Routes in España / Comunidad Valenciana / Santa Barbara




Nice loop through Montecito exploring the less travelled foothill roads (both by cyclists and motorists). Viola Ln, in particular, is very secluded and, in fact, an easy (unmarked) turn to miss from Ladera Ln. As the elevation profile shows, doing this clock-wise is a lot easier than counter-clockwise (in fact, Viola next to Toro Canyon is ridiculously steep).



This route is crazy. You dream climbing Alpe d'Huez? Forget about it and take this one which is outrageous in either direction. However, you will be paid for your suffering with the most breath-taking views over the riviera. Just don't fall off the cliffs...

Enjoy!



A 30 miles round route on, mixed on very nice bike routes and along streets with separate bike lines. Provides some great views along the Foothills and passes at Goleta beach, through UCSB and 'crazy IV'. It has it's ups and downs but is flat for 20 miles.



Gibraltar Rd is one of the main climbs in the Santa Barbara area for road cyclists (others being San Marcos Rd / Painted Cave Rd climb, Refugio Rd just farther up the coast, and the more mellow Casitas Pass Rd down south).  From downtown's almost-sea-level Girbralar route climbs about 3300ft / 1000m over 10mi / 16km to the crest of the mountain, depending on where you start, for an average gradient of 7%.  Pavement quality is poor for most of the way.  Those for whom seeing the other side of the mountains isn't enough can continue west along Camino Cielo, with more climbing past La Cumbre peak and, perhaps, a twisty downhill ride on Painted Cave / San Marcos.



Chasing Daylight Tour - Day 6

Santa Barbara (Inn by the Harbor) to Santa Monica (Marriott-Le Merigot Beach Hotel)Address:



This route takes advantage of all major paved roads in the Santa Barbara area that follow the foothills. The foothill portion of the loop gets little car traffic, has fantastic views, and offers a good variety of gradients.

Clock-wise direction is recommended, mainly because of the challenging Toro Canyon Rd grade and the ridiculously steep, albeit short, eastern beginning of Viola Ln. Plan on working hard up Las Canoas Rd to Skofield Park, then up Park Lane and Bella Vista, and, finally, on a couple of steep sections on Viola Ln. The rest is moderate.

A couple of warnings: (1) Despite what Google Maps shows, East Mountain Dr ends shortly after San Ysidro Ln because it got blocked by the private San Ysidro Ranch resort. However, it is possible to bike through the resort - just follow the stone-paved driveway. (2) The privately owned Viola Lane is not well marked on either end. Look for a bunch of black mailboxes soon after the twisty Bella Vista Drive becomes the dead straight Ladera Lane.



Chasing Daylight Tour - Day 6

Santa Barbara (Inn by the Harbor) to Santa Monica (Marriott-Le Merigot Beach Hotel)Address:



This is the track along the Pacific Coast Route by the Adventure Cycling Association.



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Running routes in Santa Barbara Comunidad Valenciana España