| California Triple Crown Doubles Calendar | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Elevation Gain* |
Elevation Gain |
Elevation Gain |
|||
| Camino Real Double | 11,640 View | Ride the best of Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties. Kick off the New Year!! |
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| Solvang Spring Double | 7,200 | 8,201 View | Lush green rolling country roads Good first Double on a beautiful course!! |
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| Hemet D.C. | 6,543 | 6,500 | 6,323 View Loop1 View Loop2 |
1st 100 mile loop is fast - 2nd 100 is more challenging Includes Wine country and several lakes |
|
| Devil Mountain Double | 18,600 | 20,700 | 19,466 View | Extremely tough Northern California Double Climb two highest paved peaks in Bay Area!! |
|
| Davis Double | 8,400 | 8,560 View | Beautiful Rivers and Lakes Most popular Double in California |
||
| Eastern Sierra Double | 10,100 | 10,298 View | Ride road bike heaven! Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, and more with the pristine Sierra Nevada as your inspiration. 2025 California Triple Crown Stage Race Double |
||
| Terrible Two | 16,600 | 18,500 | 18,365 View | Extremely tough Northern California Double Steep Climbs and lots of heat!! |
|
| Grand Tour | 5,200 - 8,500 |
Low: 4,310 High: 8,260 |
200, 300, 400 Mile Options The original Double in the U.S.!! |
||
| Grand Tour Double-Double | Low: 11,610 High: 15,380 |
Ride 400 miles in one weekend!! 300-mile Highland or Lowland Loop from Port Hueneme to Gaviota Beach to Port Hueneme + 100-mile "Quad" loop from Port Hueneme to Port Hueneme |
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| Alta Alpina 8 Pass Challenge | 20,300 | 20,700 | 21,700 View | Extremely tough Northern California Double Stunning scenery, smooth pavement, just a dozen stop signs Ride On Hiatus |
|
| Carmel Valley Double | 14,000 | 14,235 View | A scenic route that traverses California's rugged coastline and the Coast Range Mountains of Monterey County 2025 California Triple Crown Stage Race Double |
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| Beach City Double | 8,000 | 8,775 View | Showcases many scenic vista points in Orange County Ride the 1984 Olympic Road Race course!! |
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| California Triple Crown Awards Breakfast |
ZERO!! | See who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame | |||
| Knoxville Fall Classic Double | 12,806 View | Ride some very special Northern California roads Friendly, social ride with no recorded times |
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| Best of the Bay Double Century | 14,800 | 13,962 View | See a sunrise with majestic views of the SF Bay Area Cycle through wooded hills, parks, and our very own wine country |
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| Bass Lake Powerhouse Double | 10,250 | 10,202 View | Enjoy the Western Sierra Scenery including Pine Flat Lake and Bass Lake. 2025 California Triple Crown Stage Race Double |
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| Solvang Autumn Double | 10,300 | Spectacular route in popular cycling region Significantly more challenging than Solvang Spring Double |
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| Dead of Winter Double | 6,200 | 6,252 | Ride organizer requested RWGPS route not be shared Grand Tour Lowland Route to Ojai Grand Tour Highland Route from Ojai |
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| Dead of Winter Double-Double | 6,200 | 6,252 | Ride organizer requested RWGPS route not be shared Ride 400 miles in two Doubles in one weekend!! Grand Tour Highland Route from Ojai |
Only the Double Centuries in the above table qualify for the California Triple Crown of Double Centuries. Each of the California Triple Crown Double Centuries is a Major
Adventure in itself!! Not a single one of these rides is easy. Each will provide you with a "Personal Growth Experience". Don't make the mistake of moving into the tougher Doubles until you're ready - mechanically,
biomechanically, and mentally!! Once you successfully complete
three of the above Doubles, you are a Triple Crown Winner and
have earned the right to have those ride names included on a
custom printed Jersey or T-Shirt. You receive a Triple Crown
patch and can order a plaque for a nominal amount. Bicycling
publications and club newsletter editors receive your name for
print. Your name is included on this Web Site!! You become part
of a group of select Bicyclists and have the tremendous
satisfaction of completing one of the most difficult Bicycling events
anywhere!! The California Triple Crown is a small, completely volunteer organization established to publish the schedule and the results of these rides. The California Triple Crown has no organizational, legal, or financial connection with these rides and does not "sanction" them. In order to receive California Triple Crown Credit for completing one of these Double Centuries, you must be on the Official Finisher's list for the 200 Miles as published by the Ride Organizer. If you are listed as an "Unofficial Finisher" on the ride's list because you missed the time limit cutoff, you will not receive California Triple Crown credit for that ride but DON'T GIVE UP: there are plenty of training tips HERE to help increase your speed. There are also a ton of training articles on the Planet Ultra Web Site HERE. You might also want to join the Ultra-Marathon Cycling Association and join the Randonneurs USA to learn a lot more about this sport of long distance cycling. In training, focus on riding a sub-8 Hour Century on one day, recover well at night, then follow it with another sub-8 Hour Century the next day and you'll then be fast enough to beat the time limit on the easier Double Centuries below. The level of support on these rides has been known to vary immensely. It depends on many factors including the location, the number of volunteers, and the weather which can be freezing cold with snow or a thermal meltdown!! It also depends greatly on the attitude each person brings to the event -- what isn't even noticed by one person can be a huge problem for another person. If you have questions about the level of support, you should check the web site of the ride, read the ride reports, and ask other riders who have ridden the ride in the past. Start with the easier Doubles and progress up to the more difficult rides only when you're ready mechanically, biomechanically, and mentally. Every ride can be improved upon. If you have a problem with a ride, you should work directly with the ride organizer. It would be beneficial to the organizers if you would include a suggested solution with your problem. Please try to put yourself in the shoes of the ride organizer and understand that organizing these Double Centuries is no easy task. These events are extremely difficult to produce, time consuming, nerve wracking, and exhausting. If you want these rides to continue, please bring your friends and families along and ask the ride organizer how they can help make the ride a success!! If you want these rides to improve, volunteer and do your part to make them better!!
