Rally Rides

The Best Scenery and a Variety of Distances and Difficulty
25 Rides to Choose From! Ride Any Time, Any Day During the Rally.

Road Biking Routes

Once you are registered at the Rally, you will be given route instructions for approximately 25 routes varying from 3 to 100 miles., all starting and ending at the fairgrounds You can ride as much or as little as you desire. The rides are generally unsupported and allow you the freedom to stop to rest and eat where you would like. The longer routes are all routed through locations where food and water are available.

Riding is the principal reason most people come to the Rally. The Paso Robles area provides for some outstanding cycling with friends and family. Riding less than a mile takes you out of town and into the country through rolling farm and ranch land past the many vineyards and orchards of the area. The stronger riders will want to consider making the trek out to the coast where they can visit Morro Bay or Cambria

Check out the abundant number beautiful back roads in Paso Robles that are perfect for cycling. View this map of the area.

Group Rides

Don't know anyone or coming by yourself? To facilitate finding riding companions and to meet new people, we are selecting a number of rides each day where you will meet at a designated time and place with a ride leader. Wanted: Ride leaders. Please contact us if you can volunteer as a leader.

Can Only Come For One Day?

• Great Western 100 Metric & Century Rides: Supported 100 and 64-mile Rides
• Velo de Femme 42-Mile Ride: Women's Fun Ride & Clinic

Sign up here for the supported rides

Geo-Cache Ride

This is a high- tech version of hide and seek, geo caches hidden all over the globe, 40 are hidden within 10 miles of Paso Robles. Caches are hidden and contain a log book for you to register your find. Some are large enough to have small trade items. If you take an item, leave something else in its place. You will need a GPS receiver and a pen for this ride. The coordinates for each cache are listed along with a unique 6 digit “waypoint” identifier for that cache. Once you return home, log in your finds using the waypoint identifier on the computerized database at www.geocaching.com. The ride is put together by Rally participants Jeff and Mike Bailey. NOTE: This route is NOT in your route packet. Pick it up at the registration table.

Mountain Biking Routes

Paso Robles also has some excellent off-road riding for mountain bikers and a couple of routes for mountain bikes are available. Because the best mountain biking is not close enough to the fairgrounds, a couple of off-road routes with remote starts (and directions to the start location) will also be available.

Competitions

These are "recreational" competitions. however awards will be given for the winners at our awards gathering and giant raffle on Sunday evening.

To Hill Climb at Hilltop--3 miles

The Willard Hellman Memorial Hillclimb is one of the Rally's major competitions and whether you plan to compete or just watch, you need to get over to the event location. Here's the way. This flat little ride through the back streets of Paso Robles will get you there and back with plenty of energy to spare just in case you decide to give the competition a try.

PROFILE: Only about 100 feet of elevation gain, most in the first half of the ride. No major hills. All on city streets. HILLCLIMB DATA: 0.17 mile long with about 110 feet of elevation gain with a mean gradient of 12%.

To The Time Trials ---22 miles (**)

Want to go out and watch or participate in the Dave Smith Memorial Time Trial Saturday morning? Here's the quickest (though not the most scenic) route out and back. It's just a straight 10 miles east on Hwy. 46 and then 10 miles back. There is a more scenic route using Union Road which you can take on the return back. If you are interested in this alternative, you can ask for directions at Registration.

PROFILE: A gentle climb at the beginning as you climb out of the river valley and then rolling hills thereafter. A steep climb coming back as you leave Estrella Road. Route entirely on Hwy. 46.

2012 Rally Ride Sampling
(25 Rides will be available for you to choose from)

To Hillclimb at Hilltop --- 3 miles (*)

The Willard Hellman Memorial Hillclimb is one of the Rally's major competitions, and whether you plan to compete or just watch, you need to get over to the event location. Here's the way: This flat little ride through the back streets of Paso Robles will get you there and back with plenty of energy to spare just in case you decide to give the competition a try.

PROFILE: Only about 100 feet of elevation gain, most in the first half of the ride. No major hills. All on city streets.

HILLCLIMB DATA: 0.17 mile long with about 110 feet of elevation gain with a mean gradient of 12%.

Paso Robles Roundabout --- 8 miles (*)

Just a roundabout way of looking at our host city. First you will view some of the Victorian houses that make Paso Robles so picturesque. Then you cross the Salinas River which gives you a nice view of the city as you look back across the river. Top off your ride with a fun downhill back to the fairgrounds. That's a roundabout way of saying this ride is a short but pleasant excursion around Paso Robles.

