596 Double Metric - 129 mi, 12227 ft, 95 ft/mi

0.0 E Plum Tree
0.4 R Aviara
0.9 L Poinsettia
1.9 L Cassia
2.4 R El Camino
2.7 L Poinsettia
4.1 R El Fuerte
5.0 L Alga
5.6 R Melrose
7.1 L San Elijo
8.2 R Elfin Forest
11.0 = Harmony Grove
15.3 R Harmony Grove
15.7 R Harmony Grove
16.0 L Hale
16.0 R 11th
17.0 R Bernardo
18.1 L Hamilton
18.4 R Felicita
19.4 = Quiet Hills
20.0 R Via Rancho
20.8 R Sunset
21.0 = nature path
22.1 L W Bernardo
22.6 L Highland Valley
36.1 = Dye
37.9 L Ramona
38.4 R Warnock
39.1 L San Vincente
39.9 R Hanson
40.9 L Keyes
41.9 R Old Julian
49.4 R H78 / Julian
55.2 L H79
57.2 L Mesa Grande
69.3 L H76 / Pala
71.8 R E Grade
83.2 U Palomar Mtn
General Store
83.3 R H6 / S Grade
90.1 R H76 / Pala
95.1 L Valley Center
100.1 L Lk Wohlford
108.0 L E Valley
108.3 R Beven
108.5 L bike path
109.0 R El Norte
115.0 L Woodland
116.5 R Barham
118.4 R Craven
119.3 L Discovery
120.4 R Discovery
120.6 L San Pablo
120.7 R San Pablo
121.1 R San Marino
121.7 R Hermosita
121.9 R Cam d Arroyo
122.1 L Rancho Santa Fe
123.0 R Redwing
123.4 R Paseo Cerro
123.5 R Paseo Descanso
123.8 L Carillo Way
123.9 R Melrose
124.2 L Poinsettia
126.3 R El Camino
126.7 L Cassia
127.2 R Poinsettia
128.2 R Aviara
128.7 L Plum Tree
129.1 = Poinsettia Park

The climb up Mt Palomar is the one great mountain climbs in San Diego. Lance does it on a single speed. 5000 feet in 11 miles makes it good preparation for your next bike tour of the Alps! The descent is a classic mountain high-speed technical descent.

Attention to weather will make or break your enjoyment of this climb. The ascent is unbearable in the heat, and the descent is unbearable in the cold. Check the forecast for Palomar Mountain before you go.

Under 60 degrees - bring a jacket, long finger gloves and knee warmers. Nice extras would be a balclava, insulated gloves, and an insulated jersey. Pack them on your back or tie them under your saddle. Otherwise, plan on violently shivering on the descent, and losing all feeling in your hands. Research hypothermia.

Over 80 degrees - bring extra water, as there is none between the Taco Shop and Mothers Kitchen. Much of the climb is in direct sun. Research heat exhaustion. Low salt levels from sweating is also a problem. Salt takes a long time to absorb, and like food and water, if you wait until you are suffering to ingest, then it is too late. Salt up: Eat salty food the day before your climb, and research hyponatremia.

There are multiple cattle grates on the climb. Go over them quickly and straight ahead. They are uncomfortable, but your bike can handle it.

Weekends see many pocket rocket motorcycles racing the South Grade. They can easily avoid cyclists as they have to also watch for rocks strewn in the road, but they make a peaceful climb unpleasantly noisy.

The East Grade is much quieter. Weekdays and rainy days are much quieter. Returning to civilization, you may prefer climbing the quieter Cole Grade over the gambling rush to the casinos on Valley Center Rd.

The climb ends 20 minutes after your legs have turned to mush.