* The Polar Elevation Gain is listed for these Double Centuries because the Elevation Gain measured by the Polar Altimeters seem to be near the median of the readings from all bike computers in the Detailed Analysis of Altimeter Readings study.
California Triple Crown Doubles Ranked by Elevation Gain
Elevation
Gain*
Elevation
Gain
1
20,300
20,700
Alta Alpina 8 Pass Challenge
199
Radically High
2
18,600
20,700
Devil Mountain Double
206
Radically High
3
16,600
18,500
Terrible Two
200
Radically High
4
14,800
Best of the Bay Double Century
202
Extremely High
5
14,000
Carmel Valley Double
201
Extremely High
6
12,806
Knoxville Fall Classic Double
202
High
7
11,640
Camino Real Double
193
Medium
8
10,300
Solvang Autumn Double
202
High
9
10,100
10,298
Eastern Sierra Double
190
High
10
10,250
Bass Lake Powerhouse Double
192
High
11
8,500
Grand Tour - Highland Double
200
Medium
12
8,400
Davis Double
203
Medium
13
8,000
Beach City Double
200
Medium
14
7,200
Solvang Spring Double
190
Medium
15
6,543
6,500
Hemet D.C.
201
Medium
16
6,200
Dead of Winter Double
200
Medium
17
5,200
Grand Tour - Lowland Double
200
Medium
Ride the best of Orange, Riverside and San Diego Counties. Kick off the New Year!!
This Double Century was called the Butterfield Double from 1998 to 2008. In 2008, a new course was developed and starting in 2009 it is now known as the Camino Real Double.
Our new route is shaped like a dog bone, with loops on each end of an out-and-back course. Beginning at the La Quinta Inn in Irvine, you'll head to the coast via the rolling hills of Irvine and Turtle Rock and get your first view of the Pacific Ocean as you blast down Newport Coast and hang a left on PCH. After riding through a bit of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach on PCH, you'll hang a left and head back inland, meandering up Laguna Canyon Road. Hang a right on El Toro, and make your way through Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel, then blast down Crown Valley to the Coast and Dana Point.
From Dana Point you'll be on the coast through San Clemente, and along the bike path through San Onofre, all the way to Oceanside. From there, you'll head inland, heading towards Bonsall and lunch at the All Seasons Campground.
The climbing starts again after lunch, with a beautiful loop out towards Fallbrook. You'll wind up back in Bonsall, and repeat the course back to the coast, and north through Dana Point again.
The final leg is basically the reverse of the old Butterfield route: Up Ortega Highway to Antonio Parkway, through Trabuco Canyon, across Santiago Canyon and then the mostly downhill finish on Jamboree to Portola and back to Sand Canyon and the La Quinta Inn in Irvine.
This route is a huge improvement, safety-wise! No more of that crazy traffic by the Pechanga Casino; no more drunken, bottle-throwing drivers in Lake Elsinore; and no more traffic lights on every corner through Temecula. It does remain, however, particularly urban - but in the best and safest parts of Orange and San Diego Counties. Please note that due to the urban nature of this route, it's impossible to provide checkpoint locations evenly spaced at perfect distances. That said, there are countless mini-marts and gas stations along the course where you may get water and snacks, if necessary. If you're running low, and find yourself a good distance from the next checkpoint, please stop at one of the many conveniences along the route and refuel/re-hydrate.
Time Limit:17 Hours
Camino Real Double Web Site
Elevation Chart for the Camino Real Double by Mike Sturgill and his Ciclosport CM414 Alti-M including detour through Pendleton in both directions
Top Riders of the Camino Real Double by Number of Times Completed
Past Riders of the Camino Real Double by Name
Past Riders of the Camino Real Double by Club
2024 Camino Real Double Results
2022 Camino Real Double Results
2021 Camino Real Double Results
2020 Camino Real Double Results
2019 Camino Real Double Results
2018 Camino Real Double Results
2017 Camino Real Double Results
2016 Camino Real Double Results
2015 Camino Real Double Results
2014 Camino Real Double Results
2013 Camino Real Double Results
2013 Camino Real Double Century Ride Report with Photos by Steve Meichtry
2012 Camino Real Double Results
2012 Camino Real Movie by Eric Norris on his Fixed Gear Bike
2012 Camino Real Movie by Willie Hunt on his Quest Velomobile
2011 Camino Real Double Results
2011 Camino Real Double Photos by Chuck Bramwell
2011 Camino Real Ride Report by Steve Smart
2010 Camino Real Double Results
2010 Camino Real Double - Greetings from Fallbrook - Photos and Hi-Def Movies by Chuck Bramwell
2010 Camino Real Double Photos by Steve Meichtry
2010 Camino Real Double Photos by Jon Shellenbarger
2009 Camino Real Double Results
2008 Butterfield Double Results
2008 Butterfield Double Photos by Jon Shellenbarger
2008 Butterfield Double Photos by Eric Norris
2007 Butterfield Double Results
2006 Butterfield Double Results
2006 Butterfield Double Photos by Eric Norris
2005 Butterfield Double Results
2005 Butterfield Double Photos by Eric Norris
2005 Butterfield Double Photos by Chuck Bramwell
2003 Butterfield Double Results
2003 Butterfield Double Photos by Eric Norris
2002 Butterfield Double Results
2001 Butterfield Double Results
2000 Butterfield Double Results
2000 Butterfield Double Ride Report by David Nakai
1999 Butterfield Double Results
1998 Butterfield Double Results
1997 Rainbow Double Results
Difficulty Rating: Medium
Visit www.PlanetUltra.com for all the information.
The original 200 mile route in Southern California's most scenic and most popular cycling region!
The event starts and finishs in its namesake, Solvang, a fun, quaint, Danish village with excellent hotels, awesome restaurants, window shopping, real shopping, horse-drawn carriages, parks, people in costume, wine-tasting, vineyards, and lots of neats things for the whole family to see and do. Bring your family and make a weekend of it. We promise they'll all have a great time while you ride your bike! (Or make a week of it by coming for our Solvang Spring Training held just prior to this event.)
