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[Deer Creek]Altitude, ascent, and temperature from bike computer (see also interactive map of rides):
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[Course Data]Cities/Towns Visited:
Calabasas, Malibu, and Topanga
Counties Visited:
Los Angeles County and Ventura County
Climbs:
Mile 18 (cat. 3), 21 (cat. 3), 27 (cat. 4), 34 (cat. 4), 40 (cat. 3), 48 (cat. 3), 56 (cat. 4), 68 (cat. 2), 90 (cat. 2), 96 (cat. 4), and 102 (cat. 4)
Rest Stops:
Mile 27 (Mulholland), 50 (Little Sycamore Canyon), 62 (Deer Creek), 70 (Decker Canyon), 86 (Mulholland), and 94 (Stunt Road)
Description:
The Mulholland Challenge
is a beautiful and difficult century in the Santa Monica Mountains. Most of the course overlaps with the Mulholland Double Century, which is held on the same day.The ride starts in Calabasas and descends via Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon into Malibu. After a few miles along the beach, the first climb winds up Topanga Canyon and Old Topanga Canyon. The course then continues on Mulholland, Little Sycamore Canyon, and Cotharin.
The descent on Deer Creek into Ventura County offers an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean, on a narrow road with dangerous cliffs. After some miles on Pacific Coast Highway, the most difficult climb goes up Decker Canyon, which eventually turns into Mulholland. The last big climb winds up Stunt Road, followed by a descent down Piuma Road. The final climb up Cold Canyon eventually leads back to Calabasas.
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[GPS Satellite Data]View as Google Maps
overlay or play as Google Earth three-dimensional animation.Personal Notes:
2008:
I was riding with John U., Susen S., and Bob N. from the San Clemente Renegades, as well as with Joel G.
from Calabasas. John, Susen, and myself finished the ride together. We had a total of three flat tires, which prevented Susen from winning her age group.The temperature ranged from the low 40s descending Malibu Canyon to the high 90s climbing Decker Canyon, adding to the difficulty of the ride.
This year the course was slightly different from previous years. After Decker Canyon it followed Encinal Canyon back to Mulholland, as opposed to directly leading into Mulholland.
2006:
Sometimes the remote roads are in less than perfect condition, which is part of the challenge. On one of the descents, I witnessed a crash right in front of me. The rider did not have major injuries, but his carbon frame was broken and the ride was over for him.
Picture(s):
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[Decker Canyon]Current Weather:
See also King of the Mountains.
You might be interested in these centuries, super centuries, and double centuries.
See also Year-Rounder Challenge.
Interactive map of rides.
