There's not much that can be said about this ride, that isn't better experienced first hand. When you hear the stories about Palomar, more often than not you are hearing of this particular 7 miles of aggressively winding road that is the South Grade. For many this is sport bike heaven. One need only to count the number of aspiring racers in full leathers, either lined up at the entrance from the 76 or having a rest up top at Mother's Kitchen. Coming up the hill (which is simply half of the experience for those who've converged to simply run laps up and down this famous road) you get essentially two casual corners before you are leaning into multiple sets of tight switchbacks that don't let up until you are nearly 75% up the hill (the map speaks for itself). Like the black diamond runs at the slopes, this is the place where experience and skill, both earned and untested, are exposed. Technically it demands you to ride within your abilities, and given the density of turns, you're likely not gonna be daydreaming. Stay within yourself, and you will be treated to one of those few roads that will surely have you smiling and looking for someone to "high five". On the weekends, expect a decent mix of riders, with a healthy dose of folks zooming around corners in the opposite direction and the occasional bunch pushing up on you from the rear. Overall, this is a challenging but rewarding ride that reliably brings people back weekend after weekend. Ride. Rest. Repeat.
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