Well, spring has sprung and summer will be here soon. As a
cyclist, San Benito County is a fantastic place to live with all of
our under-utilized rural roads and fantastic weather.
Well, spring has sprung and summer will be here soon. As a cyclist, San Benito County is a fantastic place to live with all of our under-utilized rural roads and fantastic weather.
There are many great places to ride your bike in the area. Here is one of the rides you may want to consider just southeast of Hollister.
Take Fairview Road to John Smith Road. You want to get over the top of John Smith road before the dump opens so that you don’t have to deal with the traffic.
You’ll need to stop to admire the old barn and the two old windmills on the summit. I don’t think that old barn will be with us much longer.
Then drop down to the quiet valley below. A few weeks ago I saw several deer out in this valley.
Next, turn right on Santa Ana Valley Road. The dog on the corner won’t bother you.
He’s starting to get old now. But be careful of those chickens, they tend to move rather slowly. Next comes a fun little hill, but it is steep so pace yourself
After a mile or so of meandering grape stakes and barbed-wire fencing, turn right on Quien Sabe. Who knows who named this road?
It’s a steady climb, but it is also the fastest downhill slope in the county. As you descend to the bottom, listen for the sound of the parachutes opening overhead.
I had to decide if I wanted to take the shoulder of Highway 25 home past Stone Gate or if I had the energy to go straight and cut over to Southside Road for the quieter more scenic return.
But either way, I would still have been home and showered way before my teenage son woke up.
If you would like to go on an easier or more challenging ride, stop by the store for a ride map or join us on one of our group rides.
Kevin Carter is the co-owner of the Off the Chain Bicycles. His column runs every other Thursday in the Free Lance.
