2009 Mt. Diablo Challenge -- Oct. 4th
 

Who's doing it? I missed it last year, so I'm definitely in this year. I got this email today (EDIT: link now works):

The 28th Mount Diablo Challenge is happening on Sunday October 4, 2009. Join 1,000 cyclists to climb the Bay Area's most devilish peak in the most exciting cycling event.

Again this year the event benefits Save Mount Diablo, a non-profit organization that is working to enhance the quality of life and recreational opportunities in the East Bay.

For more info and/or to register go to: http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1678605
or visit www.savemountdiablo.org

We are looking forward to see you on the Mountain!

This link works:

http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1678605

I'm definitely in.

I'm wondering what wave to pick. Last time up I got a time of 70m 50s, so I'm wondering if it'd be better to go in wave 3 (70-80min) and be at the front or try for wave 2 (60-70min) and be a back marker (but perhaps be spurred to push harder?) Any thoughts?

I have a couple questions about it.

1. is there anyplace to get water along the way up besides the ranger station for this day?

2. how fast does registration usually fill up? Do I have a month or 2 to sign up? I want to wait till after BF goes up on July 25th to sign up so I can better gauge my time.

Do the 60-70 wave! You'll go faster than you think.

You'll probably want to skip a water refill during the race. Just fill up two bottles before the start.

The earlier the better for registration if you want to be in a specific wave. I think the first two waves sell out pretty quickly, though I'm not 100% sure.

+1 you don't want to stop and refill your bottle. It'll actually be rather cold that time of year, especially at the top, so you might get away with just one 24 oz bottle (that's my plan).

I signed up rather late and got put in the last wave (80-90). I don't think that they sell out.

Why the hell not.

Just signed up for the 70-80 min wave.

Never climbed South Gate. When I do in July, I will probably do it in around 90 mins (hope). Might as well make it so I have a goal to improve my time by 10 mins. More of a reason to work on my diet and lost 20-30 lbs.

Why is there not a clydsdale class? :)


oh, and this is my first race ever also. Time for pain.

Yeah, with the water, I usually drink lots. I can control myself and just carry 2 water bottles. I am not planning on winning any category, just seems like fun and a good way to push myself. It is all about the personal records.

OK - signed up for the 60-70min wave, god help me.

For me 1 water bottle is normally enough for that climb (there's water up top).

I signed up late last year and was placed in the 3rd wave, which actually was the fourth wave cause they put the women only wave in between the 2nd and 3rd wave. There was like 10-15 riders that took off in our wave that I tried staying with but I dropped off after a couple miles. I remember passing only few from the early wave groups and nobody passed from behind. Basically rode 8/10 of the ride by myself.

Hummm. It's my birthday. But why should I pay to do a ride I can do for FREE on Oct. 5?
They used to give out tee shirts. I think I have some from the 80s. I should clean 'em up and wear one at the top!
One year they even gave out Tyvek jackets. Another year little towels at the top.

A fair point, but it is for a good cause, regardless of the schwag quality. C'mon, a birthday PR on Diablo with a thousand other fanatics (many of them BFers)? Why not?

Just registered! Thanks!

Dang, the Grizzly Century is Oct. 3. If I do that epic (>10,000 ft climbing) ride on Saturday, I'll not be vieing for 1 hr t-shirt on Sunday.

Levi's GranFondo is also on Saturday October 3rd.
http://www.levisgranfondo.com/
I've done Diablo the last 2 years. I think I'll try the Levi ride instead this year.

I'm in the 70-80 wave - it'll be a good goal to keep up.

Exactly my plan, Cliff

Anyone else in wave 2?