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The Fresno Cycling Club Climb to Kaiser

IT IS OFFICIAL!

The 2023 Climb to Kaiser, has been cancelled. The US Forest Service advised that the snow is so deep they don’t expect to have the road to Kaiser Pass cleared before June 17. Even if they do, they can’t guarantee that the roads would be safe to ride on. Due to all the unknowns, they would not be able to issue the necessary permits required to hold the Climb to Kaiser this year.

The Tollhouse Century will happen as planned and the Millerton Metric will be added.

For all the riders signed up for Climb to Kaiser for 2023, there are two options:

  •        We can roll you over to next year 2024, or
  •        We can register you for the Tollhouse Century or Metric and credit you the difference in price. 

Contact us at Kaiser@fresnocycling.com with your choice.

The Tollhouse Century will remain the same with some minor changes to the route. It will enjoy the same level of support as afforded when coupled with the Climb to Kaiser. The Millerton Metric is a 72-mile ride with 3,923 feet of climb.

Due to the changes, we will be able to include the event T-shirt in the price of the route you choose.


The Fresno Cycling Club is proud to present the 45th Annual Climb To Kaiser and Tollhouse Century on Saturday, June 17, 2023.  The Climb to Kaiser is one of the most epic rides you will find. It is for those who love a challenge and are willing to put forth the training and effort to make sure they finish. Sign up for the one that suits your riding skills and abilities.

The traditional Climb To Kaiser is rated as one of the 10 toughest rides in America by Bicycling Magazine. It is 155 grueling miles with over 15,000 feet of climbing. This ride will test your mental and physical toughness. 

The Tollhouse Century is 99 miles with 8,200 feet of climbing. Perfect for the intermediate climber who aspires to complete the Climb to Kaiser but wants to feel it out first and get a taste of the Fresno foothills and heat.

Additional Information Below...

    C2K Course Description

    155 Miles / 15,500'

    Wildcat to Tollhouse Market
    Upon leaving the Wildcat Rest Stop, C2K riders will descend for 4 miles before turning left and continuing on Watts Valley Rd. and continuing up Burroughs Valley and Tollhouse Road to the Tollhouse Market rest stop. 
    Terrain: Hilly, narrow descent on backside of Wildcat, gentle 2 mile climb up to Burroughs Valley
    Traffic: Light
    Caution: Wildcat descent in narrow and twisty. Sporadic curb and gravel through Burroughs Valley, sometimes a loose dog. Descent to Tollhouse road is steep and twisty, ride within your limits.

    Tollhouse Market to Tollhouse Water Stop 
    The fun begins! Starting with a 7-mile climb up the OLD TOLLHOUSE GRADE, this climb starts off steep, gets a little easier, then just grinds on forever. Pitches up to 13%. Between gasps for breath, try to spot rock climbers on the granite outcroppings above.
    Traffic: very light
    Caution: Narrow road with blind corners. STAY in your lane, SINGLE FILE. Locals do not appreciate coming around corners and having to slam on the brakes to avoid cyclists weaving in the road.

    Tollhouse Water Stop to Shaver Lake Rest Stop 
    The last ½ mile from the water stop to HWY 168 is STEEP. C2K riders will turn right onto the highway and continue climbing along Pine Ridge to the Shaver Lake rest stop. Enjoy the scenery and shaded sections along this portion
    Terrain: More climbing, 1000’ in 7 miles
    Traffic: Light to moderate, watch for vehicles with trailers.
    Caution: Some narrow and twisty sections, no shoulder. SINGLE FILE, STAY RIGHT

    Shaver Lake Rest Stop to Big Creek Water Stop
    Riders should exit the Shaver Lake rest stop from the upper parking lot, giving them a better view of traffic in both directions. Enjoy the scenic section along Shaver Lake, turn left at the end of the lake, and a short (1 mile) climb brings one to the Big Creek descent.
    Terrain: Rollers out of Shaver Lake, steep, technical descent into Big Creek.
    Traffic: Heavy along Shaver Lake, light on Huntington Lake Road.
    Caution: Light traffic doesn’t mean no traffic, ride within your limits, stay in your lane on the descent into Big Creek. Watch for tight turns and loose gravel/sand on the road.
    NOTE: Due to concerns for rider safety and road conditions, spectator vehicles are prohibited on Huntington Lake Rd. between the turn off from Hwy 168 and the Bear Cove Lunch Stop. Riders associated with a vehicle will be disqualified. 

    Big Creek Water Stop to Bear Cove Lunch Stop 
    Up is the only way out of Big Creek. Fill up the water bottles and tackle the challenge of the Big Creek climb – 2000’ in about 3.5 miles, average grade 10% with sections up to 20%. Once you’re at the dam, most of the hard climbing is over – on this section.

