Pedal from the suburbs of Sacramento into the burly Sierra Nevada on this 70-mile loop featuring a rugged 18-mile climb through Iowa Hill. From Overlook Park in Auburn, head north out of town en route to I-80, which you’ll follow via various frontage roads as you push toward Colfax. This 15.5-mile mile stretch tracing the interstate sports a mild grade, providing an ample warm-up for the juggernaut that lies ahead.
Stock up on food and drink in Colfax – you won’t hit another supply stop until reaching Foresthill 31 miles later – before turning onto Iowa Hill Road and winding down hairpin turns toward the North Fork of the American River. Immediately following the descent, you’ll begin the ride’s toughest stretch, which climbs 18 miles of rolling mountain roadway. Traffic is low and scenery plentiful on this taxing section, which kicks off with an exceptionally steep (15 percent average grade) 1.7-mile churn.
From the top of the initial pitch, the climb becomes more gradual, but nonetheless unrelenting before culminating at Foresthill Road. Enjoy nine miles of well-deserved downhill riding before reaching the town of Foresthill, where you can refuel on food and drink. From here, it’s a pleasant 16-mile descent back toward the North Fork of the American, where one final climb brings you back into Auburn.
-Mapped by Wayne Riley
TO TRAILHEAD: From I 80 E, take exit 119A and turn right at Lincoln Way. Take the third right onto Sacramento St., which turns into High St. after 0.2 mile. Turn right at Pleasant Ave. and follow for 0.3 mile. Bear left at Pacific Ave. and follow for 0.2 mile. Park is on left.
Location: 38.917884, -121.060410
You'll trace I-80 on various frontage roads for the next 15.5 miles before heading east on Iowa Hill Road. This northern stretch of riding proceeds upward at a mellow grade.
Location: 39.091167, -120.950718
Iowa Hill Road begins a 31-mile section leading to Forest Hill. Make sure you're stocked with plenty of water and food; the water sources along this stretch are seasonal. Fill up your bottles at the public water fountain next to the restrooms at the historic city center. After kicking off with a three-mile descent down to the North Fork of the American River, this challenging stretch boasts a monstrous, 18.4-mile climb gaining 3,380 feet.
Climbing Begins
Location: 39.099760, -120.924368
Your 18.2-mile ascent up Iowa Hill Road begins with a steep 1.7-mile ascent from the banks of the North Fork of the American River. This opening stretch averages a weighty 15 percent grade.
Location: 39.108318, -120.859737
At the small school to the right, you'll find a water fountain in the parking lot. Note: The fountain only works during the summer.
Location: 39.129694, -120.790687
There is a water faucet near the restrooms adjacent to the boat ramp. Note: The Forest Service usually turns it on between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Location: 39.019984, -120.815964
On Main Street in Foresthill, hit the Old Foresthill Grocery, the ride's first resupply stop since Colfax. From here, you'll descend over 16 miles of nearly unadulterated downhill before hitting the ride's final climb. The majority of the downhill spans the scenic, lightly-trafficked Foresthill Road.
Foresthill Road Bridge
Location: 38.922425, -121.038866
After crossing the American River on Foresthill Road, complete the ride's final climb before returning to Auburn. This steep ascent spans 0.8 mile.
Lincoln Way
Location: 38.923259, -121.055689
Turn left on Lincoln Way and cruise through Auburn's surface streets to return to Overlook Park.
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