Northern California - Why riding in the bay area is good for the soul

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Beaker
08-24-08, 01:56 PM
No real reason to post here, other than I remembered to take my camera with me on my ride this morning, and it was one of those beautiful mornings which remind you why you love riding and especially love riding in the bay area.

The route isn't very remarkable, just a simple ~20miler from Orinda up El Toyonal/Lomas Cantadas (at least I didn't stop this time), down South Park and Wildcat Canyon and back again.

(Edit - just stole this profile from the Lowkey Hillclimbs website)

http://www.lowkeyhillclimbs.com/2008/week8/profile_small.png

A rare flat section of El Toyonal

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/ElToyonal2008_08_24/DSC00209.jpg

Vista Del Orinda - the gateway to suffering

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/ElToyonal2008_08_24/DSC00210.jpg

Vista del Orinda, up to Lomas Cantadas I've heard that it's ~15% for the next mile or so - I can definitely believe it - whenever I need reminding of how to use the bottom of my gearing range, I come here

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/ElToyonal2008_08_24/DSC00211.jpg

Top of Lomas Cantadas - stunning view with the early morning fog lying in the east bay valleys (looking south)

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/ElToyonal2008_08_24/DSC00213.jpg

Meandering through Tilden after another 45-50mph adrenaline rush down South Park Drive

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/ElToyonal2008_08_24/DSC00219.jpg

This almost works -- Mt Diablo in the distance from Inspiration Point in Tilden

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/ElToyonal2008_08_24/DSC00223.jpg

San Pablo Reservoir on the descent down Wildcat.

http://i321.photobucket.com/albums/nn384/RDW5980/ElToyonal2008_08_24/DSC00224.jpg

senatorw
08-24-08, 08:04 PM
Yes it is. Today I rode the Paradise Loop from Tiburon out to Corde Madera and back 3 times (for a total of 60 miles) with a short run in between each set. It was clear, it was relatively cool (nice breeze), and the Bay was in full glory. I looked at the Bay and the huge houses and thought, there could be a whole lot worse places to live and ride.
frogpound
08-24-08, 11:17 PM
one word: Canyon...

Breathtaking redwoods...

reidconti
08-25-08, 09:49 AM
I never understand the people around here who whine and moan about everything being paved and overcrowded and overpopulated. There aren't many other places where you can ride 10 miles and feel like you're in the middle of nowhere :)