Saturday, June 16, 2012

Big Basin and Zayante

Yesterday I escaped from the heat of San Jose by riding among the tall trees in Big Basin.


View Big Basin in a larger map

I got started just before 10, riding through Los Gatos to Saratoga, and then up to Saratoga Gap. Most of the climb was shaded, so despite the temperature I was comfortable. I went straight through to descend down the west side of Highway 9, and took Highway 236 into Big Basin.

Train tracks next to East Zayante Road
I continued through the park, and into Boulder Creek. At one point I was toying with the idea of climbing Jamison Creek Road and descending into Felton, but I didn't think I had it in me. So, after stopping for a burger, I rode into Felton on a very busy Highway 9.

In Felton I took Zayante northward, climbing first to about 1100 feet on the steepest climb of the day, and then climbing the rest of the way to Summit.

At Summit I could have descended nearby Bear Creek Road, but I was enjoying myself and decided to take the opportunity to enjoy Summit Road. I took that to Old Santa Cruz Highway, and home the usual way.

Elevation profile
This ride was just over 77 miles, with 6600 feet of climbing. By the time I got home it was getting cool in the late afternoon, so I had escaped the heat by riding around in it.

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