Starting with a wave start from the host hotel in Solvang, you'll do a short warm-up in the eastern Santa Ynez Valley, then heads up world famous Foxen Canyon. You'll then essentially bypass Santa Maria by jogging around that town on dead quiet Bull Canyon to Hwy 166. Next you'll more or less parallel the 101 as you head north. After some really neat back roads, the route skirts the edge of San Luis Obispo, then goes all the way into super scenic Morro Bay, right to the waterfront and a dramatic view of "the rock." Next you'll roll through some of the prettiest state park miles anywhere, then head south on PCH along the coast through Pismo Beach, and such. After Guadalupe, you'll stay southbound on this desolate and beautiful stretch of Hwy 1, bypassing the whole Lompoc area, and then continuing onto Hwy 135 to the neat little western antique haven of Los Alamos, site of the final checkpoint. From Los Alamos, riders encounter what is essentially the only real climb of the entire day, up and over Drum Canyon, a quiet, twisty, 800 foot, 3.4 mile ascent. It's got a gnarly, technical downhill, so close attention to the matter at hand is imperative. On the other side, we hop onto Hwy 246 back to Solvang, with a big shoulder all the way to town!
The route is 193 miles. And truly, these are the best miles available in an already spectacular riding region. This route is among the fastest, most scenic, and most popular in the entire California Triple Crown series! Total elevation gain: about 7,500'. Fun, fast, and easy!
Towns/regions visited: Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Foxen Canyon, Sisquoc, Santa Maria, Nipomo, Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, Buellton, and back to Solvang.
Time Limit: 17 Hours
Top Riders of the Solvang Spring Double by Number of Times Completed
Past Riders of the Solvang Spring Double by Name
Past Riders of the Solvang Spring Double by Club
Top Riders of the 1997-2005 Solvang Double by Number of Times Completed
Past Riders of the 1997-2005 Solvang Spring Double by Name
Past Riders of the 1997-2005 Solvang Spring Double by Club
2024 Solvang Spring Double Results
2022 Solvang Spring Double Results
2021 Solvang Spring LIVE Double Results
2021 Solvang Spring Virtual Double Results
2019 Solvang Spring Double Results
2018 Solvang Spring Double Results
2017 Solvang Spring Double Results
2016 Solvang Spring Double Results
2015 Solvang Spring Double Results
2014 Solvang Spring Double Results
2014 Solvang Spring Double Century Ride Report with Photos by Steve Meichtry
2013 Solvang Spring Double Results
2013 Solvang Spring Double Century Ride Report with Photos by Steve Meichtry
2012 Solvang Spring Double Results
2011 Solvang Spring Double Results
2010 Solvang Spring Double Results
2009 Solvang Spring Double Results
2008 Solvang Spring Double Results
2007 Solvang Spring Double Results
2007 Solvang Spring Double Photos by Lane Parker
2006 Solvang Spring Double Results
2005 Solvang Spring Double Results
2004 Solvang Spring Double Results
2003 Solvang Spring Double Results
2002 Solvang Spring Double Results
2002 Solvang Spring Double Ride Report by Adam PaulDifficulty Rating: Medium
Visit www.PlanetUltra.com for all the information.
1st 100 mile loop is fast - 2nd 100 mile loop is more challenging. Includes Wine country and several lakes
This event has always had two century loops in a figure eight pattern since 1965. Jim Watrous has modified the first loop which increased the 2,800 foot gain to 3,500 foot gain. In 2008, the second loop was redesigned to decrease traffic and cover more open country. In 2009, this second loop is being redesigned to avoid the areas of the Casinos. The new design will reduce the elevation gain of second loop from 4,800 foot gain to under 4,000 foot gain.
The first 100 mile loop is a good beginning type loop for first timers. The first loop includes Lake Perris, Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lakes. The second loop is more challenging than the first and includes; the wine country of Temecula, Lake Skinner and passes near the new Diamond Valley Lake. Either loop can be done as a single century.
In 2025, Kermit Ganier, Ira Kucheck, and Tony Musorafite will be running the operational side of the event. Dr. Jim Watrous is now the Race Director, Emeritus for the Double.
Time Limit: The Double Century has an eighteen-hour soft time limit that has been extended to 22 hours. Double Century riders can start between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM. The Double Century closes at about 10:00 PM, but not later than 2 AM. No Double Century rider is allowed to attempt or start the second loop after 2:30 PM.
| Hemet D.C. - Elevation Gain | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Link to Strava Report |
Elevation Gain |
Model |
||
| Tom Ray | ||||
| Lori McCormick | ||||
| Lee Wilkening | ||||
| Greg Chapek | ||||
| Ken Adams | ||||
| John M. Clare | ||||
| Medians |
Difficulty Rating:
Medium
For more information, send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope to:
Jim Watrous
P.O. Box 56797
Riverside, CA 92517
(951) 686-7539
This ride was first ridden by a handful of riders in July
of 1996. On this ride, you'll have the opportunity of climbing
Mt. Diablo and Mt. Hamilton in the San Ramon area. Certainly "not for the faint of heart", this ride
is a major challenge for sure!!
Mt. Diablo was listed by BICYCLING magazine as one of the ten toughest climbs in America. Mt. Diablo rises 3,200 feet in 10.5 miles to a height of 3,849 feet. Mt. Hamilton will have you climb 2,100 feet in just 7 miles to the 4,100 foot peak.
Sierra Road will be your biggest test: not only is it incredibly steep, climbing 1,800 Feet in 3.2 Miles, but it comes after 150 miles!!
Most of this ride is very rural, very scenic, and very low on traffic. The terrain is unspoiled and rugged. If you like to climb and are ready for a real challenge, this ride's for you!!
