202 miles with 14,800 feet of elevation gain
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[GPS Satellite Data]Altitude, ascent, and temperature from bike computer (for location, see interactive map of bike rides):
[Course Data]Heartbreak Double Century - Cities/Towns Visited:
Palmdale, Lake Elizabeth, Lake Hughes, Three Points, Gorman, Lebec, Frazier Park, and Ventucopa
Heartbreak Double Century - Counties Visited:
Los Angeles County, Kern County, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, and Ventura County
Heartbreak Double Century - Climbs:
Mile 20 (cat. 3), 30 (cat. 4), 36 (cat. 4), 51 (cat. 3), 61 (cat. 4), 66 (cat. 4), 68 (cat. 3), 77 (cat. 4), 120 (cat. 3), 129 (cat. 4), 139 (cat. 4), 161 (cat. 3), and 171 (cat. 4)
Heartbreak Double Century - Rest Stops:
Mile 30 (Three Points), 51 (Lebec), 71 (Apache Saddle), 105 (Ventucopa), 127 («Heartbreak Hill»), 151 (Lebec), and 171 (Three Points)
Heartbreak Double Century - Description:
The Heartbreak Double Century is a beautiful and difficult ride. It is held on the same day as the Heartbreak Hundred and follows the same route (between miles 50 and 150). The remaining 100 miles lead from Palmdale to Lebec and back from Lebec to Palmdale.
The double century passes through Los Angeles National Forest, then crosses Antelope Valley, which runs over the San Andreas Fault, before passing through Los Padres National Forest.
From Palmdale the ride gradually ascends via Elizabeth Lake Road, Pine Canyon Road, and Old Ridge Route, with a few short climbs and downhills in between. After crossing Antelope Valley, it further ascends via Tejon Pass towards Lebec.
The next ascent leads from Lebec to Frazier Park, followed by climbs to Mount Pinos and Apache Saddle. Then an awesome descent winds down a ridge dividing the huge Central Valley on the right and the Cuyama and Lockwood Valleys on the left.
A left turn on Highway 166 and another left turn on Highway 33 lead to Ventucopa. The route then continues through Cuyama Valley and starts climbing up Lockwood Valley, crossing «Heartbreak Hill». Eventually the course leads back to Frazier Park and down to Lebec.
From Lebec the ride follows the same route as at the beginning, gradually descending towards Palmdale, with some climbs and downhills mixed in.
Heartbreak Double Century - Personal Notes:
I met several people I knew who were riding either the double century or century, including Tony M. from Cherry Valley, Linda B. from Ventura, Isabelle D. from Laguna Beach (century), Dave McR. from Pasadena (century), Beatrix S. (volunteer), and others.
At night, on the final descent to Palmdale, I took my eyes off the road for a few seconds to read the bike computer, and accidentally ran over a California King Snake. I hope it did not get hurt - I was scared to death.
Heartbreak Double Century - Pictures:
[Antelope Valley]
[Mil Potrero]Heartbreak Double Century - Current Weather:
See also California Triple Crown.
You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.
See also Year-Rounder Challenge.
Interactive map of bike rides.
Labels: California Double Century Bike Rides, California May Bike Rides
