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San Jose, CA: Sierra Road

This quad-thumping, 15-mile loop charges up Sierra Road on winding country roads, revealing expansive views of Silicon Valley.

Author: Russ Stevens
Date: 1 Feb 2008 12:32:28 PM
Activity: Bicycling
State: California (CA)
Distance: 15.09 mi  (Change units)
Elevation: No Elevation Data
Difficulty: 8 / 10
Tags: Silicon Valley, San Jose, California, Sierra Road
Rating: Unrated   Rate it

Start this loop along Piedmont Avenue for a brief warm up before the infamous climb up the steeps of Sierra Road. A relatively quiet, two-lane country road, Sierra starts out as a gradual climb, but quickly amps up to a grinding 10 percent grade. Along the way, expansive views of Silicon Valley reward, but the view from the Sierra Road summit is the real payoff. Glide down Felter Road, carefully navigating a few sharp turns that could be tricky at high speeds. Round out the ride with a relaxing spin down Calaveras Road and Piedmont Avenue. Note: Sierra Road is doable (but challenging) on a double. However, don’t be shy about using easier gear ratios if you have them.

-Mapped by Russ Stevens

Position Format: Datum:
Tracks

San Jose, CA: Sierra Road

Dist: 15.09 mi Points: 228
Time: none Speed: 0.0 mph Pace: 0:00 / mi

Points of Interest

Sierra's Summit

Location: 37.409301°, -121.802115°
2006 Tour of CA: The first riders reach the top

Piedmont Avenue

Location: 37.410324°, -121.853314°
2006 Tour of CA: Riders race down Piedmont. There is plenty of parking along Piedmont and residential side streets.

Sierra Road begins

Location: 37.399832°, -121.846769°
Turn left and star down the start of Sierra Rd. It's 3.7 miles from here to the top.

And Up They Go

Location: 37.400540°, -121.844816°
2006 Tour of CA: Peloton at the start of the climb.

Profile of Sierra Road

Location: 37.399832°, -121.846769°

2006 Tour of CA: Peloton starts the climb

Location: 37.401937°, -121.841726°
The grade on the first straightaway is fairly reasonable, but amps up soon after.

Silicon Valley from half way up Sierra Rd.

Location: 37.413255°, -121.824732°

Sierra Road Summit

Location: 37.409344°, -121.802609°
2006 Tour of CA: The Devil follows riders near the top of the climb

The Specialized Angel greets racers at the top of Sierra Rd.

Location: 37.409088°, -121.801000°

Calaveras Reservoir

Location: 37.432614°, -121.805055°

Ed Levin Park

Location: 37.447061°, -121.850481°
Ed Levin Park Water and restrooms are available.

Seasonal mustard flowers along Piedmont Rd.

Location: 37.433023°, -121.864815°

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