Travelling to Morgan Hill CA, Road or Gravel bike?

[Stonzie]

I'm headed to Morgan Hill at the end of March and am planning on bringing a bike. I'm hoping to get 2-3, 1.5-2 hr rides in depending on my schedule. Planning on bringing my steel roadie with 28mm tires but judging by some of the terrain I see, I may be better off bringing my gravel bike and 2 sets of wheels (though the gravel bike isn't quite as fun on the road). Bike and route recommendations are appreciated!

[Dr Luxurious]

Absolutely bring the gravel and extra set of road wheels.
You'll want to do dirt and road for sure. TONS of options around here.

EG

https://www.strava.com/routes/2844012747041973714

https://www.strava.com/routes/26011795

https://www.strava.com/routes/26199660

https://www.strava.com/routes/18482153

(I hope these open for you)

Also check out Calero Park.

Make a trip 45 minutes south to Fort Ord in Monterey (where Sea Otter takes place)

and 100s more...

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by Dr Luxurious

Absolutely bring the gravel and extra set of road wheels.
You'll want to do dirt and road for sure. TONS of options around here.

.

I would normally agree with you, but with all the floods, I'm not sure how many of those routes are open/rideable at all. Under the circumstances, he might be better off sticking to the road bike and the inland side of the mountains.

[Spdntrxi]

more rain coming Sunday and some next week... I'd bring road.

[Dr Luxurious]

good point.

[Hindmost]

Ride around the reservoirs. Hicks Almadin. Mt Madonna. Mt Umnum.

[Ken Robb]

The weather report would discourage me from bringing a bike but it would ENCOURAGE me to find a restaurant with an excellent wine list and a cozy fireplace.

[pinoymamba]

I’d act as tour guide but I forgot how to ride a bike.

[Stonzie]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm coming from Seattle so I guess I should bring fenders regardless of the bike choice!

[Stonzie]

Originally Posted by Dr Luxurious

Absolutely bring the gravel and extra set of road wheels.
You'll want to do dirt and road for sure. TONS of options around here.

EG

https://www.strava.com/routes/2844012747041973714

https://www.strava.com/routes/26011795

https://www.strava.com/routes/26199660

https://www.strava.com/routes/18482153

(I hope these open for you)

Also check out Calero Park.

Make a trip 45 minutes south to Fort Ord in Monterey (where Sea Otter takes place)

and 100s more...

The strava links don't open unfortunately, do you have ridewithgps routes? Thanks for sharing!

[prototoast]

Originally Posted by Stonzie

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm coming from Seattle so I guess I should bring fenders regardless of the bike choice!

That might not be necessary. It's not about the rain per se. It's that a whole bunch of roads and trails got washed away. They're simply impassable/access to the public is prohibited. And more.might get shut down after the next round of rain.

But you can check the forecast closer to the days of your travel, because the roads around Morgan Hill might be dry.

[Kyle h]

I just got back from riding in the Bay Area and Santa Cruz. I would probably not want to be on any non-paved surfaces for a while with all the rain, that being said, your bike is going to be filthy regardless so I’d take whatever bike you’re going to be less worried about. We ran into a few roads that were closed to auto traffic but you could definitely get through on a hike without safety concern. That being said, gorgeous riding to be had regardless.

[Gibran]

Definitely bring the road bike. The trails around here have been hit pretty hard by all the weather that we have had. Doable with a mountain bike but not so fun on a gravel bike. If you’re staying in town, don’t miss riding up to Henry Coe. It’s a great climb with minimal traffic.
Shoot me a message if you want any info.

[72gmc]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

The weather report would discourage me from bringing a bike but it would ENCOURAGE me to find a restaurant with an excellent wine list and a cozy fireplace.

Good advice but do you need encouragement for this?

[Ken Robb]

Originally Posted by 72gmc

Good advice but do you need encouragement for this?

No, but if you're ever around the North Shore of Lake Tahoe I highly recommend Soule Domaine.