Glad to hear you got a ride in chevy57.

Yes, next time, head up Sand Hill Rd. If you like climbs, there is Old La Honda, Kings Mountain Rd and Page Mill, all of which offer different routes up to Skyline Blvd all within easy reach. There's plenty of discussion in the Norcal regional subforum, and folks there can direct you to good rides. Basically though, head west out of Palo Alto towards the hills and you can't go wrong.

Ed