Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: Meet up at 9:15 AM for a 9:30 AM departure
Distance: 46 miles
Pace: C (Brisk, few stops)
Terrain: 4! (Hills, some steep climbs, with some relief. Expect surprisingly hard hills in view of the overall terrain.)
Estimated elevation gain: 4,033 ft.
Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52800659
(Here is a humane version that leaves out the 3 Bears, or Bear Creek Road, coming in at 48 miles and 3,300 ft: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52860705. We will not be riding this route and only placed it here for reference if individual riders may want to go on their own on a route with less ascent.)
We are entering the final training phase before climbing Mount Hamilton. We will test our skills and resolve with hills that may be moderate in elevation but that gradually become steeper as we climb. Four of the five climb segments today feature roads that increase to 7-8% grade at the peak. From bucolic country roads to short but steep hills, this route packs a punch to further condition you into stronger and more well-rounded cyclists.
Please become familiar with the RidewithGPS route from the above link and this ride summary. We will meet up at Lafayette BART station 9:15 AM and leave at 9:30 AM. These are the 5 climb segments and several rest options:
1. Reliez Valley Road: Starts around Mile 3
Rest option: Golden Hills Park (Mile 7) has both water and restrooms. It’s not visible from Reliez Valley Road. Turn right on Blue Ridge Drive then take first left turn to connect to trail leading to this neighborhood park.
2. Franklin Canyon Road and McEwen Road: Starts around Mile 10
Rest option: We will regroup for a 15-minute break at States Coffee (609 Ward Street, Martinez) at Mile 21.5. However, there are restrooms and porta-potties along Carquinez Scenic Drive between Miles 17 and 20 as you ride toward downtown Martinez, if the need calls.
3. Pig Farm Hill on Alhambra Valley Road: Starts around Mile 25.8
4. Mama Bear on Bear Creek Road: Starts around Mile 31
Rest option: Briones Regional Park around Mile 34.5 has restrooms after turning left at the ranger booth, and a water fountain at a campground on the right before the booth. After descending from Mama Bear, look carefully for the park sign for the left turn onto Briones Valley Road.
5. Papa Bear on Bear Creek Road: Starts around Mile 35
We plan to regroup for lunch in Orinda at Petra Cafe (2 Orinda Theatre Square, #105, Orinda). There are other options nearby if you crave something else. Note that once we arrive in Orinda, we will have climbed all except the last 150 feet. After lunch, we will take the remaining 5-mile ride back to Lafayette BART. You also have the option of returning home from Orinda BART if that works better instead of closing the loop on this route.
As always, bring sunscreen, water, and a snack, along with your helmet, and an extra tube and tire changing kit.
We'll check the weather in the morning and if there's a 30% chance of rain, will cancel and let those who are registered know. So please preregister.
Sweeps? No
Is this a "no rider left behind" ride? No, but we will have a few regroups. We will keep an eye out for each other but if you are a new rider, please either know the route or bring a map in case you get dropped from the group.
Coffee/Tea Break: States Coffee. 609 Ward Street, Martinez.
Lunch: Petra Cafe. 2 Orinda Theatre Square, #105, Orinda. (This is a take-out place with outside seating for al-fresco dining.) Other dining options exist nearby if your mood is for something else.