Back in the day, the Sequoia Century was known for its 100 mile route that included a loop into Santa Cruz. I’d always looked forward to that, and in the years since it’s been removed, it just hasn’t quite been the same. In fact, last year Kevin and I didn’t even do the full 100 miles, opting instead to just ride 75, skipping the Gazos Creek extension.
Today, things would be different. I didn’t even consider a shorter option, and it turned out to be a great ride. Sure, Redwood Gulch was still not much fun (much?), and it did turn a bit gray as we descended West Alpine towards the coast. But as we headed towards the coast after the LaHonda rest stop, we tacked onto a “train” that was running a bit faster than ours, and rode the entire coast section with two guys (Dave & Orion) that pushed us to go faster, while giving us some protection (drafting) from the winds on the coast. There’s no question we wouldn’t have had so many Strava “accomplishment” if we hadn’t hooked up with them! And Kevin even spent quite a bit of time at the front, driving the pace.
The end result was a really enjoyable ride. The only modification was due to the fact that we rode our bikes to the start (Foothill College), and ended the ride back home, instead of riding back to Foothill College. It actually added a few miles too; 104 instead of 100.
I know a lot of people miss the loop into Santa Cruz. Part of the reason for the change is permitting. We used to not bother, but have to now. Santa Cruz County is in a different CalTrans area, with at least two extra and fairly expensive permits required. The permits for different places are in conflict. Santa Clara County basically requires RouteArrows. Santa Cruz doesn’t allow them.
When we started, we had a problem driver that made me worry about the roads there. The route went in both directions on HWY 9 and the rest stop needed to be open a lot longer.
Please come back again the next time we have a Sequoia.
The other reason for avoiding Santa Cruz would be the increasing aggressiveness of drivers in the area. Only in Santa Cruz exists this strange hybrid hippie-redneck. No fun to deal with! I don’t avoid riding the area myself, but a large group might bring out the worst in them. So maybe I’m talking myself out of wishing the Sequoia still did Santa Cruz!
No, I wasn’t in the front for “quite a bit of time” I was at the front most of the time.
That’s funny, on the two Stage Road climbs heading south, I don’t recall seeing you in front of me…
It was a great Sequoia Century this year. I cheated and rode Haskins Grade directly over to Pescadero from the base of Alpine, picking up lunch (and an ice cold beer) at the Pescadero Grocery / Bakery / Deli, enjoying it along Stage Road. My route ended up at 92 miles and I think Redwood Gulch sucks – even in the best of circumstances!