The Century Route
Start: 7am
99 miles & 7,000 feet of climbing
Elevation Profile | Map
This is not an easy century. While not the hardest event on the calendar, it is still challenging with one lengthy climb, three shorter, but extended climbs, and several smaller hills.
Leaving from the Valencia Town Center, both the 50 mile and 100 mile routes will follow Soledad Canyon up to Acton. Both routes provide spectacular views of the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys. Some of the distant mountains may still have snow-capped peaks—an excellent photo opportunity!
Beginning and ending in the beautiful Santa Clarita Valley, the century will eventually follow a portion of the difficult stage of the 2009 Amgen Tour of California. Riders will enjoy the hills and countryside as they proceed to the first water stop at the Knob at mile 15. From here riders continue the rolling climbs into Acton and the 1st SAG stop at Bicycle John’s.
After leaving Bicycle John’s in Acton, century riders will join a portion of previous stages of the Amgen Tour of California as they ascend Aliso Canyon into Angeles National Forest. This is a stair-step climb, mixing short, steep walls with extended climbing. At the top, it becomes very steep for a brief, 200-yd section to the next turn.
A left turn, quick descent and another climb to the summit of Mount Emma Road. From here the course briefly sojourns into Palmdale and back to Acton via Sierra Highway. With more than half their ride done, riders will get much needed fuel again at Bicycle John’s and follow Sierra Highway back into Santa Clarita.
A left turn onto Sand Canyon and a short, steep wall, will take riders to Placerita Canyon. This is a gentle grade you won’t notice as you climb up to Placerita Canyon, the next SAG stop, and a half-dozen rolling hills and descents.
Left on Sierra Highway and over both parts of Newhall Pass, finishing on a nice, flat, 10-miles to the end.