PROFILE: Only 230 feet of elevation gain, almost half of which comes in one steep (but short) hill on River Oaks. The rest of the climbing is in small hills. The route ends with a nice downhill. Mostly city streets with one mile on Hwy. 46.

Only One Left --- 10 miles (*)

If you are used to riding in the big city, you know what a pain making left turns can be. Paso Robles is hardly the big city, but here's a ride that eliminates all but one of those nasty left turns. Avoiding the left turn means you wind around quite a bit, making 27 turns in 10 miles, but what better way to view the city from all angles. The entire ride is in the older portion of Paso Robles on this side of the river. Why is there only one left? Well, we wouldn't want your big city skills to disappear completely.

PROFILE: 370 feet of elevation gain with only a few short hills. All on city streets in old Paso Robles.

Fruit & Nut Ride --- 11 miles (**)

We run this ride most years because it's the only short ride we have that is a bit more strenuous than the other short tours around town which we offer, and sometimes that's just the kind of ride you want. Besides that, the ride ends with a visit to Jardine Ranch for a chance to purchase dried fruits and nuts. Before you reach the ranch, you tour the residential areas of old Paso Robles, but this route takes you up into the hills a little bit to give you a little extra workout..

PROFILE: Approximately 700 feet of elevation gain with several short but moderately steep hills. City streets.

Buena Vista Choo-Choo --- 13 miles (*)

You have to keep your wits about you as you travel the entire length of Buena Vista Dr. because it makes about 9 right-angle turns in 3.5 miles. Its a beautiful road running past vineyards and farm land and is only about one mile outside Paso Robles. On your way on Buena Vista, you can visit the Sylvester Winery which has three old Pullman railcars on display and open to the public for viewing. (How did they get there?). After leaving the winery, the route takes the rider past the airport (big enough for small commercial jets) and back into Paso Robles.

PROFILE: 430 feet of elevation gain. Two significant, but short hills- one on River Oaks one block long, and one on Buena Vista. Mostly country roads with about 1.5 miles on Hwy. 46.

Hollyhock Hop --- 20 miles (**)

If you are willing to do a few more miles than the shorter rides offered, you can really get into some fine country riding. This ride is a good example. This route starts by heading south to Templeton. A visit to this tiny town makes this route worthwhile all on its own. It then heads for the country and Lupine Lane and Hollyhock Lane. This is a nice ride through rolling hills. Stop and take a look at the view from the top of River Road. Then cruise downhill and back into town. That's always a nice way to finish a ride.

PROFILE: 830 feet of elevation gain. No long extended climbs, but lots of rolling hills. Most are on Lupine Lane and Hollyhock Lane with one short steep hill on River Road. Mostly country and suburban roads.

Willow Creek Wanderings --- 22 miles (***)

This ride definitely has more hills than other rides we offer in the 20 mile range and thus we give it the 3 star rating. But it's really worth it. In some stretches, you almost seem to burrow through a tunnel of trees as you visit some amazingly remote areas (considering you are only a few miles from town). The view of rows of grape vines following the contours of the hills is a real Kodak moment. Don't let the hills scare you away. Just take it easy and enjoy the view.

PROFILE: 1000 feet of elevation gain, but no single hill is more than 60 or 70 feet. There are just a lot of them. Bethel Road has a lot of up and down. Mostly country roads.

Templeton Treat --- 24 miles (**)

Templeton is a nice little town just a few miles from Paso Robles which makes it a nice breakfast or brunch destination. If that is your plan, this ride is right up your alley. It starts with a spin through the countryside to work up an appetite. By the time you reach the top of El Pomar Road at about the halfway point of the ride, you have done almost all of the climbing. From there, it's a cruise downhill and into Templeton followed by a short (and relatively flat) return to Paso Robles.

PROFILE: 1060 feet of elevation gain, almost all in the first 12 miles. Except for the initial climb on Creston Rd., most of the climbing is on a long gentle upgrade. Mostly country roads with some urban streets.

Star Farms StopOver --- 25 miles (**)

Hands down, this is the most popular ride at the Rally, especially young riders. Dean Porter, proprietor of Star Farms on Estrella Road, has once again opened his beautiful property to the Rally. You are in for quite a treat. Would you believe a lake with a sandy beach complete with tiki huts? How about volleyball or croquet? Maybe a jump on the trampoline? Bring your lunch and your swimming suit and make a outing of it. Cookies and bananas will be available. Many riders spend most of their day there. A great place for the kids.

