Route and Starting Location

Route Description
2024Route map - click to see larger version

Click on the map to see a larger version. Full-size black and white maps will be available at the registration desk. RideWithGPS routes will be provided by email before the ride.

2024 Route profiles - click to see larger version

Click on the profile to see a larger version.

Many changes have been made to the Tierra Bella routes this year! A selection of four routes have been chosen for the Tierra Bella this year.

There is no longer a“100 K”, but instead we have 30, 50, 74, and 101 mile routes to choose from. Each route approximately doubles the amount of climbing of the one before it: 711, 1860, 3713, and 7182 feet. We have something for every rider!

All routes end with post-ride festivities at Christmas Hill Park. Your parking is just a quick mile's ride away.

30 miles with 711 feet of climbing

If you have not ridden much over the winter, we recommend this relatively flat route through Gilroy and a big loop out to San Martin Heading west and loop around bucolic roads near Gilroy. There are lots of new roads and scenery to experience on this shorter route. Follow the yellow arrows.

50 miles with 1,860 feet of climbing

This route starts with a loop out to San Martin. Heading west, ride past both Chesbro Reservoir and stop at the Uvas Reservoir rest stop before returning through Gilroy. Follow the green arrows.

74 miles with 3,713 feet of climbing

This route starts off with the traditional climb up to Gilroy Hot Springs followed by a descent of Canada Rd. Then you head north to San Martin, before continuing into Morgan Hill. Continuing north, you climb up Willow Springs Rd, past Chesbro Reservoir and then turn south, stopping at the Uvas reservoir rest stop before continuing to Redwood Retreat and the finish in Gilroy. Follow the blue arrows.

101 miles with 7,182 feet of climbing

This century ride contains all of the options from the routes. First you climb up to Gilroy Hot Springs and descend Canada Rd. Then you go north past San Martin before starting the challenging climb up to Henry Coe. You next across Morgan Hill and climb up Willow Springs Rd, past Chesbro Reservoir then head south and stop at the Uvas reservoir rest stop before continuing to Redwood Retreat and the finish in Gilroy. Follow the orange arrows.

We use “Ride With GPS” mileage and climbing totals. We will provide RideWithGPS downloadable routes to registered riders as the date approaches. These routes may be used off-line with the RideWithGPS smartphone apps and other GPS units.

Starting Location

All rides start at Gilroy High School, 750 W. 10th St., Gilroy, CA, about 35 miles south of San Jose. If you are heading south on Highway 101 from Gilroy, take exit 356 for 10th St/CA-152 E, turn left on Princevalle St and follow our parking volunteers' instructions.

If you are approaching Gilroy from the south, take exit 356 for 10th St/CA-152 E, turn left on Princevalle St and follow our parking volunteers' instructions.

Starting Times

Please plan to start your ride according to the following schedule:

101 Miles 7:00 to 8:00 AM
74 Miles 7:30 to 8:30 AM
50 Miles 8:00 to 9:00 AM
30 Miles 9:00 to 10:00 AM

The course closes at 5:00 PM. Riders must start and finish during this interval. Rest stop cut-off times listed on the route sheet will be strictly observed.

We have support from volunteer mechanics and local bicycle shops (details subject to change).

Parking & Accommodations

Parking at Gilroy High School is limited and free. Please rely on our friendly, helpful parking staff (in orange safety vests) to direct you, including to our overflow lot. Carpools are encouraged. Please do not park in Christmas Hill Park.

There is no overnight parking or camping at Gilroy High School or Christmas Hill Park. For a list of local motels and campgrounds, please see FAQs for links to lodging facilities.

Last modified: March 20, 2024
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Copyright 2024, Almaden Cycle Touring Club (ACTC), Inc. All rights reserved. ACTC is a not-for-profit organization based in San José, California.