RIDES THAT ROCK - 10 Top Cycling Climbs in Southern California

Climbing challenges, views and bragging rights can all be yours when you tackle these cycling climbs in Southern California.  From north of LA to Orange County to San Diego there’s something close to everyone, and links are included so you can compare your ride times to thousands of other cyclists, including pro riders.

Check out 10 of the most popular bike ride climbing segments in Southern California with links to GPS records from Strava.com cyclists. See how you compare to thousands of recorded rides on these select and popular cycling climbs.

 

RIDES THAT ROCK - 10 Cycling Climbs in Southern California

1. Palomar Mountain Climb

This is climb for every bike rider to add the list. Climb the South Grade route segment for Palomar mountain. Refuel at Mother’s Kitchen and do it again!

Record your ride with GPS and see how it compares to rides recorded on Strava.com.

http://app.strava.com/segments/273807

 

2. Rock Store Climb on Mulholland Highway

This climb takes you to the Rock Store, one of the most famous motorcyclist and biker hangouts in the world. Grab lunch and maybe a celebrity view on this famed route.

Record your ride with GPS and see how it compares to rides recorded on Strava.com.

http://app.strava.com/segments/432717

 

3. Mount Hollywood Climb

The top of the climb for this bike ride segment is in Griffith Park. Jump onto Mulholland Hwy after the climb to Mount Hollywood if you want to see the Hollywood sign by bike.

Record your ride with GPS and you can see how you compare to rides recorded by other cyclists on Strava.

http://app.strava.com/segments/633449

 

4. Glendora Mountain Road Climb - Gate to the Shack

You’ll see the shack to end the pain on this challenging category 2 climb. Bring food, water and camera for this classic.

Record your ride with GPS and you can see how you compare to rides recorded by other cyclists on Strava.

http://app.strava.com/segments/830079

 

5. Mount Baldy Road Climb

Check the weather before you take on Mount Baldy. This climb is a category 2 that is a challenge for anyone. If you’re legs aren’t screaming at the parking lot you can always get in some cross training and hike up to the summit. Camera mandatory. Get your photo by the 15% Grade sign at the top.

Record your ride with GPS and you can see how you compare to rides recorded by other cyclists on Strava, including pro rider Joe Dombrowski and his performance in the 2012 Tour of California.

http://app.strava.com/segments/646081

Great photos and more at:
http://www.toughascent.com/blog/?p=161

 

6. Via del Monte Climb

Palos Verdes brings some of the most beautiful coastal views in southern California. Tackle this climb along with more riding around the beautiful peninsula.

Record your ride with GPS and you can see how you compare to rides recorded by other cyclists on Strava,

http://app.strava.com/segments/644141

 

7. Santiago Canyon Road Climb

Turn on the climb as soon as you pass Cook’s Corner, where bikes, babes, cars and stars govern at the oldest roadhouse in South Orange County. Add this very popular climb to a host of great ride routes in this area of Orange County.

Record your ride with GPS and you can see how you compare to rides recorded by other cyclists on Strava.

http://app.strava.com/segments/2819

 

8. Park Avenue Climb in Laguna Beach

It’s steep, but the view at the top of this climb is spectacular. Hang a left on Alta Laguna Boulevard and spin for a few hundred yards to the trailhead where the road dead ends. Park your bike, grab your camera and stroll to the viewing summit for 360 degree views of ocean coast, mountains and Orange County vistas. Ride on Glenneyre St or Catalina St in Laguna Beach to stay away from the heavy traffic on Highway 101.

Record your ride with GPS and you can see how you compare to rides recorded by other cyclists on Strava.

http://app.strava.com/segments/609924

 

9. Torrey Pines Hill Climb

This is one of the most popular ride sections in Southern California. Ride it once, or get in some hill repeats. A good method for hill repeats is ride up on Highway 101, turn right at the golf course entrance, and then right again onto the bike path into the state park. Watch for cyclists, walkers and cars on the downhill, and then exit the park again onto Highway 101 for another climb.

Record your ride with GPS and you can see how you compare to rides recorded by other cyclists on Strava.

http://app.strava.com/segments/580916

 

10. Mount Soledad Climb

Experience a San Diego classic climb up to Mount Soledad with spectacular ocean views.

Record your ride with GPS and you can see how you compare to rides recorded by other cyclists on Strava.

http://app.strava.com/segments/616252