110 miles with 11,500 feet of elevation gain*
Locate ride on interactive map.
[Interactive Course | enlarge]
[Route Profile]
Mulholland Challenge - Counties Visited:
Los Angeles County and Ventura County
Mulholland Challenge - Cities/Towns Visited:
Calabasas, Malibu, and Topanga
Mulholland Challenge - Climbs:
Mile 18 (cat. 3), 21 (cat. 3), 27 (cat. 4), 34 (cat. 4), 40 (cat. 3), 48 (cat. 3), 56 (cat. 4), 68 (cat. 2), 90 (cat. 2), 96 (cat. 4), and 102 (cat. 4)
Mulholland Challenge - Stops:
Mile 27 (Mulholland), 50 (Little Sycamore Canyon), 62 (Deer Creek), 70 (Decker Canyon), 86 (Mulholland), and 94 (Stunt Road)
Mulholland Challenge - Description:
The Mulholland Challenge is a beautiful and difficult century in the Santa Monica Mountains. Most of the course overlaps with the Mulholland Double Century, which is held on the same day.
The ride starts in Calabasas and descends via Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon into Malibu. After a few miles along the beach, the first climb winds up Topanga Canyon and Old Topanga Canyon. The course then continues on Mulholland, Little Sycamore Canyon, and Cotharin.
The descent on Deer Creek into Ventura County offers an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean, on a narrow road with dangerous cliffs. After some miles on Pacific Coast Highway, the most difficult climb goes up Decker Canyon, which eventually turns into Mulholland. The last big climb winds up Stunt Road, followed by a descent down Piuma Road. The final climb up Cold Canyon eventually leads back to Calabasas.
Mulholland Challenge - Pictures:
[Deer Creek]
[Decker Canyon]
Mulholland Challenge - Personal Notes:
2006:
Sometimes the remote roads are in less than perfect condition, which is part of the challenge. On one of the descents, I witnessed a crash right in front of me. The rider did not have major injuries, but his carbon frame was broken and the ride was over for him.
2008:
I was riding with John U., Susen S., and Bob N. from the Renegades, as well as with Joel G. from Calabasas. John, Susen, and myself finished the ride together. We had a total of three flat tires, which prevented Susen from winning her age group.
The temperature ranged from the low 40s descending Malibu Canyon to the high 90s climbing Decker Canyon, adding to the difficulty of the ride.
This year the course was slightly different from previous years. After Decker Canyon it followed Encinal Canyon back to Mulholland, as opposed to directly leading into Mulholland.
Mulholland Challenge - Current Weather:
See also King of the Mountains Century Challenge.