If you’ve spent time in San Jose, you’ve probably noticed the large concrete building on a mountain peak to the south in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The peak is Mt. Umunhum and the building is part of a radar tower that was operated by the US Air Force until 1980. Once I started exploring the San Jose foothills on my road bike, reaching the Umunhum summit and that radar tower became my goal.

Once you pass the Gaudalupe Reservoir the road enters 5 miles of about 10% average grade with a few nasty hairpin turns before Hicks Rd meets Mt Umunhum Rd. Along the way you’ll be treated by beautiful vistas of San Jose and closer views of the radar tower. For me the ride clocked in at 40 miles and 3500 ft of climbing.