spingineer

As if you didn't have enough climbing for Saturday, here's another hill climb for Sunday. This is actually my typical Montebello Sunday ride, but I decided to extend it this time. Starts at the same place, at Peet's Coffee on Homestead and Foothill in Los Altos (or is it Cupertino?)

We'll do Montebello (out and back ... one that is missing from the dead end ride), then Redwood Gulch, up Hwy 9 to Skyline, then north on Skyline to 84, then down through Woodside.

When: 1/11/2009, 10 am
Where: Peet's Coffee, on Homestead and Foothill in Los Altos

https://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...llo-and-Beyond

Bostic

Woohoo double century training ride.

1jacktripper

Ramon, which double century(ies) are you doing? I know Ron is doing Solvang and Davis.

Bostic

My plan is for Devil Mountain Double, Terrible Two, and Mt. Tam double since they are all close by and not several hours by car.

Ygduf

I should be in for this one too. This sounds good, I don't really care for the ride back in from the south.

rusty993

If it's not wet, count me in. Saying aloud to myself "I am not thinking about double centuries, I must not think about double centuries, I will not think about double centuries". I just need some miles so I can keep up with you guys.

uspspro

OK. I'm in on this on the tandem with Ruth.

Looks like I'll be solo on Saturday.

spingineer

Here's the route ... with a surprise detour at the beginning ...

https://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...llo-and-Beyond

uspspro

Riding to the start from San Mateo. Pete you can join us again if you want (pick up at Milbrae BART)

Bostic

That's a long ride to the start.

uspspro

Gonna do the Alameda de las Pulgas climb to start things off too

Not too bad 21 miles and 1300 feet
https://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path...-and-homestead

When I said Milbrae Bart, I meant get Pete with the car at Milbrae, and bring him to my place to start the ride.

chrisoco

Alright, count me in. I should get there on time if my tire holds up.

spingineer

Thanks all for coming out for this ride ... Chris (chrisoco), Chris (ygduf), Marco and Ruth ... and yes, Ramon did make it to the ride. Man, that guy is one tough hombre.

You couldn't ask for a better day weather wise ... I think the 70 degree forecast just brought out everyone doing anything outdoor-sie ... but that also meant there were a lot of motorcyclists out there buzzing us.


Not even 5 miles in, and Marco and Ruth started having issues with the tandem ... but this wasn't too bad. Just needed water bottle cage tweaked.

I took the group through a slight detour through Rancho San Antonio Park. They all seem to like that alternative ... at least it breaks up the monotony of Foothill Expy. That may explain why Ramon got ahead us on the climb ... he was running late, and wasn't with us at the beginning of the ride.


Okay, made the first hurdle ... legs are not in complete and total pain, but it didn't mean this wasn't an effort. Why do I do this to myself ... I guess I just like torture ... yes, that's what being a Gladiator is all about.

Descending Montebello, I was just amazed how many people were doing the climb today. I think I passed by 10 riders who were on their way up, while I was on my way down. Onto the next climb, and Redwood Gulch. All along, I did not take off my wind resistant gloves, and as we were going through the canyons onto Redwood Gulch, I am glad I had them. We immediately got about a 10 degree drop in temps. I don't think it ever gets warm through there, even in summer.


Unlike Montebello, there weren't very many doing Redwood Gulch. I wonder why that is? Wimps? Or are we just stupid? Doesn't matter ... we were just having fun.


The next climb was up Saratoga Gap, or Hwy 9. My legs at this point were pretty lifeless. I rode it in my granny gear, trailing behind Marco and Ruth. It was a slow grind, but hey ... at least we made it up there.


Next, a right turn on Hwy 35 (Skyline), and rollies ... but at least it's better than going the other way. On the way, I stopped off at the scenic overview, near Clouds Rest Road. I just love that name ... what a view.


After a brief regroup at 35/84, we descend into Woodside, and load up on sweets, and calories. I can't remember, but I think Ramon wanted at least 1500 calories, and a real big sugar high. Dang, I feel sorry for those pastries ... he really devoured it.

On the way home, we were getting into a good paceline, of course with the tandem leading the way. I think the sugar rush and rest may have re-energized me. I didn't have lead legs like yesterday. I ended up with 68 miles, and 6900 feet climbing. Not bad.

spingineer

Some more pics. Chrisoco also has more ... hint hint, nudge nudge ...




Regrouping at base of Redwood Gulch.


Top of Redwood Gulch, looking back at what we climbed


Skyline Blvd, Hwy 35 ... that's Chrisoco in the distance, pulling away.


Another scenic view from Clouds Rest.


Ruth, Marco, and Chris (ygduf) resting and enjoying sugar highs in front of Woodside Bakery


Chrisoco savoring his caffeine


Dork shot of myself

BlastRadius

Looked like a great ride. I certainly was a beautiful day out. I'll hit up Montebello one of these days.

chrisoco

It was a great ride, as always. The motorcycles were out in force on the 70 degree day, reminding me of the ones that set off car alarms and drowned out my TV in NYC. They really produce massive noise and air pollution. I was reminded of this provocative interview with the NY Times so-called Ethicist: Transportation Ethics

Enough of my spiel. Here are many pics:


Up Montebello














Water on a hot day (but a very cold spot)

chrisoco

Skyline and 84






Mmmm, good

Ygduf

Wow, those are some great faces I'm making!

chrisoco

I thought the one at the start was funny (for sure) and intentional (perhaps not).

Ygduf

No, I think that pic may have been snapped before I was entirely... ready? Judging by your photo journalism though I seem to walk around making weird faces a lot.

1jacktripper

Remember what your mom used to say when you were little about how it's going to become permanent if you keep making faces? Well, there you go, you were warned!

spingineer

Slideshow created ... https://www.slide.com/r/32-ZY39V6z-nh...ipsH8csB?cy=bb