Merced falls – Priest Grade 100 mile loop. This is a 100 mile loop ride which takes you from the fairgrounds heading north west, crossing the Merced river in the Merced Falls area then continuing north to hwy 132 where you’ll pass Don Pedro reservoir and up over Priest Grade. At mile 63 “the top of Priest Grade,” you’ll find the Priest Station Café which serves an excellent affordable lunch menu. From there you’ll head down, Priest Coulterville road and intersect hwy 49 which will take you back to the fairgrounds. Be prepared for well-maintained, sweeping roads leading you to patchwork quilt, pothole repaired farm roads then back to nicely maintained highways. If you need fuel, you’ll need to head a little further up hwy120 to the town of Big Oak flat then retrace your steps to Priest Coulterville rd. to resume the route. Plan on 4 hours of riding time plus whatever time you take for lunch and rest stops. The views are beautiful.