Three of us are coming to watch the race and ride parts of the race courses ahead of the pro's. On day three I am thinking we will get dropped off somewhere around the Mines rd. and ride over the top then up Sierra Rd. and either watch the racers from there or continue into San Jose to watch the finish. Comments? Last year I did the same thing although the route was different. We dropped off about five miles before Patterson Pass and rode to the top of Sierra. Was a GREAT ride! That climb on Sierra Rd. is definitely tough.

Check the race web site about road closures. Narrow roads in remote areas will likely be closed to cars many hours before the race arrives. Bicycles should be allowed on the road up to 15-30 minutes before the leader arrives, but then won't be allowed back on the road until after the last racers pass by.

I was a bit concerned about that but I cant find anything on their website about closures of roads. Doesnt make sense that they would close a road hours before the racers come through although I know they closed off Sierra Rd quite a bit early last year. If you see any info on that please post.

Thanks

Read the last post on this thread: http://www.ncncaracing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1057

Check the 'hamcam' to see if Mt Hamilton's snowed over the day of the stage.

Yeah looks like I'll be watching on Sierra instead of Hamilton

Read the last post on this thread: http://www.ncncaracing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1057

Check the 'hamcam' to see if Mt Hamilton's snowed over the day of the stage.

This helps some but is sorta vague. He says only residents will be allowed on the road, but starting at what time? I guess ideally the course director should have all the info listed somewhere. Still looking....

" Cyclists will not be permitted past Grant County Park starting at 10:00 AM on Weds. morning." sounds pretty clear to me. I'd assume the same on the other side. It sounds like they really don't want anyone on Hamilton.

I actually talked to the course director this evening and he suggested intercepting the race course at the junction of Mines Rd and San Antonio Rd. This way we get to climb about half of Mt. Hamilton and all of Sierra Rd. If the officials are feeling generous our van can drive over the climb into San Jose and if not the van can backtrack up the Mines Rd. and go the long way round. Either way, it looks like we will get our ride in.

So the next question is: Have any of you local guys driven Mines Rd from Livermore to San Antonio Valley Rd? How long does it take? Its right at 30 miles but it looks very twisty so I dont think you can make very good time on it.

It's very twisty. I'd plan on 45 minutes to an hour to drive it.

Hamilton plus Sierra is a tough day. It's 18 miles to the summit of Hamiliton from the Junction where you're talking about starting. The last four miles are an average grade of 8%.

Sierra is even steeper. :)

It's doable though. I've ridden it from Livermore as part of training for Devil Mountain Double.

I think it's going to be a tough day for the racers since it's so early in their season.

Veronica

From the "Livermore" side of Hamilton on the base of the mountain, it is roughly 7 miles+- to the top. If you average about 7 mph on the climb that's obviously an hour to summit the bugger.

I bet the pro's will take 25 min max to get up there. Some even less.

BR

I'll make the climb up Sierra too. Where should we all meet to do the ride?

Our plan is to be at the bottom of Sierra Rd, that is at Piedmont and Sierra pretty close to noon. We are coming from the back side of Mt. Hamilton though so a lot of things have to go right to be there on time. But hey, I'm feeling lucky :D

Our plan is to be at the bottom of Sierra Rd, that is at Piedmont and Sierra pretty close to noon. We are coming from the back side of Mt. Hamilton though so a lot of things have to go right to be there on time. But hey, I'm feeling lucky :D

I may ride from home, if we all decide to meet at Piedmont and Sierra.

I actually talked to the course director this evening and he suggested intercepting the race course at the junction of Mines Rd and San Antonio Rd. This way we get to climb about half of Mt. Hamilton and all of Sierra Rd. If the officials are feeling generous our van can drive over the climb into San Jose and if not the van can backtrack up the Mines Rd. and go the long way round. Either way, it looks like we will get our ride in.

So the next question is: Have any of you local guys driven Mines Rd from Livermore to San Antonio Valley Rd? How long does it take? Its right at 30 miles but it looks very twisty so I dont think you can make very good time on it.

They'll let you descend the west side of Mt Ham? Cool!

BTW the east side climb is 4.3 miles (to the top of the climb; it's another 3/4 mile to the observatory turn off) and 2000' of climbing. It's one of my favorite local climbs. 25 min or less sounds about right for pros. If I was spectating there I'd stop on the steep part after the cattle guard (where the grade really starts to bite) or on one of the hairpins farther up the road.

Mines rd gets narrow and twisty starting at about mile marker 11. (the numbers are painted on the road, and change when you cross the county boundary). Even though I grew up in Livermore and know Mines well, I don't think I'd plan on making it from Livermore to the Junction in less than an hour unless I was on a fast motorcycle. Also, in the winter there can be ice, and the creek crossings can get a little deep.

Don't miss the left turn to stay on Mines. If you start going up hill and didn't make a left onto what looks like another road, you missed it.

" Cyclists will not be permitted past Grant County Park starting at 10:00 AM on Weds. morning." sounds pretty clear to me. I'd assume the same on the other side. It sounds like they really don't want anyone on Hamilton.

I was originally planning on being at the Hamilton summit, but since this will mean such a long wait, I'll opt for Sierra. What I'd like to do though, since I'll be in the area, is ride over Hamilton in both directions (Starting from SJ) before doing Sierra.

I wonder how early I'd have to start to avoid getting caught in any road closures?

I was originally planning on being at the Hamilton summit, but since this will mean such a long wait, I'll opt for Sierra. What I'd like to do though, since I'll be in the area, is ride over Hamilton in both directions (Starting from SJ) before doing Sierra.

I wonder how early I'd have to start to avoid getting caught in any road closures?

oh wow... I am going to assume.... EARLY ;)

Don't miss the left turn to stay on Mines. If you start going up hill and didn't make a left onto what looks like another road, you missed it.

Yeah, because if you miss that turn, you'll end up going in circles around Lake del Valle :D