Time Limit: There are two primary cutoffs. #1: You must leave the Mines Road Rest Stop by 1:00pm. Anyone later than this will have the option of either being Sagged forward on the course, or back to the start. #2: All riders must depart the lunch stop (Mile 115) by 4:30pm or they will be sagged to the top of Mt. Hamilton. We will allow you to continue on the course at that point. If either cutoff is missed, you will receive a DNF for the ride, but you will have the opportunity to enjoy riding most of this absolutely wonderful course. Our primary concern is rider safety. These cutoffs are in place to prevent riders from having to descend Mt. Hamilton in the dark.
| Devil Mountain Double - Elevation Gain | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Link to Strava Report |
Elevation Gain |
Model |
||
| Bob Dressler | ||||
| Rob Kelly | ||||
| Mark Gibbon | ||||
| Ed Middlesworth | ||||
| Steven Burns | ||||
| Chuck Bramwell | ||||
| Medians |
Difficulty Rating: Radically High
This ride is produced by The Quackcyclists - Ride Director: Scott Halversen
For more information, see
www.Quackcyclists.com
The Davis Double is the most popular double century in California. The ride takes you through beautiful country by lakes, rivers, and acres of wild flowers. The terrain is relatively flat with only three moderate climbs.
Hosted by the Davis Bike Club, the Davis Double first ran way back in 1969, and sets the standard for rider support with full SAG compliment, ten rest stops (including the lunch stop), and dozens of volunteers.
It is an ideal first double century.
Registration always opens on March 1st. Visit the Davis Double Web Site for more information, or
contact the Davis Double team
Difficulty Rating: Medium
For more information, visit the Davis Double Web Site for more information, or contact the Davis Double team at
Forget skiing: This is road bike heaven! Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, and more with the pristine Sierra Nevada as your backdrop and inspiration.
A mass start through the city streets of Bishop will quickly head out of town. After a fast, flat warm up through the flatlands of the Owens River region, you will head north through the cattle ranches of Round Valley. Climbing up from Round Valley to Crowley Lake, the Old Sherwin Grade ascends through pinion pine and juniper woodlands while following Lower Rock Creek to enter Mono County and the heartland of the Eastern Sierra. Road cuts expose the peculiar rosy rock strata known to geologists as Bishop Tuff, evidence of volcanic activity in this region. After cresting Sherwin Grade, a rider friendly 1800' climb, you are greeted by the startling views of Mt. Ritter and Mt. Banner, and the serrated ridge of the Minarets in the northern distance. North a few miles further awaits Lake Crowley and the grassy bed of Long Valley. Further north en route to Mammoth Lakes, you pass Hilton and McGee Creeks; the mouths of their canyons filled with huge glacial moraines empty into the valley from the Sierra high country.
Leaving Long Valley, you will quickly enter the town of Mammoth Lakes, famous for its world class ski resort. You will climb gently, but quickly, around the outskirts of town and head out of town and north via the Mammoth Scenic Route. After a short climb cresting the 8,041' summit of Deadman Pass, there is a short downhill followed by a short easy climb to June Lake. First time visitors should stop at the vista point at "Oh! Ridge" on the summit of the climb from June Lake Junction. The magnificent view of June Lake, Carson Peak, and the westward panorama reveals different dimensions with every blink of the eye.
Leaving "Oh! Ridge," hang on for a fast 15 miles, passing by June, Gull, Silver, and Grant Lakes as you enter "The Land of Mono". Ringed by eerie tufa towers, volcanic craters, mountain peaks, and high desert silences, the saline waters of Mono Lake represent a million year old body of water. Mono Lake has no outlet; over the thousands of years of its existence, salts and minerals washed into the lake have become concentrated as waters have evaporated. Though Mono Lake has been called a "dead sea", it actually abounds with life. No fish live in the lake, but populations of brine shrimp and brine flies adapted to the exceptionally high concentration of salts provide a plentiful food supply for more than seventy species of migratory and nesting birds. The "lunch" checkpoint with Subway sandwiches and all our usual wide variety of drinks and muchies await you at the Mono Lake County Park. At this point, you will have ridden 104 miles and ascended 7,200'.
Leaving Mono Lake, you will travel south on Hwy 395 to Hwy 120 through the Mono Crater area. Take time to look around as you climb between these craters en route to the "E Ticket" ride from the high plains at Sage Hen Summit, through red lava canyons into Benton, the Chalfant Valley and back to Bishop. This second half of the double loop has only 3,000' of ascent!
This course has exactly 10,200 feet of elevation gain, more than half of which is between mile 30 and mile 70. As doubles go, it's not that tough and the views and roads are so incredible, you won't event notice the climbing that it does have!
Geologists say the tilted fault-block range of the Sierra Nevada formed ten to twenty million years ago when an enormous piece of the earth's crust rose thousands of feet along a series of faults and tilted westward to create a mountain range with broad, gentle western escarpment. More than 400 miles long and 60 to 80 miles wide, the Sierra cover a region larger than the combined areas of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps; the Sierra Nevada stretches further than any continuous mountain range in the continental United States.
This is one of the most beautiful and most popular of all the Triple Crown rides!!
Time Limit: 18 Hours
Difficulty Rating: High
Visit www.PlanetUltra.com for all the information.
Extremely tough Northern California Double. Climb 8 classic sierra mountain passes with stunning scenery, smooth pavement, and just a dozen stop signs.
20,300 feet of climbing with half of the course above 7000 feet of elevation.
You'll experience the breathtaking scenic beauty of eight classic, wild sierra climbs plus panoramas of Diamond Valley and Carson Valley on a course that features some of the best pavement you'll find on any organized ride. The course is in a remote and rugged area--there are no traffic lights and has just a dozen stop signs.
From the start at Turtle Rock Park (on CA 89 near Markleeville), riders head south on CA 89 and turn onto Diamond Valley Rd. This is a beautiful rolling road with great views of the foothills. Riders descend into the Carson Valley and take Foothill Road along its perimeter to the base of the first pass: Kingsbury grade. This stretch gives everyone a good warm up before the climbing begins. Kingsbury grade is the perfect pass to begin the ride because it offers very wide shoulders, a steady easy grade all the way to the top, and very little wind in the morning. It's broad sweeping turns give riders an awesome view of the Carson Valley and the Pinenut Mountains and a fun descent. After refueling at the rest stop on the summit and enjoying a well-earned descent back down Kingsbury grade, riders return along Foothill and turn right on Emigrant Trail. This short and easy climb doesn't count as a pass, but it's a good warmup for the pass to come and there is a rest stop at the top.
