Oceanside - Palomar Mountain - Oceanside

Cat. 1: Mile 42

Cat. 3: Mile 16 and 70

Cat. 4: Mile 27, 82, and 87

Oceanside - Palomar Mountain - Oceanside is a scenic back country century with solid climbing. The ride starts in Oceanside Harbor and leads east on San Luis Rey River bike trail. Next North River Road and Old River Road head towards Bonsall. Then West Lilac Road crosses Freeway 15 and gradually ascends towards Valley Center.

Eventually Woods Valley Road and Lake Wohlford Road lead to Valley Center Road, which continues down Rincon Grade passing the casino. Pauma Valley marks the start of the Palomar climb. The first five miles are on Highway 76 and the second seven miles on South Grade Road (photos, photos).

The top of Palomar Mountain is the farthest and highest point of the ride. To make the return to Oceanside more interesting, the route back is mostly different. After the descent, it follows Highway 76 to Cole Grade Road, a short but steep climb.

Then Valley Center Road leads back to Valley Center, from where Lilac Road and Old Castle Road continue on to Freeway 15. Gopher Canyon Road, Little Gopher Canyon Road, Old River Road, and North River Road head back towards Bonsall, and the bike trail back to Oceanside Harbor.