Slug Gulch is a toughie, for sure, but I recommend coming up and riding it before you make any decisions about it. I have stopped mid climb (on a flattish part, which means that yes, such parts exist) during very hot weather, but I always make it. There are two really tough sections and a few other not so tough sections. But when you get to the "top" after the big switchbacks, it's really nice rollers up to Omo Ranch. It's really beautiful.

Of course I'm biased because it's my normal riding territory. I'll probably work at it this year and do America's Most Beautiful century the next day. In this part o'the world, you gets lots of climbing in less mileage. What a bonus!

My offer to lead a ride a bit later in the season (late April, or in May?) still stands. I propose this route:

http://www.beautifulvista.com/Bike_R...ridge_loop.htm

The worst part is the 3 mile stretch along SR 88 (see description at mile 18.3). But it's only 3 miles and after that it's really nice riding on Shake Ridge and Fiddletown Roads.

Or I could make us all really miserable and go up Snow's Road (no profile, sorry, but trust me on its nastiness).

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