Northern California - Mt. Diablo Post Turkey Ride Report and Pics

This is a placeholder, so that Pete doesn't have a cow ... :roflmao2:

Anyhow, it was a fantabulous ride, and great turnout. Special thanks to AlainP for being the token local, and leading the route (better than I could). And thanks to benriding, for leading us through the special route from Walnut Creek back to Danville.

I got to show off my new Chipotle-Slipstream kit ... I think I know why it was being sold at huge discounts ... saw a small slit in the jersey inside the pocket. Oh well.

AlainP led a nice easy going pace leading out, then after 2 miles of spinning, the hammer went down. Up went the pace ... I think it was because Pete was dying to get to Starbucks.

We got to Starbucks, and later on, we met up with cccorlew, beaker, overthere among others. From there we headed the charge up Diablo. My camera inadvertently fell out of my jersey, so after retrieving it, I found myself in a familiar place, at the back. I checked out the camera, and all is functional. It didn't suffer the spectacular crashes that Pete's cameras had.

By the time we go near the Ranger's Station, the wind started picking up ... well, howling is more like it. It was starting to affect my climbing. As I reflect on it, it may have been a bit psychological, but whatever, I made it to the top! :D

An added bonus was at the last steep pitch of the climb, I could hear the guys who were already at the top, cheering, yelling, encouraging me up the top. I had no idea what they said, but it was a good adrenline charge. All I knew was I put my head down, grit with every pedal stroke, and exert every little joule of energy stored left in my system, and push it up to the top.

Dang it was windy at the top. I saw LanceOldstrong talking to his wife on the phone, but I'm not sure how she could hear. The wind was howling really strong.

The challenge now was descending. I think I held back about 25% as I didn't want to get blown off the mountain.

Some of the group went straight back down South gate, while the rest of us continued down North gate.

I saw Curtis's post in the other thread ... I hope Overthere made it back okay. Hopefully, she will post on here, just to know everything is okay.

Pics coming ...

I was thinking the same thing as I saw the other thread.

I really enjoyed meeting some new folks (for me) and reconnecting with some increasingly familiar faces. Although I was only in for Starbucks and the climb, it was great to ride with you all. It was great to catchup with Jim, Diana, Curtis, Alain as well as Colin - awesome SL2, sir. Very nice to finally meet Marco and Ruth as well.

Funny how the group part of a group ride doesn't quite seem to apply to climbs like this -- I spent most of the climb in my own little zone of concentration. That wind was pretty impressive today. I did enjoy trying to welcome folks to the summit with Pete and co. Talking of Pete, I hope you didn't hurt your hand after you got it stuck on that nice young lady's saddle...:innocent:

Here are some photos I shot. I didn't do much as I was eithr sucking air or trying not to be blown over.

I missed pizza because I couldn't remember what the name was. What was it? Also, if you have a photo of me i could use it for my blog. Thanks.

If anyone needs a larger version they are on my Flickr page
http://flickr.com/photos/ccorlew/

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/3069086775_65ec55170f.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3069085857_d415ff7402.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/3069922044_f192990345.jpg

Well I got to check-off Mt. Diablo off my list of climbs...a virgin no more. Special thanks to Daniel and Curtis for making the climb enjoyable. Oh, and a special mention to Ron who was my rabbit for the day...he helped me get past "the Wall"...does anybody have a picture of that? :)

Michael

Great ride today everyone! Lot of new guys showing up on a regular basis. Young'ins taking the torch. It was a little chilly at the start, but warmed up as the day went on.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/TheBigBug.jpg
Ron grew antennas on the ride by the way

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/AlainDonnie.jpg
Donnie the new guy

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Alain.jpg
Ride leader


http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/TheRace.jpg
The Big Race - Dan vs. Curtis

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Summit-2.jpg
the summit of diablo

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/TheDons.jpg
The two don's decide on Pizza

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/SilentBen.jpg
Silent Ben with the quiet smile

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Red-1.jpg
chris in a red theme

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Primos.jpg
Primo's Pizza, Danville

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Racing.jpg
Jim taking us through the crazy twists and turns in W.C.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_4UnLqaI/AAAAAAAAA9k/h9TLh69-XHM/s640/PB280131.JPG

