Cycling options from the Temecula area ?
10-10-20, 02:40 PM
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Cycling options from the Temecula area ?
Cycling options from the Temecula area ?
Wondering about riding options since considering relocating from East OC to Temecula.
Like having SART and all the local hills in East OC.
Looks like there maybe challenging routes to Palomar Mt and maybe Mt San Jacinto as well ?
TIA for any advice
Wondering about riding options since considering relocating from East OC to Temecula.
Like having SART and all the local hills in East OC.
Looks like there maybe challenging routes to Palomar Mt and maybe Mt San Jacinto as well ?
TIA for any advice
10-10-20, 03:17 PM
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temecula has a buncha places to hit, regardless of roadie, gravel or mtb. even if you only have just one type of bike, you'll find plenty to do.
i suspect you would end up purchasing a gravel or mtb if you don't have either already. i'll just hit some roadie highlights here tho...
de luz area is immediately west of town in the santa ana mtns. low traffic, scenic, rolling and challenging. a few stiff climbs like sandia crest and los
gatos that are as hard as anything in socal. one of my fave areas in socal to ride.
north, there's the ascent/descent of ca hwy 74 west from lake elsinore which is scenic but i'd avoid the early and late commute times to hit it. clinton keith rd west hits the
santa rosa oaks plateau reserve which is pretty-esp in spring. i've enjoyed some of the roads around canyon lake as well.
northeast, there's the area around the little hamlet of sage with a wicked ascent/descent just south of town, the generous flats around diamond lake
and de portola rd and benton rd of the rolling wine country area. there is also the climb of ca hwy 74 east of hemet up to the turnoff to idyllwild or continuing to the
371/74 junction
east, there's sage rd and wilson valley rd which both have some good climbing and low traffic. the obvious 800 lb gorilla-ca hwy 79-is super trafficked
with high speed vehicles and definitely not recommended between the stoplight at anza rd all the way to the 371/79 junction in aquanga. once east of the 371/79
junction in aquanga, it's okay and there's a nice climb of chihuahua valley rd (between the hamlets of oak grove and holcomb village that's worth hitting.
south, you've got palomar which you already know about. one of the access roads-pala rd-from the pechanga casino area to pala (casino) area is direct but best
done north to south given the length of the downhill that direction, width of road and traffic patterns. it's worth doing and handy but heading north on it
may be not the best experience unless you're used to/semi-comfy traffic on a slenderish road w/o a shoulder. there are also a few north/south roads east of the 15 fwy
worth hitting...couser canyon rd, rice canyon rd, rainbow valley rd, lilac rd (unpaved for the last/northmost mile), west lilac rd, cole grade rd, valley center rd, lake wohlford
rd and woods valley rd (the last two closer to escondido). there's also that little south grade of palomar mtn climb accessed from and included in riding ca hwy 76. riding the
76 between the 15 fwy to couser canyon/rice canyon roads is tight, fast and dicey. it's a little more open from couser cyn to harrah's casino but still fast traffic.
once east of the traffic circle that takes you to harrah's (and the start of the palomar climb begins), traffic thins out-a lot.
southeast, you've got the east grade of palomar (another socal fave climb), mesa grande rd (steep north end-mellow rest of the way) which is a must do and ca hwy 79 from
warner springs to santa ysabel (and julian). the 79 gives you access to the s2/s22 san diego county highway which climbs up to ranchita, then drops precipitously to borrego springs.
the montezuma grade climb/descent is awesome.
southwest, you can toodle through fallbrook after rolling through de luz or hitting the 15 fwy corridor and hook up with the ca hwy 76 westbound towards oceanside/camp pendleton.
shoulders are wide both sides of the road and there is a bike path that takes off and parallels the 76 on its' north side starting in vista. the san luis rey mission is always worth a
visit.
most of the area(s) in and around temecula mentioned here are best from february to early june for greenery and temps. otherwise, favorable conditions may find you riding earlier
or later. east palomar, montezuma grade and ca hwy 74 east are three of my favorite long climbs in all of socal.
i suspect you would end up purchasing a gravel or mtb if you don't have either already. i'll just hit some roadie highlights here tho...
de luz area is immediately west of town in the santa ana mtns. low traffic, scenic, rolling and challenging. a few stiff climbs like sandia crest and los
gatos that are as hard as anything in socal. one of my fave areas in socal to ride.
north, there's the ascent/descent of ca hwy 74 west from lake elsinore which is scenic but i'd avoid the early and late commute times to hit it. clinton keith rd west hits the
santa rosa oaks plateau reserve which is pretty-esp in spring. i've enjoyed some of the roads around canyon lake as well.
