Tenaja Pump and La Cresta Loop

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Temecula, CA, US

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Route Overview

Temecula Velo Bicycle Club

Recreational Road Cycling

52 mi.

2,658 ft.

Fun ride through rural So Cal estates with country roads, challenging climbs and ecological preserves.

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Route Details

**The La Cresta Loop is a challenging ride through an unincorporated development in the Santa Anna mountains just west of Murrieta. It can be accomplished before lunch for early risers. La Cresta is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts with hiking and mountain bike trails and miles of roads featuring climbs and views.**

The route starts at Temecula Velo's regular weekend meeting location which has free parking and a variety of refreshment options before and after your ride. This ride is great year round, but during the summer plan on getting an early start to beat the heat. Count on wind most afternoons, usually from the west.

Water is available at the @poi[Tenaja Water Pump](4120469) throughout most the year, but be sure you have enough water to get to the water pumps before you cross Washington onto Calle Oso de Oro in Murrieta. That is your last reliable @poi[water stop](4120958) before the pump at the Tenaja Trail Head.

Riders comfortable with sharing roads with car traffic will be comfortable with the ride to and from the bottom of the Clinton Keith climb up into La Cresta. When you reach the @point[stop sign at the top of Clinton Keith Rd](d,26681.06) you'll know you've finished the first big climb of the day.

@slice[When you make your turn onto Tenaja Rd you'll notice a sign suggesting caution for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians as the road is steep and narrow.](d,31618.13,32788.11) Riders comfortable with sharing roads with cars will be comfortable on this short stretch. The road opens up and reveals some fun curves and hills on your way to the @photo[water pump](2655585).

On the way back out of La Cresta you'll be treated to some fast roads with little car traffic and if you happen to have a tail wind you get to feel like a superhero! Avenida La Cresta will present you with a breif climb followed by a substantial descent back to the top of Clinton Keith Rd. It is a steep road where your speed can reach nearly @slice[45 mph in places](d,54507.4,56603.28). Right before the end you'll come to a @point[3 way stop at the bottom of a hill](d,56590.31). Use caution here and do not ride beyond your comfort level.

Along the route you can count on water from these locations.

* @poi[Stage 2 Cyclery in Murrieta](4120957)
* @poi[Carl's Jr in Murrieta (Last water before the water pump)](4120958)
* @poi[Water Pump at Tenaja Trail Head](4120469)

[Stage 2 Cyclery](http://stage2cyclery.com) is also open Tuesday through Sunday starting at 10am on weekend and 10:30am on weekdays. Check their website for up to date hours.

# Important Reminders

Parking is always abundant at the shopping center on Temecula Parkway and Camino Del Sol in Temecula, however club members usually park a few isles away from the Starbucks so we don't use up close customer parking.

For riders from flat or cooler areas we recommend carrying a third water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated during warmer months. The dry heat this area experiences can dry out a cyclist very quickly.

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Tenaja Pump and La Cresta Loop

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