Distance: 65 miles
Pace: B or C (moderate or brisk, with few stops)
Terrain: 2 (few low hills)
Elevation gain: about 1,500 ft.
Here's a beautiful, early season metric century that's a bit of a secret. The 14th Annual Pedaling Paths to Independence Ride raises money for the Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Stockton and they put on a great little century that has a strong community feel. Only about 300 riders do it every year. It's flat/slightly rolling and the green hills and budding orchards in the Valley please the eye as you roll along quiet roads. The total elevation gain is less than 1,500 feet! Cost is only $55 and includes rest stops, lunch, and an post-ride meal--such a deal! Although this ride is put on by another non-profit, we're planning to participate so we're encouraging other Spokers to join us. E-bikes are welcome on this ride too. You should register online at the Pedaling Paths to Independence website and also RSVP here so we know you're going and to look for you at the start.
Full details of the ride can be found
here.
Printable route map:
https://www.pedalingpaths.com/#&gid=1812513127&pid=1
RWGPS route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31974621
This ride is a great way to get in a long ride even if you haven't been riding much over the winter because it doesn't have any steep or long climbs. You can go LSD (long steady distance) pace and build endurance. But if you want to push the pace, you can do that too.
Linden is about 1 hr 40 min drive from SF, less from the East Bay.
Rider check-in starts at 8:30 am, so gather at De Vinci's Deli in Linden by then and we'll hit the road shortly thereafter.
Rain cancels.