Tackling the legendary climb via Old San Marcos Pass Road and then Painted Cave Road near Santa Barbara rewards you with stunning coastal and mountain views, but demands a massive physical effort on brutally steep gradients. You'll climb steeply initially on Old San Marcos Pass Road which will see you climbing around 6-8% before turning onto the infamous Painted Cave Road for the main challenge. Prepare for an incredibly intense final 1-2 miles on Painted Cave, where the average gradient surges to well over 12-15%, featuring sustained ramps that hit around 20% – this section is a true 'wall' requiring your absolute lowest gears and sheer determination. You'll summit high in the Santa Ynez Mountains and enjoy the unfolding views over Goleta and the Pacific Ocean.

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Distance 14.4 km

Uphill 1,260 m

Downhill 250 m

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Thursday 9 October

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Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

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Location: Eastern Goleta Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, United States

San Marcos - Painted Cave Climb

1. La Cumbre Peak – Gibraltar Road loop from Santa Barbara

2. Roadbike loop from Goleta

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