Benriding
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_0c64jnI/AAAAAAAAA9c/Z23pTlRkoZA/s640/PB280133.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_yrqohbI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/20-QCiseV6o/s640/PB280134.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_wxg6z1I/AAAAAAAAA9U/LAHvGHwxOVk/s640/PB280136.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_ujGDrPI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/zNB8nhUKr_4/s640/PB280137.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_sbLjsCI/AAAAAAAAA9M/T7JWIal4Zus/s640/PB280141.JPG

Alain
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_oHhq2OI/AAAAAAAAA9A/mLbdqinvs1Q/s640/PB280143.JPG

Ah, filling up at Starbucks before the climb
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_lw00B4I/AAAAAAAAA88/SwI_A1iZgTc/s640/PB280144.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_j2bm2AI/AAAAAAAAA84/CWo1q1gAAzk/s640/PB280145.JPG

Curtis
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_iAIHfSI/AAAAAAAAA80/SJtTvlfNX2E/s640/PB280146.JPG

My camera fell out of my pocket as I was climbing Blackhawk. Just to prove it still works, I took this.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_cLCSJAI/AAAAAAAAA8w/hgzv7IBakrs/s640/PB280147.JPG

Approaching South Gate
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_X2BvN2I/AAAAAAAAA8s/tuQJ9-oxbVo/s640/PB280148.JPG

Daniel beats Curtis to the top
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_LIHyX7I/AAAAAAAAA8c/wa4nJkqLz0Q/s640/PB290151.JPG

Daniel recovers at the top
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_Gj66BvI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/QaN6N8OndFs/s640/PB290152.JPG

Jim (Benriding, at the top of Mt. Diablo)
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH-6XN9BTI/AAAAAAAAA8M/PMnzgffG-NA/s640/PB290155.JPG

AlainP
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH-2BK_flI/AAAAAAAAA8I/T1SrTb3bx10/s640/PB290156.JPG

Lunchtime!!!! PIZZA!!!!!
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH-yKbOinI/AAAAAAAAA8E/FIbGTbuS-S8/s640/PB290158.JPG

Focus, Pete, Focus
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH-pxIoZOI/AAAAAAAAA74/WOQattuKt8w/s640/PB290160.JPG

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Paceline-7.jpg
the Paceline

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/MrHaapy.jpg
Ron gettin crazy...I mean he's already there!

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Michaelsummit.jpg
Michael over the top!

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/MarcoRuthrace.jpg
Marco Ruth first time over the top!

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/MarcoFU.jpg
I'm rubbing off on Marco...

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Jim-1.jpg
Jim..Ballet in the the parking lot


http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Cutisdaniel.jpg
After the big race

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Bikeforums.jpg
In the beginning

Who won? I remember it more like this:

http://home.comcast.net/%7Ecccorlew/hosting/winner.jpg

Daniel beats Curtis to the top
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pxY28OCdAfg/STH_LIHyX7I/AAAAAAAAA8c/wa4nJkqLz0Q/s640/PB290151.JPGSweet, uphill dragrace!


http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/MarcoFU.jpgNice one, Mr. Fabian. :lol:

Pete, did you take a multiple-speed bike this time, or should we expect another "Swearin' Up The Wall" video?

I had a great time today. I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out based on how I felt waking up but after popping cold/flu meds, downing a couple vitamin c's, and chugging an airborne, I headed out the house en route to the BART station. The ride down was calm and pleasant with the bright and warming sun shining down and very light traffic. It's always nice feeling like you're the only one on the road.

Upon reaching the station, I run into Ben (silentben), who had made his way over the Dumbarton Bridge to the Union City BART to get here. Out of the corner of my eye a see a lurking Pete (Taxi777) attempting to spring up upon us. Then I see more warm familiar faces... Dan (LanceOldStrong), Jim (Benridin), Donald (dl33), Ron (spingineer). The rest of the group was soon present and, soon after the group photos, we were off to the coffee shop.

The ride to the first regroup was moderately paced. Led by Marco (uspspro) and Ruth, the lead pack increased the pace immediately followed by Taxi, Benridin, crsturdivant, spingineer, chrisoco, ... basically, everybody but me. I found myself really laboring just trying to match their pace so I backed off not wanting to blow myself up too early. I got to meet Michael (mellum76?) and we a nice conversation on the way to the coffee shop. When we were crossing Camino Tassajara, I see Curtis (cccorlew), Richard (beaker), and Diana (overthere) at the opposite corner of the intersection, so I shouted out to them that they overshot the coffee shop. I'm glad they heard me and realized I wasn't some crazy guy on a bike who likes to yell out their names.

