South Orange County is not very hilly, but it is scenic with hidden gems. For recreational riders looking to build saddle time and climbing legs, Le Tour de Dix Villes takes you through few nice rollers, scenic bike paths, historical missions and beaches:
- Irvine
- Lake Forest
- Laguna Woods
- Laguna Hills
- Aliso Viejo
- Laguna Niguel
- Danna Point
- San Juan Capistrano
- Capistrano Beach
- San Clemente
This route is approximately 75 miles with 4,000 feet of climbing. Staring from Irvine, warm up your legs by riding on Irvine Blvd, along the northeastern edge of the OC Great Park (El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, decommission in 1999) , before turning south on Bake. It’s downhill before turning left on Irvine Center Drive (ICD).
From here, ICD become Moulton Pkwy. Ride about 11.7 miles before reaching the first rest stop. Weekend traffic is light, and you are presented with a few small hills along the way. Prepare yourself as you cross Crown Valley Pkwy. Moulton turns into Golden Lantern, and for about 1 mile, the grades turn up as high as 10%. It’s downhill from here with few bumps until the rest stop – Ocean Ranch Village Shopping Center, Laguna Niguel.
(Mike Farrell, who created the original Tour de Five Cities, takes to tour west of the shopping center, for about 10 miles around Laguna Niguel and Niguel Hills near Crown Valley Pkwy.)
Be extra cautious descending Camino del Avion. It’s as steep as –13% grade, just before crossing the traffic signal on Del Obispo St.
Zigzagging through the San Juan Capistrano bike path, you catch a glimpse of the historic mission. Near by is Amtrak Station. You might be tempted to try some of the more famous Mexican cuisine in town.
Hydrate and have a cup of coffee at the marina, Dana Point Harbor. Check out the yachts and sail boats then off to the Capistrano Beach. Watch out for drivers looking for parking spaces, and slow for pedestrians.
Stay on Doheny Beach Park for about 1.4 miles and turn left then right where it joins Beach Road, Palisades and PCH. (You should be able spot it as you come towards pedestrian crossing and rail road.)
I recommend you stay on the bike path instead of riding on PCH with the traffic. It’s much safer. Form a paceline and ride for 1.6 miles before coming to a traffic signal. Again, watch out for pedestrian, slow riders, and cyclists riding against traffic.
You are in San Clemente.
The route takes you through a quiet neighborhood. If you still have juice in your legs, go ahead and crank up those gears. It’s close 5 miles of road uninterrupted by traffic signs and cars.
Cross PCH and retrace your path on Doheny Beach, Blue Lantern and Golden Lantern.
You are back at Ocean Ranch Village Shopping Center. Grab a quick bite and fill up your water bottles. It’s time to head back to Irvine.
Reversing the direct Golden Lantern and Moulton Pkwy to Irvine should be easier, but your legs might be tired after riding 60 miles with 3,100 feet of climbing. Gear down and spin. You are almost home.
West Irvine has two nice bike paths you might consider exploring: Walnut Bike Path and Mountain-to-Sea.
I hope you enjoy the tour. Leave me a comment if you like the tour.
Bike to Fitness 