Route Descriptions
----------Lone Ranger----------
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Our 140-mile endurance road ride departs Auburn and passes through Meadow Vista and historic Colfax, following the same route described in our 40-mile ride. You'll depart Colfax heading East on Main Street. A left turn on Colfax Highway brings you to Rollins Lake Road where you'll turn right. You'll pick up Norton Grade Road for a short descent through a pine-filled forest and a beautiful three mile climb back to Rollins Lake and Magra Road. Turning right leads you to the old mining stops of Magra, Gold Run and eventually Dutch Flat, where you'll be able to rest your legs, quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger at the Dutch Flat Hotel rest stop.
Upon leaving Dutch Flat, you'll then retrace your way back through Gold Run and Magra. Staying on Rollins Lake Road, you'll enjoy a fast three mile descent (please exercise caution) before passing Rollins Lake. After making a short climb, you'll be minutes away from the Colfax rest stop.
Shortly after departing Colfax rest stop for the second time, you'll make an immediate right onto Grass Valley Street, crossing over the railroad tracks and navigating through town. Ride over I-80 and turn right on Placer Hills. Watch your speed so you don't miss the left turn at Iowa Hill Road. Here you'll begin a breathtaking, three mile descent into the Wild and Scenic North Fork American River canyon. Please exercise caution on this steep and hair-pin filled road.
The river marks the beginning of the legendary Iowa Hill climb. This is an arduous and relentless 1.75 - mile ascent, where the grade averages 13.5% and reaches 20% near the finish. At the top of this climb you'll be greeted by cheers and a water only rest stop. Although the gradient lessens, the climbing continues for the next fifteen miles. Along the way, you'll pass by many historical gold mining sites including Iowa Hill, where thousands lived during the second half of the 19th century. In 1861 you would have found three large grocery stores, four hotels, five dry goods and clothing stores, one brewery and a number of bowling alleys, billiard and lager beer saloons. Today, as you pass through the lone remaining general store, you'll feel that civilization is just a distant memory.
We'll have our first lunch stop at Sugar Pine Reservoir. In the "Old Days" this area provided water to generate power for extracting gold and cutting lumber. In addition, a system of ditches was constructed to make hydraulic mining possible and to take water to Iowa Hill and Foresthill. From our rest stop the lake will invite you in and our delicious meal will replenish your energy.
When you get back on the saddle, you'll ride the next seven miles to the Foresthill Road intersection. A left turn and another three miles lead you to China Wall and a slice of our homemade pies.The views from this lofty perch offer an unparalleled look into the Humbug Creek drainage. Down below in the headwaters of this drainage gold was discovered in 1852 and the village of Sunny South was established. On a clear day, from the north end of the parking lot, views of the Sutter Buttes and the Coast Range can be seen.
After leaving China Wall, you'll turn left and continue climbing the only paved road available. Your next destination is Robinson Flat, nearly fifteen miles away. The route twists and winds over numerous short limbs and sharp corners. Upon reaching the Robinson Flat rest stop you will be nearly 6,800 feet above sea level. Take some time to soak up the incredible views from here. When you are ready, let gravity pull you back to China Wall. As you descend, please exercise extreme caution, especially around the sharp corners that are numerous on this stretch, and keep in mind that other riders will still be climbing.
Enjoy another stop at China Wall before continuing downhill to Foresthill. As you coast into Foresthill you'll be greeted by many friendly locals. Here you'll find our last rest stop near the Community Park. For history buffs, the Foresthill Divide Museum on Harrison and Gold Street offers many displays that give visitors a good idea of life on the Divide in the late 19th and early 20th century.
The remaining twenty miles are filled with fast descents and several short, steep climbs. Before completing your ride, you'll pass over the highest bridge in California. Enjoy the ride and all the wonderful views.
We encourage all 140-mile course riders to start between 6:00 and 7:00am. Earlier starts are permitted and encouraged. Drop bags will be available at Meadow Vista and Colfax. Our rest stops will be open and ready when you arrive.
