Scalatore is Italian for climber, and this route takes in all of the major strade bianche ascents featured in the Heroic ride without the all of the distance. Riders will have a nice warm-up as they head south to the seaside village of Cayucos. After a brief stop, the strade bianche of Santa Rita Creek road awaits. Following the 10 km climb and technical descent, riders will pass through the town of Templeton, in the heart of the Central Coast’s wine country, before encountering the infamous Kiler Canyon. This steep, narrow section of gravel road has forced even the most seasoned riders to succumb to walking. A well-deserved rest at Halter Ranch Vineyards can’t arrive soon enough. Don’t get too comfortable, though, as the final obstacle of Cypress Mountain Drive is just around the corner. After conquering the steep, twisty climb, enjoy the 2,000-foot, white-knuckle descent back to Cambria where riders can finally relax and enjoy the coastal sunset.
Points of Interest
Cypress Mountain Summit
Cayucos Pier & State Beach
Santa Rita Summit
Kiler at Peachy Canyon
Tin Canteen
Halter Ranch Vineyard
Cypress Mountain Summit
Halter Ranch Vineyard
Halter Ranch is a vineyard and winery situated on the west side of Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast. Founded in 2000, Halter Ranch has a rich history and a commitment to sustainable methods and environmental stewardship. The ranch today spans over 2000 acres, with 281 acres of SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certified wine grapes, 15 acres of walnuts, and 10 acres of olives. Their modern tasting room is nestled between blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Grenache with panoramic views of the property. During Eroica, this stop will be offering food.
Cypress Mountain Summit
Take a break at the peak of Cypress Mountain Drive, reaching more than 2,200 feet in altitude. During Eroica California, there will be water and snacks at this stop, but there is no business here to provide those amenities outside of the race.
Cayucos Pier & State Beach
Cayucos State Beach is known for its fishing pier, beautiful beach, and historical buildings, many of which are left over from the prospering old town and still stand as a variety of businesses, such as restaurants, antique stores, and specialty shops. The sandy beach offers mild weather, and many visitors take advantage of local-favorite weather sports, like surfing, boogie boarding, swimming, and kayaking. Lifeguards are on duty during peak summer months. There are picnic tables, play equipment, restrooms, and outside showers available. During Eroica California, this stop features food from the Sea Shanty.
Santa Rita Summit
Pause at the top of Santa Rita Road to catch your breath and some beautiful views. During Eroica California, this stop will offer water and snacks, but there is no business here to provide those amenities outside of the race.
Olea Farm
Olea Farm is the perfect embodiment of the European ideals and traditions that are a quintessential part of the olive oil culture. A visit to their tasting room, located just outside the historic town of Templeton, is like taking a day trip through the European countryside. The Olea Farm olive oil tasting room is a quaint and cozy place to enjoy some of the best olive oil California has to offer. Open weekends from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and weekdays by appointment, the tasting room is just a quick drive off Highway 101. During Eroica California, Olea Farm will be offering food at their stop.
Tin Canteen
This Paso Robles restaurant offers wood-fired oven pizzas, fresh pasta, and more, all inspired by the coastal California area in which the restaurant resides. During Eroica California, this stop will provide food to riders.
Kiler at Peachy Canyon
During Eroica California, this stop at the intersection of Kiler Canyon Road and Peachy Canyon Road will offer water and snacks, but there is no business here to provide those amenities outside of the race.