PROFILE: 630 feet of elevation gain, but most of this is on the return which has several rolling hills. A more direct return is offered which avoids these. Mostly country roads with some Hwy. 46.

Creston Straightaway --- 30 miles (**)

Creston is another of the tiny little towns that dot the countryside hereabouts. Known to many as the starting location of the Wild Flower Century in April, it makes a nice destination for a quick 30 mile jaunt. There is a quaint bar (the Long Branch Saloon) and a country store in town to refresh yourself before the return back to Paso. This is just an out and back ride with most of the miles all on one road, so you don't need to concentrate on the route. Just enjoy the scenery with a mixture of vineyards, ranchland, and horse training facilities on the way.

PROFILE: A climb as you leave Paso and gentle rolling hills on the way out. The return is mostly down. Country and suburban roads.

Wine Taster's Tour --- 30 miles (***)

This has been a Rally tradition for a number of years now in one form or another. The current version cuts out some of the hills to give you more wine, and less whine. It gives you a chance to visit five local wineries: Peachy Canyon Winery, Castoro Cellars, Donati Family Vineyard, Norman Vineyards, and Halter Ranch Vineyard. By arrangement with these wineries, if you choose to purchase any wine during your visit, you don't have to carry it on your bike. The Rally will pick it up for you and you can retrieve it Sunday evening at Registration on the fairgrounds. Even if you don't stop to taste the wine, this is a pretty ride. Some of these wineries will be providing wine for tasting at the Saturday night wine and cheese party at the Rally. Note: The late suggested start time is because the tasting rooms often do not open until 11:00am.

PROFILE: 1920 feet of elevation gain. That's a fair amount of climbing for a 30 mile ride, but it's not as bad as it sounds. A few short, sharp hills in the early portion of the ride are followed by a long up-grade on Vineyard Road and continuing on the first portion of Adelaida Rd. However, except for a 4 mile grade on Adelaida, most of the climbing is broken up with short downhills allowing you to catch your breath. The route finishes with a terrific 9 mile downhill which we think is the best downhill at the Rally. Mostly on country roads with a short portion on Hwy. 46.

Points of History Ride --- 31 miles (***)

Spend a day riding in Paso Robles' beautiful countryside and take in some world class history. You will head along No. River Road after you leave the fairgrounds and enjoy valleys, hills, and farmlands. Your first stop is Mission San Miguel, one of the famous California missions. Leave the mission and head along Estrella Rd. (Star Farms is along here, so you will see a lot of cyclists). Head to Paso Robles Airport and go behind it at the south end to find Estrella Warbirds Museum (Hours: Thurs, Fri., Sat.: 10-4; Sun.: 12-4; $10/adult, $8/seniors). This museum not only has some great WWI, WWII, Korean, and Vietnam era warbirds, but also has a simulator, military displays, tanks, rockets, etc. They have recently added an automotive section with classic cars, hot rods, and race cars. From the museum, you will go to Sylvester Winery (Le Vigne is the new name). They have 3 Pullman railroad cars behind the building, and you can go and explore them. Buy some snacks and drinks and "Climb Aboard" to refresh yourself in the Dining Car before you head home. Make a day of this ride and enjoy the places of history you will visit.

PPROFILE: Approx. 927 feet elevation gain, but since you will have several stops, you won't feel any strain. Flat to rolling hills. Mostly country roads.

Mission San Miguel --- 31 miles (***)

San Miguel is a quaint little town north of Paso Robles with an old Spanish Mission. The earthquake damage from a few years ago has been repaired, and the mission is now open to all visitors. For a nice refreshment stop, go to the Mission Market & Deli at the corner of Mission and 14th St. before heading back to Paso Robles. Your ride back lets you explore some real country backroads. Be sure to stop by Sylvester Winery off of Buena Vista Dr. for a refreshing break. It's an oasis out in the wilds of the back country.

PROFILE: 1050 feet of elevation gain. The majority of this is on the rolling hills of the return, particularly on Cross Canyons Road and Ranchita Canyon Road. There is also a short but steep 100 foot climb on Buena Vista. Mostly country roads.