----------Outlaw----------
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Our 110-mile California Gold Country ride departs Auburn and passes through Meadow Vista and historic Colfax, following the same route described in our 40-mile ride. You'll depart Colfax heading East on Main Street. A left turn on Colfax Highway brings you to Rollins Lake Road where you'll turn right. You'll pick up Norton Grade Road for a short descent through a pine-filled forest and a beautiful three mile climb back to Rollins Lake and Magra Road. Turning right leads you to the old mining stops of Magra, Gold Run and eventually Dutch Flat, where you'll be able to rest your legs, quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger at the Dutch Flat Hotel rest stop.
Upon leaving Dutch Flat, you'll then retrace your way back through Gold Run and Magra. Staying on Rollins Lake Road, you'll enjoy a fast three mile descent (please exercise caution) before passing Rollins Lake. After making a short climb, you'll be minutes away from the Colfax rest stop.
Shortly after departing Colfax rest stop for the second time, you'll make an immediate right onto Grass Valley Street, crossing over the railroad tracks and navigating through town. Ride over I-80 and turn right on Placer Hills. Watch your speed so you don't miss the left turn at Iowa Hill Road. Here you'll begin a breathtaking, three mile descent into the Wild and Scenic North Fork American River canyon. Please exercise caution on this steep and hair-pin filled road.
The river marks the beginning of the legendary Iowa Hill climb. This is an arduous and relentless 1.75 - mile ascent, where the grade averages 13.5% and reaches 20% near the finish. At the top of this climb you'll be greeted by cheers and a water only rest stop. Although the gradient lessens, the climbing continues for the next fifteen miles. Along the way, you'll pass by many historical gold mining sites including Iowa Hill, where thousands lived during the second half of the 19th century. In 1861 you would have found three large grocery stores, four hotels, five dry goods and clothing stores, one brewery and a number of bowling alleys, billiard and lager beer saloons. Today, as you pass through the lone remaining general store, you'll feel that civilization is just a distant memory.
We'll have our first lunch stop at Sugar Pine Reservoir. In the �Old Days� this area provided water to generate power for extracting gold and cutting lumber. In addition, a system of ditches was constructed to make hydraulic mining possible and to take water to Iowa Hill and Foresthill. From our rest stop the lake will invite you in and our delicious meal will replenish your energy.
When you get back on the saddle, you'll ride the next seven miles to the Foresthill Road intersection. A left turn and another three miles lead you to China Wall and a slice of our homemade pies. The views from this lofty perch offer an unparalleled look into the Humbug Creek drainage. Down below in the headwaters of this drainage gold was discovered in 1852 and the village of Sunny South was established. On a clear day, from the north end of the parking lot, views of the Sutter Buttes and the Coast Range can be seen.
Enjoy your stop at China Wall before continuing downhill to Foresthill. This is a fast twelve mile downhill. As you coast into Foresthill you'll be greeted by many friendly locals. Here you'll find our last rest stop near the Community Park. For history buffs, the Foresthill Divide Museum on Harrison and Gold Street offers many displays that give visitors a good idea of life on the Divide in the late 19th and early 20th century.
The remaining twenty miles are filled with fast descents and several short, steep climbs. Before completing your ride, you'll pass over the highest bridge in California. Enjoy the ride and all the wonderful views.
We encourage all 110-mile course riders to start between 6:00 and 7:30am. Earlier starts are permitted and encouraged. Our rest stops will be open and ready when you arrive.
----------Pony Express----------
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Our 70-mile endurance road ride exits Auburn heading East on historic Route 40. After several miles, you'll turn left on Placer Hills Road and ride into Meadow Vista. You'll find our first rest stop located at the Meadow Vista Community Park.
Your route continues on Placer Hills Road, up through quiet rolling hills. At Plumtree, the routes turns left on to Plumtree for a nearly two mile fast descent down to the Bear River. In the early 1850's, the Bear and North Fork American Rivers proved to be very rich with gold and attracted many of the emigrants arriving by the Truckee route. Today the Bear River sports a small public campground and now attracts families and fishermen who are looking for a close recreation spot.
