Balcom Wall Ride

The highlight of this ride is the Balcom Canyon Wall. The Balcom Canyon Road washed out in the El Nino rains in 1998 and was only recently reopened (December 2002). CVC made the first climb up the Balcom Wall on the weekend before the road was reopened.

The ride includes a tricky descent down Grimes Canyon. You also get a nice ride through the citrus orchards near Fillmore.

The Balcom Canyon Wall is a 20% climb. It may even peak at 22%, but it is hard to tell when you are working so hard. The climb is spectacular. At the beginning of the climb, the narrow canyon opens up to give you a view of the entire climb. It is an intimidating view.

Start at the Bank of America parking lot.

MileDistanceTurnDirectionStreetComments
0.00.7LNWilbur Rd.
0.75.0LNMoorpark Rd.Descent down Norwegian Grade is narrow and curvy
5.72.0RNMoorpark Rd.
7.70.5LWTierra Rejada
8.22.0RNSpring Rd.
10.21.8LWHigh St.
12.08.8RNBroadway (Hwy 23)Careful: Steep descent down Grimes Canyon
20.81.3LWBardsdale Rd.Turn left when 23 turns sharp right. Good regroup spot.
22.10.5LSSespe Rd.
22.62.8RWSouth Mountain Rd.
24.43.8LNBalcom Canyon Rd.20% climb! Regroup at top.
28.21.1LEBalcom Canyon Rd.
29.34.5LEStockton Rd.
33.84.9LEBroadway Rd.Becomes Hwy 23
38.70.5LEHigh St.
39.22.2RSSpring St.Regroup at the liquor store near corner of High and Spring.
41.40.5LETierra Rejada
41.92.0RSMoorpark Rd.Alternative to climbing Norwegian Grade (adds 7.7 miles):
  • Continue on Tierra Rejada
  • Turn right on Madera (becomes Olsen)
  • Turn left on Moorpark
43.95.0LEMoorpark Rd.Caution: Climb up Norwegian Grade is narrow and curvy
48.90.7RWWilbur Rd.
49.6doneRWBank of America parking lot


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