This is a steep up and down. You'll encounter a mix of deteriorating <br />
pavement, gravel and dirt in the first couple miles up. The ocean will be at <br />
your back, but make sure you stop every once in awhile to look back and <br />
take in some of the scenery. On your way up, you'll pass a port-o-potty on <br />
the right. Good if nature calls and you didn't pick up beforehand. The <br />
ascent is steady and relentless. There isn't much to see on your way up <br />
otherwise. Montara Mountain peaks with a slew of tranmitter towers to <br />
keep you company while you catch your breath. Your reward for the sweat <br />
equity fronted is a long, fast downhill. Make sure you check your brakes <br />
before you head up. I didn't check mine before my ride and it was a white-<br />
knuckled ride back trying to squeeze any bit of stopping power out of my <br />
mechanical disc brakes. There are some rocky sections and some sandy <br />
corners so stay focused and don't overestimate your abilities less you want <br />
your bike to fly perilously off the side of the mountain a 100 feet down. Be <br />
sure to layer as I began my ride in sunshine, but the top was covered with <br />
fog and mist. In summary, a definite workout up, but the ride down will get <br />
your blood pumpin! Happy Trails!
Heading up from Half Moon Bay on Highway 1 for about 10 miles, you will find <br /><br />the small parking lot at the trailhead marked by a yellow metal gate on the <br /><br />east side of the highway. Lot is just past Montara State Beach and is good for <br /><br />about 6 cars. Make sure you don't pass Devil's Slide. There is another larger <br /><br />lot 0.2 miles farther south at Montara State Beach.
http://www.singletracks.com/item.php?c=1&i=4654