Above is a photo from just outside of Bear Valley looking down highway 49 to the Merced River. This is the ultimate bike ride. It has everything - flats, rolling hills, mountains and great scenery. There is minimal taffic. It's about 57 miles with approximately 5500' cumulative feet of climbing. I usually drive to Merced Falls and start the bike ride from that point; but you can ride from Turlock instead of driving and add another 65 miles of biking to this ride. Don't try this ride unless you're in top shape and, during the summer months, get an early start to avoid the heat. You will rarely encounter another cyclist out here.

• Drive east on Keyes Road to Snelling, turn left when the road ends at Highway 59 - Merced Falls Road. Continue another 6 miles on Merced Falls Road until it makes a 90 degree left turn just past the PG&E substation. Almost immediately after Merced Falls Road curves to the left, turn right onto Hornitos Road. Continue about 1/4 mile and then park the car under the trees just before the bridge over the Merced River.
  
  
• Hop on your bike, cross over the bridge and immediately begin a long gentle climb of 8 miles to Hornitos. There will be one extended 5% climb on this stretch.
  
  
• Turn left onto Bear Valley Road at Hornitos. There is a county park with water and clean restrooms. If it is after 10:00 a.m., the gift shop on the left side of the road as you head out of town will be open for snacks and Gatorade on most days. This is a true ghost town from the gold mining era of the mid 1800s. On a warm day be sure to replenish your water bottles before leaving here as it's a long trek before more water is available.
  
  
• Continue east on Bear Valley Road. There will be a gradual incline for several miles until you reach the timber-line. At this point you begin an extended 8-12% climb for the next several miles before reaching the summit.
  
  
• After reaching the 2500' summit, there is a fast descent of about 2 miles down to Highway 49. There used to be a small store immediately to the right of the stop sign where you could previously buy Gatorade and snacks; but it went out of business in 2007.
  
  
• As you depart Bear Valley, go to North on Highway 49 toward Coulterville and begin a 4-5% climb for about 1.5 miles to an overlook (see picture above) with a spectactular and intimidating view of what awaits you for the next segment of the ride.
  
  
• Enjoy the steep and winding 4 mile descent down to the bridge over the Merced River. Immediately before the bridge, at the entrance to the Bagby Recreation Area, there are clean restrooms with flush toilets about 50 yards off the highway on the right. There is also water. It has a slight taste of sulfur; but it is safe to drink. I recommend replenishing your water bottles here.
  
  
• Endure the relentless 7 mile climb up the other side. The first two miles of this stretch are the worst with about a 7-8% grade. The latter part is mostly 4-5% with a few brief steeper portions.
  
  
• After reaching the summit at 2300', savour the 4 mile gradual descent into the historic mining town of Coulterville. There are clean restrooms at the county park. The Coulter Cafe is one block up the main street on the left side of the street. They provide friendly service and great sandwiches. It also includes a small store with Gatorade and snacks.
  
  
• As you depart Coulterville cross over Highway 49 onto Highway 132 toward Modesto and enjoy the long descent down to Lake McClure before a 1.5 mile climb up the other side of the hills.
  
  
• After climbing up from Lake McClure, you will face some rolling hills with a couple of brief steep climbs.
  
  
• Turn left on Merced Falls Road. If you need food or drink there is a store a couple hundred yards past Merced Falls Road on Highway 132. This last stretch is about 13 miles. The first few miles are rolling hills with a couple of short steep climbs followed by a long gradual descent with the wind at your back.
  
  
• If you parked your car at Merced Falls, turn left onto Hornitos Road just before your reach the PG&E substation at the end of Merced Falls Road.