Continuing from Emigrant trail, riders pass through the historic town of Woodfords and up scenic Woodfords Canyon following the route of the Pony Express trail. Turning right at Picketts Junction, riders will complete their climb to the summit of Luther pass where they will be rewarded with another rest stop. Descending Luther pass back into Hope Valley, riders will turn right again and begin their ascent of Carson pass taking in views of Red Lake and high alpine terrain. After the Carson Pass rest stop, riders will enjoy the fun descent back down into Hope Valley, turning right onto Blue Lakes Rd.--one of the best kept secrets in all of Alpine County. Blue Lakes Road will take riders over a series of climbs and through valleys with breathtaking scenery to the next rest stop at the end of the road. A little bit of climbing and a rolling descent takes riders back out to Hope Valley and then down Woodfords canyon. Turning right towards Markleeville brings riders back to the start where lunch awaits.
The course continues down to the town of Markleeville and out to the intersection of CA 89 and CA 4 where riders will begin the beautiful climb of the heavily forested Ebbetts pass. A rest stop is located at the summit of Ebbetts pass before the descent on the back side to Hermit Valley where yet another rest stop is located at the turn- around. Riders then climb the backside of Ebbetts and return to the base of Monitor after a fun descent.
Climbing the front side of Monitor offers riders a few challenging steep grades and sweeping views of alpine meadows and Lake Heenan. A rest stop at the top of the pass marks completion of the second-to- last pass of the day. The descent to Topaz on the east side of Monitor is a thrill. The road surface is excellent, the grade is sweet, and the turns are fun. Most importantly, this is safe hill to descend at night with little car traffic, great visibility, and few shadows. Refuel at the Topaz rest stop for the last pass of the day. The climb is long but the grade is steady and this climb is a pleasure even after sundown. Like the backside of Monitor, the descent on the frontside is a good one for night time. From the base of Monitor riders return to the start through the Carson River Canyon on CA 89.
The eight pass course represents the ultimate climbing challenge for a single-day event.
The Start/Finish is at Alpine County's Turtle Rock Park on CA 89 between Woodfords and Markleeville. We expect great weather, but this ride covers a lot of remote, high altitude terrain. Everyone should be prepared for any kind of weather at any time.
The Alta Alpina 8 Pass Challenge Test Ride was held on June 14, 2008.
The Grand Tour and Alta Alpina 8 Pass Challenge are both scheduled for the same date. If a rider wishes to ride both events, they can ride the Grand Tour on the event date and ride the 8 Pass Challenge Staff Ride in the middle of July. Riders will need to bring a family member or friend to volunteer for the day of the Staff Ride and purchase a club membership for $30 so they're covered by the club insurance. To register for the staff ride, please first register for the Grand Tour and then send an email to challenge@altaalpina.org to reserve a spot in the Alta Alpina staff ride
Time Limit: You may choose to start during one of eight starting windows: 3:30am-3:44am (with lights), 3:45am-3:59am (with lights), 4:00am-4:14am (with lights), 4:15am-4:29am (with lights), 4:30am-4:44am (with lights), 4:45am-5:01am (with lights), 5:02am-5:14am (lights not required), 5:15am-5:30am (lights not required).
There are 9 rest stops on the route plus lunch and two checkpoints. You must reach each rest stop and checkpoint while it is open and make the other listed cut-off times in order to collect 8 pass stickers. Riders headed towards a closed location will be turned around and directed to the next open stop. We will begin sweeping any remaining riders from the route at 10:00pm. A rider who is transported by SAG will lose the last sticker collected.
You must check-in at the finish with all 8 pass stickers in order to receive California Triple Crown credit for completing the full Double Century. If you finish with less than 8 pass stickers or if you don’t check in at the finish, you will not receive California Triple Crown credit for this Double Century.
However everyone who checks in will be listed as having finished the number of passes indicated by their pass stickers. Anyone who refuses to abide by the rules or the instructions of CHP, County Sheriff, or ride officials will lose all their stickers and be listed as DQ as will anyone who doesn't check-in after finishing the ride. The check-in desk will be open till 11:00pm. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of all participants and to satisfy the requirements of county and state agencies.
| Alta Alpina 8 Pass Challenge - Elevation Gain | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Link to Strava Report |
Elevation Gain |
Model |
||
| Bart Niechwiej | ||||
| Christopher Coppersmith | ||||
| Michael Munrow | ||||
| Trey Morris | ||||
| Joe Chancellor | ||||
| Kirsten McDaniel | ||||
| Medians |
Difficulty Rating: Radically High
Visit the Alta Alpina 8 Pass Challenge Web Site for all the information.
The Terrible Two was started in 1976 by the Santa Rosa Cycling Club, as they realized that a 200-mile course around Sonoma County would include some very challenging hills as well as some spectacular scenery. Time Limit:
Similar to 2021 and 2022, an early start time of 5:00am will be allowed.
Faster riders can opt to start at 5:30am.
You have a total of 18 hours to complete the 200 mile ride to earn Triple Crown Credit and a total of 17 hours to "Beat the Clock" and earn a special item.
This equates to an 11pm finish for the CTC credit and a 10pm finish for the item (with a 5am start).
Note that, we will have VERY STRICT cutoff times at the lunch stop, Ft Ross, and Monte Rio.
The course will start being cleared at 10pm, so if you expect to need until 11pm to finish, you should sign up for the 5am start.
If you believe you can complete the course in less time, you can sign up for the 5:30am start.
