Riders on the 135 mile route will next be treated to a ten mile descent on Mosquito Ridge Road (F.S. # 96), with spectacular views of the American River canyon on your right.

  Toward the end of this descent you will see Oxbow Reservoir in the distance (photo above).   

As you cross the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River (photo above) you may notice that the temperature has increased; this portion of the ride often is hot!   

After a short climb to F.S. # 23 (Blacksmith Flat Road), a descent takes you to Oxbow Reservoir (photo left). 

This lovely spot will launch you on the toughest climb of the day (and one of Central California's hardest climbs).

 

 

 

 

 

 

WARNING:  the Oxbow climb may "bug" you!  I have experienced clouds of small insects buzzing about me on about 50% of my climbs of this section.  They don't bite, but they can be very annoying; the climb is so steep you can't get away from them until the top. 

 

When you reach the "18% Grade" sign (facing the other direction) you are at the top of this challenging climb.

 

 

  

 

 

Gentle climbing (and occasional descending) along Blacksmith Flat Road (F.S. # 23) (photo left) - watch for potholes - will take you to a fork in the road with a F.S. sign labeled “13 N 65.” 

 

Stop at this fork, regroup, and enjoy Rest Stop #4 (no services). 

 

Then take the right fork of the road. 

 

 

 

 

After a short descent, get in your climbing gears (again) and grind up a steep hill to F.S. # 2 (Eleven Pines Road); on this road you will attain maximum elevation (4,700') for the day. 

After more (much easier climbing) you will, at last, make your descent to the Rubicon River (photo right). 

At least briefly stop at the bridge and enjoy the river view.

The climb from the Rubicon River is not terribly steep, and Wentworth Springs Road (CAUTION:  bumps, potholes!) is not difficult.

Soon you will arrive at Stumpy Meadows Reservoir (photo left). 

Although there are no services here, it is a nice spot to stop, nibble, and drink.

Although climbing is not yet over, on balance, the rest of the ride is much more downhill than up.  At last, after 61 miles, you will reach a tiny store and Rest Stop #5.  Even though shadows by now are lengthening, do take the time to eat and drink.  From here it is mostly downhill to Georgetown, where a larger food market is available. 

More descending awaits you on the way to Cool.  The section of Highway 49 between Cool and the American River always makes me nervous.  There is no shoulder, and traffic can be moderate.  It is crucial to reach this section before dark!  (I strongly recommend carrying both a taillight and a lightweight headlight on this ride.)  The final climb up Highway 49 to Auburn and then up Lincoln Way always seems cruel, another 1000' of climbing after a hard day.  But shortly you will arrive back at Bowman and ride's end.

CONGRATULATIONS!  You have completed an exceptionally hard ride, unsupported (!), with 15,000 feet climbing (some very steep) over 135 miles.