Giro di San Diego

Cat. 1: Mile 40

Cat. 3: Mile 12, 27, and 68

Cat. 4: Mile 9 and 90

The Giro di San Diego is a scenic gran fondo with solid climbing, leading to the top of Palomar Mountain and back. The route described here is the original course from Solana Beach; the event now starts at Ryan Park in Escondido, with a 95-mile long route.

After passing San Elijo Lagoon, the route follows Manchester Avenue, Rancho Santa Fe Road, and San Elijo Road over the hill into San Marcos. El Norte Parkway eventually leads into Escondido, and Lake Wohlford Road climbs out of Escondido. Valley Center Road continues down Rincon Grade passing the casino.

Pauma Valley marks the start of the big climb. The first five miles are on Highway 76 and the second seven miles on South Grade Road (photos). The top of Palomar Mountain is the farthest and highest point of the ride.

The route back is different. After an amazing descent, it follows Highway 76 to Cole Grade Road, a short but steep climb.

Then Valley Center Road leads into Valley Center and down to Escondido. Bear Valley Parkway and Via Rancho Parkway continue on towards Lake Hodges. Del Dios Highway leads into Rancho Santa Fe, and Linea del Cielo, Camino de las Villas, and Lomas Santa Fe Drive lead back into Solana Beach.