Road Ride Report Palos Verdes "Donut" Loop

Discussion in 'The Roadie Hangout' started by genusmtbkr5, Apr 6, 2010.

  1. genusmtbkr5

    genusmtbkr5 STR Moderator

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    Since it rained on Monday, I had to wait a day to do my after work cruise and ride today instead. I knew the weather would be perfect since it rained the day before and it would be nice and clear out making the views even more enjoyable.

    I took Mdm Dabalot's suggestion(thanks :wave:) and did the Palos Verdes Loop. I found it on Geoladders and pretty much followed it.
    http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=529

    It's about 24 or so miles depending where you start. The GL route starts at the Starbucks on PCH and Ave I, but parking was limited to 2 hrs and I wanted to take my time and really enjoy the scenery PV has to offer.

    I parked at Torrance Beach. On the weekdays, parking is only $2.00. Can't beat that although there is plenty of parking along the streets nearby.

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    Then I headed south along Palos Verdes Dr N. As usual the scenery is just to good not to stop and take it in.
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    This is Point Vicente Lighthouse in Palos Verdes
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    The coastline off of the Portuguese Bend

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    This route takes you up Palos Verdes East. The road switches back and is a nice climb to the top, but it doesn't end there.
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    Seems I saw more riders going the opposite way, but the route on GL is counterclockwise. I'll have to try it the other direction next time.
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    Started to head East towards Rollings Hills Estates.
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    The view of the Southern side of the Peninsula. You can see Long Beach Harbor.
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    Final stretch on PV Dr N which puts me on Palos Verdes drive heading back towards Redondo Bch.

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    It wouldn't be a road ride without my token Starbucks shot. ;)
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    Today's stats were 24.57 miles and 1869 ft of ascent. It took about 1:43 ride time, but 2:15 total with stops to take pics. Really a great loop. I may start at MDR to get more miles, but I never know how my night at will go so I'll just keep it open. If anyone wants to join me sometime, I'll usually do a Monday or Tuesday ride in that area. Always nice to try new pavement. :wave:
     
  2. danmtchl

    danmtchl danmtchl

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    When I lived in PV, we used to go down PV Dr E down to PCH. We went west toward Torrance beach. Once we went to the beach we would take PV Dr N toward Malaga Cove and Marineland. We then went up the switchbacks to Headland Drive where we lived.

    We also used to run up those switchbacks for cross country and track practice when I went to Miraleste High. That was hell but what a view it was.
     
  3. ptfmb71

    ptfmb71 New Member

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    I live just down the street from your pic that shows you going back towards rolling hills (after the switchbacks and past Marymount College). I usually start there and go the opposite way.
    If you want some more climbing....make a left on Hawthorne Blvd from PVE and climb up to crest then make a right on Crest and keep climbing to the top then turn around. Also once you are at the top of the switchbacks in front of Marymount College take the road (Crest) up all the way to the top...it's a great view at the top and good climb. You will have to turn around but you will see a lot of cyclist there on the weekends.
    I can usually get out 4200ft of climbing in 36mi or so
    I will try and join you on a Monday or Tuesday


    Paul
     
  4. genusmtbkr5

    genusmtbkr5 STR Moderator

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    Thanks, I went right by Marymount College. I never know how much energy I'll have after work, but I would love to check out the route you suggest. I usually do my South Bay rides on Monday morning cause I don't car pool that day.
     
  5. rmb socal

    rmb socal Canadian by employment

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    Nice ride Gene, that's a beautiful area. I've rode in that area many times (relatives live in PV), the decent down PVD East is a blast for sure. I love to get on a road bike in PV, almost as much as Santa Barbara.
     
  6. guero

    guero iFroth

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    i do a similar route in my subie, lol. those switchbacks are fun and then the canopied tree area is also a blast!
     
  7. gooseaholic

    gooseaholic Active Member

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    You must be bored again.;)
    Nice route for a roadie Gene.:-s J/K Thanks for the pics.
     
  8. cru jones

    cru jones never say never

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    Great pics! Now you're ready for the real donut ride sat. morning!! 8 am.
     
  9. MTBMaven

    MTBMaven This is Shangri La

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  10. Mdm. Dabalot

    Mdm. Dabalot New Member

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    Glad you discovered PV. As you can tell by the comments, there are a lot of options to add climbing. Either way around the hill is good. I prefer the direction you took but have friends that love the other way. So do both!

    Too bad I am at work on Monday mornings...!
     
  11. genusmtbkr5

    genusmtbkr5 STR Moderator

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    I plan on doing this again for sure. Now that I know the general area, I can explore a bit and check out some of the other climbs.



    I work on Saturday nights and carpool so I stay local to get a quick morning ride in and get home to rest up a bit and catch my ride into work. I would like to check out the full "Donut" ride soon. The one I saw on Geoladders is this: http://www.geoladders.com/show_route.php?route=26218
     
  12. ptfmb71

    ptfmb71 New Member

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    The donut ride leaves from Redondo Beach at 8am saturday mornings and does those climbs. I rode with them a couple times....and there are some fast guys. The pack keeps a good pace and it takes effor to keep up....but I can out-climb about 75% of them (maybe since MTB is all climbing). My Pack skills are for SH%# so I stay toward the back, but once the climbs start the pack breaks up.
    Saturday mornings are packed with riders up in that area.
     
  13. genusmtbkr5

    genusmtbkr5 STR Moderator

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    Did this route again yesterday. Weather was perfect! Some road work being done on Palos Verdes North so be careful, but I had no issues. Always a beautiful ride along the PV coast. Here are a few pics.

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    Instead of driving home to Da OC, I took a nap in the parking lot along PV South. Got up and had a nice sunset along
    Point Vicente.
    IMG_2347.jpg

    IMG_2350.jpg
     
  14. CarbonLegs

    CarbonLegs Search for ultimate ride.

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    Plenty of good Lobster in them waters..
     

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