    Lakeshore Resort Market Parking lot Lunch Stop to Kaiser Pass Rest Stop 
    Enjoy lunch by the lake, rest a bit, and then continue around Huntington Lake to Kaiser Pass Road. (Riders must leave the lunch stop and begin Kaiser Pass Road by 4:00 p.m.). Turn left and begin the 7 mile climb to your ultimate destination, Kaiser Pass. The grade is gentle (5-8%) until the last two miles past the snow gate, then it gets ugly again. 
    Terrain: Rollers along the lake, then a steady climb to Kaiser Pass
    Traffic: Light
    Caution: Kaiser Pass Road is extremely narrow at the top, road is very bumpy. Watch your speed on the descent as other riders are still climbing. Tree roots have forced up parts of the pavement on the descent, try not to become airborne.
    NOTE: Our operating plan with the National Forest Service limits the number of vehicles at the rest stop. Spectator vehicles are prohibited above the snow gate, riders associated with a vehicle will be disqualified. Please help us stay within our agreement by informing your friend and family.

    Kaiser Pass Rest Stop to Shaver Lake Rest Stop
    After a 7 mile descent down from Kaiser Pass, turn left on Hwy. 168 for 3 short climbs along Tamarack Ridge. Nothing too long (1-2.5 miles) nor too steep (1-6%). The 7 mile descent to Shaver Lake makes it all worthwhile. 
    Traffic: Light
    Caution: Narrow shoulder on Hwy. 168, gravel/sand on shoulder. Watch speed on descents.

    Shaver Lake Rest Stop to Pine Ridge Elementary School (Get number marked and recorded)
    Fill up the bottles at Shaver Lake Rest Stop, rest a little, and hop back on the bike to enjoy more downhill as you descend the route you climbed in the morning. Make the right at the top of the 4 lane highway onto Auberry Road. Stop at Pine Ridge Elementary School Rest Stop to top off the bottles and get your number marked and recorded.
    Traffic: Moderate on Hwy. 168, light on Auberry Rd.
    Caution: Watch speed on descents, sand and gravel in the corners. DO NOT Descend down the 4 lane highway. If you miss the checkpoint at the school, you will be DQ’ed!

    Pine Ridge Elementary School Rest Stop to Millerton Store Rest Stop 
    After some “gentle” rollers along Auberry Rd. you will descend through scenic forests before making the long descent into Auberry. (WATCH THE HAIRPIN CORNERS!) and the welcoming Valley heat. Look over your right shoulder along this stretch to catch glimpses of the high Sierra and the San Joaquin River water shed. Continue on Auberry Rd., through the quaint foothill town of Auberry. From Auberry you have a 3 mile slight downhill to Highway 168, you have a 1 mile ride on 168 (little to no shoulder) to the roundabout in Prather, stay right and continue on Auberry road to the Millerton Store rest stop before finishing in Clovis.
    Terrain: Hilly, mostly descending with some rollers along the way.
    Traffic: Moderate to heavy, especially the short stretch along Hwy. 168 before Prather, once past Prather there is Bike Lane all the way to town. 
    Caution: Watch the hairpin turns on the descent. Be sure to exit Hwy.168 in Prather at the Roundabout by staying right, heading towards Millerton Lake, ride single file, and stay right. Traffic moves very quickly along these roads. TAKE the Auberry Rd./Millerton Lake exit in Prather (bears right off of Hwy 168). DO NOT go down Morgan Canyon on Hwy. 168.

    Millerton Store to Clovis Rodeo Grounds
    Popsicles and cold towels await riders at the Millerton Store Rest Stop. More rollers await riders but the path to the finish is mostly downhill, sometimes with a tailwind, more often with a headwind. Riders must stay in the bike lane along Auberry Rd.  Follow the signs and arrows for a fast trip back to the Clovis Rodeo Grounds in downtown Clovis. 
    Terrain: Rollers, mostly a gentle downhill until Crybaby Hill
    Traffic: Moderate to heavy.
    Caution: Follow the route sheet and course marking, ride single file, and stay right.

    Tollhouse Century Course Description

    99 Miles / 8,200'

    Wildcat to Tollhouse Market
    Upon leaving the Wildcat Rest Stop, Century riders will descend for 4 miles before turning left and continuing on Watts Valley Rd. and continuing up Burroughs Valley to the Tollhouse Market rest stop. Terrain: Hilly, narrow descent on backside of Wildcat, gentle 2 mile climb up to Burroughs Valley
    Traffic: Light
    Caution: Wildcat descent is narrow and twisty. Sporadic curb and gravel through Burroughs Valley, sometimes a loose dog. Descent to Tollhouse road is steep and twisty, ride within your limits.

