This is one of my favorite mid-summer Century rides. The ride features climbing through quiet, forested portions of Amador and El Dorado counties and attains sufficient elevation (Cook's Station = 5,000 feet) that the mid-portion of the ride is not too hot. I recommend starting early enough (7:00 - 7:30 AM) that the Slug Gulch climb isn't too hot.
Starting at Howard Park in Ione, all riders bike to Plymouth and Fiddletown. The 56 mile course then proceeds to Volcano and Sutter Creek on the way back to Ione. The 93 mile route proceeds from Fiddletown to Mt. Aukum and Omo Ranch. From there riders descend to Volcano and Sutter Creek on the return to Ione.
Quiet, hilly, forested, rural roads in Amador and El Dorado Counties.
Howard Park, Ione.
From Sacramento take the Jackson Highway (Highway 16) east through Rancho Murieta to Ione Road. Continue south on Ione Road and turn left (east) on Highway 104. In Ione turn left (at the stop sign) on Highway 124 (W. Main Street), turn right at the next corner to remain on Highway 124, and proceed south 0.5 miles to Howard Park (on your left).
Climbing: 4,470 feet. The hardest climb is up Hale Road from Dry Creek; no climbs are severely steep.
Difficulty: moderate. There is one severely steep descent (Charleston Road, just before Volcano).
Maximal elevation: approximately 3,000 feet.
Climbing: 7,370 feet. The hardest climb is Slug Gulch Road, which extends 4.4 miles and is almost continuously uphill.
Difficulty: moderate to marked. Many riders find Slug Gulch Road, a highlight of the Sacramento Wheelmen's previous Sierra Century route, a challenging climb.
Maximal elevation: 4,835 feet. I always bring a windbreaker, regardless of forecast, as unpredicted winds/showers always are possible.
Sections of this ride are snowbound in the winter. Check road conditions.
