Highland Valley Road was featured in the 2009 Tour of California. Get a feel for the tour on this short loop through Highland Valley Road.
Highland Valley Road is one of those roads that all San Diego cyclists ride eventually. It is a great climb that is not too far from civilization. The only issue is getting out there. There is just about no easy way to bike out from the city without hitting ALOT of traffic. So, we just decided to avoid the traffic and drive out and start the route in Rancho Bernardo. If you want to ride (as many of us locals do) we fight the traffic along Mira Mesa Blvd and up Pomerado road. Another great route is to take the Highway 56 bike bath out to Pomerado road. To tell you the truth we would have liked to use the bike path in this ride, howver, it does not appear on the mapping software and the termiation of the bike path at the 15 is chronically under construction and it can be impossible to find your way around. We have been out there twice and gotten lost because of the construction. A death march in Poway is no fun at all.
View Highland Valley in a larger map
To start our ride, park at the shopping center at the Bernardo Shopping Center. Start out by going left on Bernardo Center Drive. At Rancho Bernardo road, go right. Take a left on Pomerado Road. Sorry about the traffic. Hang in there once you make the right on Highland Valley Road, you will be smiling as you tear through the valley and then wind your way up the hill. Highland Valley road is why all the roadies come out here. We dont want to give away all the deails. Do the ride, tear around the corners, and play among the buffalo, citrus trees, and avocado trees. Take a good look at that elevation profile. This hill is not over at the first decent. Get ready for the second bump.
We are going to turn off Higland Valley Road before the end and head up the hill at Archie Moore Road. Take a right on the 67. The fun will likely be over for many. The 67 is a busy one. Keep your wits about you especially when decending as you do not want to get in an accident here. Go right on Poway Road, then right again on Espola road and work your way home.
There are a number of gas stations and such along the way if you need to refuel. We dont have any specific recommendations for eating or coffee on this ride. :-(
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