northeast, there's the area around the little hamlet of sage with a wicked ascent/descent just south of town, the generous flats around diamond lake
and de portola rd and benton rd of the rolling wine country area. there is also the climb of ca hwy 74 east of hemet up to the turnoff to idyllwild or continuing to the
371/74 junction
east, there's sage rd and wilson valley rd which both have some good climbing and low traffic. the obvious 800 lb gorilla-ca hwy 79-is super trafficked
with high speed vehicles and definitely not recommended between the stoplight at anza rd all the way to the 371/79 junction in aquanga. once east of the 371/79
junction in aquanga, it's okay and there's a nice climb of chihuahua valley rd (between the hamlets of oak grove and holcomb village that's worth hitting.
south, you've got palomar which you already know about. one of the access roads-pala rd-from the pechanga casino area to pala (casino) area is direct but best
done north to south given the length of the downhill that direction, width of road and traffic patterns. it's worth doing and handy but heading north on it
may be not the best experience unless you're used to/semi-comfy traffic on a slenderish road w/o a shoulder. there are also a few north/south roads east of the 15 fwy
worth hitting...couser canyon rd, rice canyon rd, rainbow valley rd, lilac rd (unpaved for the last/northmost mile), west lilac rd, cole grade rd, valley center rd, lake wohlford
rd and woods valley rd (the last two closer to escondido). there's also that little south grade of palomar mtn climb accessed from and included in riding ca hwy 76. riding the
76 between the 15 fwy to couser canyon/rice canyon roads is tight, fast and dicey. it's a little more open from couser cyn to harrah's casino but still fast traffic.
once east of the traffic circle that takes you to harrah's (and the start of the palomar climb begins), traffic thins out-a lot.
southeast, you've got the east grade of palomar (another socal fave climb), mesa grande rd (steep north end-mellow rest of the way) which is a must do and ca hwy 79 from
warner springs to santa ysabel (and julian). the 79 gives you access to the s2/s22 san diego county highway which climbs up to ranchita, then drops precipitously to borrego springs.
the montezuma grade climb/descent is awesome.
southwest, you can toodle through fallbrook after rolling through de luz or hitting the 15 fwy corridor and hook up with the ca hwy 76 westbound towards oceanside/camp pendleton.
shoulders are wide both sides of the road and there is a bike path that takes off and parallels the 76 on its' north side starting in vista. the san luis rey mission is always worth a
visit.
most of the area(s) in and around temecula mentioned here are best from february to early june for greenery and temps. otherwise, favorable conditions may find you riding earlier
or later. east palomar, montezuma grade and ca hwy 74 east are three of my favorite long climbs in all of socal.
Last edited by diphthong; 10-11-20 at 01:07 AM.
10-10-20, 05:43 PM
#3
Full Member
Thanks for going into so much detail I think I'll print out a copy for future reference! Most of the roads you cited I rode @ 35 years ago (albeit at a slightly faster pace) on my Suzuki GS750 one of my faves was State St. (R3) between Hemet & 79 South.
West
West
10-11-20, 07:33 AM
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temecula has a buncha places to hit, regardless of roadie, gravel or mtb. even if you only have just one type of bike, you'll find plenty to do.
i suspect you would end up purchasing a gravel or mtb if you don't have either already. i'll just hit some roadie highlights here tho...
de luz area is immediately west of town in the santa ana mtns. low traffic, scenic, rolling and challenging. a few stiff climbs like sandia crest and los
gatos that are as hard as anything in socal. one of my fave areas in socal to ride.
north, there's the ascent/descent of ca hwy 74 west from lake elsinore which is scenic but i'd avoid the early and late commute times to hit it. clinton keith rd west hits the
santa rosa oaks plateau reserve which is pretty-esp in spring. i've enjoyed some of the roads around canyon lake as well.
northeast, there's the area around the little hamlet of sage with a wicked ascent/descent just south of town, the generous flats around diamond lake
and de portola rd and benton rd of the rolling wine country area. there is also the climb of ca hwy 74 east of hemet up to the turnoff to idyllwild or continuing to the
371/74 junction
east, there's sage rd and wilson valley rd which both have some good climbing and low traffic. the obvious 800 lb gorilla-ca hwy 79-is super trafficked
with high speed vehicles and definitely not recommended between the stoplight at anza rd all the way to the 371/79 junction in aquanga. once east of the 371/79
junction in aquanga, it's okay and there's a nice climb of chihuahua valley rd (between the hamlets of oak grove and holcomb village that's worth hitting.
