The Norcal Jersey Celebration ride - 8/25

[SesameCrunch]

The first order of the Norcal jersey is arriving next week :beer:!

I propose a Norcal BF ride on August 25th to commemorate the occasion. BlastRadius can hand out the jerseys there and we can all wear them on the ride.

In honor of BlastRadius who continues to do a great job with the Re-order and Re-reorder, he gets to select the route - to the top of Mt. Diablo! Bigbossman, who lives in the shadow of Mt. Diablo, has agreed to be the "host" of the ride. This will most likely be a morning ride and details will be worked out.

For now, let's see a show of interest - who's up for this ride?

Yes:
SesameCrunch
Bigbossman
gpelpel
frogpound
kster
jimples

Maybe:
sj_roadie
backinthesaddle
cccorlew

[gpelpel]

I think I will be able to make it.

[cantdrv55]

Put me down. Just don't know if I can make it to the top of Diablo yet though.

[BlastRadius]

Guess I kinda have to be there to hand out jerseys :D, unless you just can't wait and want to come pick them up from me or have paid for shipping.

[jonathanb715]

Damn - I already have a ride planned that morning. If it falls through maybe I'll make it.

I went up Diablo this morning. Nice and chilly, with clouds/fog from the junction up to about the 3,000 foot sign - then brilliant sunshine. It's always really neat to get to the summit and look down at the cloud cover you just climbed through. I wish I had bought a camera with me - lots of wildlife, too - coyotes, deer and wild turkeys seemed to be all over the place this morning. I'm not very fast going up that hill though - no 1 hour t-shirts from the Mt. Diablo challenge for me! Descending was a challenge, as the road was very damp in the foggy section, with limited visibility.

JB

[cantdrv55]

I think I paid for shipping. Can I have mine sooner?

[bigbossman]

Put me down. Just don't know if I can make it to the top of Diablo yet though.

Trust me - if I can make it to the top, anyone can. I'll be there, but you can count on my bringing up the rear. I'm just a poor climber. I'll take me the better part of 2 hours to make the ascent.

I propose we meet at The Athenian School (http://www.athenian.org/about/directions.php) parking lot, and take the "easier" Southgate Road approach. I'm thinking we should start no later than 9am.

[lok_hkcc]

Just curious.... but do you think we can ride before 22nd? I will be leaving for so-cal on 22nd and I would really love to ride with you guys before that.

[frogpound]

Count me in,
I haven't ordered a jersey yet tho...whatevs

[sj_roadie]

The 25th might be the only weekend I'm free this month (I say might because I'm not sure that I'm actually free until I check with the missus, haha) I think I may be up for this, but I'm pretty sure that climb is going to kill me.

[BenRidin]

Diablo on Monday 08.06.07 around 7:15. It was a cold descent.

br

[sj_roadie]

I guess once that week rolls around and we start getting weather reports, we can decide when to start. If it's still cool like it's been this past week we can start at 9, but if it warms up I'd like to start much earlier than that.

[backinthesaddle]

I propose we meet at The Athenian School (http://www.athenian.org/about/directions.php) parking lot, and take the "easier" Southgate Road approach. I'm thinking we should start no later than 9am.

I'm a maybe, work has heated up, I have a long ride scheduled 8/18 so I don't know if I can do 8/25 as well.

I'd suggest meeting a little further away from the climb though, say in Blackhawk or Danville, gives a few miles for a little warmup before hitting the uphill.

[bigbossman]

I guess once that week rolls around and we start getting weather reports, we can decide when to start. If it's still cool like it's been this past week we can start at 9, but if it warms up I'd like to start much earlier than that.

Yeah - but even with weather reports, it's hard to predict over here. Last Saturday we had 100 degrees, followed by a Sunday that was 60 degrees and overcast/windy. And none of the weather reports I looked at predicted it. You just never really know.

[bigbossman]

I'd suggest meeting a little further away from the climb though, say in Blackhawk or Danville, gives a few miles for a little warmup before hitting the uphill.

We could do that, but then we'd just be warming up on uphills before hitting the uphill. :D There really isn't much difference either way - there ain't alot of truly flat ground around here to "warm up" on.

But if you really want to, we can start at Diablo Vista Park (http://events.contracostatimes.com/venues/show/268942-Diablo-Vista-park-Crow-Canyon-Rd-Dougherty-Rd), and enjoy a couple of climbs before the climb.

[backinthesaddle]

We could do that, but then we'd just be warming up on uphills before hitting the uphill. :D There really isn't much difference either way - there ain't alot of truly flat ground around here to "warm up" on.

But if you really want to, we can start at Diablo Vista Park (http://events.contracostatimes.com/venues/show/268942-Diablo-Vista-park-Crow-Canyon-Rd-Dougherty-Rd), and enjoy a couple of climbs before the climb.

your call, hey I may not even be on the ride :rolleyes:

I just remember last time I went up Diablo (just to the ranger station, not to the top) I was grateful for a few miles to loosen up before hitting the long climb.