Also note that after 10pm, support on the road will be minimal. Difficulty Rating: Radically High For more information, contact the SRCC Ride Director:
For 2025, the Terrible Two course will skip the "traditional" route over Trinity into Napa County. Instead, it will wind through Sebastopol and Santa Rosa, over Chalk Hill and up the Geysers, doing the full loop to Cloverdale.. From there onto a lunch stop followed by Skaggs Springs, a long series of climbs and descents. And to finish off Skaggs Springs we offer, The Wall. Let's just say it's steep!! Down to the coast, Fort Ross is next, and like the Geysers, it is a multi-summit climb. Then continue into Monte Rio and back to the start.
The steepest gradients on the course rarely exceed 15%. But many of the climbs stay in the 8-12% range for long distances.
Except for five miles of suburbs, the entire course is rural and very scenic: vineyards, orchards, pastures, oak-studded meadows, shady forests of redwood, bay, and madrone, the spectacular coastline, wild rivers, lakes, and streams, and always the sweeping panoramas from the summits of all those climbs. It's enough to make you forget how hard it is!
Are you ready for 200 miles in one day with 18,000 feet of steep climbing? Are you ready for temperatures over 100 degrees (possible in June)? Are you ready for the ride that many consider the toughest Double in the United States? If so, the Santa Rosa Cycling Club invites you to test yourself on The Terrible Two.
Not quite there? We have a 200K (121 mile) ride that has an easier start but the same back end as the full TT and almost 12,000 feet of climb. We call it the Terrific Two.
And new this year, the Tremendous Super Century,
a challenging 112 miles with over 8,000 feet of climb.
The 200K ride will start at 7:30am and the Super Century at 8:00.
More information and FAQs on the event website (see link below)
Terrible Two - Elevation Gain
Link to Strava Report
Elevation
Gain
Model
John DeGregory
Steve Fielding
Robin Zinsmaster
Roy Benton
Bill Brier
Gary Gade
Medians
Santa Rosa Cycling Club's awesome Terrible Two Web Site
Map and Elevation Chart for the Terrible Two
Road Engineering Analysis Including Route Profile, Climbing Gradient Analysis and Photos For Each Climb by Chuck Bramwell
"The Terrible Two ... A Brief History" by Bill Oetinger on www.BikeCal.com
"The Terrible Two Revisited" by Bill Oetinger on www.BikeCal.com
Terrible Two Course Records
Top Riders of the Terrible Two by Number of Times Completed
Past Riders of the Terrible Two by Name
Past Riders of the Terrible Two by Club
2021 Terrible Two Results
2019 Terrible Two Results
2018 Terrible Two Results
2017 Terrible Two Results
2016 Terrible Two Results
2015 Terrible Two Results
2014 Terrible Two Results
2013 Terrible Two Results
2012 Terrible Two Results
2011 Terrible Two Results
2011 Terrible Two Video by Stan Tsang
2010 Terrible Two Results
2009 Terrible Two Results
2008 Terrible Two Results
2007 Terrible Two Results
2006 Terrible Two Results
2005 Terrible Two Results
2005 Terrible Two Route Photos of Skaggs Springs and Annapolis by Jesse Smith
2005 Terrible Two Photos by Eric Norris
2004 Terrible Two Results
2004 Terrible Two Photos by Eric Norris
2003 Terrible Two Results
2003 Terrible Two Photos on PhotoCrazy.com
2003 Terrible Two Photos by Eric Norris
2002 Terrible Two Results
2002 Terrible Two Photos on PhotoCrazy.com
2001 Terrible Two Results
2000 Terrible Two Results
1999 Terrible Two Results
1999 Photos of Top 10 Finishers, Start, and Lunch on BikeCal.com
1999 "A Not so Terrible Two" by Maury Cohen on BikeCal.com
1998 Terrible Two Results
1998 Terrible Two by Team Bikeaholics
1997 Terrible Two Results
1997 Terrible Two by Team Bikeaholics
1996 Terrible Two Results
Terrible Two Finishers Sorted by Name
Bridgette DeShields
(707) 953-8192
In 1959, Eisenhower was President, 10-speed bicycles were virtually unknown, Greg LeMond wasn't even born yet, and the Los Angeles Wheelmen began holding an annual Double Century -- the "Grand Tour". This is the original Double in the U.S. and also includes 300 and 400 mile options -- all of which count towards the California Triple Crown.
The Traditional Double offers a bit of everything you think of when you think of California: the ocean, valleys, mountains, movie star homes, orange groves, ranches, vegetable fields and oil fields. Looping through rural Ventura County, the route contains some hills but is still one of the easiest Double Centuries we know of. There is only one very difficult hill and the club places a rest stop at the top to help you out. The scenery, the low traffic and the generally favorable winds will help you forget the hills and make this a very enjoyable Double.
Elite California Triple Crown Double Century riders are encouraged to go beyond the 200 miles to riding 400 miles in one weekend. The Grand Tour Double-Double has been added to the California Triple Crown schedule and consists of riding the Grand Tour Triple Century up to Gaviota for a total of 300 miles which must be completed in 24 hours or less. The final leg is riding 100 miles on the following day. The 400 miles must be completed in 36 Hours in one weekend. Riders who complete the Grand Tour Double-Double in 36 Hours will receive California Triple Crown credit for completing Two Double Centuries.
Los Angeles Wheelmen's Grand Tour Web SiteDifficulty Rating: Medium
For more information,
send a Self Addressed Stamped Envelope to:
GRAND TOUR
264 S. La Cienga Blvd. #1073
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
A scenic 200 mile route with ~14,000 ft. of climbing that traverses our California's exceptional and rugged coastline, the Coast Range Mountains of Monterey County and San Benito County 2024 Carmel Valley Double Results 2023 Carmel Valley Double Results 2019 Carmel Valley Double Results 2018 Carmel Valley Double Results 2015 Carmel Valley Double Test Ride - Facebook Event Page 2015 Carmel Valley Double Test Ride - Rider Time Splits 2015 Carmel Valley Double Test Ride - Rider Comments 2015 Carmel Valley Double Test Ride - Photos by Robert Sexton 2015 Carmel Valley Double Test Ride - Photos by Anny Beck Difficulty Rating:
Extremely High
The course starts and ends at the Contenta Inn in Carmel Valley - a sublime pastoral river valley nestled into the towering Santa Lucia range, and is one of the finest wine growing regions in California.