After the coffee break, we head to the base of the mountain to begin the ascent. The usual gladiators/cheetah quickly pulled away into the distance and I find myself riding solo for a short while until silentben pulls up beside me. We had a nice casual ride up to the junction but I soon lost him as I failed to keep up. About a mile from the summit I could hear some rather loud voices and cheers coming up above me. I soon discovered the source as I was reaching the top of the wall where Pete and others were cheering the rest of us on. That was a nice feeling. But after reaching the flat section of the upper parking lot, I was greeted with strong gusts of wind that made it hard to ride straight and in some locations, difficult to stand.

We soon leave the summit upon the rest of the group's arrival with a brief regroup at the junction and parted ways with the South Gate Rd. bound folks, but only after Taxi's declaration of our suckiness which, by now, is the BF SOP of restarting. The howling wind was tossing me left and right and based on some of the erratic lines other cyclists were taking, I wasn't the only one. Watching the tandem team slice through the wind and carve through the turns was really a site to see. Of course, it wasn't a long lasting site as they soon disappeared beyond site.

We soon regroup at the North Gate kiosk and benridin shows us a new path through the Walnut Creek area which takes us behind the John Muir Medical Center, on bike trails, and through residential neighborhoods. Thanks for showing us the way. Unfortunately, we lost part of the group at some stop lights so Taxi and Benridin guide them back and soon were back on track to Primo's Pizza in Danville for some much needed nourishment. Pete made an excellent choice of Pizza with the "Godfather" and, like magic, the two X-Large pizzas were no more. With pizza and root beer/coke stuffed stomachs we were back on the road for the final stretch.

It was during this last stretch that I soon discovered that WHEELSUCKING RULES! For about 6-8 miles, I tucked in behind Marco and Ruth's wheel. When they said that the wind was really strong, we quickly replied with a "We wouldn't know!!!" Thank you guys for the strong pull at the end.

And thanks everyone for showing up and for making it a great ride.

Anyway, here are some pics I took... with the rest here (http://alainp.zenfolio.com/p11918184).

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p766365978-3.jpg
Taxi777 (Pete), LanceOldStrong (Dan), and Spingineer (Ron)

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p864611896-3.jpg
uspspro (Marco) and Ruth prepping

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p747831583-3.jpg
dl33 (Donald)

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p1035244624-3.jpg
overthere (Diana), spingineer (Ron) with a mischievous grin, crsturdivant (Colin), cccorlew (Curtis)

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p939768401-3.jpg
Mellum76 (Michael) cresting the wall

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p612745107-3.jpg
Spingineer summitting

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p990580044-3.jpg
Lanceoldstrong and cccorlew duking it out to the summit

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p550190945-3.jpg
silentben (Ben) and Mellum76 (Michael) at the summit parking lot

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p670187706-3.jpg
beaker (Richard) at the summit

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p847605436-3.jpg
At Primo's awaiting our pizzas

Who won? I remember it more like this:

http://home.comcast.net/%7Ecccorlew/hosting/winner.jpg

:roflmao2: You were movin so fast their are ripples in the asphalt!!!

Who won? I remember it more like this:

http://home.comcast.net/%7Ecccorlew/hosting/winner.jpg

Dan, did you have some "extra terrestrial assistance" in your race?

I had so much fun today with you all. Thanks everyone of you that came today. I am so lucky to have a great bunch of people to ride with.

I promise you Peninsula folks I will get out your way soon. Thank you for supporting these East Bay rides.

Special thanks to everyone who cheered me and Curtis up the wall during the "Great Race"

The first time I climbed Mt. Diablo (ever) was this spring. I walked up the wall.

This summer, on a Bike Forums ride I pedaled all the way up for the first time.

Today I raced up the wall. I still can't believe it. I could never have done it without you all.

Not the least of which is Curtis who threw down the gauntlet.

I was a great ride.

Ruth & I rode a steady pace. We managed to leave it in the 42 ring (middle ring) and up all the way until maybe 1/2 way between the junction and the summit. At this point we were bombarded with headwinds, and the first shift into the small ring was required.

The wind really took it out of me, so our sprint up the wall was a tough grind of the pedals to the summit.

We made it up in just over 1:17, which is pretty good for the first time up for either of us, and of course being on the tandem.

