Straight up, a bump up a Banner, and straight down. Lake Jennings to Banner grade and back. 102 miles and 8750 ft. climbing with 2 stops in Julian. Mmmmmm.
Any ride from Lake Jennings will deceive you. That is because the road out rises gradually. It can be kind of like riding up a false flat with rollers for mile after mile. Stick with it and you are treated to a screaming return trip.
View Lake Jennings to Banner Grade in a larger map
This ride starts off at the park and ride in Lake Jennings which is located right off the exit/entrance to the 8 freeway. Start out along Old Highway 80. At Dunbar Lane, cross the highway and get on Alpine Blvd. Cross back over the highway at Willows Road. Exit on to Viejas Grade. The approach is a nice jaunt through the valley but see that dirt road ahead - that is all you. Up and over Viejas Grade which is a dirt road. The road is certainly manageable on a road bike but if you get a nick on your carbon clear coat - please dont email. Eventually, you will come to a T intersection. If you are cracked at this point, take a right and go home as this is your first, last, and only bail out point. Take Hwy 79 all the way to Lake Cuyamaca and hit the store there. Might we suggest a Sarbucks Frappucino?
Keep rolling on 79 and head to Julian. Stopping for pie and/or a cookie is religion. You can stop now or after you return from Banner grade. Either way - you are stopping at the Julian Pie company. After you are done with your pie, head on Banner road. You are on the way to Banner Grade. To give you an idea of what it is like, how about this link. Head down the hill. At the store at the bottom, turnaround and head back up toward Julie. Did we mention the pie?
When you are done with Julian head back out the 79. To get home, we are going to take the Japatul Valley road route per the map above. Check out the elevation profile. It is all down hill from Julian. Nice work!
