198 miles with 8,000 feet of elevation gain*
Locate ride on interactive map.
[Interactive Course | enlarge]
[Route Profile]
Butterfield Double Century - Counties Visited:
Orange County, San Diego County, and Riverside County
Butterfield Double Century - Cities/Towns Visited:
Anaheim Hills, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Oceanside, Bonsall, Fallbrook, Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, and Corona
Butterfield Double Century - Climbs:
Mile 33 (cat. 4), 102 (cat. 3), and 176 (cat. 4)
Butterfield Double Century - Stops:
Mile 37 (Trabuco Oaks General Store), 68 (San Mateo Campground), 102 (All Seasons Campground), 140 (Temecula), and 172 (Corona)
Butterfield Double Century - Description:
The Butterfield Double Century, named after the historic Butterfield Overland Stage Route of 1857, is the first double of the season. The semi-rural to urban route starts in Anaheim Hills and leads south towards Oceanside, passing through Santiago Canyon, Live Oak Canyon, Trabuco Canyon, and a few cities (Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, and San Clemente).
Then the route proceeds inland, following the San Luis Rey River bike path to Bonsall and continuing towards Freeway 15. At about the halfway point, the route leads back north, following Old Highway 395 towards Corona, visiting avocado capital Fallbrook and some more cities (Temecula, Murrieta, Wildomar, and Lake Elsinore). Finally Temescal Canyon is passed on the way back to Anaheim Hills.
Butterfield Double Century - Pictures:
[Live Oak Canyon]
[Freeway 15 Bridge]
Butterfield Double Century - Personal Notes:
In some ways, I had a bad day: 1 crash, 3 flat tires, 10 extra miles, and 500 extra feet of climbing. Also, the day was hotter than forecast, with a Santa Ana wind blowing in the morning. Lastly, I did not particularly like the urban parts of the route.
On the positive side, I rode with Isabelle D. from Laguna Beach, ran into Tony M. from Cherry Valley, and met Tina R. and Randy R. from San Francisco, with whom I rode the last 50 miles.
Butterfield Double Century - Current Weather:
See also California Triple Crown.