The descent was awesome. The wind was pretty nuts, but the tandem has the weight and wheelbase to maintain good stability. We were flying down that thing!

Some pics:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/3070353246_57daa07402_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/3069515509_b610a77cf9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/3070353224_9048ba9c96_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/3069515453_5e60bcc238_o.jpg

I had so much fun today with you all. Thanks everyone of you that came today. I am so lucky to have a great bunch of people to ride with.

Special thanks to everyone who cheered me and Curtis up the wall during the "Great Race"

The first time I climbed Mt. Diablo (ever) was this spring. I walked up the wall.

This summer, on a Bike Forums ride I pedaled all the way up for the first time.

Today I raced up the wall. I still can't believe it. I could never have done it without you all.

Not the least of which is Curtis who threw down the gauntlet.


Dan, that was the defining moment of the day! As for you and your accomplisments my friend, your just living proof of "What you put you mind too...":love:

Nice one, Mr. Fabian. :lol:


LOL. The ole Natty Fab. That's an OLD BF reference.

Looked like a fabulous turnout. I have 30 more days to make it up Mt. D before the end of 2008.
I'm thinking of heading up on Dec 19th, my b-day.

Looks like fun! I'm sorry I had to miss it. I had to make do with a short ride out here in the fog :-(

Thanks for the writeup and pictures.

LOL. The ole Natty Fab. That's an OLD BF reference.

Looked like a fabulous turnout. I have 30 more days to make it up Mt. D before the end of 2008.
I'm thinking of heading up on Dec 19th, my b-day.
Hey am I invited? I'll buy you Pizza...?

Hey am I invited? I'll buy you Pizza...?

Yeah! I'll pitch in for Henry's birthday!!!!

... Also, if you have a photo of me i could use it for my blog. Thanks.


This was the climactic moment of the day - it was spontaneous and really fun, and I can't believe Curtis and Daniel had it in them to sprint up the wall. Just great.
87927

Edit: OK, I am new to this. Click on thumbnail to enlarge. How do Iembed the full-size photos like everyone else?

This was the climactic moment of the day - it was spontaneous and really fun, and I can't believe Curtis and Daniel had it in them to sprint up the wall. Just great.
87927

Edit: OK, I am new to this. Click on thumbnail to enlarge. How do Iembed the full-size photos like everyone else?

alainp was kind enough to send me a RAW file (pretty cool, RAW from such a small camera) that I futzed with. Thanks alainp!!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/3070415747_7fba399909.jpg

This was the climactic moment of the day - it was spontaneous and really fun, and I can't believe Curtis and Daniel had it in them to sprint up the wall. Just great.
87927

Edit: OK, I am new to this. Click on thumbnail to enlarge. How do Iembed the full-size photos like everyone else?

Absolutely! I couldn't agree more Chris - I was just grinding my way up the wall having fought my way up through the wind. To stand at the top and watch these guys really put the hammer down was absolutely fantastic, both of you guys put on an awesome display, very impressive.

I was struck by how many folks managed a burst of speed up there - Michael and Ron to name two others. Now I know what I need to try to do next time...

By the way, to embed an image you need an account with Photobucket or another photo sharing site. Then simply cut/paste the image code into your post and voila.

alainp was kind enough to send me a RAW file (pretty cool, RAW from such a small camera) that I futzed with. Thanks alainp!!

I'm glad you could use it (and especially relieved that such a large file made it through). Very nice work with the post processing! (Gaussian blur, saturation adjustment, then partially erased around the riders?)

I'm glad you could use it (and especially relieved that such a large file made it through). Very nice work with the post processing! (Gaussian blur, saturation adjustment, then partially erased around the riders?)

Good eye.
Mostly smart layers, with the riders toned differently and masked. Lots of shadow recovery on the riders, a bit of blur on the foliage. But no erasing. Pretty much tried to make it look like I remembered it instead of what the pixels are.

Almost looks like a painting. Neat. :)

alainp was kind enough to send me a RAW file (pretty cool, RAW from such a small camera) that I futzed with. Thanks alainp!!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/3070415747_7fba399909.jpg

Honestly, this is one of the best pictures I think I've seen on this forum - it completely captures everything that's fantastic about cycling here. The more I look at it the better it gets - two guys slogging it out/giving it their absolute all up a stupid steep climb, our gorgeous bay area scenery as a backdrop, all in the name of friendly competition/camaraderie and H-ing-TFU. Also the fact that it happens to be two super cool local guys makes this even better.

