Gravel Ride Pics
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08-18-23, 02:42 PM
#1830
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08-18-23, 09:43 PM
#1831
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For example, BBHQ is accessible via Boulder Creek but not Saratoga Gap due to a road closure on 236. I saw many trail closures on the BB web site map closer to BBHQ but we never got into that area to be able to verify. The route we took was 100% open and rideable (though sandy).
We opted to start near the coast to climb first then descend and I don't regret that choice. We parked in Pescadero and climbed Butano, cut down Johansen and Middle Ridge, and took Gazos Creek back to Cloverdale.
The top of Butano Ridge is very sandy. Parts were unrideable (we rode 34-38mm tires on gravel bikes - 38mm Pathfinder Pros worked pretty well for me on 90% of the climbing, but I did have quite a few hairy moments descending). Gazos Creek was also very sandy - I think I'd rather climb Butano over Gazos Creek. I am not familiar with Chalks but did see it on the map when planning the route.
Check out my activity on Strava.
We each had 3 water bottles and that wasn't enough (route was 32 miles with 3.9k ft) - there are little creeks along Gazos Creek but we had no filters and didn't want to risk it.
Last edited by tFUnK; 08-18-23 at 09:47 PM.
08-29-23, 05:04 PM
#1832
Full Member
Or, perhaps, there's a way to park somewhere even closer to Cloverdale-Butano Fire road junction...
Last edited by AndreyT; 08-29-23 at 05:26 PM.
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09-01-23, 04:38 PM
#1834
ignominious poltroon
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Where is that? ^^
09-01-23, 04:47 PM
#1835
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From Pescadero, did you start through Pescadero Creek road and return the same way? I'm just wondering whether it is possible to park at Gazos Creek beach instead and start the climb towards Butano Park on Gazos Creek road. Do you know whether Gazos Creek road is open?
Or, perhaps, there's a way to park somewhere even closer to Cloverdale-Butano Fire road junction...
Or, perhaps, there's a way to park somewhere even closer to Cloverdale-Butano Fire road junction...
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09-01-23, 05:08 PM
#1836
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What exactly is depicted in your pictures? What location?
09-01-23, 06:05 PM
#1837
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Gazos Creek Road is officially closed from the junction with Cloverdale Road (which is open) to the gated entry to Big Basin, just past where the burned-out box cars are pictured. You can get through on a bike. The off-road up-hill section from where the paved part ends is quite challenging.
Gazos Creek Road is open between Highway 1 and Cloverdale Road.
I do not know the status of Butano Fire Road.
I misunderstood and thought you were asking if you can complete a loop. (You can.)
Gazos Creek Road is open between Highway 1 and Cloverdale Road.
I do not know the status of Butano Fire Road.
I misunderstood and thought you were asking if you can complete a loop. (You can.)
09-01-23, 08:35 PM
#1838
Full Member
Gazos Creek Road is officially closed from the junction with Cloverdale Road (which is open) to the gated entry to Big Basin, just past where the burned-out box cars are pictured. You can get through on a bike. The off-road up-hill section from where the paved part ends is quite challenging.
I presume this is the route tFUnKwas talking about above. I just wanted to start from a different beach.
Last edited by AndreyT; 09-01-23 at 08:45 PM.
09-01-23, 08:47 PM
#1839
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What I can say is that I did this part (which I think is similar if not the same as your bottom leg, i.e. the entire 13.5 mile length of Gazos Creek Road) in June, and it was doable. As of 2 weeks ago, that one bit of paved Gazos Creek Road is "officially" closed, but you can get through. It has always been a bit of a tough climb (mile 6 to 8) before you cross the boundary into the park. If you come the other way (which is what I did, and I think you are proposing to do), it is reasonable on my roadish gravel bike...the hard uphill becomes a hard downhill).
Last edited by Polaris OBark; 09-01-23 at 08:54 PM. Reason: clarification, hopefully
09-03-23, 06:36 PM
#1840
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You can park at Gazos Creek and Cloverdale, at least this was true when we did the ride a couple of weeks ago. Pretty certain that you can park at Gazos Creek State Beach and ride up to Cloverdale, but I must admit I do not know for sure.
09-03-23, 10:16 PM
#1841
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Yesterday’s ride on damp dirt, under cloudy skies. However, it wasn’t cold, and the traction was excellent - hero dirt!! I caught some light rain in the last 20 minutes, but it was just fine.
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09-04-23, 08:08 PM
#1843
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Nothing too scenic today. Very mild temperatures have me riding out my back yard instead of venturing up higher in the mountains.
Last edited by Sierra_rider; 09-04-23 at 09:41 PM.
09-04-23, 10:18 PM
#1844
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Hint of fall
Super clear day today; was so muggy earlier this week.
Flat bar + inline bar ends 👌 Great on climbs and the road, a lot more confidence descending, too. The thing is it's easy to forget that it's not my hardtail MTB with front shocks 😅
Had the whole mountain to myself this afternoon.
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09-09-23, 05:10 PM
#1847
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09-09-23, 06:22 PM
#1848
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