Lichau Road Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

3.2
FIETS
3 mi
DISTANCE
1,283 ft
GAINED
8.3 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

Lichau (pronounced Leech-Ow) Road is a little known cycling treat in Sonoma County. Located off Roberts Road near Sonoma State University, Lichau can be included in a nice loop or done as it's own climb. It starts mild and ramps up with steep turns and cattle guards quickly.  The challenge is balanced by the great view of Rohnert Park you have to the west as you climb.  Once you turn right the road feels harder than it looks as this sections is known as 'gravity hill.' A few milder pitches and you end at a gate just past the nature preserve to the right. Be careful going down as it can be bumpy and cars often speed up the road and take wide turns.
Average grade is 8.4% gaining 400' with 0 descent.  12% of the climb is at 0-5%, 59% at 5-10% and 29% is at 10-15%. The steepest quarter mile is 11.8%.  

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button above.

Roadway:  Narrow two lane road in fair to poor condition with no center striping or shoulder.

Traffic:  Mild.

Parking:  Parking on the side of the road at the intersection of Roberts and Lichau Road.
Provisions:  There are plenty of options for food and beverages in Rohnert Park - e.g., Starbucks 2.5 mile, etc. (Map)
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Use the “Routes in Area” button on the menu bar above to see other bike climbs in this area. 

If you have travelled to Sonoma County to cycle or have any questions concerning cycling in the North Bay, you are welcome to contact me at John@pjammcycling.com with your questions about the area - I grew up and live in Sonoma and have good knowledge of cycling in this region.  

ROUTE MAP

MEMBER RATING

Difficulty: Challenging
3
Road
5
Traffic
4
Scenery

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Sonoma County
United States (CA)
19 ROUTES
39 POIs
ROUTE STATS (TOTAL)
269.3
mi
DISTANCE
41,801
ft
ELEV. GAIN

NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY

FROM
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MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS

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Jul 1, 2023
difficulty: Challenging
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 3
Jul 1, 2023
scenery: 4
traffic: 5
road: 3
This is a very nice ride that winds through the hills of central Sonoma County. The views are beautiful and ends with a very short gravel section at a gated private driveway. Well worth the effort!
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Lichau Road, Sonoma County, California.

Ride three miles gaining 1,310’ at 8.4% average grade.

Lichau Road (pronounced Leech-Ow) is a little known cycling treat in Sonoma  County.  Located off Roberts Road near Sonoma State University, Lichau can be included in a nice loop beginning in Santa Rosa that includes some great climbs and scenery (Map ​and includes Cavedale Road).

     

Lichau Road has a section known as "Gravity Hill" because down is up and up is down (essentially, this is caused by an optical illusion).  Watch the slideshow with a photo of an apparent descent, that is actually a 1.7% ascent to see for yourself.  This climb offers views of open fields, some vineyards, and Rohnert Park/Cotati to the west.

Lower section of climb.

Middle segment.

Upper part of the climb.

Marin County and Mt. Tam can be seen to the south, Mt. St Helena to the north, and wildflowers, moss-covered oaks, and a tree covered single-lane road towards the top.  

DSC02440.JPG     

View of Mt. Tam.

from Lichau 2.JPG

View of Mt. St. Helena.

Traffic and Roadway Surface Report:  The roadway is in good shape and is two lanes for th  first half of the ride, and turns to single-lane and is rougher towards the top.  There is mild traffic for the first couple miles but very little the last mile.  There are ruts and loose gravel at the top, so caution descending is advised.

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