south, you've got palomar which you already know about. one of the access roads-pala rd-from the pechanga casino area to pala (casino) area is direct but best
done north to south given the length of the downhill that direction, width of road and traffic patterns. it's worth doing and handy but heading north on it
may be not the best experience unless you're used to/semi-comfy traffic on a slenderish road w/o a shoulder. there are also a few north/south roads east of the 15 fwy
worth hitting...couser canyon rd, rice canyon rd, rainbow valley rd, lilac rd (unpaved for the last/northmost mile), west lilac rd, cole grade rd, valley center rd, lake wohlford
rd and woods valley rd (the last two closer to escondido). there's also that little south grade of palomar mtn climb accessed from and included in riding ca hwy 76. riding the
76 between the 15 fwy to couser canyon/rice canyon roads is tight, fast and dicey. it's a little more open from couser cyn to harrah's casino but still fast traffic.
once east of the traffic circle that takes you to harrah's (and the start of the palomar climb begins), traffic thins out-a lot.
southeast, you've got the east grade of palomar (another socal fave climb), mesa grande rd (steep north end-mellow rest of the way) which is a must do and ca hwy 79 from
warner springs to santa ysabel (and julian). the 79 gives you access to the s2/s22 san diego county highway which climbs up to ranchita, then drops precipitously to borrego springs.
the montezuma grade climb/descent is awesome.
southwest, you can toodle through fallbrook after rolling through de luz or hitting the 15 fwy corridor and hook up with the ca hwy 76 westbound towards oceanside/camp pendleton.
shoulders are wide both sides of the road and there is a bike path that takes off and parallels the 76 on its' north side starting in vista. the san luis rey mission is always worth a
visit.
most of the area(s) in and around temecula mentioned here are best from february to early june for greenery and temps. otherwise, favorable conditions may find you riding earlier
or later. east palomar, montezuma grade and ca hwy 74 east are three of my favorite long climbs in all of socal.
i suspect you would end up purchasing a gravel or mtb if you don't have either already. i'll just hit some roadie highlights here tho...
de luz area is immediately west of town in the santa ana mtns. low traffic, scenic, rolling and challenging. a few stiff climbs like sandia crest and los
gatos that are as hard as anything in socal. one of my fave areas in socal to ride.
north, there's the ascent/descent of ca hwy 74 west from lake elsinore which is scenic but i'd avoid the early and late commute times to hit it. clinton keith rd west hits the
santa rosa oaks plateau reserve which is pretty-esp in spring. i've enjoyed some of the roads around canyon lake as well.
northeast, there's the area around the little hamlet of sage with a wicked ascent/descent just south of town, the generous flats around diamond lake
and de portola rd and benton rd of the rolling wine country area. there is also the climb of ca hwy 74 east of hemet up to the turnoff to idyllwild or continuing to the
371/74 junction
east, there's sage rd and wilson valley rd which both have some good climbing and low traffic. the obvious 800 lb gorilla-ca hwy 79-is super trafficked
with high speed vehicles and definitely not recommended between the stoplight at anza rd all the way to the 371/79 junction in aquanga. once east of the 371/79
junction in aquanga, it's okay and there's a nice climb of chihuahua valley rd (between the hamlets of oak grove and holcomb village that's worth hitting.
south, you've got palomar which you already know about. one of the access roads-pala rd-from the pechanga casino area to pala (casino) area is direct but best
done north to south given the length of the downhill that direction, width of road and traffic patterns. it's worth doing and handy but heading north on it
may be not the best experience unless you're used to/semi-comfy traffic on a slenderish road w/o a shoulder. there are also a few north/south roads east of the 15 fwy
worth hitting...couser canyon rd, rice canyon rd, rainbow valley rd, lilac rd (unpaved for the last/northmost mile), west lilac rd, cole grade rd, valley center rd, lake wohlford
rd and woods valley rd (the last two closer to escondido). there's also that little south grade of palomar mtn climb accessed from and included in riding ca hwy 76. riding the
76 between the 15 fwy to couser canyon/rice canyon roads is tight, fast and dicey. it's a little more open from couser cyn to harrah's casino but still fast traffic.
once east of the traffic circle that takes you to harrah's (and the start of the palomar climb begins), traffic thins out-a lot.
southeast, you've got the east grade of palomar (another socal fave climb), mesa grande rd (steep north end-mellow rest of the way) which is a must do and ca hwy 79 from
warner springs to santa ysabel (and julian). the 79 gives you access to the s2/s22 san diego county highway which climbs up to ranchita, then drops precipitously to borrego springs.
the montezuma grade climb/descent is awesome.
southwest, you can toodle through fallbrook after rolling through de luz or hitting the 15 fwy corridor and hook up with the ca hwy 76 westbound towards oceanside/camp pendleton.
shoulders are wide both sides of the road and there is a bike path that takes off and parallels the 76 on its' north side starting in vista. the san luis rey mission is always worth a
visit.
most of the area(s) in and around temecula mentioned here are best from february to early june for greenery and temps. otherwise, favorable conditions may find you riding earlier
or later. east palomar, montezuma grade and ca hwy 74 east are three of my favorite long climbs in all of socal.
