Sierra Cascades south of Lake Isabella?

[MrBent]

I now find myself living on an ACA route!  Very cool.  I'm not in the market for the maps, but I was wondering if anyone with a set could tell me if the climb along Hwy 58 goes all the way to Tehachapi, or does the route cut off at Keen and take the Woodford/Tehachapi road--very much preferred?

One MUST take Hwy 58 for about 5 miles (excellent shoulder), but the route really should cut off at Keen for a fine, quiet, super beautiful ascent.  I frequently ride between Tehachapi and Bakersfield, and I've toured a few times from Tehachapi to Lake Isabella and beyond, so I know what I'm talking about.

Cheers!

Scott

[JHamelman]

I now find myself living on an ACA route!  Very cool.  I'm not in the market for the maps, but I was wondering if anyone with a set could tell me if the climb along Hwy 58 goes all the way to Tehachapi, or does the route cut off at Keen and take the Woodford/Tehachapi road--very much preferred?

One MUST take Hwy 58 for about 5 miles (excellent shoulder), but the route really should cut off at Keen for a fine, quiet, super beautiful ascent.  I frequently ride between Tehachapi and Bakersfield, and I've toured a few times from Tehachapi to Lake Isabella and beyond, so I know what I'm talking about.

It just so happens, I have access to a Sierra Cascades map. =)

What you describe is exactly what we have mapped for that area. Heading southbound, the route is on SR 58 for 5.1 miles between Bealeville Rd. and Keene then goes on Woodford Tehachapi Rd. to Red Apple Ave. and beyond through Tehachapi. We have received reports of signage on SR 58 that bicycles are prohibited but believe they were placed there in error. CALTRANS has been alerted.

Great to have you on the route!

.Jennifer.

[MrBent]

Hi, Jennifer:  Thanks for the reply.  Excellent news.  That climb up Bealville is a MONSTER.  Bring your grannies.   

Riders should not have a problem on the shoulder of Hwy 58.  I ride it about once a week during the school year and I'm never bothered.  The highway patrol, I think, is aware that there are no other options in this area.  Shoulder is wide, with rumble strips, and now, unfortunately, chip seal--the Devil's pavement.

Cheerios,

Scott