Meet at Panera
We should clear this up right away. The Palmer route is not named for or after Doug Palmer. This is just the last climb in a series that, when you think about it, makes you wince and declare someone insane. However, the roads aren’t impassable. These climbs are doable and should please the rider that completes them. After the usual social amenities all riders will leave the Panera parking lot and head towards scenic Telephone Rd. Turning left at Clark climb a short distance before descending to Dominion. Dominion has several “rollers” before we make a right turn on Palmer. The climb up Palmer and then descent to 101 will make riders feel like they have made a major accomplishment. Wait, there’s more. 101 has a long, gentle climb before dropping into beautiful Santa Maria Valley. Exit Clark and decide which way to head home.
Approximately 40 miles and 2,500 of climbing.