The way points of this bicycle route:
there is an elementary school here...a good place to park. also a popular starting point for many rides in the area.
calaveras is definitely the highlight of the ride. makes a great out and back on it's own, especially when you are not yet comfortable riding in traffic.
start climbing!
watch out for traffic here. mostly flat here on out
more traffic here at the on/off ramps
alternate route: left on paseo padre, right on mowry, left back onto mission. less cars, prettier, nice rolling hills
niles canyon road gets a LOT of cars during rush hour and there are bits with no shoulder. so stay away during those hours, or be careful!
palomares is another great ride for training for hills. very steep. very pretty, quiet, almost no cars. connects to other rides.