The
South Bay
Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties
| The South Bay extends east to the foothills of Mount Hamilton, north to the city of San Jose, south to Gilroy and west to the Pacific coast. Better known for its high-tech image of "Silicon Valley;" however, once you head out into the surrounding countryside you will find diverse bicycling adventures waiting for you. |
| Terrain: East of San Jose the roads are dominated by ranches and pastureland, which can be a very pleasing escape from the sometimes hectic pace of the urban parts of the valley. Heading west over the Santa Cruz mountains you will find dense redwood forests leading to Pacific coastal beaches and the seaside resorts of Santa Cruz and Capitola. The southernmost part of the South Bay is characterized by an abundance of remote country roads with very little traffic.Around the towns of Morgan Hill and Gilroy are ranches and farmlands which are quite often rich with the aromas of garlic and onions. Further south, toward Watsonville and Corralitos, you will find artichokes, apples orchards and strawberry farms. |
| Climate: The eastern hills are often quite hot on summer days, since there is little shade to offer protection from the afternoon sun in the west. The western end is heavily wooded and stands in stark contrast to the urban and suburban nature of its eastern end. This region is much cooler in the summer as a result of both the abundant shade from the trees and the location on the eastern slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains. |
| Saratoga and Los Gatos are focal points for cyclists in the area, with numerous restaurants, shops, and other diversions. |
| The Elkhorn Slough, on the coast, is one of the largest coastal wetlands and wildlife preserves. |