Around the Hills to Adelaida --- 34 miles (***)

This route is so popular that it has been offered at the Rally every year for the past 25+ years. Sometimes this route is a bit strenuous, but the scenery and solitude of the backroads west of town are well worth it. Be sure to stop at Norman Vineyards where there will be restrooms, refreshments, and water for all of you. There are reports of riders spending the entire afternoon there. Truly this is one of the prettiest rides at the Rally. Many take a slightly shorter and easier route back from Norman Vineyards. This is the same return found at the end of the Wine Taster's Tour. NOTE: These roads are not wide and have many blind turns. Although traffic is not high, we have received complaints from residents in the Adelaida area about our cyclists riding too far out into the lanes for safety. Please ride single file.

PROFILE: 2170 feet of elevation gain. No long extended climbs, but many rolling hills gently climbing for the first half of the ride. There is a very fast, thrilling downhill on Chimney Rock Rd. that will make the climbing worth it for some. The break at the Norman Winery makes this route less difficult than it might otherwise be. Mostly country roads.

What's Gnu at the Zoo? --- 35 miles (***)

There are plenty of animals to be seen in the countryside around Paso Robles. There are cattle, sheep, horses, and even some deer, buffalo, llamas, ostriches, and wild turkeys (if you know where to look), but for the more exotic types, such as lions and tigers (but no gnus, so we've been told), you need a zoo. Fortunately, we've got one. Just take this ride down to Atascadero and visit the Charles Paddock Zoo (small fee). Never let it be said the Rally doesn't offer something for everyone. Lunch is available at or near the zoo. The ride is very pretty whether you visit the zoo or not, but add in a visit to the zoo and you have a very delightful day.

PROFILE: 1420 feet of elevation gain. Many rolling hills (most on the way down to Atascadero) but no single hill climbs more than 100 feet. Mostly country roads with some residential streets in Atascadero.

Changing Faces of Pretty Places --- 37 miles (***)

This ride was formerly called "White Faces & Pretty Places". The "white faces" referred to the many cattle seen grazing along the route. The cattle nowadays are few and far between. The evidence of the past is still there: the grassland, the old barns, feeding troughs, and even a street named "Hereford". But it's not hard to see where the cattle have gone. Many a grassy hill is now planted in rows of vines. So the face of the area is changing, but it's still very pretty. The route heads first to Templeton and then skirts the edges of Paso Robles before heading into the country east of town. You will love Linne Road and Geneseo Road.

PROFILE: Approximately 1500 feet of elevation gain. Most of the gain is in short hills, but there is a 1 mile climb on Geneseo. Mostly on country and suburban roads.

Velo De Femme (2012) -- 42 miles (***)

This Saturday-only ride is offered by the Rally for women who enjoy the camaraderie of other women riders and discover they can go on a bike ride without the guys. There will be on-road riding tips and a clinic prior to the start of the ride. The ride will be lead by experienced women riders who will make sure no rider is left behind. At the first rest stop at Le Vigne Winery, all riders will be entered in a raffle. The gifts are supplied by local merchants. The ride is fairly easy to moderate going north along the river, turning eastward past Star Farms, stopping at Le Vigne Winery for a rest and some food and drink, continuing through the east side of Paso Robles, and on to Templeton where you will find the Templeton Farmer's Market at Templeton Park (6th & Crocker). After a rest stop at the Market or at the nearby coffee shop, the ride heads northwest to the west side of Hwy. 101 through some fancy residential areas and onto Bethel Rd by Peachy Canyon Winery. Then it's a right turn on Hwy. 46 to Vine St and onward to downtown Paso Robles, heading back to the Fairgrounds. NOTE: There are notations on the route slip showing where to cut the ride short if desired. For those seeking more "sprited" ride, we are offering a "Grand" version of the Velo de Femme this year. Your route will be a bit longer and pace a bit faster.

PROFILE: 1686 feet of elevation gain. Mostly flat to moderately rolling hills with gentle grades. There are three sections of moderate climbing: Buena Vista Dr., South River Rd., and Vine St. adjacent to the freeway. A mixture of country roads and urban streets

Motivate Along Old Camp 8 --- 49 miles (****)

Here's a nice day in the country east of town and a chance to get out to Shandon --- yet another of the small towns in the area. Ride Barley Grain Road and then go past the unbelievable ranch on Creston Road and Camp 8 Rd. Then climb over the hump on Highway 41 to Shandon. As usual in such towns, there is a general store where you can stop for a well deserved break. Head back to the fairgrounds along Highway 46 to complete your day.

PROFILE : Mostly rolling hills with one moderately long climb on Highway 41. Country roads to Shandon. Highway 46 on the return.

