Let's go do a variation on an HRU Classic - the clockwise Lexington loop... but with a twist. We'll trim off 2 miles by going up Redwood Estates in lieu of Mountain Charlie. Spring is the best time to do this climb. There are some steep bits, but also quite a bit of shade. If you want to avoid the steep bits on Redwood, continue up Old Santa Cruz and take Mountain Charlie to Summit, which will take you to the park.
There are a lot of zigs and zags on the Redwood Estates climb, so I highly recommend downloading the route to your GPS device. There is 1.6 miles of packed dirt and gravel on the Los Gatos Creek trail, but it's slow and uphill, so it's pretty safe.
This is a social-paced D ride with regroups; faster riders are encouraged to form a D+/E group. Rain cancels.
There are a couple of ways to trim mileage/climbing off this ride. If you live in the Cupertino area, you can meet us at the old Cupertino Bike Shop to start (end of McClellan at Foothill) - dropping down Highway 9 on the way back. Another trim is to skip the jog up to Montalvo on the way out to Lexington (water and bathrooms).
Start: Shoup Park, rolling at 9 AM
Lunch: At mile 26.5, We'll buy food and drink at the Redwood Estates store to eat up top at the park near Summit. I recollect that there is a $10 minimum for a credit card, so bring cash if you plan to buy just a few things. Across the street is Nonno's, which makes sandwiches to order, and salads to go.
From the store there is no water until the Castle Rock parking area.
Ride Leader: Steve Rempel
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