for Bay Area locals and others: Willow Creek Road on a road bike?

[eddief]

There was some discussion here a few days ago about the Levi Gran Fondo and a mention of the Willow Creek Road part of the ride. Well I live here and don't know much about it, but I was riding with another person the other day who mentioned that route to me. I was thinking of doing a loop from Occidental to Duncans Mills then getting on Willow Creek Road at Bridgehaven.

Have you done it?

Is it a ball?

What's the condition of the gravel part?

Can I do it on 28mm tires or do I need knobs?

[John H.]

Totally doable on a road bike.
Just one spot that is steep enough where you might not make it.

[nrs5000]

The approach has the worst surfaces. The climb itself is nice. There is one steep pitch that might be a bit of a challenge but it's short.

[weaponsgrade]

I've done it on a road bike - vittoria evo cx 23 tubulars. It was fine and I'd do it again.

[donevwil]

Done both up and down on a road bike. Up is no issue unless it's right after a heavy rain, while down was slightly hairy on the steep pitch in good conditions.