Brief Overview

From Rattlesnake Bar Park at Folsom Lake (el. 466') to Auburn (el. 1,300') you climb gradually for the first 6 miles, except for one mile on Shirland Tract Rd (mile 3.5 to 4.5) of steep switchbacks. When you arrive into the Auburn neighborhoods (mile 6), you will proceed behind neighborhoods, through state park gate, past Railhead and continuing through Auburn neighborhoods with numerous turns (minimal elevation change from mile 6-10). From the Highway 49 signal at Lincoln Way, you will climb 1.5 miles to another signal intersection at Foresthill Rd signal light at the east edge of Auburn.

From there you will follow freeway frontage roads for three miles with minimal elevation change. Turnaround is just before Bell Rd at mile 13. Peak elevation on the route is 1,650' (just before turnaround). Return on the same route for five miles, losing 350' to Railhead Park. Pass with caution through the signal lights at Foresthill Rd and Hwy 49. 

Detailed Description

Exit transition area at Rattlesnake Bar boat launch parking lot onto windy park road heading to park exit gate. Right at stop sign to exit park on paved road. Begin a steady climb on Rattlesnake Rd heading towards Auburn . Stay Right at traffic island (mile 1.7) to remain on Rattlesnake Rd , following Auburn arrow on sign.

Continue gentle climb and arrive at "Scotty's Corner" Feed Store and turn sharply Right onto Shirland Tract Rd (mile 3.3). Busy Auburn-Folsom Rd is just beyond your turn at this weird 3-way corner. Quickly, Shirland Tract offers one mile of steep switchbacks and awesome views of Folsom Lake and Sacramento Valley before a brief roller coaster section and a final gradual push to Maidu Dr in Auburn .

Once you summit on Shirland Tract, turn quickly right on Montana, then Right on Maidu Dr. at mile 6. Climb briefly then descend briefly as you follow this wide, deserted road that skirts Auburn neighborhoods along the rim of the canyon. After a 90-degree bend and the descent bottom, continue straight into the Auburn State Park property (large green gate - leaving Maidu Dr when it banks 90 degrees and heads uphill steeply). Notice the Auburn bike trail signs that match the route for the next five miles through town.

Enjoy a nice smooth descent on this wide road with a fantastic view of the American River below (sharing route with the run course). Near the end of pavement, turn Left onto narrow access lane (rough pavement) that climbs up to Pacific Ave (gate will be open race day). Turn Right on Pacific Ave and proceed past the Overlook finish line. Turn Right onto the narrow Gum Lane (just before railroad tracks). Proceed past Maki Heating and Air building (blow them a kiss, they gave permission for the race to pass thru their private road), banking hard right into the rear parking lot. Proceed through the rear parking lot and head up the paved lane/bike trail, then quickly down to Belmont St and turn Left.

Then Left on Belmont St, quickly Right onto Gold St, then quickly Left onto Virginia St. Follow the 90 degree turn then climb a short steep hill to the T-junction at Brook St. Left on Brook (only choice) and immediately stay left at the traffic island. Caution: Yield cars at traffic island.

Follow the double yellow line of the most prominent Brook St through a few cross streets and a soft bank to the left, where name of road changes to Marvin Way . Proceed on Marvin to the 4-way intersection and turn Right onto Borland St. Proceed on Borland St past businesses and through the Auburn PD-controlled intersection of Highway 49.

Name changes to Lincoln Way as you begin a substantial 2-mile climb to the east end of Auburn and the busy intersection of Foresthill Rd. Proceed Straight through CHP-controlled intersection, past Raley's shopping center and other businesses.

From here the road is relatively flat for a few miles of freeway frontage. Turn Left at Bowman Undercrossing Rd (SS), crossing under I-80, then immediately Right on Bowman Rd. Follow Bowman Rd freeway frontage, descend briefly and approach the signal intersection of Bell Rd. Turnaround is just before Bell Rd at the Park&Ride lot - mile 13. Peak elevation on the route is 1,650' (just before turnaround). Return on the same route for five miles, losing 350' to Railhead Park. Pass with caution through the signal lights at Foresthill Rd and Hwy 49.