LeMond Loop

The LeMond Loop features predominantly paved roads, making up about 82% of the surface. You'll cycle through rolling hills with picturesque pastoral views, farmlands, and ranches. Approximately 18% of the route may be unpaved. The scenery includes the scenic Deer Creek canyon and views of the historic Nevada City.

On average, completing the LeMond Loop takes about 1 hour and 9 minutes for a racebike. This duration can vary based on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery or points of interest.

The LeMond Loop offers several interesting stops. You'll pass through the charming Nevada City itself, known for its historic character. Along the way, you might also spot the Stamp Mill Ruins, offering a glimpse into the area's mining past. Additionally, Bitney Springs is a popular spot known for its free-flowing spring water.

The LeMond Loop is generally considered to be of "Easy/Moderate" difficulty. It involves rolling hills and requires good fitness, but the steepest pitches, found at the beginning of Ridge Road and towards the end of Newtown Road, are short in duration. While not entirely flat, it's a manageable challenge for those with some cycling experience.

While specific parking areas aren't detailed, the loop starts and ends in Nevada City. You can typically find parking within or on the outskirts of Nevada City, which serves as a convenient access point for the route.

The LeMond Loop is enjoyable across multiple seasons. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, so starting early is advisable. Winter cycling is possible, but be mindful of potential wet conditions on unpaved sections.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to cycle the LeMond Loop. It's a public road cycling route accessible to everyone.

As a road cycling route, the LeMond Loop is not typically considered dog-friendly for dogs running alongside bikes due to traffic and paved surfaces. If you plan to bring a dog, it would need to be securely transported, for example, in a bike trailer.

Yes, the route passes through or near Nevada City, which offers various options for food and drink. You can also find the Willo Steakhouse and Saloon along the way for a meal.

Yes, while primarily a road cycling route, the LeMond Loop does briefly intersect with or run parallel to some other paths. These include small sections of the Wilflower Ridge Trail, Rough & Ready Ditch Trail, Litton Trail, Miner's Trail, and Tribulation Trail.

The LeMond Loop is named after the legendary three-time Tour de France champion, Greg LeMond, who rode this very loop with 200 other cyclists in 2000. This connection highlights Nevada City's rich cycling heritage, as it has long been a hub for the sport and hosts the oldest bicycle race on the West Coast, which LeMond himself won multiple times.