Shell Creek Wildflower Ride

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El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA, US

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Route Overview

Jardine Ranch's Country Nut House

Paso Robles, California

69 mi.

3,246 ft.

The Shell Creek Wildflower Ride will take you on parts of the route used by the very popular Wildflower Century Ride put on by the San Luis Obispo Bike Club. The ride on Shell Creek Road is just spectacular when the hills are covered in Wildflowers.

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Route Details

This ride starts in @poi[downtown Paso Robles at the City Park](1117130). There is plenty of food, water, and restrooms in the area to get you off to a good start. The ride heads South on Vine Street to First Street where you will take the bridge to cross over the Salinas River.  The Walmart shopping center is where you will turn right and head out of town on South River Road.  You will be gradually climbing away from the Salinas River riding through ranch, farms, vineyards, and wineries on the way out to the Creston area.  The small town of @poi[Creston](1117133) is a short distance off the route and you can ride to it for food, water, or restrooms if they are needed.  There is a gradual climb on La Panza Road as you leave the Creston area and ride towards Black Mountain and @slice[Shell Creek Road](d,43051.94,60190.4).  Shell Creek Road runs a very gradual downhill all the way to Shandon.  @poi[Shandon](1117135) has a store or two in town and a very nice @poi[park](1117134) to take a break in.  There are restrooms, water, and a picnic area in the park.  The return to Paso Robles starts on Highway 41 as it wanders through vineyards, ranches, and farm land.  The climb to the top of the Eddie grade will give you a @poi[view](1118324) of the whole Creston valley before you enjoy the downhill to Camp 8 road.  Camp 8 road borders @poi[Creston Farms](1118325) which was originally a stud farm for race horses.  You should still see the buildings and race track on this large acreage.  Creston Road will take you all the way back to Paso Robles where you will be directed to your starting point in the city park.

## Points of Interest
* @poi[Paso Robles City Park](1117130) with the Carnegie Library in the middle, bathrooms, and water.
* @poi[Spearhead Coffee](1117131) one block from the start of the ride if you want some coffee.
* The country town of @poi[Creston](1117133)
* @slice[Shell Creek Road](d,43199.98,60282.39) visit in the spring time for the wildflowers.
* @poi[Shandon Park](1117134) for restrooms, water, picnic area, and a nice place to take a break.
* @poi[Creston Farms](daf7f2067261734fad0b0000) which was originally a stud farm for race horses.  You should still see the buildings and race track on this large acreage.

## Regroup or rest places
* @point[Mile 8.4](d,13528.72)  El Pomar Junction is often used as a regroup point.
* @point[Mile 11.4](d,18272.31) The turn onto Cripple Creek road is often used as a regroup point.
* @point[Mile 14.1](d,22734.61) is the road to the town of Creston if you want to go there.
* @point[Mile 24.1](d,38801.71) at the turn onto Highway 58 is used as a regroup point.
* @poi[Mile 26.9](1117132) on Shell Creek Road is a nice rest area.
* @poi[Mile 42.9](1117134) Shandon Park for restrooms, water, picnic area, and a nice place to take a break.
* @point[Mile 57.7](d,92817.17) Camp 8 and Creston Road is often used as a regroup point.

## Cautions
* @point[Cattleguard](d,43042.18) at the start of Shell Creek Road
* @point[Cattleguard](d,46900.35) at mile 29.1 Shell Creek Road
* @point[Cattleguard](d,52097.76) at mile 32.4 Shell Creek Road
* @point[Narrow bridge](d,99870.12) at mile 62.1 Creston Road there is no shoulder on the short bridge.  Riding in the middle of the lane is the safest thing to do.

## Notes

This is one of my favorite rides but there are parts that are a long ways from help.  Make sure your bike is in good working order before you start.  There are many parts where there is no cell phone service.  This is a great ride to get away from it all and just enjoy the country.

Shell Creek Wildflower Ride

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Jardine Ranch's Country Nut House

Around the Hills To Adelaida

To the Quicksilver Mines

Cayucos Triangle

Cruising California's Highway 1

Huer Huero Creek Backroads

Hogs Wild

GWBR Eastside small winery tour

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