Gold lakes loop

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Plumas County, CA, US

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Route Overview

Rick Madden

Staying the course throughout the Reno-Tahoe area

61 mi.

4,268 ft.

This route has it all...sustained climbs, thrilling descents and natural beauty with very few cars.

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Route Details

If I had to name a favorite ride in this area, the Gold Lakes Loop would be it. Every time I ride this I am blown away by the quiet roads, the natural beauty and the long but civil climbs.

My favorite start point to beat the ever-present afternoon winds is across from highway from the north terminus of @photo[Beckwourth-Calpine Rd](819389). You will get a nice, flat warm-up before the climbs start in earnest. This is ranch country. Pickups and horse trailers, but not much else. Put your tempo guy on the front and let him do all the work until you hit highway 49.

Once you make the turn at Sattley, the road tilts up at a very nice grade, @slice[averaging 5-6%](d,24828.52,36179.52). I like to ride this route in the spring and fall when most of the campers are back at work. I've ridden this entire climb many times when just a few cars have passed me. The road is in great shape. @photo[At the top](819425) you will find a welcome pit toilet in the USFS campground.

As fun as the climb is, the @slice[descent](d,36600.49,47135.88) is 10 times better! Again, a nice grade that you can just rip down without touching the brakes. On the way down you will catch a glimpse of the magnificent @photo[Sierra Buttes](819391). You will roll right into the little hamlet of Bassetts. There is a small general store there where you can load up on snacks and refreshments. You won't see another store for 25 miles.

Once you turn onto Gold Lakes Highway you will quickly notice the pavement isn't the same silky surface as on the previous climb. However, the views may make you forgive the roadway engineers. You'll see more of the Sierra Buttes and @photo[alpine lakes](819390). You know, the good stuff you ride your bike to see. The @slice[climb](d,47352.04,56645.86) is a little shorter than the previous, but the @slice[descent](d,59957.85,71956.29) is a barn-burner, over 2,000' in 7.5 miles!

It's funny how the hardest part of the day isn't what you might think it is. After climbing over 3,000' already, the short @slice[600'+ bump on Portola McLears Rd](d,76731.31,84415.9) hardly looks like anything. But it's the hottest part of the day, your legs are screaming and this road seems relentless. But have no fear, Portola is just down the road and things will ease from here.

The ride back to the car is a breeze from here, usually with a nice tailwind at your back. Relax and enjoy the ride.

Gold Lakes Highway is not a plowed road in the winter. Check the Sierra County website for current conditions. You can take an alternate route from Sattley up state route 89, which shortens the route considerably. It's a narrow, twisty road with considerable traffic though.

As mentioned, there is only two places to get food and water. Portola is always open for business, but is close to the end of the route. Bassetts General Store is only open for business certain months of the year. As usual, mountain weather can change in a moments notice. Please be prepared.

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Gold lakes loop

Route Overview

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