Monitor Pass and Ebbetts Pass - Bear Valley

On previous pages I have broken Monitor and Ebbetts passes into separate rides. Now it is time for a real challenge. Combine these two rides into one massive effort. If you begin from Markleeville the ride is about 108 miles. It is 98 miles if you begin at the intersection of highway 89 and CA 4. I would suggest but it is by no means mandatory to begin with Monitor Pass. Climb to the summit and descent to US 395 then return to the summit and back down to the cutoff. Turn left on Route 4 and head to Ebbetts summit down through Hermit Valley and then climbing Pacific Grade to Lake Alpine and Bear Valley (have lunch you'll need it) and return to where you began the ride. I won't re describe the rides but will provide the stats below. This is a most challenging ride and if you can complete this ride in good shape you can do the Death Ride or Mt Shasta Summit Century events in good shape. These two rides are approximately 135 miles in length and have around 16,000 feet of elevation gain. Both of these are great events and good tests if you are into all day challenges. The Mt Shasta Super Century has about 2/3 less riders than the popular Death Ride but both are very challenging. For more info on these rides here are links to their websites. Be sure to pace yourself and be prepared for a long day. I am relatively slow and this ride took me just over 9 hours of riding time.

Distance 98 Miles Elevation Gain 13,200 Feet Keys to the Ride 1. Start in Markleeville or at the Junction of CA 89 and CA 4 (Ebbetts and Pacific are on 4 - Monitor Pass is route 89. 2. I recommend doing Monitor Pass first then Ebbetts. 3. Rt 89 is Monitor Pass to US 395. Rt 4 is Ebbetts Pass and Pacific Grade to Alpine Lake and Bear Valley. 4. Pacific Grade will be tough for this ride if you do Monitor first. Be prepared. 4. Watch out for weather changes it can change quickly in these mountains. 5. Lake Alpine and Bear Valley have places to eat and pick up additional supplies if needed. 6. The climb back from Bear Valley is much easier than the climb getting there. 7. Be sure to either carry or pick up food and drinks for the ride back.

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