The Old Ridge Route Classic Loop
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43041998
Distance: 69 miles
Elevation gain: 7,570 ft
Date: May 19, 2024 (Sun)
Meeting time: 7:30 am
Rolling time: 8:00 am
Regroups: Mile 10.7: Gate to historical section closed to cars Mile 23.1: Tumble Inn Archway MIle 45.3: Lake Hughes Refuel
This ride takes us through remnants of the historic "Castaic-Tejon Ridge Route" that was completed in 1915 and was credited with connecting the Southern and Northern parts of California. Not only is the ~ 13 mile stretch of the Old Ridge Route closed to cars, the rest of the route also sees very little traffic. The ride through the smoothly paved Pine Canyon Rd on the way to Lake Hughes is a joy after the rough surfaces on the Ridge Route. After the last bits of steep climbing, the views of Castaic Lake as you descend back to town are spectacular. You can read more about this route from this excellent article by Neil Shirley: https://roadbikeaction.com/the-forgotten-highway-riding-californias-ridge-route/ Because of the poor surface conditions on parts of the Ridge Route, wider tires (30 mm or wider) are recommended. Gravel bikes work well, but I actually think the ideal bike for this route is a road bike with wider tires since the majority of the route will be on smooth pavement. Knobs are not necessary.
On degree of difficulty, I would rate it about the same as the Acton Loop.