Local Rides: Harvey Bear State Park
Earlier in the month I asked readers to submit their local rides so that we could all get a flavor of the different types of rides you can enjoy on a recumbent. Terry lives near Silicon Valley, California, and sent in this regular ride of his that he does on his Bacchetta Pronto Alto. I hope you enjoy!
This out-and-back route starts at my driveway. I begin with a warm-up that is one mile down to the highway at 1-2%, and then back up before hitting the 3-mile steepest climb with short sections approaching 10%. After that, it’s rolling hills until the descent of the steep hill (it’s steep, twisty, and narrow, so I usually keep the top speed at 30-32 mph). Total climbing is just under 1800’ over 24.9 miles (RWGPS includes the warmup section on the out-and-back, but I only ride it on the way out, so their distance is off). I can do a five-mile extension and add a leg to the Gilroy Hot Springs gate. There’s also a porta-potty at the Harvey Bear turn-around. Chipseal asphalt can be a bit bumpy, but the road is in good condition.
Click on the image to be taken to the RideWithGPS link.
This local ride has no stop signs or traffic lights. If I see three cars during the ride, it’s a heavy traffic day. Most of the climb is open to the sky and can be hot in the summer, but most of the rest of the ride is lined with oak and sycamore trees with long stretches in a full canopy. There is always wildlife to view, especially deer, wild pigs, turkeys and an occasional bobcat or golden eagle. And cattle and horses. Turkey vultures and hawks are abundant. Part of the ride is along a creek (mostly dry in the summer).
Sometimes it’s hard to remember this is on the outskirts of San Jose and Silicon Valley. I love the convenience of the out-and-back route from home, and rarely ride anywhere else, but there are a lot of cyclists in Southern Santa Clara County that make it a loop on a longer ride. It’s also the route to get to Henry Coe state park, which is popular with mountain bike enthusiasts.
I’m happy to join anybody who wants to come over and enjoy a great ride.
If you would like to send us one of your favorite local rides, email us and we would love to feature it here!