I dunno, part of this should end up on a jersey or something....errr, I'll stop now.

That whole period of time when that group just "happened" and we cheered even the one's carrying their bikes, who I didn't even know when I got to push that cutie up the last bit of hill, the picture of Marco and Ruth so determined and working together...F@@ing Rons Sprint!!!!!! Holy cow...I was so proud of everyone and in that moment I was on a mountainside in the Alps and these souls we cheered were really part of the grandest tour of all. How profound and I wished I could just stay there in that moment. It actually knocked me off kilter...Today the moment is gone and I'm looking forward to looking back on this day and saying "do you remember the time?"
Anyway...hope you get my drift. I had an Epic day yesterday, just thought I'd say that!:love:

Pete

That whole period of time when that group just "happened" and we cheered even the one's carrying their bikes, who I didn't even know when I got to push that cutie up the last bit of hill, the picture of Marco and Ruth so determined and working together...F@@ing Rons Sprint!!!!!! Holy cow...I was so proud of everyone and in that moment I was on a mountainside in the Alps and these souls we cheered were really part of the grandest tour of all. How profound and I wished I could just stay there in that moment. It actually knocked me off kilter...Today the moment is gone and I'm looking forward to looking back on this day and saying "do you remember the time?"
Anyway...hope you get my drift. I had an Epic day yesterday, just thought I'd say that!:love:

Pete

I'm sorry to have missed this. I think I'm going to have to run over and practice Hamilton on Tuesday in prep of the 6th.

That whole period of time when that group just "happened" and we cheered even the one's carrying their bikes, who I didn't even know when I got to push that cutie up the last bit of hill, the picture of Marco and Ruth so determined and working together...F@@ing Rons Sprint!!!!!! Holy cow...I was so proud of everyone and in that moment I was on a mountainside in the Alps and these souls we cheered were really part of the grandest tour of all. How profound and I wished I could just stay there in that moment. It actually knocked me off kilter...Today the moment is gone and I'm looking forward to looking back on this day and saying "do you remember the time?"
Anyway...hope you get my drift. I had an Epic day yesterday, just thought I'd say that!:love:

Pete

Too bad no one took a video of it ... it would have been classic. The atmosphere was just amazing ... felt like I was in the Tour of California! Only thing missing was cow bells ... need more cow bells!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyV2cPLuFuA

I wrote up my version of the day at my new blog. It's lame but new and hey, you got to start somewhere. So check it out, there's more photos. See No Car Nor☼Cal (http://nocarnorcal.blogspot.com/). In a nutshell, I had a great day, my first ride in the East Bay. Thanks Marco and Ruth for the ride, thanks Colin and dl33 for the escort up the mountain, and thanks Bach for the fast music in my head. It was a great group with slick skills.

Here are some more photos, I have zillions more.

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/chrisoco/LateNov08038-1.jpg

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/chrisoco/LateNov08041-2.jpg

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/chrisoco/LateNov08069-1.jpg

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/chrisoco/LateNov08070-1.jpg

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/chrisoco/Diablopeak003-1.jpg

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/chrisoco/LateNov08091-1.jpg

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/chrisoco/LateNov08103-1.jpg

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/chrisoco/LateNov08108-2.jpg

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/chrisoco/LateNov08112-2.jpg

Hey nice write up on your blog, Chris. I'd like to think that at some point in that climb you had to catch me, but I seriously doubt it! I was kinda hanging 20-30ft off Pete's and Jim's wheel for the first part of the climb, but saw you guys blast into the distance. I hadn't realized that Donald was the other member of your group of 3 - you guys were clearly on a mission.

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr41/chrisoco/LateNov08070-1.jpg



Don't you love it when cars tail you up the wall? Right up there with passing around blind corners.

Don't you love it when cars tail you up the wall? Right up there with passing around blind corners.

Haha.

Actually, we didn't even know there was a car until seeing the picture.

There was an SUV ahead of me on the final climb. He was going so slow, I was fearing he would interrupt the progress of my climbing.

There was an SUV ahead of me on the final climb. He was going so slow, I was fearing he would interrupt the progress of my climbing.

http://alainp.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p939768401-3.jpg

You were behind that SUV in the photo. Basically, you could only go as fast as that lady wanted!

