Apple Blossom Time (Alternate Long)

Distance: 43 miles and 3800 feet of elevation gain (barometric)

Both long routes today are somewhat similar. They stay together for the first 6 miles as they head south out of Redlands. While the Long adds a longer loop to the southeast, this Alternative cuts directly over to Beaumont. Although both routes climb to Beaumont, this Alternative Long uses a route with a more gentle and steady grade (actually running alongside a rail line) than the Long route. From Beaumont the two routes continue together up to Oak Glen (the main climb on the profile starting at about 20 miles). The stretch from Beaumont to the top includes a few miles of very steep climbing, so be prepared. Lunch is actually a little past the summit on the downhill side. After lunch, as you can see by the profile, it is almost all downhill back to the start with only one short up-hill to break up the fun. The route ends with a pleasant ride through the University of Redlands campus.  On the map, the red portion is the common route between both long routes and the blue portion is where this Alternative Long cuts the full long route short. 

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