Every once in a while, you get a window of opportunity. Not a huge window, but one none the less. This morning, I had an appointment to get my car inspected. I had less than 2 hours to drop it off at the mechanic, get a ride in and head home for a scheduled conference call. With very little time, quantity took a back seat to quality.

I scampered around town to warm up, then headed over to 7th Street and began my climb up Foster Hill. Starting out steep, Foster Hill stays that way for about a mile, flattens out for a few feet (just enough to give some respite), then jets upward for 2 more miles. For the most part, there’s not much traffic, few homes, a couple working farms and at the top, the Malibu Dude Ranch. This makes for a quiet climb with a few photo opps at the top.

After a rather fast descent over chopped up pavement, I headed over to Old Milford Road and hung a left on Skyline Drive. Appropriately named, Skyline Drive quickly gets up above the tree line. A community of luxury homes, splattered on a picturesque mountaintop with lots of Pine trees and switchbacks give it a very nordic feel.

On the way down, caution and burning brake pads were the perfect ingredients for a steep, twisty descent. Back in town, I took a short cool down spin and arrived at my car in the nick of time. If you give this route a go, your climbing needs will definitely be met.

What’s playing (what am I listening to while writing or what’s dancing around in my head while riding) – today – Foriegner – Feels Like the First Time