After leaving Carmel Valley, you will be riding along Pacific Coast Highway heading south toward Big Sur and onto Lucia before climbing over the famous Nacimiento-Ferguson Rd. to Jolon - Lockwood. Lunch will await you at mile 110 in Bryson - Hesperia located in the beautiful rolling hills between Lake San Antonio and Lake Nacimiento.
After lunch the next 73 miles you will encounter rolling hills on Lockwood-San Lucas Rd. to San Lucas then onto King City, Coburn, Greenfield. You will then be challenged by the second big climb of the course to Cahoon Summit. After cresting Cahoon Summit, you will award yourself with a 17 mile descend back to the finish at the Contenta Inn.
The ride is fully supported. Ride support includes 5 full rest stops and lunch, all supplied with a great selection of food and drink, plus 2 additional water stops at key locations on the course.
Time Limit:
The time limit will be 20 Hours. The event has an open start window from 4:00am to 6:00am.
All riders MUST be on the course by 6:00am.
Riders have until midnight to complete (with intermediate cut-off times at rest stops that correlate to a midnight finish).
All California Triple Crown Stage Race riders must complete the Highland route.
Top Riders of the Carmel Valley Double by Number of Times Completed
2015 Carmel Valley Double Test Ride - Elevation Gain
Link to Strava Report
Elevation
Gain
Model
Allan Erbes
Brian Feinberg
Kirsten McDaniel
Ed Middlesworth
Robert Sexton
Medians
Brian Johnston
Past Riders of the Carmel Valley Double by Name
Past Riders of the Carmel Valley Double by Club
For more information, send an e-mail to Dzung Dang at:
See many scenic vista points in Orange County and ride the 1984 Olympic Road Race course!! 2024 Beach City Double Results 2019 Beach City Double Results 2018 Beach City Double Results Difficulty Rating: High Visit the ndzone Web Site for all the information.
Jim Cook and his team of family and friends are planning to host the new “Beach City Double Century" on September 22, 2018 and they are looking forward to you and your friends joining them for a fun day on your bike. This new Double Century will showcase many incredibly beautiful vista points in Orange County. The above photo was taken from one of those points on the new course.
The course includes the following:
Popular cities:
Laguna Beach
Corona Del Mar
Newport Beach
Huntington Beach
Sunset Beach
Seal Beach
Long Beach
Irvine
Lake Forest
Mission Viejo
Dana Point
San Clemente
and more…
Legendary course highlights:
Surf City, U.S.A.
Queen Mary
1984 Olympic Cycling Road Race Course
San Juan Capistrano Mission
Florence Joyner Olympiad Park
Ole Hanson Beach Club
San Clemente Casino
Western White House
The Beach City Double Century will be a fully supported ride with aid stations every 25-30 miles, roving SAGs, and it will have a 19 hour time limit. There is an estimated 10,000 Feet of Climbing on the course.
The course is well tested and proven since it is mainly based on the “Long Beach Century”, the “Olympic Road Race Century”, and the “Oceanside Century” which Chuck Bramwell has been leading in Orange County for many years with the Orange County Wheelmen as training rides for the Double Centuries.
Jim Cook wrote, “A special thank you to Chuck Bramwell and Hugh Murphy for all their contributions over the past couple months. Their energy, ideas, and suggestions significantly formed the new Beach City Double Century. I was so fortunate to have their help.”
Registration for the Beach City Double opens on February 14, 2018. More ride details will be available after registration opens at www.NdZone.com ... Scroll down to 2018 NdZone events
Time Limit: 19 Hours
Top Riders of the Beach City Double by Number of Times Completed
Past Riders of the Beach City Double by Name
Past Riders of the Beach City Double by Club
Difficulty Rating: High
This ride is produced by The Quackcyclists - Ride Director: Jesse Smith
For more information, see
www.Quackcyclists.com
See a sunrise with majestic views of the SF Bay Area, cycle through wooded hills, Regional parks and our very own wine country Best of the Bay Double Web Site 2019 Best of the Bay Double Results 2018 Best of the Bay Double Results 2017 Best of the Bay Double Results 2016 Best of the Bay Double Results 2015 Best of the Bay Double Test Ride - Rider Time Splits 2015 Best of the Bay Double Test Ride - Rider Comments 2015 Best of the Bay Double Test Ride - Photos by Anny Beck Difficulty Rating:
Extremely High
Cherry City Cyclists invite you to participate in our Best of the Bay "BOB" CTC Double Century. We are an established cycling club based in San Leandro that was organized in 1972. Our members are avid and achieved cyclists with varied cycling backgrounds. We regularly host and participate in recreational rides, progressive series, century rides and long distance endurance rides such as the Markleeville Death Ride, Seattle to Portland, The 508, Breathless Agony, Triple Bypass and the California Triple Crown series.
In 2006 we launched our first organized century The Best of the Bay "BOB". This was a well received ride that traveled over many of the most beautiful roads in the area. Partnered with our superior support and signature rest stops, the BOB was an unparalleled century that hosted many returning and new riders each year.
Fast forward to 2015 and Cherry City Cyclists decided to take this epic super century ride to the next level. We took the BEST of our learning from the BOB and expanded it to the Best of the Bay Double Century "BOB" which is also based on the best roads in the scenic San Francisco Bay Area. We took our "BOB" double century to the California Triple Crown! We then unveiled our ride and hosted a test ride in October 2105. 25 CTC and endurance cyclists volunteered to participate and provided us with rave reviews.
Our Double Century BOB is designed with 3 legs that showcase the most stunning cycling roads of the bay.
Leg 1 is rural with little traffic. It starts in Castro Valley and heads north climbing through the redwoods to the Oakland Hills then on to Berkeley's Grizzly Peak and Rest Stop #1 at Tilden Regional Park. The return to Castro Valley is not to be missed! The panoramic views of the bay showcasing the magnificent sunrise and the tranquil surroundings add to the stunning beauty of this leg.
