the Solomon Hills before dropping down to the T junction with Foxen Canyon Rd.
Turn right on Foxen Canyon Rd, it heads east along the gorgeous valley past Zaca Mesa Winery.
The road leads to a moderate climb up “Zaca Mesa Hill”, it’s 0.9 miles with 7-9% grades.
Foxen Canyon turns southward as it rapidly rolls down through the region’s scenic “Wine Trail” to the intersection with Zaca Station Rd.
Turn left to stay on Foxen Canyon; the road continues southward with a climb up “Firestone Hill”, it’s 0.5 mile with steep grades of 8-10%.
Enjoy the grand ridge top valley and mountain views!
Foxen Canyon drops down through the scenic valley towards Los Olivos.
Cross 154 and turn right onto Ballard Canyon Rd, the road comes to a short 0.5 mile ascent with 5-8% grades.
The descent quickly rolls down through the beautiful quiet canyon with grand views of the rolling hillside vineyards.
Ballard Canyon continues on flat-rolling terrain through the expansive valley.
Continue straight onto Chalk Hill Rd and Atterdag for the return into Solvang.
This clockwise loop offers a wonderful change of view with the climbs up the bumpy south side of Drum Canyon Rd, west Alisos Canyon Rd and north Foxen Canyon Rd. You’ll enjoy the gorgeous canyons and valleys with steep rolling hills dotted with vineyards, ranches, horses, and cattle!
Garmin Stats:
46 Miles with 3192′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 1573′
Max grade: 10%
Terrain: Hilly
Weather: Sunny and warm. Temps ranged from the mid 40′ to the mid 80’s with NW winds.
View the interactive RGPS route map & profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
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