Ride Details
Miles: 44.4 miles
Elevation: 5,158 feet
Terrain: Lotsa hills
Meetup time: 9:00 AM
Ride out time: 9:30 AM
Rain Policy: Rain Cancels
Location: Berryessa Community Center (park at the eastern end of the lot, towards the park); see below for map link
The Route
It's time for the club's traditional and fabulous ride up Mount Hamilton! Enjoy the fall colors, cool weather, and fantastic scenery. The climb is a constant 5-6% grade for about 18 miles (not difficult, but loooong). This is an annual club event started by Sharon Lum in 1991. If you have never done Mt. Hamilton, the fall (or the spring) are the best times as the cooler weather makes for a much nicer climb (but can make for a chilly descent). This is one of the classic Bay Area climbs (Mt. Diablo (3,849 feet) and Mt. Tamalpais (2,571 feet) are the other two well known climbs). This one goes up the highest to 4,265 feet (1,300m).
We've included a shorter route that will turn around at Joseph D. Grant Park. You can actually turn around at any point on the climb if you decide you've had enough. But for those of you who want a shorter but still magnificent climb, this will do the trick. (Let the ride leader know if you are planning on doing the shorter route.)
Bring warm clothes for the descent!!
Meals/Snacks/Water: There is a regroup at about mile 11 at Joseph D. Grant Park staging area (portapotty and water) and at. mile 15 at Twin Gates trailhead (portapotty, possible water). At the top at Lick Observatory there is a water fountain, vending machines, and restrooms. The gift shop, which usually sells coffee, is currently open noon to 5 pm.
BART: Berryessa/North San Jose BART station is just 2.5 miles from the start. The Green Line (from SF) arrives at Berryessa/North San Jose station at 8:23, 8:43, and 9:03 AM. The Orange Line (East Bay) arrives at 8:27, 8:47, and 9:07. Please plan to take the train that arrives at 8:43 or 8:47 AM. This will give you ample time to cycle to the start and maybe use the restroom. The 9:03 and 9:07 trains are extremely tight - we will leave on time! Here is a google map of the route from Bart to the start. If you take the later trains you may have to chase the group to catch up. Check the BART real time departures on the morning to make sure you arrive on time.
Ride leader Stephen can take up to three additional bikes on his bike rack from San Francisco; contact him in advance at 415-864-3584. Anyone else with extra bike capacity on your car should contact Stephen or use the Discord app to find riders in need of a lift.
Rain cancels. We will email all riders with late breaking decisions if the weather is iffy, so do check your email on the morning of the ride.
RidewithGPS link is at: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/57024857.
RidewithGPS link to shorter route is at: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53262164
Sweeps: Yes. Optional regroups at mile 11 at Joseph D. Grant Park staging area (portapotty and water) and at mile 15 at Twin Gates trailhead. Faster riders should feel free to ride at their own pace.
Questions
Contact Stephen Shirreffs at: president@dssf.org or text me at 415-864-3584.
Meeting Place and Parking
Meet at 9:00 a.m. with a ride out of 9:30 am at Berryessa Community Center.
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.
About Lick Observatory
QR Code