    Tollhouse Market to Tollhouse Water Stop 
    The fun begins! Starting with a 7-mile climb up the OLD TOLLHOUSE GRADE, this climb starts off steep, gets a little easier, and then just grinds on forever. Pitches up to 13%. Between gasps for breath, try to spot rock climbers on the granite outcroppings above.
    Traffic: very light
    Caution: Narrow road with blind corners. STAY in your lane, SINGLE FILE

    Tollhouse Water Stop to Shaver Lake Rest Stop
    The last ½ mile from the water stop to HWY 168 is STEEP (19%). Century riders will turn right onto the highway and continue climbing along Pine Ridge to the Shaver Lake rest stop. Enjoy the scenery and shaded sections along this portion. Shaver Lake is the turnaround point for the century riders. 
    Terrain: More climbing, 1000’ in 7 miles
    Traffic: Light to moderate, watch for vehicles with trailers.
    Caution: Some narrow and twisty sections, no shoulder. SINGLE FILE, STAY RIGHT

    Shaver Lake Rest Stop to Pine Ridge Elementary School
    Fill up the bottles at Shaver Lake Rest Stop, rest a little, and hop back on the bike to enjoy more downhill as you descend the route you climbed in the morning. Make the right at the top of the 4 lane highway onto Auberry Road. Stop at Pine Ridge Elementary School Rest Stop, top off the bottles before descending into the Valley heat.
    Traffic: Moderate on Hwy. 168, light on Auberry Rd.
    Caution: Watch speed on descents, sand and gravel in the corners. DO NOT Descend down the 4 lane highway. 

    Pine Ridge Elementary School to Millerton Store Rest Stop 
    After some “gentle” rollers along Auberry Rd. you will descend through scenic forests before making the long descent into Auberry. (WATCH THE CORNERS!) and the welcoming Valley heat. Look over your right shoulder along this stretch to catch glimpses of the high Sierra and the San Joaquin River water shed. Continue on Auberry Rd., through the quaint foothill town of Auberry, and you will rejoin the metric rider route to the Millerton Store before finishing in Clovis.
    Terrain: Hilly, mostly descending with some rollers along the way.
    Traffic: Moderate to heavy, especially the short stretch along Hwy. 168 before Prather
    Caution: Watch the hairpin turns on the descent after lunch. Be sure exit Hwy. 168 in Prather by staying right, heading towards Millerton Lake

    Millerton Store Rest Stop to Alta Sierra Middle School
    Popsicles and cold towels await riders at the Millerton Store Rest Stop. More rollers await riders but the path to the finish is mostly downhill, sometimes with a tailwind, more often with a headwind. Riders must stay in the bike lane along Auberry Rd.  Follow the signs and arrows for a fast trip back to Alta Sierra Middle School. 
    Terrain: Rollers, mostly a gentle downhill until Crybaby Hill and the Friant-Kern canal
    Traffic: Moderate to heavy.
    Caution: Follow the route sheet and course marking, ride single file, and stay right.

    Recommendations

    We suggest that each rider have a bicycle in excellent condition, carry 2 water bottles, and tools. Wear hot weather clothing and a helmet (mandatory) and carry extra money. Be prepared for cool weather on Kaiser Pass. In 2017 it hailed. Also, gearing of 36 X 32-36 or a triple is highly recommended.

    Lights/Energy Drinks

    (Climb To Kaiser Riders Only)

    If you expect to finish after dark, you are required to have lights (front and back). Riders will be pulled from the course after 8:30 p.m. without lights. (NO EXCEPTION)

    Lights may be dropped off at registration. Please have lights in a paper grocery bag with your name and ride number listed. All bags will be taken to the Shaver Lake rest stop. It is each rider’s responsibility to pick-up their lights, as unclaimed items may not be returned after the ride.

    Also, if you would like energy drink powder brought up to Shaver Lake, place in brown paper bags with your name and number listed. (No cans, please). Any items not picked up will be thrown out after 7 p.m. There will be a separate drop-off area at registration for your drink mix.

    After the Ride

    We will have an after-ride lunch/dinner beginning at 2:00 p.m. for all participants. Additional meal tickets are available for purchase. ($15.00, Pre-ordered only)

    There will be an adult water slide at the finish, for riders to cool off. Bring a towel.

    Friday Night

    Friday night the City of Clovis will feature a Farmer’s Market in Old Town Clovis from 6-8 p.m. If you would rather eat at a restaurant, these are a few within walking distance from several of the hotels.

    Souvenirs

    Personalized BIB Number

    If you register by the end of day May 31, you will receive a personalized bib number. It will include the event name "Climb to Kaiser", or "Tollhouse Century" the event date, your first initial and last name.

    T-Shirts

    T-shirts can be purchased with registration for $12.

    Commemorative Finisher's Jersey

    All jerseys must be ordered by the end of the day on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
    Climb To Kaiser/Tollhouse Century Finisher's Jerseys can be ordered with your registration or on the day of the Climb to Kaiser for $85.00 each. The C2K finisher's jersey is available to anyone who has ever completed the Climb to Kaiser. The Tollhouse Finishers jersey can be purchased by riders completing the Tollhouse Century. All jerseys will be mailed after the event or picked up at a designated local Bike Shop. Production is not scheduled until the end of August; riders should expect jerseys by the beginning of October. See the Voler Size Chart for size options.  Jerseys can be ordered in "Race Cut" or "Club Cut".  Contact the C2K coordinator if you have questions.

    Finishers from 1997 Onward

    Climb to Kaiser 2022 - Results for C2K and Tollhouse Century

    Climb to Kaiser 1997 - 2022

    The links below lead to a page and a file that each contain multiple worksheets

    Full Results for Recent Years

    Tollhouse Century and Millerton Metric - 2015 and 2016

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