Northern California - BF Other Ride - Saturday, 3/1

Gee, a hundred and twenty miles, eight thousand feet of climbing, and a start time of seven in the morning, a two-hour drive away from my house? I'll have to consult with the Ouija board and the Magic 8-Ball on this one...


Edited with ride details:

When: Saturday, March 1, 9 AM
Where: Pleasant Hill BART Station (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Pleasant+Hill+BART&sll=37.926641,-122.055998&sspn=0.011746,0.020084&ie=UTF8&ll=37.927731,-122.056561&spn=0.011746,0.020084&z=16&iwloc=addr)
1365 Treat Blvd.
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
Meet at the south east corner, along Treat Blvd.
What: No-drop, social ride :)
Route: Martinez - 3 Bears (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Pleasant-Hill-3-Bears-ride)
Mileage: 54
Climbing: 4200 ft

In:
msincredible (PM me if you want my cell phone # for coordinating purposes)
x136
cccorlew
Bostic
mtnwalker
OrbeaJ

Tentative:
gpelpel
cantdrv55
taxi777

Ride notes from gpelpel:


This ride includes most of the North Loop of the Grizzly Peak Century being held on May 4.
It may be started in Orinda (BART), Concord (BART), or Martinez (AmTrak). The ride is very scenic and rural for the most part except the smelly Rodeo part that goes through the refineries.

The Alhambra Valley is a long, steady, but not steep uphill that finishes with a steeper section at Pig Farm Hill. The descent that follows is short and fast, that's where I have established my fastest speed on a bike so far (49.5mph). The Bears are not steep, Mama is the steepest but only half a mile long, Baby is very short, Papa is a long and steady grind.
Then it's mostly rollers along San Pablo Reservoir followed by a short climb out of El Sobrante and flatter terrain and rollers through Pinole and Hercules. The pavement though Rodeo is famously awful but seemed to be worked on during last year Grizzly Peak ride. Thankfully it's not long. The ugliest and smelly part of the ride then leads through the refineries, not long either. Once past them the ride along the north bay is beautiful with a couple of hills and then there's the CLIMB, McEwen Road is not too long (1.5 mile) but steep. I read that it was one of Greg Lemond's favorite training climb in the Bay Area. The key is too find a comfortable pace and try to summit without stopping, the toughest part is at the beginning of the climb then the grade eases. The reward is the long descent that follows on Franklin Canyon Road.

Hey if you're down I'll meet you somewhere near a BART station for a shorter ride that starts later instead.Hmm, now that could motivate me to get off my arse. :) Whereabouts, whenabouts, and howabouts?

Hmm, now that could motivate me to get off my arse. :) Whereabouts, whenabouts, and howabouts?

Well the only place I really know off of BART (besides SF) is the Berkeley hills, but I'm also game for going out to Pittsburgh or Dublin/Pleasanton if that works better and you know any good routes. I think I could do either Saturday or Sunday.


Haha, I just re-read this and realized it sounded kind of bad ;)

:lol:

Well the only place I really know off of BART (besides SF) is the Berkeley hills, but I'm also game for going out to Pittsburgh or Dublin/Pleasanton if that works better and you know any good routes. I think I could do either Saturday or Sunday.

Why don't you guys give the Diablo - Morgan Territory route a try?

Here's a route http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Mt-Diablo-and-Morgan-Territory

Well the only place I really know off of BART (besides SF) is the Berkeley hills, but I'm also game for going out to Pittsburgh or Dublin/Pleasanton if that works better and you know any good routes. I think I could do either Saturday or Sunday.I barely know any routes around here, let alone in the Bay area. So I think what's convenient for you goes. :) I could probably drive directly to the BART station, if that helps.

Either Saturday or Sunday works for me, with a slight preference toward Sunday.


Why don't you guys give the Diablo - Morgan Territory route a try?You're a funny, funny guy. :p

I barely know any routes around here, let alone in the Bay area. So I think what's convenient for you goes. :) I could probably drive directly to the BART station, if that helps.

Either Saturday or Sunday works for me, with a slight preference toward Sunday.

You're a funny, funny guy. :p

Do I look like I'm kidding?

I'm serious. Hell, I'll go with you guys. I've been itching for a ride.

Do I look like I'm kidding?The alternative is that you want me dead. I was hoping it was the kidding part... ;)

The alternative is that you want me dead. I was hoping it was the kidding part... ;)

I don't want you dead. Just near death.

Ok, X, here is a "flatter" and shorter that will take you from Pittsburgh to some very scenic areas in the Antioch area.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...rgh-to-Antioch (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Pittsburgh-to-Antioch)

Ok, X, here is a "flatter" and shorter that will take you from Pittsburgh to some very scenic areas in the Antioch area.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...rgh-to-Antioch (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Pittsburgh-to-Antioch)

That looks like a good option, thanks! Are you joining us? Do you have a preference for Saturday or Sunday?