The climb up Milk Ranch Road leads back to Tokayana Way. A left turn takes you to the charming and historic Colfax. Our second rest stop is found in the heart of downtown--the halfway point of your ride. Colfax was originally named Illinoistown in 1849 after a grand dinner of the mostly Illinoisan residents and miners (a bottle of whiskey was also involved). The town was later renamed after President Grant's running mate Schuyler Colfax in September 1865.
You'll depart Colfax heading East on Main Street. A left turn on Colfax Highway brings you to Rollins Lake Road where you'll turn right. You'll pick up Norton Grade Road for a short descent through a pine-filled forest and a beautiful three mile climb back to Rollins Lake and Magra Road. Turning right leads you to the old mining stops of Magra, Gold Run and eventually Dutch Flat.
Dutch Flat was originally settled by German emigrants Joseph and Charles Dombach in 1851. The local miner's referred to these two early settlers as "dutchmen" and the reference later became its name. In the second half of the nineteenth century, Dutch Flat was one of Placer County's most influential towns, attracting over 6,000 miners and 3,500 Chinese workers. Today, you'll be able to imagine what life was like back then while you rest your legs, quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger at our Dutch Flat rest stop.
Upon leaving Dutch Flat, you'll then retrace your way back through Gold Run and Magra. Staying on Rollins Lake Road, you'll enjoy a fast three mile descent (please exercise caution) before passing Rollins Lake. After making a short climb, you'll be minutes from the Colfax rest stop.
You'll continue by leaving Colfax and reconnecting with Historic Route 40. Enjoy a moderate descent and a few rolling hills before entering Weimar (made up of a single General Store and a few abandoned buildings). Here you'll cross over I-80 and begin an exhilarating, mile and a half descent. At the bottom, turn left on Placer Hills Road and retrace your way back to Auburn.
We encourage you to start your ride between 7:00 and 8:30 am to ensure that you have sufficient time to reach all our rest stops before they close.
----------Stagecoach----------
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Our 40-mile road ride exits Auburn heading East on historic Route 40. After several miles, you'll turn left on Placer Hills Road and ride into Meadow Vista. You'll find our first rest stop located at the Meadow Vista Community Park.
Your route continues on Placer Hills Road, up through quiet rolling hills. At Plumtree, the routes turns left on to Plumtree for a nearly two mile fast descent down to the Bear River. In the early 1850's, the Bear and North Fork American Rivers proved to be very rich with gold and attracted many of the emigrants arriving by the Truckee route. Today the Bear River sports a small public campground and now attracts families and fishermen who are looking for a close recreation spot.
The climb up Milk Ranch Road leads back to Tokayana Way. A left turn takes you to the charming and historic Colfax. Our second rest stop is found in the heart of downtown--the halfway point of your ride. Colfax was originally named Illinoistown in 1849 after a grand dinner of the mostly Illinoisan residents and miners (a bottle of whiskey was also involved). The town was later renamed after President Grant's running mate Schuyler Colfax in September 1865.
You'll continue by leaving Colfax and reconnecting with Historic Route 40. Enjoy a moderate descent and a few rolling hills before entering Weimar (made up of a single General Store and a few abandoned buildings). Here you'll cross over I-80 and begin an exhilarating, mile and a half descent. At the bottom, turn left on Placer Hills Road and retrace your way back to Auburn.
We encourage you to start your ride between 8:00 and 9:30 am to ensure that you have sufficient time to reach all our rest stops before they close.
----------Iowa Hill Time Trial----------
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This Optional event provides you with an opportunity to test your fitness and climbing skills against the clock on a
section of road that is relentless and unforgiving. Few climbs can match the challenge you will receive from Iowa Hill. Aside from the personal satisfaction of completing the climb, you'll be able to find out how you compare with your peers, some of the fittest cyclists in the world!
Any interested rider who signs up for either the 110-mile or 140-mile course may participate. Entries are taken during check-in and at the time trial starting line.
Participating riders will need to stop in the staging area immediately after crossing the NF American River Bridge. Check-in is required so that we may organize your starting time. This starting time slip will be taped to your handlebars and must be given to the finish line timers. Riders who do not check-in at the starting line will not be given a starting time and therefore will not be timed.
The Iowa Hill Time Trial starting line will be open for timing from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon. Late arrivals will not be accommodated
