Been slowly working my way through some East Bay rides with a friend, and this weekend we did Three Bears for the first time. Great ride, though I definitely didn't have a big enough breakfast before the ride. At first, my lungs were the limiting factor, but on the climb back up Wildcat Canyon, my legs were definitely found wanting. But all in all, made it just fine, the weather was great, only got buzzed and nearly run off the road by one SUV, and had a huge dinner after to regain some strength. Anyone have any tips for the next time or experience to share? Happy riding!

Congratulations. No real advice other than keep riding and keep climbing.
Next time try turning right at the T intersection at the end of the Bears. A Right on Alhambra Valley.
Treat yourself to a trip up Pig Farm Hill. When you turn around to return to the Bears, the descent down Pig Farm is quite a fast plunge with no technical turns.

That way you get, Pigs, Bears and Wild Cats (oh my) all in one ride.

Keep up the good work.

That sounds like quite the hill ride indeed! Thanks for the suggestion.

I'm not sure going up the west side of Pig Farm qualifies as a "treat" ....

Congrats. Next time work out when you'll conserve and when you'll push and record your time. Compare it to the GOC pace guide here:

https://www.grizz.org/RideRating.html

Then rinse and repeat.