Sand Hill

From CRCycling

Sand Hill is a big clump of sandstone in Munson, Ohio. The southern tip of Sand Hill is circumscribed by Rockhaven and Wye roads. Wilson Mills road ascends the northern end of the hill where it's shaped by the East Branch of the Chagrin River. The Alpine Valley ski area sits on the southern flank of the hill. Large walls of sandstone are exposed on the western flanks of the hill. The most notable sandstone formations are on private property in the woods behind Alpine Valley. Auburn Road forms the spine of Sand Hill South. It's bounded on the north side by SR 322, and on the south by Fairmount Road.

Both Sand Hill and Sand Hill South are easily accessible from Chardon via Bass Lake Road. Sherman Road offers numerous short sharp climbs for training, and access to the western flank of the hill, and the flat stretch of Rockhaven Road, which is a great place to work on speed and sprinting.

The tertiary roads, like Bass Lake Road, Bean Road, Butternut Road, and Cedar Road are in good shape and are cycling friendly. There is hardly ever any traffic on these roads in the evening during the week or on weekend days.

Bean Road is a great hill for climbing repeats. The road forms a "U" centered on Beaver Creek. The climb to Auburn Road offers about 150 feet of ascent at a 10% grade. The view from the summit of Bean Road Hill is pretty good. Butternut Road crosses up and over Auburn Road, and both the east and west sections of the road offer 150-200 foot ascents for climbing repeats.

Cedar Road is one of the best little climbs in the area, it's a 200 foot climb that gradually gets steeper and steeper until you reach the crest at Maple Hill Cemetery, where there are some interesting old grave stones.