Yeah, that one looks a bit more doable than Diablo to this Inhabitor of Flat Lands. :)

Here's another very scenic and enjoyable east bay ride, that can be easily modified to start at the Martinez Amtrak station:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Martinez-to-Port-Costa-to-Crockett-To-rodeo

That looks like a good option, thanks! Are you joining us? Do you have a preference for Saturday or Sunday?

I'm in for a Saturday, weather permitting. Bigbossman's route looks good too and shorter. ;)

Which one? Time and place?

I'm in for a Saturday, weather permitting. Bigbossman's route looks good too and shorter. ;)

Which one? Time and place?


You guys need to start a new thread for this ride....

Here's another very scenic and enjoyable east bay ride, that can be easily modified to start at the Martinez Amtrak station:That looks nice as well.

By the way, Bikely's KML download plus Google Earth's "Tour" function make for really neat video tours. :)


You guys need to start a new thread for this ride....Whatever do you mean? :p

Whatever do you mean? :p

Wait a sec... did a new thread happen retroactively? Is that possible?

Anyway, I need a ride on Saturday, and from Antioch i don't need a 2 hour drive to start.
So, I'm keeping an eye on this one.

I'd do some flavor of Diablo, or that route out past Port Costa (though teh traffic in some of those areas looks frightening) or maybe something else. The idea of going up Marsh Creek road with all the crazy drivers concerns me, but if you all will block for me.....

I'd be down for a sunday ride. it would have to start near a train station though.

The weather report was for lightning and gale force winds in the east bay through the weekend! They say the San Mateo coast is supposed to be some of the best weather this century! It's really amazing the micro climates in the bay area... I also heard that they'll be a half off cost for everything on route 1 for cyclists! I'm sure glad I picked Alan's ride :)

Oh I heard wild mountian lions spotted in the Morgan Territories! :eek:

Why don't you guys do this ride on Saturday, then join us on Sunday along the Coast? :beer:

Why don't you guys do this ride on Saturday, then join us on Sunday along the Coast? :beer:

Yeah then I can do the Sat ride maybe if the weathers good.. I'll tell the wife I have a buisness meeting on Sat;)

Ohhh, I had an idea. I've been hearing a lot about 3 Bears in the Martinez area.
Then I saw Bigbossman's route and I figured, why not put the two together for a nice longish route with some respectable climbing.

So how about this route http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Martinez-3-Bears-Crocket-Rodeo
either on Saturday or Sunday.

X, Ms I? Anyone?

Ohhh, I had an idea. I've been hearing a lot about 3 Bears in the Martinez area.
Then I saw Bigbossman's route and I figured, why not put the two together for a nice longish route with some respectable climbing.

So how about this route http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Martinez-3-Bears-Crocket-Rodeo
either on Saturday or Sunday.

X, Ms I? Anyone?

That looks like a good option. I looked on a map and it is a short ride (~ 4 miles) from the Concord BART station to either the Glacier / Muir intersection or Glacier / Center intersection on your route. Both look like they have parking lots, is either one a good place to meet?

Seems like right now there are more votes for Saturday.

When's a good time for people? 9? 10?
I'd prefer no later than 10 myself.

That's real close to me. How hilly is the route? I'm carrying about 15lb more than I did last year.

Go to the bikely page, then click on "Show" > "Elevation Profile".

Or I'll try to attach a screenshot.

Oh and it will definitely be a no-drop, social ride. :)

I am so bummed .... this will be a great ride. Take lots of pictures. Have a great ride everyone.

So where is that actual meeting place? I may have to ride there. My wife is taking the car with the bike rack this weekend.
And when?
Is anyone leaving from Antioch who'd like to give me a ride?

This ride includes most of the North Loop of the Grizzly Peak Century being held on May 4.
It may be started in Orinda (BART), Concord (BART), or Martinez (AmTrak). The ride is very scenic and rural for the most part except the smelly Rodeo part that goes through the refineries.

The Alhambra Valley is a long, steady, but not steep uphill that finishes with a steeper section at Pig Farm Hill. The descent that follows is short and fast, that's where I have established my fastest speed on a bike so far (49.5mph). The Bears are not steep, Mama is the steepest but only half a mile long, Baby is very short, Papa is a long and steady grind.
Then it's mostly rollers along San Pablo Reservoir followed by a short climb out of El Sobrante and flatter terrain and rollers through Pinole and Hercules. The pavement though Rodeo is famously awful but seemed to be worked on during last year Grizzly Peak ride. Thankfully it's not long. The ugliest and smelly part of the ride then leads through the refineries, not long either. Once past them the ride along the north bay is beautiful with a couple of hills and then there's the CLIMB, McEwen Road is not too long (1.5 mile) but steep. I read that it was one of Greg Lemond's favorite training climb in the Bay Area. The key is too find a comfortable pace and try to summit without stopping, the toughest part is at the beginning of the climb then the grade eases. The reward is the long descent that follows on Franklin Canyon Road.

