In April we spent a week in the Monterey / Carmel CA area. I looked for perms to ride and Lois Springsteen (RUSA #8) recommended this one, which is credited to Bill Bryant (RUSA #7) from back in 2012. All it needed was to be reactivated, which I did. This route was all the more convenient because we were staying in Carmel Valley.
The route turned out to be an exceedingly pleasant, quiet, and scenic ride, punctuated by, well, strenuous stretches. It's a 2,000 ft. net climb over 18 miles, plus the extra climbing and descent over a ridge on the way up.
You are climbing Carmel River up to Cahoon Summit (2390 ft.), then drop down into the Arroyo Seco valley on your way to the turnaround in Greenfield, on the Salinas River.
The odd 132 km distance reflects the fact that there are no services for the 41 miles (66 km) between Carmel Valley and Greenfield. This is signposted as you depart Carmel Valley. Believe me, the hydration opportunity at the turnaround was most welcome on the way back.
After the first couple of miles, the traffic went from light to almost non-existent.
The road narrowed to a country lane, with fresh spring leaves just coming out.
18 miles later, it's Cahoon Summit, marked by a cattle guard and surrounded by verdant meadows.
Lots of great views, too.
The east side is beautiful but rockier and drier ...
... with some interesting rockfaces.
The descent brings us past lots of vineyards ...
... and onto the agricultural plains of the Salinas Valley.
Until now, it had been pretty much a tailwind, but rounding the curve into the Salinas Valley brings the typical up-valley headwinds of that valley.
Soon it is time for the turnaround in Greenfield. There are now two convenience stores opposite each other, so a choice of rando food to choose from.
Heading back properly hydrated ... it is about 10° warmer inland (60's in Carmel Valley, 50's on the coast, near 80° here today).
This is about as green as it will get all year in this region.
Looks like a lavender patch. A number of California Quail seemed to like this field, and were to be seen all up the Carmel Valley, darting across the road.
A pause to refresh.
Some nice purple blooms.
Nearing the summit, the climb is enhanced by a stiff headwind.
And then on down through the wooded descent.
Some interesting signs ...
And back to the start/finish in Carmel Valley.
This turned out to be a beautiful, extremely quiet and restorative ride, while offering quite the strenuous workout in places!
-jle
