Palomares is great, but I'm not such a big fan of Niles Canyon (at least car traffic is lower on a weekend). I wish there was another way to get to the foot of Palomares. BBM does seem to pull in the crowds for these rides!

The route could be extended by heading towards Castro Valley instead of Dublin after coming off of Palomares. Then you'd have a choice of Crow Canyon/Norris Canyon (adds maybe 15 miles and another good climb - steeper but not as long as Palomares), returning by San Ramon Valley Blvd, or going all the way to Redwood, and back by little Pinehurst, through Orinda and Lafayette and down Danville/San Ramon Valley Blvd. This adds a couple of hills and would double the mileage to about 60. For the really ambitious, you'll go right by lots of good stuff in Orinda - the 3 bears, pig farm hill, Wildcat Canyon/Inspiration point, etc.

As usual, I'm already booked (jeez, when will these kids get to college already?!!) - soccer games both Saturday and Sunday mornings. However, you might see me out there in the afternoon. Then again, I haven't been up Diablo in a while.....

JB