UPDATE: OK, OK. Now I understand the lure of Mt. Diablo. Magnificent ride. Great views (at least I assume they would be if it wasn't so smoggy this morning). Light traffic, and most of the drivers I encountered were pretty considerate (one even paced me up The Wall since he didn't think there was enough room to safely pass - and I couldn't move any further to the right). Unfortunately I got a late start out of Sacramento, so I didn't get to North Gate Road until almost 10:00. It wasn't pretty, but I made it up. By that time, temps were pushing 100 deg F; fortunately, being from the Sacramento Valley, I'm pretty much acclimated to 100+ deg temps. Even so, it was a fantastic experience that I'm looking forward to repeating. Thanks to all who keep encouraging everyone to ride it; I now can tell you first hand, it's worth it.
Thanks,
KB
P.S. I also saw one of the most inspirational sights on a bicycle - 10-year old Madison making it all the way to the summit. She even refused her Dad's help making it up The Wall. Mom said they've been training all summer long. She obviously was very proud of her daughter. Heck, I don't even know her, and I was proud just to see her.