229 is Mighty Fine --- 49 miles (****)

This fine ride starts with a run all the way south through Atascadero to Santa Margarita, another quaint little town which is a favorite with Rally goers. Be sure to stop at the Santa Margarita Mercantile for food and refreshments. Then, it's on to Hwy. 229, which , believe it or not, really is mighty fine. Especially the downhill portion. Two Twenty Nine, which seems more like a lonely country road than a state highway, takes you to Creston for a final break before the 13 mile run down Creston Rd. back to Paso Robles. One of the great features of this route is that once you reach the top of Hwy. 229, the last 20 miles are almost entirely down hill. A nice way to finish a ride.

PROFILE: 1950 feet of elevation gain. Only three significant climbs: about 250 feet on River Road, 300 feet on Hwy 58, and 350 feet on Hwy. 229. The remainder is rolling hills or long, gentle grades. Mostly country roads except in Atascadero.

Santa Margarita Express --- 53 miles (****)

We have a couple of rides, which we tend to alternate, which are basically the reverse of each other: this one and "229 is Mighty Fine". Both go to Santa Margarita, another of the small towns that dot the area around Paso Robles. Both ride Hwy. 229, a very fun stretch of road. This route rides it on the way out (the other coming back). Both go through Atascadero. This route hits it on the way back (the other on the way out). The route also allows you to hit Creston and Templeton, so this is really quite a tour of the small towns around here. Most of the hills are in the first half with a mostly flat run back from Santa Margarita.

PROFILE: Many rolling hills with a long up-grade (5 miles) on Hwy. 229. The return is fairly flat making this an easier ride than some of the shorter routes. Mostly country roads with some city.

O'Donovan's Delight ---68 miles (****)

Delight? Well, if you delight in doing hills maybe. As it turns out, the five miles on O'Donovan is about the only long, flat stretch on the route. Plenty of ups and thrilling downhills on this one as you ramble in the countryside southeast of Paso Robles on your way to Santa Margarita. Most of the hills are not very long, but there is the six mile climb up Huer Huero which is memorable. After a refreshing stop at the country store in Santa Margarita, you are ready for the fast run down El Camino Real and through Atascadero back to the fairgrounds (with a few small hills along the way).

PROFILE: We haven't ridden this one with an altimeter, but we'd guess it would rack up 3 to 4 thousand feet. There are many rolling hills with a long climb up Huer Huero Rd. You will remember this as a hilly ride. However, except for Huer Huero, none of the climbs are that long.

Cambria Triple Option I --- 60 miles (****)

Offered every year since 1979, the Cambria Triple Option is a series of three rides to Cambria on the coast. All three options leave Paso Robles together heading to the coast along Highway 46. A long but mostly gentle uphill takes you to the top of Hwy. 46 followed by a nine mile downhill as you head into Cambria for lunch. Cambria is a nice little coastal resort town with plenty of little shops to look into. After lunch, you choose which of the options you would like for dessert. Option I is an easy (well, as easy as it can be) return going back the way you came. But remember that nine mile downhill is now an uphill! Of course, you do get finish with the (mostly) downhill back into Paso Robles.

PROFILE: Two major climbs as you climb over the ridge between Paso Robles and the coast and then return. It's about 1300 feet of gain going to the coast but about 1600 feet on the return because you are coming from sea level. Most of the ride is on Hwy. 46 and Hwy. 1. This is the easiest of the three options.

Cambria Triple Option III --- 62 miles (*****)

See Cambria Triple Option I for the beginning of this ride. After lunch in Cambria, Option III offers a great challenge. It begins with an absolutely beautiful ride along a creek in the shade of tree-lined Santa Rosa Road. When you ride this route, you can hear the babbling brook with some parts so shady, that the road is almost dark. But there's a price to pay for this peaceful beginning. As you break out of the trees, you see the daunting hill.in front of you. Once you crawl your way up through some corkscrew turns, be sure to stop at the top and look at the view back down. Santa Rosa Rd. eventually dumps you back onto Hwy. 46 for the quick return (mostly downhill) back to Paso Robles.

PROFILE: 4290 feet of elevation gain. This Option is about the same distance and has only a little more elevation gain than Option I. However, the steep portion of Santa Rosa climbs almost 800 feet in about two miles which is very steep. This gives this Option the higher difficulty rating and makes it the most difficult of the three options.

