Northern California - weekend ride reports - where'd ya ride?

I climbed Mt Tam / Alpine Dam solo. Knocked off 30 minutes off my time from earlier this year (group ride). The weather was great - warm, but not too hot.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/tiburon-/33595033

Not a weekend, but I rode from work today (since it was nice out). I was hauling ass today.

DT San Jose (Santa Clara & Market) to San Mateo (mid city. 24th Ave, few blocks W of El Camino)

- 33 miles
- Ride time 1:46
- Avg speed 19 MPH (remember I have to slow down for stop signs/red lights)
- Relatively full backpack (maybe 12lbs or so)
- Lots of head wind!!!!

I think this is my highest avg speed for my commute thus far. I was trying to beat the sun home, since I left work at almost 5 PM!!!

Led the Calaveras - Palomares BF ride ... lots of fun, great people, and great weather. Here's the ride report ...

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=353156

Saturday I did the Calaveras-Palomares BF ride.
Sunday I did the Velogirls biking clinic.
Yesterday (Wednesday) I did my commute (50 miles round trip), ran into jobob in Newark :D. Unfortunately this is the second time I've been on my bike and found out I have to go to our other office the following day, so ended up having to haul my big laptop home in my backpack with me. I think the bag weighed nearly 15 lbs (ouch!).

Saturday I did the Calaveras-Palomares BF ride.
Sunday I did the Velogirls biking clinic.
Yesterday (Wednesday) I did my commute (50 miles round trip), ran into jobob in Newark :D. Unfortunately this is the second time I've been on my bike and found out I have to go to our other office the following day, so ended up having to haul my big laptop home in my backpack with me. I think the bag weighed nearly 15 lbs (ouch!).

Thats some weight on your shoulders Paula. Literally. If you are going to start bike commuting, you may want to start considering rack and panniers on you bike. NOT the Orbea, of course. Maybe the hybrid. There are tons of info in the commuting forums if your interested.

EDIT: I rode the Calaveras-Palomares ride last Saturday. Lots of hills and rollers. Fun-fun ride.

Thanks, I just ordered fenders for my hybrid, and a rack/panniers are definitely next. It's on its way to becoming my commuter/tourer.

I wouldn't have done it with a backpack had I known in advance! That was just supposed to be for my clothes for the day.

When I commute by train I bring the "beater" CAAD4.

When I decide to commute all the way home (33 miles one-way) I bring the nice bike (CAAD8 Campy).

I commute by bike/train everyday, except I ride all the way home once per week.

I just got some SKS full fenders to custom fit on to the commuter CAAD4.

Anyway Paula, I feel for you on the backpack. When I ride the CAAD8 home I make a conscious effort to put more weight on my arms to prevent using my lower back to support my torso & backpack. The CAAD8 has a fairly aggressive saddle to bar drop.

I am actually going to bring a set of work clothes at the beginning of each week to keep in my office so that I can eliminate the bag on my ride home day(s).

I am actually going to bring a set of work clothes at the beginning of each week to keep in my office so that I can eliminate the bag on my ride home day(s).

+1 for bringing a week's worth of clothes. This is exactly what I've been doing for the past month. I'll have a backpack full of clothes on Monday morning. From Monday night through Friday morning the only things in my back jersey pockets are what will not fit in my saddle bag. Then on Friday nights I will bring all the dirty laundry home. 1 day of pain for 4 days of extra weight free riding. It's well worth it.

I do keep the backpack at work and a small duffle bag I can sling over my shoulders, ala messenger bag, for the "just in case" moments.

I did a small loop starting in Santa Clara, through Stevens Canyon, up Mt. Eden, then back ... 20 miles ... did this Monday and today, starting at 5:45 am ... great use of a Niterider MOAB. It was so peaceful and serene. Good thing I didn't see any loose mountain lions around....

I did the Paradise/Tiburon loop in Marin on Saturday. It was a bit cold when I started but warmed up nicely around 11. I always enjoy this ride because the scenery is so beautiful. Of course I forgot to bring my camera. Taxi777 and I crossed path on my way home.

Did Cardiac from my house, 63 mile round trip.

Next summer, I'd LOVE to try Mt. Diablo. I grew up looking up at that mountain...had my senior picnic there decades and decades ago! Are there ever any slow, beginner on Mt. Diablo BF rides?

I rode up in Napa yesterday. Cold and foggy at 8AM but by the time I hit Pope Valley Rd., it was a really nice fall day. A little windy in places -- in one tree-lined area near Aetna Springs Rd. it felt like being in a snowstorm with all leaves blowing off the trees -- but that made for a fast ride back on Silverado Trail when I had a tailwind. The vineyards are turning colors, the grapes are heavy on the vine, and it never gets too hot on Ink Grade this time of year.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/1666157482_4ce42df60c.jpg

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This morning I dusted off the Blur and took it over to Rockville. I needed to get off the roadie for a bit and this is exactly what I wanted to do.

There's something about that place that brings the best out in people. The weather was warm, the terrain always challenging, and the camaraderie was great.

Even though we only rode about 12 miles, it took about 4 hours and I'm beat (beat up too).

BR

started from my house in Willow Glen (San Jose), did a loop via New Almaden, Hicks Rd and Shannon, 28.5 miles. I never did Hicks before, so was a little surprised by how tough it was! But it was a beautiful day, and at one point at the summit, could see all the way to Mt Tamalpais!!

Old reliable.

My house in San Mateo to Woodside via Skyline/Cañada/etc

Part of Portola Loop (Mountain Home, Portola, Alpine, Sand Hill, Whiskey Hill)

And back

45 miles
17.xx MPH

I was attending my cousin's wedding in LA, so not much opportunity to ride. Rode around scenic Pasadena, for a nice 40 miles over the weekend. Very light weekend for me.

Great minds think alike, Marco. I rode a very similar route.

San Mateo-Woodside via Crystal Springs, Skyline, Canada, then The Loop to Arastradero, to Foothill, to 84, to Woodside and home. 52 mi, 16 avg.

This was my first road ride in two weeks. Between the rain, the late sunrise, my entire family getting sick, and just plain laziness, I hadn't put tire to road in too long!

The only bad thing was my first flat of the year. I'd gone 2500 miles with no flats, but I hit some glass. Oh, well. All good things must end.

Saturday: since I hadn't ridden all week (business travel) and I had a CX race on Sunday, I hit the trails over at Fremont Older OSP to shake down the bike and to some extent my bones.

Sunday: CX race at Candlestick. The bone-shaking exercise was not sufficient to prepare me. Man it was bumpy. Beautiful day, though.

This morning I dusted off the Blur and took it over to Rockville.

BR

I've been wanting to do some off roadin' lately too. Where's Rockville? I only know Rockville, Maryland and a REM song that tells you to not go there. :D

Great minds think alike, Marco. I rode a very similar route.

San Mateo-Woodside via Crystal Springs, Skyline, Canada, then The Loop to Arastradero, to Foothill, to 84, to Woodside and home. 52 mi, 16 avg.

This was my first road ride in two weeks. Between the rain, the late sunrise, my entire family getting sick, and just plain laziness, I hadn't put tire to road in too long!

The only bad thing was my first flat of the year. I'd gone 2500 miles with no flats, but I hit some glass. Oh, well. All good things must end.

Haha. I started my ride at like 2:30 something in the afternoon :eek:

Anyway, I was not happy to find that WB Crystal Springs was CLOSED at the corner of Alamdea de las Pulgas. So I turned back up Alameda and turned into Hillsborough riding on streets such as Parrot and Tournament. Let me tell you what, that totally SUCKED big time. The hills had to be 25% PLUS and they were undulating. One after another after another! I was not even 3 miles into my ride, so my legs were not warmed up, and got stuck with involuntary intervals. :p Finally I got to Ascension and rode down to Crystal Springs post construction zone. Messed up my whole rhythm :mad:

I've been wanting to do some off roadin' lately too. Where's Rockville? I only know Rockville, Maryland and a REM song that tells you to not go there. :D

Rockville (http://www.ci.fairfield.ca.us/8802.htm) is located where 680 meets I80. Over by Solano Junior College.

It's got a lot of everthing and then more. I think it's a great place to ride.

Haha. I started my ride at like 2:30 something in the afternoon :eek:

Anyway, I was not happy to find that WB Crystal Springs was CLOSED at the corner of Alamdea de las Pulgas. So I turned back up Alameda and turned into Hillsborough riding on streets such as Parrot and Tournament. Let me tell you what, that totally SUCKED big time. The hills had to be 25% PLUS and they were undulating. One after another after another! I was not even 3 miles into my ride, so my legs were not warmed up, and got stuck with involuntary intervals. :p Finally I got to Ascension and rode down to Crystal Springs post construction zone. Messed up my whole rhythm :mad:

I was heading home at 1:30 and saw that. The road had been open at 10:30. I think it was only as far as El Cerrito, so you could have turned right, gone down to the stop, hung a left and gone through lower Hillsborough. The crazy thing is, that part of Crystal Springs isn't bad at all. It's the part between El Cerrito and Polhemus that needs work!

If you ever run into that again, my "back way" is to go through Laurel Creek Park and over De Anza to Polhemus. Then you can either go left to the Ralston Trail, or right and go down to Crystal Springs. There's a bit of a climb up De Anza, but if I can do it, you should have no trouble!

Yeah I assume that I somehow ended up taking the worst possible detour. ;)

Rockville (http://www.ci.fairfield.ca.us/8802.htm) is located where 680 meets I80. Over by Solano Junior College.

It's got a lot of everthing and then more. I think it's a great place to ride.

Thanks for the info. It's only about an hour from me. I assume you just shoot across on Hwy 12..?
I'll check it out soon.
Ever ride Hogan's reservoir in Valley Springs? I've been meaning to try that out too. It's about as far as Rockville from me. I've been all-road since I got my new ride in August(minus some Burley outings with the kiddos). Yearning for some DIRT!!!

Yeah I assume that I somehow ended up taking the worst possible detour. ;)

I've been known to do that.

One winter day, in the worst rain I have ever seen in my life, I decided the smart way to get back from Canada and 92 was to take the Ralston trail, then Ralston to Cipriani to the Alameda and home. I figured Ralston had sidewalks and curb cuts, so I could stay off the road, where I feared drivers wouldn't see me.

Oh, yeah, Ralston has curb cuts. Some places. So there I am, in the pouring rain, stopping the bike at every corner and walking it, in cleats, to the other side, remounting, and riding on - only to have to repeat the same thing at the NEXT corner. I had no idea how many streets and such there were.

Oh, yeah - and I'd forgotten how steep the Alameda is coming down! When I got home, the fork was covered in black crud that HAD BEEN my brake pads!

Since I had to work on Saturday I took the afternoon off today and went riding. I climbed Kings Mountain for the first time today which was nice. Also a first was riding the other direction along 35. I guess I had not paid attention the previous times to the amount of hills present. It seemed forever until I arrived at Page Mill. About 58 miles from my apt in Sunnyvale and back.

Thanks for the info. It's only about an hour from me. I assume you just shoot across on Hwy 12..?
I'll check it out soon.
Ever ride Hogan's reservoir in Valley Springs? I've been meaning to try that out too. It's about as far as Rockville from me. I've been all-road since I got my new ride in August(minus some Burley outings with the kiddos). Yearning for some DIRT!!!

This was my first "Dirt" ride since June. Wow, it took awhile to get back my form. Yep, I take Hwy 12 get there. To me Hogan's is a big fat "meh". It takes me an hour to drive there. It also takes me an hour to drive to other places I'd rather go to: Slamin Balls, Diablo Foothills, Rockville...

I'll give you a heads up for the next "dirt Ride".

BR

61 miles down to Los Altos and back. Tired myself out really well, too. I was rolling down Crystal Springs, almost to the stop sign at El Cerrito ave, and I hit a rock - pinchflatted my rear tire. Unfortunately, because I was riding a bike that won't hold a frame pump, I was carrying a mini. Fortunately, it's a pretty good mini - Blackburn Airstick. It took a bit longer to pump up the tire, but it wasn't as bad as one mini I used once.

That's two flats in two weeks, after no flats all in 2600 miles. Grrrrr. I hope this isn't the start of a trend.

Took Caltrain to SF, then rode to the start of the BF ride to Mt. Tam. Did the ride, which was excellent. Rode Bart back to San Bruno, and along with msincredible and uspspro, we visited Blastradius. From there, rode south back home, and if it weren't for the fact that msincredible and uspspro were ahead of me (most likely waiting for me), I don't think I would have had the motivation to go. Thanks msincredible and uspspro for waiting for me. Hope you guys didn't wait too long.

I did get my October century in!

Took Caltrain to SF, then rode to the start of the BF ride to Mt. Tam. Did the ride, which was excellent. Rode Bart back to San Bruno, and along with msincredible and uspspro, we visited Blastradius. From there, rode south back home, and if it weren't for the fact that msincredible and uspspro were ahead of me (most likely waiting for me), I don't think I would have had the motivation to go. Thanks msincredible and uspspro for waiting for me. Hope you guys didn't wait too long.

I did get my October century in!

Ron,

We didn't have to wait that long.

Somewhere half way through Sawyer Camp, I ran out of energy (like food energy... legs and cardio still felt great). So I was not moving very fast through there (which was ok, since there were joggers, walkers, etc.).

That bit of clif bar you gave me helped me get home. So thanks!

I don't think I ate enough calories for the day, so that took its toll shortly after mile 70 or so. And I know that I burned a ton calories, since I was really flying up those climbs (Mt. Tam).:beer:

Hey Marco, it was nice to chill out on the pace you set on the trail. I think we were all running out of fuel by that point.

Anyway I got in 98 miles for the day, my longest so far. :) Thanks to Ron for the inspiration for trying for a century.

Lets see, I rode up Mt Tam last Saturday. Today, I went up Mt Eden as part of my commute. Thats 2 mountains within 5 days! ;) I'll be ready for the next BF climbing ride.

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Very similar to this one; http://www.petalumawheelmen.org/50-60MileRoadRoutes.html


Road my first 80 miles with two great guys; Scott and James.

Excellent perfect ride, super panoramic, insanely painful hills, super fast downhills.

Western Road, Spring Hill, Valley Ford, Coleman Valley, Freestone, Occidental, Bohemian, etc etc.

Freestone has a five star bakery, I ate one of those ginger lemon pastries and lots and lots of water.

Somehow there was a lot of traffic today, many vintage bikers along the way and the usual Ahole who does a 60 to 70 fly by, all in all a perfect day.

Lots of kids' soccer games this weekend, so not much time for riding. I took off yesterday (Friday) morning, though and did a nice 48 mile ride starting in San Ramon, down to Sunol on San Ramon Valley/Foothill, then down Niles Canyon (now with even more narrow shoulders!) to Palomares, up and over to Castro Valley (hitting 48 mph on the descent!) and then back to San Ramon via Crow Canyon and Norris Canyon. A little chilly, but a great ride.

JB

Perhaps premature, but anyway:

Saturday: Welch Creek Low-Key hillclimb. Ugh.
Sunday: Pilarcitos CX Race #3 of the Bay Area Super Prestige Series (Cs). Another 'Ugh' expected, but who knows. Good thing there is Belgian beer for afterwards ;)

The Pig

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My brother 4yrs older, came out from NH for a few days. Haven't seen him in 7yrs. He hasn't been on a bike in 25+ years he's 57. I can't believe I talked him in to riding!! I brow beat him into bike shorts and long pull overs. Cycle shirt, gloves. I slapped some flat pedals on my KHS, down with the seat and forward. I only have one helmet and He wouldn't wear one, so I told him if he dies I'm not going to wear one! Oh well, maybe next time.
We walked the bikes down to the financial district. I couldn't see his first spin flying down California st with no helmet! Took off to the embarcadero, he was rrrreallly wobbley! but pulled it together and we rode from ATT park all the way to GG Bridge. Stopped for In and out Burger double cheese and fries...perfect bike food. Man did he bonk on the way back! 15.7 miles, but for 3 hours we were 10 years old again! One of the best rides I've ever had. He couldn't stop talking about it. He wants to go out on sunday, and little bro is comming up from L.A. Monday and I have 3 bikes!....I think they thought I was dying so they came up, but I'm fine and I might end up killing them...!
Great weekend weather.
Pete
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That's a great story, Peter. Hope today's ride with both of your brothers was just as fun.

Today I went up Mt. Diablo from the house and back. Took me about 2.5 hrs to do the 30 or so miles (slow, I know) but had fun doing it. Weather and visibility were great... hope it keeps up.

Yesterday I rode up Mt. Hamilton via Quimby from the Target parking lot (Calaveras ride) in Milpitas. Just under 51 miles there and back. I'm quite happy that I made it up without stopping but the final straight section of Quimby I was zigzaggin at 4mph.

Today was about 22 miles from San Francisco out to the Marin Headlands and back. Great view and not too much wind at the top of Hawk Hill.

Did a "vintage" ride yesterday, with a few folks from Classic Rendezvous. All of us on vintage bikes - it was pretty cool. We did a scenic loop around the Livermore Valley, and stopped for lunch at a local winery. About 36 miles all told, with maybe 1,000' of climbing.

The group - I'm front right, in the blue kit, riding a mid 70's Swiss Mondia Super:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t267/jd6572/Vintage%20Livermore%20ride/1851729034_e4f8f3f026_o.jpg

Great story, Pete!

35 miles in Auburn doing MTB! Just because there is nothing better than fall MTB riding. Especially in Auburn

Went w/ locals who showed me some new trails. You just know they're out there and it was great. A lot of climbing (over 5k) and I was pooped. We had three single speeders that started and one that finished the whole ride.

Was another beautiful fall day. One that makes you so stoked to be living in Norcal. After ride beverages were provided by Auburn Ale House (http://www.auburnalehouse.com/). I whole heartily recommend the Fools Gold Pale Ale.

Today was dedicated to doing chores around the house.

BR

BR

That awesome Pete. It's always great to see family get together.

After reading the thread on the Carquinez Scenic Drive, we thought we would ride the mtn bike tandem out there today. But as we rode into Crockett, the sight of the Carquinez Bridge and the desire to cross it into Vallejo changed our plans. It was my wife's first time riding across that bridge and we stopped a few times to take some pics. A great day for the both of us.
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64 miles from San Mateo to Skyline via Kings Mtn, 84 back to Portola, then the extended loop and home. Beautiful day to ride, wasn't it?

Sounds like everyone had a nice time, great story Pete. I did my 50-mile RT commute on Friday, but was home sick this weekend, figures with all the nice weather. :( :rolleyes:

On Saturday, Velodiva and I rode our singles to the top of Mount Hamilton starting at Alum Rock. From our starting point, it was 19.2 miles to the summit, the site of the Lick Observatory. The starting temperature was in the low 60s rising to 80 degrees when we finished. The winds were light.

The climb is in three sections separated by a two-mile descent and a one-mile descent. The first section is of moderate difficulty followed by an easier section and finally a 7-mile steeper section.

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Below is an elevation profile from our Garmin.

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We had to drive 40 miles from our house to the base of Mount Hamilton. We struck up a conversation with the guy parked next to us who was celebrating his 57th birthday by riding up Mount Hamilton. He had an Orbea Orca as does Velodiva so they were admiring each other’s bikes. He had Zipp 303 tubulars on it and Velodiva was trying out her new Easton Tempest II carbon tubular wheels for the first time. He rides Mount Hamilton a few times each year and two years ago did the Death Ride.

After the first descent, we pulled off to the state park station for water. Here is a pic from the stop with the top of the mountain with the observatory in the far off distance.

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Off we go and find the next section much easier than the first with a flatter portion right before the downhill.

Below is a pic from the next leg of the ride.

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View from the mid point of the climb.

We stopped for some photos before the next descent - this is a pic of Velodiva with her new Roche team kit and Easton wheels.

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The Lick Observatory in the distance.

At the bottom, there is a sign that says 7 miles to the summit. As we made a turn the road pitched up to the toughest grade, we could see the observatory in the distance.

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This is the cyclist we met at the start on his birthday ride in his Death Ride jersey and Orbea Orca.

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Hermes and Velodiva at the top.

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This is the climb to the observatory.

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The observatory.

The descent itself took about an hour – there was a lot of gravel kicked up in the middle of the turns in addition to some potholes. Velodiva’s rear wheel spun out on one turn – fortunately, she was able to control the bike and ended up just sliding her right hip in the side of the hill. We hope the weather for the Thanksgiving day low key hill climb is just as nice.

On Sunday, we rode our tandem from Canada / Edgewood to Peet’s in Los Altos via the maze - Beautiful day.

Nice report!

I was up at the observatory at the same time, as well as some Stanford cyclists. It was a great day for riding.

I went to the Stone Mountain from the Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, about 60 miles RT with a lot of stops checking my map just to make sure I'm on the planned route. I met a fine BF forumite from the southeast. His handle is RonH (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=915) and he showed me around how its done the Atlanta way :) I posted in the southeast section for help and over here (or there, depending on where you are) and I got a good response. BF works :) . Will post my new cannonball ride (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=5561827&postcount=22) as soon as I get to pull it off from my camera.