[Gee3]

I'm gonna have to miss this one. I already commited to my cousin on the 26th and the 25th is "family' day for me.

So I'll probably try to meet up with Henry to get the jersey before then since he's only a few mins from me.

I'll look forward to a ride in September with you folks!

Gary

[cccorlew]

So what are the chances of the second order (reorder 1) coming before then?
I may show up anyway, in the wrong jersey. I have on my summer to do list "ride to the top of Diablo." and haven't done it yet.

I can contend with all for slowest up the hill.

[BlastRadius]

I'll probably be riding on 8/18 along the peninsula anyway. I usually ride from my home in San Bruno but can truck down to Canada/92 with the kit if anyone wants to get their stuff a week earlier.

[bigbossman]

I can contend with all for slowest up the hill.

You're on. :D

[backinthesaddle]

I can contend with all for slowest up the hill.

You're on. :D

As everyone knows by now, if I ride I'll win this one hands down! :D

[msincredible]

Sounds like fun, I'm a maybe depending on my schedule.

[huytheskigod]

Dang I'll be on vacation then! Guess shipping money is coming your way. If it comes to me early enough, I'll wear it when I'm in Chicago.

[superunleaded]

I 'll probably know by the 20th if I'm "All In".

[rydaddy]

I was hoping for the 18th. We have a Bridge opening celebration on the 25th. Maybe next time.

Dang I'll be on vacation then! Guess shipping money is coming your way. If it comes to me early enough, I'll wear it when I'm in Chicago.

If you do have it shipped maybe we can do a package deal since we both live in Davis?

[briank]

I am dying to get out and ride with the Nor Cal Pack again. Been way to long. Regrettabbly I might have some archery plans the last week of August, its pending. If it falls through I would love to attend. I guess I would be a candidate for the maybe list.

[Siu Blue Wind]

I'll be in Tahoe that day. Otherwise I'd at least try to attempt it. It sure would be nice to get to meet all of you. :)

[kster]

I don't have a jersey on the initial order but count me IN for the ride. I've never done Mt.Diablo but this is one climb I've been itching to do.

Where are we meeting? Are there any bathrooms at the start?

[cccorlew]

Soooooooo. What's the possibility that order 2 will be in by then? Hey Blast, if it's here pocket the shipping nd deliver my clothes!

[huytheskigod]

I was hoping for the 18th. We have a Bridge opening celebration on the 25th. Maybe next time.



If you do have it shipped maybe we can do a package deal since we both live in Davis?

I already sent him some money for shipping. If he's willing to stuff your order into my packaging, I'll drop it off to you when it gets here. Ask Blast and let me know.

[BlastRadius]

Soooooooo. What's the possibility that order 2 will be in by then? Hey Blast, if it's here pocket the shipping nd deliver my clothes!

I'm still waiting for an estimated delivery date for the second order.
Hopefully it will be 6 weeks like the first. Second order was submitted 7/16, 3 weeks after
the first (6/25).

[BlastRadius]

I already sent him some money for shipping. If he's willing to stuff your order into my packaging, I'll drop it off to you when it gets here. Ask Blast and let me know.

No problem. I can stuff Rydaddy's in the same envelope, I hope.

[jimples]

Count me in. I think.

(will also be competing for "slowest up the hill")

[cccorlew]

I'm still waiting for an estimated delivery date for the second order.
Hopefully it will be 6 weeks like the first. Second order was submitted 7/16, 3 weeks after
the first (6/25).

Cool. Maybe it will work because 8/27 is 6 weeks, so if the hit the friday, just a hair before the 6 weeks maybe they'll get here for the Diablo ride!

[bigbossman]

OK - so, I assume this ride is still "on"? I'm leaving for Mammoth Lakes today, and will be out of touch till Wednesday evening.

Are we decided on where to start and what time? Earlier in the thread, I suggested either The Athenian School parking lot at the base of Southgate Rd, or perhaps Diablo Vista Park if you guys want to do some climbing to warm up before the climb. :D

[sj_roadie]

I'm up for whatever.. Kinda scared that I won't make it up to the top, but we'll see... I'm in pretty good cardio shape, but still getting my "climbing legs" :)

[SesameCrunch]

OK - so, I assume this ride is still "on"? I'm leaving for Mammoth Lakes today, and will be out of touch till Wednesday evening.

Are we decided on where to start and what time? Earlier in the thread, I suggested either The Athenian School parking lot at the base of Southgate Rd, or perhaps Diablo Vista Park if you guys want to do some climbing to warm up before the climb. :D

I sure hope so. Since our guest of honor is BlastRadius, we have to make sure he can do it. Henry???

BigBossman, as our "host", why don't you choose the time and starting place? People can always add or subtract miles as they wish, as long as we meet at the same place & same time to start.

I'm looking forward to it (even the last 200 yards :p)!

