Pheard

Thought I'd get this out in advance, Liz(cyclemagic) is coming out the week of may 13th and she has expressed interest in riding with some of us. I know Siu and I would like to meet up. So we're going to need some ideas for where we could possibly go for a road ride, keeping in mind that some of us are going to be brand new to road. Ideas, suggestions, etc would be appreciated. Also let us know if it's possible for you to make it. \

No more than 50 miles.

No more than 1000 elevation climbing-wise.

platypus

in what general area were you thinking? It's an old standby, but the Portola Valley Loop would pretty much meet those restrictions. It's not too tough, it's absolutely lovely, and there's lots of other bikers on the road.

spingineer

I'll agree with Platypus. Palo Alto, through Portola Valley, to Woodside. If that's not enough, head north on Canada Road (especially if it's on a Sunday, since they close the road off to cyclists only that day).

bigbossman 

San Ramon to Moraga and back. About 40-45 miles/1000 feet of climbing, very scenic

Pheard

That sounds cool, I'm only putting restrictions on this because me and Siu both don't have our bikes in yet and aren't used to road. So we gotta take it easy. Views/scenic areas are definitely a plus.

Any pictures to show us what the portola valley loop looks like?

BigSean

Climbing is alot easier on a road bike. Well, its adds up quicker anyway. Do some riding on the mt bike till your roadies get here, and you'll do fine.

Oh, and Im a maybe.

t4mv

Not to be smartalecky or anything, but perhaps MUTs might fit the bill in terms of getting used to pavement; asphalt minus the cars, but more than made up for w/ pedestrians, joggers, kids on Razors, kids on 40# bikes riding on the wrong side, other cyclists riding two abreast coming at you, mangey dogs, moms w/ strollers, grandparents w/ strollers, in-line 'bladers...there're a few more, but I think you get the picture. If this sounds somewhat entertaining, you could always try the Bay Trail that goes around bits and pieces of the Bay.

Pheard

Which reminds me Sean, I was going to see if you wanted to ride SC with me next week. I've been gone alot for the last month, but next week i'll be free and I can afford the gas to get to SC!! I'll pm you when I get back on sunday.

platypus

Well, here's a little something: https://www.paloaltobicycles.com/loopmap/loop.html

CycleMagic

YEA! how fun will this be?!! I am up for anything (well, almost anything...) as long as it doesn't kill me or make me too tired/sore/cranky to enjoy the rest of the trip. the Portola Valley loop sounds pretty. What is the mileage? OH, EDIT: just checked out the link....looks great!

Thanks for getting this organized, Jon! looking forward to meeting everyone. My trip is a Sat-Sat, so unfortunatly, I will only be able to ride during the week. Hope some folks can make it still.

Liz

scottmorrison99

If my wife is home by then, I'll be in this time.

Scotty

uspspro

Heh... if you guys are riding during the week, you may catch me on my commute home (like half of it is parts of the Portola Loop)

Link:
https://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...w-to-San-Mateo

Siu Blue Wind

Um Jon. I still won't have my bike yet. It takes 12 weeks. I have 11 left.

CycleMagic

Siu!!!!!! you have to ride....you will take another bike. so there.

'nother

Some here, plus detailed description: https://chainreaction.com/bigloop.htm (Note: this includes the Old La Honda climb, which can easily be skipped).

CycleMagic, where in NC are you coming from?

CycleMagic

I live in Western NC: Hickory. We have great riding out here: lots of rolling hills and some climbs that will make you want to either cry or vomit (your choice).

BigSean

Im off the bike for a while. I have a couple of slipped discs in my back and we are trying to get those taken care of. Thats why Im a maybe, dont know when Ill be able to ride again.

UmneyDurak

12 weeks Are they building it from scratch or something?

Siu Blue Wind

Yeah pretty much. Sucks. By that time, summer will be over.

Pheard

Siu, I'll pay to rent you a roadie. Not a big deal. You're coming!

When ya bike comes in me and you will do something but ya gotta be there when CM is comin'.

'nother

Siu, depending on what size you are and what day this event actually occurs, I might be able to line up a roadie for ya. PM me to discuss...

Dchiefransom

What size frame do you ride?

Is this ride going to actually be on Mother's Day?

Portola Loop Clockwise or counter-clockwise? I think this is what I need for building up.

x136 

The Portola loop looks like it makes for a nice ride. I'm most likely in. What day of the week are we talking?

7rider

If you do the Portola loop, there's a water fountain at the corner of Portola and Alpine Road. Nice place to stop if you want to regroup.

CycleMagic

I could ride Sunday the 13th; just have to make sure the brother has my loaner bike set up for me. does Sunday work for everyone? if not, we'll have to choose a day during the week.