Welcome!
This ride is dedicated to the memory of our friends and fellow members who were lost to all of us on the road.
James Booth, was killed by a driver on a highway near Reno just before Christmas. James was not yet a DSSF member, but he was a longtime Marin Marauder and ALC rider. David Sexton, a longtime member, was killed by a driver on July 3, 2023 in Richmond. And, Will Bir died on his bike of natural causes on Aug 3, 2024. We want to honor their memory in the best way we know, by conquering this great peak that all three of them loved.
Ride Details
Miles:38.7
Elevation: 3,911
Terrain: Hills, some steep climbs, with some relief
Meetup time: 8:45 AM
Ride out time: 9:15 AM
Rain Policy: Rain or Black Ice Cancels
Location: Pleasant Hill BART
The Route
We start at Pleasant Hill BART and take the Iron Horse and Contra Costa Canal Trails before taking back streets to North Gate Road, where the ascent starts in earnest. We’ll head up and regather at the ranger station at the Junction, (where we hope the rangers will fête us with coffee and donuts as they did in 2019!) Then it’s four miles to the summit where we’ll regather, do the selfie and social media thing before doing a SAFE descent on South Gate to Danville for lunch. After lunch we’ll roll easily north on Danville Blvd. to Walnut Creek BART. (If you drive to the start, you'll have to ride about a mile more to get back to Pleasant Hill BART.) If you don’t want to go to the summit, you can ride 12 miles and 1,700 feet to the junction with South Gate and then descend.
Dress according to the weather, i.e. make sure you have enough layers and warm clothing for the descent.
Note: The descent is serious. You should be both confident in your ability to descend prudently and cautiously amidst other cyclists and cars. The speed limit is 20 MPH. Car drivers routinely pass cyclists on curves even when unsafe.
RidewithGPS link is at: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45011527
Sweeps: No, but regroups and careful attention from the ride leader.
Meeting Place and Parking
Meet at Pleasant Hill BART outside the fare gates. Meet at 8:45 AM, depart at 9:15 AM sharp.
If you are coming by BART, be sure to check the BART website for system delays and schedule changes in the train schedule in order to arrive promptly. Trains from SF to PH BART are scheduled to arrive at 8:36 and 8:56 AM; trains from Antioch to PH BART, at 8:42 and 9:02 AM.We often plan to meet up on BART, so be sure to keep posted on the DSSF Discord server.
Remember the Essentials
Helmet, water bottles, tubes, pump/CO2, sunscreen, butt butter and snacks. Remember to LUBE your chain, PUMP your tires, and RECHARGE your lights, bike computer, and electronic shifters if you have them.
Registration QR:
