Both ride options take you from Placerville up the Mormon Emigrant Trail to North-South Road.
The 97 mile ride adds a loop along Forest Service Road # 52 and Cat Creek
Road.
Capps-Crossing Road takes all riders to Grizzly Flat. Grizzly Flat,
Buck's Bar, and Cedar Ravine Roads provide the return to Placerville.
This lovely ride will take you into some of the most lush, undeveloped, unspoiled forest wilderness accessible in Central California.
It is possible to bike substantial distances in the
National Forest sections of this ride without encountering motor vehicles.
Schnell School in Placerville.
Take U.S. 50 east to Placerville. The Schnell
School Road exit is on the eastern edge of Placerville. After
exiting U.S. 50,
turn left on Schnell School Road; about half-way up the hill turn right
into the Schnell School driveway, and park in the upper lot.
Services are minimal. This area is very isolated. Capps Crossing campground (water) is open only during the summer.
Bring sufficient fluids (two large bottles + hydration reservoir) and food for the entire course (!).
Carry supplies to resolve mechanical emergencies (two spare tubes, patch kit, chain tool, good pump, etc.).
Sections of these rides are snowbound in the winter. Check road conditions.
Climbing: 69 Mile Route: 7,600 feet.
97 Mile Route:
10,500 feet.
Difficulty: although there are no severely steep sections, the course is almost constantly vertical.
Road Quality: generally good, although short unpaved sections are present on F. S. Road # 52, and potholes are present on F. S. Road # 62.
Maximum elevations: 69 Mile Route: 5,300
feet.
97 Mile Route: 5,900 feet.
I recommend bringing a windbreaker, regardless of weather forecast, as unpredicted winds/showers are possible.
