Looking For Leona (Metric Century)

Distance: 65 miles and 4800 feet of elevation gain (mapping software)

In order to ride the best portion of the full century and to get to Leona Valley, this metric version of the ride starts and ends in Santa Clarita. Within the first 3 miles, the route joins the full century route on the long climb up San Francisquito Canyon which we take all the way to the end at Elizabeth Lake Road (the peak at mile 27).  This is obviously the big climb of the day, but it is mostly moderate climbing except the last mile which is somewhat steep. We then head east over to Leona Valley for lunch. After lunch we pick up Bouquet Canyon. There is a short climb here (the peak at mile 38) and then the long downhill which we ride back to the Santa Clarita area. There are two more short climbs (Plum Canyon and on Sierra Hwy) to get us back to the start. With nearly 5000 feet of climbing, this is not an easy metric century. There are several short, but noticeably steep portions (the last mile of San Francisquito, the climb on Bouquet and Plum Canyon) and even though it would appear you are done with the principle climbing by the half-way point, those final little bumps on the profile really do add up. However, it does cut off the first and last climbs done by the full century as well as 35 miles, so it should be doable if you just stick with it.  

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