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Since many of my favorite mountain roads are still closed due to storm damage, I've been looking for some climbing routes in the intermediate elevations near the high desert. The Victor Valley Bicycle Club uses the newly paved Summit Valley Road (from Hesperia Airport to 138) in their rides. I decided to incorporate it into a loop from Wrightwood. Summit Valley via Cajon Pass, 55 miles
The 5 mile, 1100 feet climb up the Cajon Pass isn't too bad, other than the debris and the bumps on the freeway shoulder. After reaching the summit, bicyclists must exit the freeway at Oak Hills road. After heading east on Ranchero, a detour to the north is necessary to cross the railroad tracks at the Main Street bridge in Hesperia. Then one can head south on Santa Fe to Summit Valley to 138. Usually the headwind is worse than the grade for this section. The last 10 miles of the ride - going up Lone Pine Canyon - are the hardest. After the curves at the bottom, the grade starts off at 4% and gradually increases to 10% at the top. Directions to/from Wrightwood:
Elevations marked in profile above:
Alternate: Summit Valley via Phelan, 51 miles
This alternate avoids the climb up the Cajon Pass. There is a narrow section with cracks (parallel to the direction of travel and wide enough to get a road bike tire stuck) on 138, but it is short and on a downhill. There is still the climb up Lone Pine Canyon at the end of the ride. Directions to/from Wrightwood:
Elevations marked in profile above:
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