The Pleasant Hill BART station seems to be the most convenient meeting point if riders come from both the Peninsula and the East Bay/ Delta. It has less city riding than the Concord option. From the station you can ride Treat/Geary going West, turn right on Pleasant Hill Rd and left on Withers straight to nice Reliez Valley Rd. Reliez Valley ends at Alhambra Valley Rd.

I will try to join the group if I can free myself from family duties.

Wow, excellent tips qpelpel.

So, Pleasant Hill BART then guys? Maybe start at 9 am?

How about it?

I'm open to time or meeting place. I just want to ride with some great people.:D

I'm about 1:15 from the Pleasant Hill BART station according to Google, so I wouldn't have to be up too obscenely early to make it there by 9.

Pleased to hear about the "social" and "no-drop" aspects of the ride, as well. :)

If it starts at 9am on Saturday then I should be able to make it. Hopefully that is enough time to do the ride, go home and sleep and be ready for the evenings gig.

9 on saturday it is.

I edited the first post with ride details. :D

After being berated by certain entity(s) I'm 99.999998 % in for Sat.:o

After being berated by certain entity(s) I'm 99.999998 % in for Sat.:o


good choice.:D

A real numbnuts ? here..back in the olden days I got stuck in berkely cause I didn't have a bart pass for my bike. I checked on the Bart site and didn't see any requirements. I'm thinking about skipping driving and going Bart, any restrictions. Would they allow someone like me on there? I'm almost as intelligent as a service animal...:( and somewhat house broken?.....I promise I wont pee on the furniture..:)

No problem taking your bike on BART on the weekend.

During weekday rush hours there are restrictions, basically no full-sized bikes (folders only) through certain stations in the city.

You are indeed safe on the weekends. During the week they check o see when you want to ride, then make sure to block out those times so cyclists can't use the system.
Yes, I am just a little bitter.

I'm thinking about investing on a nice folding road bike just for this reason.

Someday.

I'm dreaming of a Bike Friday or something else along those lines....

I'm thinking about investing on a nice folding road bike just for this reason.

Someday.

That gets you on BART. But then you'd have to ride a folding bike.:eek::eek:

I'd love to have a nice, simple, small-folding, inexpensive fixed-gear folder. They're few and far between, unfortunately.

And getting a decent amount of gear-inches would require an amusingly large chainring, especially with 16" wheels. :)

I'd love to have a nice, simple, small-folding, inexpensive fixed-gear folder. They're few and far between, unfortunately.


I think it's the "inexpensive" part that is the most challenging here.

True, true.

But as proven by a BF member, can't remember his name or handle, back in '07 Labor Day ride a folding bike can both be very fast and very good for climbing. He had a blue folding bike that day that left most of us on regular road bikes behind. I even drafted him on some parts of the route.

If I ever get a folding bike it will be one with drop bars. Like this.
http://www.bikefriday.com/image/view/1968/_original

But as proven by a BF member, can't remember his name or handle, back in '07 Labor Day ride a folding bike can both be very fast and very good for climbing. He had a blue folding bike that day that left most of us on regular road bikes behind. I even drafted him on some parts of the route.


That was Michael (kb5ql).

That was Michael (kb5ql).

Thank you. Thats him. I knew he had a weird handle.:D

That folding bike of his was fast.

Alan (sesamecrunch) let me try out a couple of his folders, that was very cool. :)

That gets you on BART. But then you'd have to ride a folding bike.:eek::eek:

:mad: ...and your problem is??? :mad: ....


Alan (sesamecrunch) let me try out a couple of his folders, that was very cool. :)

This was the fastest of the ones MsIncredible tried. 16.6 lbs dripping wet. Nothing slow about this bike..
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e157/sesamecrunch/DahonHelios1sm.jpg


I'd love to have a nice, simple, small-folding, inexpensive fixed-gear folder. They're few and far between, unfortunately.


Actually, I find that there's a huge selection of folders, most fairly inexpensive. Bike Fridays are an exception.

I think it's the "inexpensive" part that is the most challenging here.Yeah. Like the software saying: "Good, fast, cheap. Pick two."


Actually, I find that there's a huge selection of folders, most fairly inexpensive. Bike Fridays are an exception.Oh yeah, there's a lot of folders in general out there if you dig a bit (or know where to look), but finding one that is either a fixed gear or would be easily convertible to such (horizontal dropouts or, to really push it, track ends), and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, well, that's something else. :)