Table of Contents

Preface/Acknowledgments ............................................ 10
Introduction ................................................................ 11
Climbing ...................................................................... 11
About this Guidebook: .................................................. 13
   Defining a Hill Climb
   Definitions of Terms
   Rules of the Road
Improving Climbing Ability: ............................................. 20
   Cycling Techniques
   Specific Training for Hill Climbing
   Descending
   Mental Training
   Climbing Tactics
Memorable Climbing Performances .................................. 31
Maps of Climbs ............................................................ 48

Climbs:
Northern California  ...................................................... 52
Central California .......................................................... 68
Southern California ..................................................... 104
Bay Area ................................................................... 134

Hill Climb Races ........................................................... 157
Organized Rides with Significant Climbing ........................ 158
Seasonal Climbs .......................................................... 159
Most Difficult Climbs: ................................................... 160
   Overall
   By Distance
   By Region
Most Difficult Climbing Sections ..................................... 165
Additional Climb Categories (climbs > 1.5 miles): .............. 167
   Steepest Climbs
   Fastest Descents
   Most Technical Descents
   Greatest Elevation Gain Climbs
   Highest Elevation Attained Climbs
   Longest Climbs
   Climbs with Greatest Length of > 10% Grade
   Most Scenic Climbs
Northern California Climb Categories ............................... 170
Central California Climb Categories .................................. 172
Southern California Climb Categories ............................... 174
Bay Area Climb Categories ............................................. 176
Climbing Resources ...................................................... 178
Additional Data ........................................................... 180
Climb Profiles .............................................................. 239
Index ........................................................................ 288

Select California Climbs

Whitney Portal
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Total elevation - 4,580 ft                    Length - 11.3 miles

Average Grade - 7.7% (13%)              Rating - 3.98 (hors)
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Whitney Portal is a great and difficult climb out of the high desert up towards Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48. Like most eastern Sierra ascents this one starts out tame and ends up tough. The grade increases as you climb so that the average grade over the last 5.5 miles is over 9%. The hill lets up just before the finish at Whitney Portal (8,371 ft) and a parking/hiking area (trailhead to Mt. Whitney). Whitney Portal is very similar to the famed French climb of the Madeleine, a monster frequently used in major cycling classics including regular appearances in the Tour de France (closed in winter - Inyo National Forest - 760 876-6222).

Directions - From highway 395 in Lone Pine, CA take Whitney Portal Rd west for 6/10ths mile to begin the climb where the road crosses the Los Angeles aqueduct.

Sulphur Mountain Road
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Total elevation - 1,208 ft                    Length - 2.8 miles

Average grade - 8.2% (10%)              Rating - 0.99 (cat 2)
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Sulphur Mountain Road is part of the reason God made hills and man makes bikes. A wide single lane gives the climb a European look and a steep grade will make you work. Up top thick trees provide a tunnel like ride with good views when the trees thin. The listed climb ends at a driveway on the left (gated) just before a Doppler radar tower. After the unmarked top the road rolls up and down before turning to dirt. This is must do climb in the area.

Directions - In Ojai, CA head east on 150 for 6-8 miles and Sulphur Mountain Road will be on your right. Head down the road 0.3 miles to begin the climb.

Welch Creek Road
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Total elevation - 1,904 ft                     Length - 3.9 miles

Average grade - 9.2% (18%)               Rating - 1.80 (cat 1)
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An isolated climb, Welch Creek is an amazing road that winds through a preserve and ends at a few houses on top. It is one of the most narrow roads around and carries the rider over a very variable grade and through tunnels of trees in places. Its 2nd half is the real test which is mainly double digit grade and contains the max grade of the hill. The road turns to dirt at the top.

Crux stretch - The final half mile which contains the max grade of the climb.

Directions - From I-680 between Pleasanton and Fremont exit to Calaveras Road. Head south on Calaveras for several miles to Welch Creek Rd on the left where the listed climb begins 1/10 mile down the road.