Did one of my favorite rides to start February…Figueroa Mountain Rd in the Los Padres National Forest. I started in and looped back on Happy Canyon Rd to Los Olivos. 53 miles total, 4500 elevation gain, some good climbs and descents and perfect low 70’s weather. Beautiful views of the Santa Ynez Valley, the San Rafael Wilderness and then the peaceful pastoral views of Happy Valley coming off the mountain and back into Los Olivos. Panoramic views and a good physical challenge is my lure to mountain routes like this one. It’s like a searching for something transcendent…..and finding it.

I haven't ridden this route during spring blooming time (was told by a park ranger i really should) so i'm planning for it this year.