[Gee3]

I'm gonna miss this one since I have prior obligations but...

Thanks again to Henry for doing all the leg work for the jerseys!

I'm glad I ordered the Large Club cut... it's much more comfy and better fitting than the race cut! The race cut was too tight around the shoulders for me.

Enjoy the ride... one day I'll have to climb Diablo, hopefully with you guys if you do it again one day!

Gary

[brsboarder]

Is anyone here who has ridden on the east coast. I just moved here and have big doubts about the ride. A little background. I did the NYC century and 100 Mile MS Bike Tour in Sept/Oct of this past year in New York. I've done a little riding since then, but school was busy as I was finishing up and I just moved and my bike was in storage/getting shipped for awhile. So, I have big doubts about the ride. PS, on both centuries I was pretty exhausted afterwards

[BlastRadius]

Doesn't look good for finding a babysitter for 8/25 AM. However, I can still meet you guys at the start and hand out jerseys. I can climb Diablo another day.
So... that leaves the options open for any ride that everyone agrees to. I'll drive my kids to the ride start and distribute the kits.

Henry

[SesameCrunch]

Doesn't look good for finding a babysitter for 8/25 AM. However, I can still meet you guys at the start and hand out jerseys. I can climb Diablo another day.
So... that leaves the options open for any ride that everyone agrees to. I'll drive my kids to the ride start and distribute the kits.

Henry

BUMMER! :( It was supposed to be a celebration/thanks to you for all the work you put in...

Say, how about we get you a trailer and you can pull them up the hill? :D

[sj_roadie]

That might level the playing field a little :)

[backinthesaddle]

Is anyone here who has ridden on the east coast. I just moved here and have big doubts about the ride. A little background. I did the NYC century and 100 Mile MS Bike Tour in Sept/Oct of this past year in New York. I've done a little riding since then, but school was busy as I was finishing up and I just moved and my bike was in storage/getting shipped for awhile. So, I have big doubts about the ride. PS, on both centuries I was pretty exhausted afterwards

I used to ride on the East Coast (many years ago). It was a major transition for me to start riding hills here. I don't want to be overly discouraging, but if you haven't been riding hills, I don't think Diablo is the place to start.

Where are you living? There's lots of people in this forum group who can give you guidance on places to develop your climbing legs.

[BlastRadius]

BUMMER! :( It was supposed to be a celebration/thanks to you for all the work you put in...

Say, how about we get you a trailer and you can pull them up the hill? :D

I have a trailer but it wouldn't fit four kids. :eek:

[spingineer]

So do you think we can make the labor day ride the commemoration ride to thank Henry? I know, it may be a little tough, being a holiday et all ... but just a suggestion, since I won't be able to make it either on 8/25.

[jobob]

Is anyone here who has ridden on the east coast. I just moved here and have big doubts about the ride. A little background. I did the NYC century and 100 Mile MS Bike Tour in Sept/Oct of this past year in New York. I've done a little riding since then, but school was busy as I was finishing up and I just moved and my bike was in storage/getting shipped for awhile. So, I have big doubts about the ride. PS, on both centuries I was pretty exhausted afterwards


Hi brsboarder, welcome to our world.

The ascent of Diablo is in two parts: from the base to the Junction, where North Gate Road and South Gate road meet up, and then from the Junction via Summit Road to, er, the summit.

You could always just ride up to the Junction and ride back down. That in itself is a nice ride, and the Junction has a bench (and water and rest rooms) so it's a nice place to hang out to take a breather before continuing upward, or heading back down. Lots of nice bike watching to be done at the Junction as well.

What kind of gearing does your bike have? If you have moderatly low gears you could always give it a go, and accept the fact that you're going to be passed by a lot of people on the way up. I'm quite used to that. :D OTOH, if your bike has say a 52/42 double and a 23t cassette, then you'd be better off building up your climbing legs first. :p

[BlastRadius]

So do you think we can make the labor day ride the commemoration ride to thank Henry? I know, it may be a little tough, being a holiday et all ... but just a suggestion, since I won't be able to make it either on 8/25.

I'm willing to meet with the group either way. Have jerseys will travel.
I do have 9/3 Labor Day ride on the family calendar so I'm in for that for sure (barring emergencies).

[SesameCrunch]

So do you think we can make the labor day ride the commemoration ride to thank Henry? I know, it may be a little tough, being a holiday et all ... but just a suggestion, since I won't be able to make it either on 8/25.

I like this suggestion!

So here's the new proposal - We do the Jersey celebration in conjunction with Labor Day (sounds appropriate, doesn't it?) on Sep 3rd.

All in favor, give a shout out.

[BlastRadius]

Good for me.
Anyone want me to bring their jersey to the 8/18 ride just PM me.
I'll likely be taking the kids out and about on 8/25 so I could meet
some folks then too.

[brsboarder]

I have a triple, I don't know the specific gearing, but I ride an Giant OCR 2 from 2006