Cambria Triple Option II --- 70 miles (*****)

See Cambria Triple Option I for the beginning of this ride. After lunch in Cambria, Option II takes you south along Hwy. 1 to Cayucos (an antique lover's heaven) for an optional lunch/snack stop. From there you climb up Old Creek Road past the Whale Rock Reservoir and along a tree-lined road which gets rather steep in places, but is so pretty, you really won't want to miss it. After a brief downhill, you hit Hwy. 46 again and head back into town.

PROFILE: Approximately 4700 feet of elevation gain. This return includes some rolling hills on Hwy. 1 to Cayucos, and then the climb up Old Creek which totals up more gain than the other options. Because of this and the extra miles, we've upgraded this ride to a 5 star rating. However, we still think it's not as difficult as Option III because the climbing is not as steep and it is more scenic (which takes your mind off of the climb).

"Salsa" Group Ride --- 42 miles (****)

The Saturday morning group ride is a cycling tradition that takes place every weekend around the world. Now that tradition comes to the Rally in the form of the new "Salsa" Group Ride. Riders will gather in the Main Quad. Prior to departure, you will pick your group(Mild, Medium or Hot) depending upon how you feel and your level of group riding experience. If you are new to group riding or want to take things easy, jump into the "Mild" group. You will have a group leader who will help you with riding tips and keep the group together. Want to test your fitness level? Try to hang with the "Hot" group. Rumor has it that some ringers have been recruited to help lead this group. All 3 rides follow the same route and will be making a stop at the Time Trial course for those who want to see how they do against the clock. Enjoy the ride back to the fairgrounds with your new cycling buddies and maybe a stop at a local coffee shop for a chance to share some cycling stories.

PROFILE: 1736 feet of climbing. Mostly on country roads with some on city streets, and a very brief stretch on Hwy 46.

Great Western 100 Metric Century --- 65 miles (****)

Like the full century, this year's Metric Century heads to the coast via Hwy 41, with a moderate climb and fabulous descent to Morro Bay. You will follow the coast highway north. Before reaching Cayucos, you will turn onto Old Creek Rd. and ride by the scenic Whale Rock Reservoir. Old Creek is the shortest way back to Paso Robles, but there is a price to pay for this shortcut. Old Creek includes some steep climbing. A rest stop greets you once you reach Hwy 46, which you will follow eastward to Paso Robles and the fairgrounds.

PROFILE: 2900 feet of elevation gain. Besides a number of rolling hills, there are two significant climbs. Mostly country roads and some city streets with a few stretches on Hwy 41, PCH and Hwy 46.

Great Western 100 Century --- 100 miles (*****+)

Have you ever been on a ride so challenging that you question your sanity midway through the ride...only to rejoice at how much fun you had once you hit the finish line? Well, this could be one of those rides! You will need to use all of your gears on some of the most beautiful climbs in California, including Old Creek Rd, Santa Rosa Creek Rd and finishing with Peachy Canyon before descending to the comforts of the fairgrounds in Paso Robles. This epic ride will take you for a brief trip to the eastside, but will showcase the magnificent coastal range on the west side. The ride is fully supported with plenty of shortcuts home, if needed. The ride starts with a mass start, so you have plenty of support from other cyclists along the way. You are also welcome to ride on your own. We can't wait to see the smiling faces and hear of your adventures when you return home to the fairgrounds.

PROFILE: 6100 feet of elevation gain. There are two steep climbs and two moderate climbs. The route follows a mix of country roads, city streets and highways.

"Uncle Ralphie’s Roller Coaster" --- 27 miles (***) AKA: A Peachy Ride

As a tribute to our friend Ralph Boethling, we are offering this ride this year under its original name, "Uncle Ralphie's Roller Coaster". This was Ralph's favorite Rally ride, and what follows is his own description of the route: "After years of pedaling the Paso Robles countryside, Uncle Ralphie finally reveals one of his very own favorite bicycle rides for all GWBR bikees to enjoy. This three-star challenge, recommended for the seasoned cyclist, is not for the faint of heart. But, it is a natural for the avid scenery seeker. Since good old Ralphie is known to cavort the inclines, and we all know what roller coasters do...guess what to expect!! So, get out your grannys and grind 'em up on this particularly beautiful bicycle ride among the vineyards and almond groves, with their picturesque picket fences. Keep your eyes peeled for the peacocks, deer, fox, and other wildlife that abounds in this area. P.S.: There are few commercial enterprises on this ride, so bring along your PowerBar and a couple of full water bottles."

PROFILE: 1750 feet of climbing including some long grades. Mostly on country roads with a brief stretch on Hwy. 46.