Most Popular Rural Cycling Roads in Gold Country
Pardee, Comanche and Hogan Three Lakes Loop
The Three Lakes Loop is a 35 mile, 3,000 elevation gain bike ride that starts in the the historic railroad town of Valley Springs and then beside the historic Pardee Reservoir. This part of the route features a ride across the Pardee spillway and a historic 1920’s bridge before riding to the Pardee Overlook Rest Stop. The ride continues to Stoney Creek Road, a fast downhill section taking cyclists into Historic Buena Vista. The route then heads out to Comanche Reservoir and then returns to Valley Springs along Burson Road and Rancho Calaveras. The final climb of this ride is up to Hogan Dam Reservoir and returns to Valley Springs. There are several local restaurants for post ride lunch or coffee at Starbucks.
The Three Lakes are hardly a secret in the cycling community! The California Amgen Tour held a KOM Stage at Pardee Lookout in May 2018. And, cyclists boast of the rural country-lined-roads and hill climbs. Valley Springs is a perfect start location to ride in Gold Country.mThe Three Lakes Main Route can be extended with rides to Paloma, Campo Seco, Mokelumne Hill, Jackson, Plymouth, Volcano and Sutter Creek.
Three Valley Springs Route Options
– Tri Lake Loop, 40 mile, 2,884 elevation gain
– Jackson and Mokelumne Hill Loop, 37mile, 3,360 elevation gain
– Ione to Sutter Creek, 50 mile Loop 4,000 elevation gain
Why it’s the best
Some of the States most scenic Gold Rush Rural Roads are a short drive from Central Valley, Sacramento and Modesto and 2 hour drive from most Bay Area communities.
How to get there
West Calaveras County offers an never-ending supply of hill climbing in the Foothills, just a short drive from the Central Valley, Sacramento and Bay Area.
From Stockton take CA 26 for 30 miles to Valley Springs.
From Highway 49 take Highway 12 or 26 to Valley Springs.
Best bike shops in Motherlode
Jackson Family Sports 275 CA-88 Jackson, CA
Mountain Pedaler Bicycle 352 S Main St, Angels Camp, CA
Sonora Cyclery 13867 Mono Way Sonora CA
For more information call The Motherlode Bicycle Coalition Founder Rob Williams, 209-531-5844 or email rbwilliams72@gmail.com. Check Meetup: Valley Springs Cyclists
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