Northern California - Mt. Diablo and Mt Hamilton

Hello, I will be in the Bay Area mid-October and would like to climb
those two mountains on weekend. Diablo (the southern climb from
Danville) on Saturday and Hamilton on Sunday.

Can you tell me where is good, safe places to park for those climbs?

Thank you.

No help on Mt. Hamilton, but for Mt. Diablo a good place is to get off I-680 at Diablo Rd. If you were heading North, got straight across the intersection and park in the strip mall (there used to be a supermarket there that is closed now). There is a gas station that will let you use restrooms. If you are heading South, take a left onto Diablo Rd, then left again into the strip mall after going under 680.

To get to the mountain from there, go left onto Diablo Rd (make sure you follow Diablo Rd where it goes right at a traffic light after a couple of miles) and follow that to Diablo Scenic Blvd (the Athenian school is on the corner). Go left on Diablo Scenic, go over some rollers and then up the hill. This gives you a nice warmup before you have to climb.

JB

PS - the traffic light to get onto Diablo Rd from the strip mall does not recognize bikes, so you'll have to pick your spot to get across the traffic.

For the 8/25 Norcal BF ride, we parked at the Athenian School parking lot which has open weekend parking. But JB's suggestion is better if you need to warm up before the ascent. Another location about 4 miles from the Athenian School is the Blackhawk Plaza at the intersection of Crow Canyon Rd and Camino Tassajara. From North or Southbound on 680, take the Crow Canyon Road exit and head east about 4-5 miles and you'll find plenty of parking at all 4 corners of this intersection. There's the plaza, the safeway shopping area, the McDonald's area strip mall, and I forgot what's at the other corner.

There is a dirt shoulder/lot at the bottom of Hamilton. From 680/101, get off Santa Clara/Alum Rock and drive east until you get to Mt Hamilton Rd on the right. Park on the left of Alum Rock, next to the golf course fence. Plenty of trees, but I can't guarantee that a golf ball won't hit ya. ;)

Have fun!

When I climb Mt. Hamilton, I usually start from Cataldi Park (corner of Cataldi & Morrill). It's a few miles from the base of the climb to allow for some warmup and there is water and restrooms at the park. I have heard of cyclists' cars being broken into along Alum Rock Ave. YMMV.

You could also park in Livermore and make a century out of it by going up the back side. The back side is much steeper. The only place to get water is at the Junction Cafe. It is a gorgeous ride, though it can be hot.

Veronica

There's an elementary school that we usually park at for Mt. Hamilton ride (Kirk and Alum Rock, I think). Last time we were there, we were looking for restrooms, and someone at the school was kind enough to unlock the restroom for us.

You could also park in Livermore and make a century out of it by going up the back side. The back side is much steeper. The only place to get water is at the Junction Cafe. It is a gorgeous ride, though it can be hot.

Veronica

Cash only. There is also a fire station right near it, you might get water there if they feel nice. Only other place is at the top of Mt. Hamilton.

I am interested.

So did you do it? I still haven't climbed Mt. Hamilton, but I want to do it one of these days.

I'm planning on climbing Mt. Hamilton via Quimby this weekend depending on whichever day I don't have band practice. I figure doing this over the next few weeks will get me ready to try a century from Livermore and up the other side of Mt. Hamilton.

I'm planning on climbing Mt. Hamilton via Quimby this weekend depending on whichever day I don't have band practice. I figure doing this over the next few weeks will get me ready to try a century from Livermore and up the other side of Mt. Hamilton.

One thing. Only place to replenish water between Livermore and Mt. Hamilton top is at this small bar/restaurant. They only take cash! There is a Fire station near by, you might get water there.

I've been planning a Mt Diablo climb sometime this month. The thing is I don't want to just climb Mt Diablo. I want an extended ride of some sort that includes Mt Diablo. So, I found this route map (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Mt-Diablo-and-Morgan-Territory)at Bikely.com. Its about 63 miles with 7300 ft of climbing.

I wish me luck.:)

I've been planning a Mt Diablo climb sometime this month. The thing is I don't want to just climb Mt Diablo. I want an extended ride of some sort that includes Mt Diablo. So, I found this route map (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Mt-Diablo-and-Morgan-Territory)at Bikely.com. Its about 63 miles with 7300 ft of climbing.

I wish me luck.:)

Check out this route also: http://calcycling.org/?q=node/198

Cool. Thanks, UD. I'll definitely give that a shot IF I survive the map I found.

Morgan Territory/Diablo is a regular training route of mine. The climb up Morgan Territory is not bad, very shaded and not very steep. The pavement is crummy though. About half the time I do MT as an out and back. I wish I could have my mountain bike for the descent. :) Be glad you're doing a loop.

There are mile markers on the right hand side of the road. The staging area is at 9.3. At 9.0 you have a little downhill, don't be afraid to just let the bike go, as you have one final push to the staging area.

You can get water and there are bathrooms at the staging area. You've got two more little hills before the descent down into Livermore. Be really careful on the descent. The pavement is much nicer, but the road is only about 1.25 car widths. You've got good sight lines until you make a sharp right hand turn and there is a farmhouse on the left. After that there a couple of dips and you cannot see any cars that may be in them.

My highest speed ever on my single has been on this descent - 50.4 mph. I've passed a motorcycle on it. But, we've also almost gotten taken out by a car in those dips while on our tandem.

There usually isn't a ton of traffic on either side of Morgan Territory. You may not see any cars at all. Have fun!

Veronica

... I want an extended ride of some sort that includes Mt Diablo...

That's a great ride. Perfect time of year too. I just did it three weeks ago (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=353676).

BR