Rally Rides

The Best Scenery and a Variety of Distances and Difficulty
25 Rides to Choose From!

Road Biking Routes

Rally participant Once you are registered at the Rally, you will be given route instructions for approximately 28 routes varying from 10 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 and the Paso Robles area provides 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 map.

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.

Supported 100 and 60-mile Rides

Join us for one day of riding and enjoy the scenic Paso Robles area while riding your bike. Food stops, route maps and directions, route signage and on-the-road support will be on hand. End it with a delicious BBQ at the fairgrounds or bring your own food and cook on provided coals. Camping and showers will be available the night before and after in the fairgrounds.

Rally participants pay only $10. Register Online here as you sign up for the Rally.
Non-Rally participants: $45 (camping and catered BBQ is extra)
Learn more and sign up here

Velo de Femme 40-Mile Ride (Women's Ride)

This ride is a new offering by the Rally for women of all riding abilities to discover that they can go on a bike ride without their significant other. Men will be strongly discouraged to accompany the women riders. The ride will be lead by members of the women's racing team of Bicycle John's (in Burbank). There will be leaders in front, middle, and rear to ensure that no one will be dropped. Goodie bags and a workshop (basic bicycle maintenance) will be given before/after the ride. Also scheduled is an after-ride tire changing contest with a prize going to the winner who changes a flat tire in the least amount of time.

The ride itself is a fairly easy to moderate route going north along the river, then turning eastward on the gentle rolling hills of Estrella Rd. past Star Farms, skirting the airport, past Sylvester Winery (a rest stop if desired), continuing south on Buena Vista Dr., crossing Hwy. 46 on Golden Hill and onto Creston Rd. (Note: There are notations on the route slip showing where to cut the ride short if desired). A turn on Neal Springs heading west will bring you through the backway into Templeton where you will find the Templeton Farmer's Market at Templeton Park (6th & Crocker). The Saturday-only market closes up at 12:30, so be sure to get there in plenty of time to shop around. After a rest stop in Templeton, the ride continues through the town heading north back to Paso along roads by the 101 Fwy, through downtown Paso Robles and back to the fairgrounds via Riverside Avenue. This ride is designed to give women the courage and satisfaction of accomplishment to ride on their own. Hopefully, they can achieve it on this ride

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

Hill Climb - Great Western Bike Rally 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.

Time Trial - Great Western Bike Rally 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.

2008 Rally Ride Sampling
(25 routes will be available for you to choose from)

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.

Getta Thrill on Golden Hill --- 9 miles (*)

This ride used to prove you could get out into the country in only a couple of miles, but it's mostly a suburban ride now with a few patches of open space left. Now you will see such typical suburban sights as new houses, wide smooth streets, a golf course, and shopping centers. Still, it's a nice ride and can be a thrill to see how close the country is to downtown or how nicely the city is growing up

PROFILE: 240 feet of elevation gain, mostly of which is in the initial climb out of the river valley in the first two miles. There's a nice downhill near the end as you return to the river. Mostly suburban streets with about two miles on Hwy 46.

Only One Left --- 10 miles (*)

Want to go out and watch or participate in the time trials Saturday morning? Here's the quickest (though not the most scenic) route out and back. For a more scenic (but slightly hillier) way out, consider using Union Road. 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. Entirely on Hwy 46.

Saturday at the Farmer's Market --- 27 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 turns 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.

Sheep Farm Frolic & Choo-Choo Too --- 16 miles (*)

Here is a nice cruise northeast of town along the river, past farmland, some local vineyards, and the airport. The sheep in the title may be gone, but the choo-choo is there. We've added a stop at Sylvester Winery to visit the three old Pullman cars there on public display. This alone makes the trip worthwhile. (Note: the tasting room may not open until 11:00 am). Sheep or no sheep, this is still a nice little ride.

PROFILE: 350 feet of elevation gain most of which is a long grade on Wellsona plus one sharp hill on Buena Vista. Mostly country roads.

Hollyhock Hop --- 20 miles (**)

If you are willing to do a few more miles than the shorter rides offered, you can really get out 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.

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 half way 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, most of the climbing is in a long gentle upgrade. Mostly country roads with some urban streets.

Star Farms Stop Over --- 25 miles (**)

Riders and Star Farm 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 swimming suit and make an 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.

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

A Peachy Ride --- 27 miles (***)

If you want some postcard quality views of the countryside southwest of Paso Robles, this is the ride for you. Yes, it goes up and down, but the climbs tend to be longer and less steep than quick short hills. Nonetheless, this is a thrilling ride. You won't believe you are only a few miles from town as you ride through the quiet tree covered roads of Old Creek, Oakdale, Willow Creek, and Peachy Canyon. There is quite a bit of climbing for a relatively short ride, but take it easy and enjoy the scenery. Before you know it, you'll be cruising down the final downhill on Peachy Canyon and feeling just peachy!

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

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 (***)

Rally participants wine tasting 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.

Mission to San Miguel --- 33 miles (***)

San Miguel is a quaint little town north of Paso Robles which also contains one of the old missions that dot California. The mission remains closed due to earthquake damage, but the gift shop is open. If you need refreshments there is a store at the north end of town as well. Your ride back lets you explore some real country backroads with hardly a house to be seen.

PROFILE: It's a fairly flat ride to San Miguel. The return does some rolling hills. Mostly country roads except for a couple of miles on Hwy 46.

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

Paso Robles 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.

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 to 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.

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 refreshment. Then it's on to Hwy. 229 which, believe it or not, really is mighty fine. Especially the downhill portion. 229, 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 Road 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 Rd., 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.

Jack Beigle's Ride to Harmony --- 61 miles (****)

This route was suggested a few years ago by Rally participant Jack Beigle and we liked it enough to add it to our list of perpetual Rally rides available to put in a ride schedule. It is a variation on our rides to the coast and the little town of Cayucos. Although we have several routes that make the climb up Old Creek Road from the coast, this one takes you down that road and past Whale Rock Reservoir. The beauty of this road is easier to appreciate going down rather than struggling on a climb. After a stop in Cayucos, this ride also suggests a stop in Harmony where you can look at the wares offered by the various artists and artisans there. The return is the well known nine mile climb up and over the hump of Hwy. 46 which is pretty much unavoidable once you decide to go to the coast.

PROFILE: 4300 feet of elevation gain. There is one sustained climb on Hwy. 46 on the way out and another when you first turn on Old Creek Road. The only other major climb is the nine mile, 1500 feet climb coming back on Hwy. 46. Almost all of the mileage is on Hwy. 46, Hwy. 1, and Old Creek Road.

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 to 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 Highway 1 to Cayucos (an antique lovers 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).

SLO Century--100 miles (*****)

The route for this year's century has not been finalized yet, but our intent is to offer something we have never offered before--the chance to ride to San Luis Obispo. The problem in the past has been that to get to San Luis Obispo meant riding over Questa Grade on Hwy 101. Although permissible, it was not a bike friendly route. However, over the past several years, our friends at Caltrans have totally redone Hwy 101 through the pass. Their plans specifically included a shoulder wide enough to accommodate bicycles. Since they were nice enough to think of us, we think we owe it to them to give it a try. Our planned route is a single large loop. We start by heading out to the coast on Hwy 46. Then it's south through Cayucos, Morro Bay and Los Osos before heading into San Luis Obispo. Then it's over Questa Grade to Santa Margarita and back to Paso Robles. This route will include several miles riding the shoulder of Hwy 101, which is a busy freeway, but we think the opportunity of doing this unique loop is worth it.

Great Western Bicycle Rally
info@GreatWesternBicycleRally.com
866-909-4927