Leg 2 is all about the mountain! It leaves Castro Valley and heads east to Mt. Diablo. The challenge of the mountain along with the thrill of the descending switchbacks allow riders to experience the impressiveness of this State Park's prominent landmark up close and personal.
Leg 3 travels south from Castro Valley to the wooded canyon of Calavares a turn around at Ed Levin Regional Park's rest stop. After returning to Sunol, riders head east to tour the the Livermore Valley's very own wine country (the oldest wine region in California and home to more than 50 boutique and industry leading wineries). A true hidden gem on the rise! The final return to Castro Valley climbs the slight inclines of Collier Canyon and Dublin Grade.
Our ride also features:
A host hotel at the start of the ride.
6 friendly staffed Rest Stops stocked with signature cycling food and plenty of options for vegetarians!
Full SAG support along the entire course and sweeps along each leg of the course.
A post-ride meal at the host hotel.
Hammer Nutrition endurance fuel and supplements.
Thanks and we hope to see you on our ride!!!
Time Limit:19 Hours
2015 Best of the Bay Double Test Ride - Elevation Gain
Link to Strava Report
Elevation
Gain
Model
Luan Doan
Greg Fong
Rico Mundy
Clay Stark
Medians
Anthony Tran
Khoa Tran
Past Riders of the Best of the Bay Double by Name
Past Riders of the Best of the Bay Double by Club
For more information, send an e-mail to Cheryl Hopkins at:
Enjoy the foothills of the western Sierras including Bass Lake and Pine Flat Lake, riding the quiet country roads of Fresno County.
The first 18 miles passes through the city of Clovis on towards North Fresno will be flat terrain. Then the route becomes rolling terrain starting from “Broken Bridge” all the way to the first rest stop. Make sure you stock up on hydration & fuel as there will be a series of challenging climbs on North Fork all the way towards Bass Lake.
You will be treated with a very scenic loop around the lake. Mile-55 rest stop will serve late breakfast, so take your time there to relax. The ride then goes down through the town of North Fork. Please be mindful of your speed when going downhill through Road-222 which leads to “Power House”. Then it’ll be another major climb towards the town of Auberry for the 3rd rest stop at the elementary school. The route will then head back via Prather along Auberry Road (another popular & smooth roadway) all the way back to North Fresno.
Late lunch will be served at “Dry Creek Trailhead” park, at mile-105. The next 30 miles will be mostly flat towards Winton Park, a dual out-n-back rest stop. From there, Trimmer Springs Road becomes rolling terrain with a moderate 700ft climb towards the lake, then the road continues further East. Along the way, the rider has a grand view of Pine Flat Lake. The turn-around point will be right after a bridge (at mile 150.7), please don’t forget to check-in your bib# here. Once you are rested & fueled, head back on the same road towards Belmont, then all the way to Clovis via Ashlan Avenue.
Difficulty Rating: High
Visit the Fresno Cycling Club Web Site for all the information.
A spectacular 200 mile route in Southern California's most scenic and most popular cycling region!
Riders will start on the back roads of Solvang, Ballard and Santa Ynez before joining the traditional Spring route on Happy Canyon and over to Foxen Canyon. After the first checkpoint in Sisquoc (mile 41.2), the scenery changes!
The first big climb of the day is Tepusquet Road. This is a meandering 9 miles of climbing - with a few steep pitches in the 8-10% range. It has little traffic and the asphalt is excellent. The five mile descent is a blast! Enjoy the ride! At the bottom riders hang a left on Highway 166, where they'll roll along to the second checkpoint and fine refreshments. The route continues down 166, then hangs a right on Thompson Road, heading towards San Luis Obispo via Nipomo and Arroyo Grande. This part of the route will be familiar to veterans.
After the third checkpoint ("lunch") in San Luis Obispo, riders will continue straight onto Tank Farm Road, and then work their way south via the quiet and beautiful Prefumo Canyon Road. This is the second big climb of the day - and it's a quad buster! Bring some gears - as you'll need them for the occasional 12-16% grades. Less than a mile down from the summit, there's a 1.5 mile section of unpaved (dirt) road that must be ridden with an abundance of caution (meaning "slowly"). After the pavement resumes, comes a very rewarding descent. Then the route once again meets up with the original Spring route at San Luis Bay Road, winds back down Avila Beach Road, ultimately continuing south through Pismo Beach, Shell Beach and on to the fourth checkpoint at Guadalupe.
The route then diverts off Hwy 1 on Black Road which becomes the awesome Lompoc-Casmalia Road. Then comes the third big climb of the day, up Hwy 1 and the challenging Vandenberg Grade. After a nice descent to the edge of Lompoc, riders come to the last checkpoint at River Park Campground. From there they'll make their way back via the beautiful, rolling Santa Rosa Road (usually with a super strong tail wind), and Hwy 246 back to Solvang.
202 miles with 10,100' of climbing. This route is significantly more challenging than the Spring route - with substantially more climbing and many steep pitches. Riders should expect to require a bit more time on the bike between checkpoints. As such, if a rider is concerned about riding 40+ challenging miles between water/food stops, then a camelbak or other hydration system is recommended.
Time Limit: 18 Hours
2021 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2020 Solvang Autumn Double was not held
2019 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2018 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2017 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2016 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2015 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2014 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2013 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2012 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2011 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2010 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2009 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2008 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2007 Solvang Autumn Double Results
2006 Solvang Autumn Double Results
Difficulty Rating: High
Visit www.PlanetUltra.com for all the information.
Grand Tour Lowland Route to Ojai followed by the Grand Tour Highland Route from Ojai
The Dead of Winter Double is intended to be a last chance, low cost double based on the extremely popular Grand Tour route. The route will be Lowland Grand Tour first hundred and the Highland Grand Tour second hundred with a loop in Carpenteria to make up the mileage lost doing the highland route. Support will consist of water and Hammer Nutrition products at all rest stops with roving SAG for the duration. The estimated cost is $35 per rider. A 75 rider limit is necessary to keep the costs down.