10-11-20, 01:46 PM
#5
velo-dilettante
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^ my observant self just noticed your extensive list of bikes. nice! thinking they're all road steeds...unfamiliar with that particular lemond. hybrid?
maybe that serotta can fit some gravel tires?
hopefully someone will chime in about the trails/dirt. i've come across a bunch out there but have only ridden maybe 15 total miles of dirt out there
between the occasional half-mile connector here and smoothish 4 miler there. haven't paid much attention to it because i pretty much only ride '23's
and you can only get so far on those without walking. seems to be plenty out by lake skinner, the wine country and diamond lake, along with the southeast
end of cleveland national forest like tenaja rd. there are, of course, the twin giants of palomar on opposing ends-nate harrison grade to the west and
the "high point" trail from oak grove to the east.
i'll do most of that area riding in the winter and spring when it's 4-10 degrees warmer (so in the upper-60's/mid-70's) than in san diego. it's nice and green
out there during that time after the first rains. not a morning person so it's usually too warm for me may-november by the time i get up and drive an hour there.
just typing out some of the road names put a smile on my face remembering my last ride there. looking forward to the next visit.
i also meant to mention a support note...there's none in the de luz area except on the edges in temecula and fallbrook. northbound, there's plenty of stuff along
winchester road. northeast...there's a store in sage and one along benton rd about a mile before it hits de portola rd. haven't personally tried it but it you got desperate,
you could probably hit one of the winery tasting rooms. to the east, there's the aquanga store at the 371/79 junction and another about 1.5 miles west on the 79. also
a marlet in the holcomb village area 5 miles or so north of warner springs on the 79. to the southeast, there's a store or two in warner springs, one in ranchita that i find
intermittently open so i don't depend on it being open and another on the south shore of lake henshaw along the 76 about a mile east of the east grade palomar rd start
but it's been closed the last three times i rode past since the whole covid-19 thing took hold. maybe they're only open on weekends now? store near the top of palomar
a similar situation. to the south, there's plenty of stuff near pala casino and harrah's casino. east of harrah's on the 76, there's a gas station/store on the road's edge as
part of the la jolla reservation. last time i stopped three months ago, gas station pumps were working but store was closed. santa ysabel has a good size market and
valley center is good sized with plenty.
maybe that serotta can fit some gravel tires?
hopefully someone will chime in about the trails/dirt. i've come across a bunch out there but have only ridden maybe 15 total miles of dirt out there
between the occasional half-mile connector here and smoothish 4 miler there. haven't paid much attention to it because i pretty much only ride '23's
and you can only get so far on those without walking. seems to be plenty out by lake skinner, the wine country and diamond lake, along with the southeast
end of cleveland national forest like tenaja rd. there are, of course, the twin giants of palomar on opposing ends-nate harrison grade to the west and
the "high point" trail from oak grove to the east.
i'll do most of that area riding in the winter and spring when it's 4-10 degrees warmer (so in the upper-60's/mid-70's) than in san diego. it's nice and green
out there during that time after the first rains. not a morning person so it's usually too warm for me may-november by the time i get up and drive an hour there.
just typing out some of the road names put a smile on my face remembering my last ride there. looking forward to the next visit.
i also meant to mention a support note...there's none in the de luz area except on the edges in temecula and fallbrook. northbound, there's plenty of stuff along
winchester road. northeast...there's a store in sage and one along benton rd about a mile before it hits de portola rd. haven't personally tried it but it you got desperate,
you could probably hit one of the winery tasting rooms. to the east, there's the aquanga store at the 371/79 junction and another about 1.5 miles west on the 79. also
a marlet in the holcomb village area 5 miles or so north of warner springs on the 79. to the southeast, there's a store or two in warner springs, one in ranchita that i find
intermittently open so i don't depend on it being open and another on the south shore of lake henshaw along the 76 about a mile east of the east grade palomar rd start
but it's been closed the last three times i rode past since the whole covid-19 thing took hold. maybe they're only open on weekends now? store near the top of palomar
a similar situation. to the south, there's plenty of stuff near pala casino and harrah's casino. east of harrah's on the 76, there's a gas station/store on the road's edge as
part of the la jolla reservation. last time i stopped three months ago, gas station pumps were working but store was closed. santa ysabel has a good size market and
valley center is good sized with plenty.
Last edited by diphthong; 10-17-20 at 01:26 AM.