You were behind that SUV in the photo. Basically, you could only go as fast as that lady could walk :p

Ya know, I can understand having to walk up the last bit. But, why would you carry your bike?

I get this question a lot. Surprising that most people underestimate the distance.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_hSZo5vjiPmQ/STQw7dBd0kI/AAAAAAAAEpw/F646nXvtwKQ/s800/Car%20Stoppers.JPG


.

Scott- I think he means, why would you carry your bike rather than WALK your bike, once you've gotten to the point that you cannot ride. It would seem that walking the bike would be easier than carrying it.

Everyone else- great pics and reports! So sorry I had to miss this ride, but I was away with family. I am very excited about Mt. Turkey, I mean HAM, on Saturday.

Scott- I think he means, why would you carry your bike rather than WALK your bike, once you've gotten to the point that you cannot ride. It would seem that walking the bike would be easier than carrying it.



Of course, I wasn't responding to BBM's question, just a generic question I get asked a lot.

But if I WERE to answer BBM's question, I'd guess she was posing for Pete's camera.

Ya know, I can understand having to walk up the last bit. But, why would you carry your bike?Can't taint the averages on the computer. :P

Scott- I think he means, why would you carry your bike rather than WALK your bike, once you've gotten to the point that you cannot ride. It would seem that walking the bike would be easier than carrying it.
.


HA!! Not with the 62 mph gusts up there. If I had gotten that far (:cry:) I would have borrowed a few bikes to shoulder to keep my feet grounded!

You guys ROCK though, what an awesome finish!! Next time I try and hang with you animals, I'll have to load up on testosterone patches or something....:p

Oh man, Mt. Diablo needs to go down in under 1 hour sometime soon. Any takers?

The whipping wind seemed more daunting on the descent of the north side. There were a couple of nice stretches of strong tailwind on the climb. Maybe about .5 miles or so from the top, though, there was a wicked head-on wind tunnel that lasted for a couple of minutes or less but it seemed like forever. This gave me enough time to recover before the wall, which I limped up. On the descent, it seemed like we were all rocked and almost knocked off our bikes by the wind.

HA!! Not with the 62 mph gusts up there. If I had gotten that far (:cry:) I would have borrowed a few bikes to shoulder to keep my feet grounded!

You guys ROCK though, what an awesome finish!! Next time I try and hang with you animals, I'll have to load up on testosterone patches or something....:p

Nah, no patches needed ... just a few swift pushes on the back. I gotta practice pushing while not falling off my bike. :lol:

Oh man, Mt. Diablo needs to go down in under 1 hour sometime soon. Any takers?

Not me ... I was lucky to get there in < 90 minutes ... I just barely made it!

Yeah the wind was definitely howling at the top but thankfully we were in the lee side of the mountain for the most part while actually riding. I didn't personally have any scary moments.

I have ridden in sustained 30mph winds before out by the coast where there were no obstacles to block the wind and that was much worse imho. That was the day I crashed due to wind (going slow into the wind, I reached into my jersey pocket for my camera, big gust of wind caught me with one hand on the bars and the front wheel just tucked and down I went).

Overthere, sorry to hear about your spill in the other thread. Now you know you're not the only one it's happened to.

Oh man, Mt. Diablo needs to go down in under 1 hour sometime soon. Any takers?That's easy. You'd have to bonk hard to not make it in under an hour.

Err, wait... we're talking to the ranger station, right?

:P

Oh man, Mt. Diablo needs to go down in under 1 hour sometime soon. Any takers?

Hey Colin, what was your time on Saturday? You 3 guys (with chrisoco and dl33) were in the zone. I made it in ~1h 16m, which is about 2mins better than my first time up in Sept. Funny thing was that was facing 50mph gusts as well, so I haven't completely ruled out being a bit quicker on a more favourable day (cut me some slack eh?)

I have a funny feeling that you'd need to give me a 10min headstart to pace you to the summit though...

BTW -- <1h up Diablo is looking like a goal for me. No idea how to get from here to there just now though.

I was playing around with Tim Clark's power to time converter (http://www.drdmserver1.com/timspage/PowerCalc.html). For my weight it said I needed to put out 320 watts to make it up Diablo in an hour. This same power output up Old La Honda would get me to the top in 21 minutes. My best OLH time is 22 minutes. I think i'd try to get that below 20 minutes (already a not-very-actively-pursued goal of mine) before trying for a sub-hour Diablo time.