Tuesday, April 4, 2017
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Day 4: Solvang-Paso Robles Spring Destinations
This classic route offers quiet beautiful rolling hills through the vineyards, orchards, and rich agricultural farmlands on Santa Rosa Rd to Jalama Rd for the gorgeous ride out to Jalama Beach for its spectacular ocean views!
Begin this ride from Santa Rosa Park, climb out of the park onto Santa Rosa Rd.
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%.
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, farmhouses 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.
Jalama Rd drops down into the valley and quickly rolls westward through the shaded woods for the next four miles. Enjoy the 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.
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.
Enjoy the 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 1 to Santa Rosa Rd.
Descend Santa Rosa Rd for the climbs back up and over the gaps for the return to Santa Rosa Park.
This is a gorgeous ride along the quiet back roads from the valley out to the beach! 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:
52.9 Miles with 4163′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 1119′
Max grade: 11%
Terrain: Hilly with a few steep climbs
Weather: Sunny and warm. Temps ranged from the mid 40’s to the high70’s with SW winds.
View the interactive RGPS route map & profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
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