The ride starts at the Shingle Springs Park-N-Ride and progresses through Cameron Park into Deer Valley.
102 mile riders turn left at Jurgens Road; 43 and 64 mile riders continue straight.
A left onto Jurgens Road brings a lovely descent which intermittently is steep (watch for loose gravel and sharp turns) along a narrow, wooded road which ends at Weber Creek. In the late spring and summer Weber Creek (photo right) usually has only 4-6 inches of flow. Cross the creek with care; moss makes the surface very slippery. I usually ride across; most riders remove shoes and walk across. After crossing, wipe your bottles to remove creek water possibly contaminated with Giardia.
Immediately get in your lowest gear for the climb up Luneman Road; it initially is very steep but eases up shortly. Turn left at Lotus Road and enjoy the fast descent down to Lotus. Toilets are available in Lotus Park.
Continue to the Prospectors Road climb. This road has little traffic but is moderately steep; it actually is a lovely road, but I often find I'm breathing too heavily to notice! Take care turning right onto Marshall Road: there always is loose gravel at the turn. You then are in for a fun, very fast descent back into the Coloma valley. Enjoy the views (photo left) on the way down!
Then bike through the gold discovery town of Coloma (restrooms in Marshall Gold Discovery State Park on left) to Rest Stop #1 at the "Sutter Center Market." I recommend that you refuel here.
Take Cold Springs Road to Placerville. The initial section, just out of Coloma, is very steep! The worst of the climbing is over by the time you reach Gold Hill. Take some care on the descent beyond Gold Hill; it is fast, and the road surface intermittently is rough. There then is a moderate climb into Placerville ("Hangtown"), where you will find Rest Stop (#1) #2. There is a bike shop across Broadway from the "Valero Food Mart." I recommend filling up your water reservoirs here. 43 mile riders return directly back to Shingle Springs; 64 and 102 mile riders continue.
Next proceed along Newtown Road. Fort Jim Road has some short, moderately steep sections. At Snow's Road, 64 and 102 mile riders separate; 64 mile riders continue straight on Newtown Road. 102 mile riders climb Snow's Road, the steepest climb of the day (up to 18% grade); mercifully the severe sections are not very long. Proceed to Rest Stop #3 in Camino. Be sure to refuel and rehydrate adequately here. Last store for 39 miles!
Enjoy the long descent through Apple Hill along Carson Road back into Placerville. Slow down (!) at the sharp right turn onto Dimity Lane.
If you are getting tired, this is a good point to bail out and return to Shingle Springs. Once you descend into the American River Canyon, you will be committed to a minimum of two major climbs.
Now enjoy a moderate climb on Mosquito Road to the ridge overlooking the American River canyon.
The descent into the canyon is steep, and the final section is very steep (15%): control your speed! Bike injuries have occurred here!
Cross historic (one lane, plank) Mosquito Bridge (photo left) with care; walk your bike! I love the climb up the north canyon wall. It starts immediately after crossing the bridge (gear down!). There are multiple switchbacks, the rise is rapid (i.e., the climb is steep!), and the views remarkable.
Watch for traffic on this one lane road; there is more than you might expect. Drivers here often wave if you establish eye contact with them (perhaps they feel sorry for us).
When you get to Rock Creek Road (photo right) you will find a gradual descent, which is one of the most fun and scenic in the entire region. Enjoy the vistas of the canyon 800 feet below! Enjoy the twists and turns of the road. Traffic is sparse, but do take care: the road is almost one-lane in sections. I sometimes stop at one of the small tributary creek bridges (photo below left) to snack and rehydrate.
After turning right onto Highway 193, immediately start a moderate climb. This is another potential bailout point.
You may wish to stop to eat and drink at the right turn onto Shoo Fly Road (photo right). Then get in your low gears: a steep climb starts immediately. Shoo Fly Road is beautiful, but its sharp ascents and descents can be wearisome at this point of the ride. Watch for pavement bumps!
The descent from Kelsey down to Chili Bar is exhilarating, one of my favorites! The vistas are stunning, the descent is fast and curvy (take care), traffic usually isn't too bad (vehicles can't go a lot faster than we can!), and the descent is welcome after all the climbing.
The final major climb is from Chili Bar back into Placerville; the climb really isn't too steep, but it can be tiring, coming after all the previous effort. Rest Stop #4 in Placerville is the last scheduled opportunity to eat and drink.
Forni Road is wooded and provides an easy, scenic route out of Placerville toward El Dorado.
Old French Town Road is very quiet and pretty and offers a welcome gradual descent.
The sun now is coming in from the west during an easy climb up French Creek Road (photo above), which terminates in Shingle Springs, the ride-end.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have completed the seven climbing challenges: Weber Creek, Prospectors Road, Cold Springs Road, Snows Road, Mosquito Road, Hwy 193-Shoo Fly Roads, and Chili Bar-Hwy 193!
