Rapha Festive 500: Day 6 Tribute To Northern California Cycling Culture

Don't Forget to Fuel Up

Today's route was a tribute to Northern California Cycling, "World Class Cycling at Home." When people think of world class cycling, rarely does Northern California pop in ones head as the place to be. Most often people think of Italy, France, Spain, and if the United States in mentioned, most often Colorado is thought of first.. Going back to the days of Greg Lemond though, and The Coors Classics, California has long been a hidden niche in cycling, taking much time to mature. Over the past 10 years, and largely due to the influence of Lance Armstrong, Nor-Cal cycling has blown up as one of the best places to be. What makes California Cycling so great? California offers a year round cycling culture with it's temperate climate. Even in the depths of winter, one does no need to drive too far to escape the harshest conditions for cycling that is tolerable and enjoyable. California also offers outstanding geography combined with beautiful scenery creating challenging and aesthetically perfect rides. Whether you want to cruz near the ocean, meander through vineyards, or climb the California Alps, no matter what type of cycling you love, California has it.

R.A.C.E. Tuesday Night Crit, Summer 2011

Northern California has become a major racing hub creating and drawing world class talent to our door steps. Most notably is the Amgen Tour of California which has brought teams such as Radio Shack, Sky, BMC, and Garmin to our beautiful state, showcasing the best of what we have to offer. More importantly though, are the heroes who do the grassroots work of creating new pro-quality racing talent in Nor-Cal. For example; Rodney Cox of Chico, CA puts on R.A.C.E. (Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events), hosting over 200 grassroots cycling races every year. Rodney alone has developed more Cat 1-2 racers than I can even begin to mention. Velopromo, a grassroots racing promotion company and staple in the Nor-Cal bike racing schedule puts on over 35 races per year. Amongst its rigorous schedule are 5 training races and skills clinics at the beginning of the season to help create safe new cyclists. Northern California Nevada Cycling Association, our USAC sanctioning body, run by people who volunteer their time to a good cause they love and believe in. And finally, all the local shops, pro riders, mentors, mechanics, and friends who's names are too numerous to mention, who are the life and blood of Nor-Cal Cycling. While it's difficult to put in words, Nor-Cal is the place to be in you want to race bikes in the US.

Route Map

Today's route was simple but not easy, an oldie and a goodie. Since it's a tribute to Nor-Cal riding, doing a classic in the area was very appropriate. I chose to ride around Folsom Lake, a route that any semi-serious cyclist has done as it's a part of several local century rides and can be added on to one of our weekly race rides. The route was 96.1km (59.7miles) with 1610m (5282ft) of climbing which included a sweet little extra climb I added at the end.

Highway 49 Descent (red), Climb to Cool (Blue)

Leaving from my house I immediately descended in to the American River Canyon and began the biggest climb of the day up to Cool seen on the map above in blue. The descent section is 3.9km (2.4miles) with 229m (751ft) in altitude change. Pavement is good and you can easily hit 40+mph on this section. There are 3 tight turns that are fun to rail! The climb to Cool is challenging but bit dangerous due to extremely narrow spots in the road. The climb is 286m (938ft)/5.1km (3.2miles), making it a Category 3 climb.

Cars on My Tail

The climb section is extremely narrow in three spots making it dangerous. I caught a photo of a truck passing me here, it looks like they gave me plenty of room here, but it's not uncommon for cars to be a foot away. 

Sweet Switchbacks

Here is a shot of the sweet switchbacks on this climb, it's also a balst to descend.

Salmon Falls Road

Once at the top of the Cool climb, I headed over to Pilot Hill (5 Miles) and turned off Highway 49 down Salmon Falls Road. Salmon Falls Road (seen above) features several short elevation gains and a nice descent to the bottom at Folsom Lake. It's 9.3km (5.8miles) to the bottom of the Lake, there is an initial climb of 114m (374ft), then a 298m (977ft) descent to the bottom.

Beautiful Countryside

Looking north from the descent section of Salmon Falls Road, beautiful green rolling hills here. I opted out of trying to beat my PR so I could get good photo's for the blog.

Bridge at Folsom Lake

Here is the bridge at the base of Salmon Falls Road, beautiful sight to see. 

Folsom Lake

I continued on around Folsom Lake though several climbing sections, 253m (830ft)/17.7km (11miles) to the south side of the lake and Folsom Dam. This is very close to the famous Folsom Prison.

Brennans Road Headed Home

Once out of Folsom, I headed back home meandering off on beautiful backroads perfect for cycling.

Bald Hill Climb

Once I got to the base of Auburn, I had many choices of routes to get up the hill. I chose the Lozanos to Bald Hill climb. This is the steepest and most direct route from where I was, and given that my legs were fried I really wanted to kick the hill. No long grinders home! This climb is divided in to two climbs, a category 4 and category 3 over 3.2km (2miles) with 176m (577ft).

Sunset Atop Bald Hill

I made it to the top of Bald Hill in time to catch the sunset. Given all the rain we have been getting I was grateful to see this sight.

Pulled Pork for Dinner!

Nothing like a good old fashioned American Barbecue to fill my tank post ride.. Delicious!

Thank you for reading today's blog, please join me on day 7 of the Rapha Festive 500!

Happy Riding!