Meetup time: 9:00 AM PST
Rollout time: 9:30 AM PST
Distance: ~45 miles
Pace: B
Terrain: 3
Total elevation: ~5,100 feet
Route:
RWGPS Mt Hamilton in the Fall route sheet
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).
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). 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. NOTE: The Observatory requests that you wear a mask when you enter the building.
Sweeps? 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.
Berryessa/North San Jose BART station is just 2.5 miles from the start. There is a train arriving at the Berryessa station at 8:41, 8:55, and 9:11 AM. Please plan to take the train that arrives at 8:41 or 8:55 AM. This will give you ample time to cycle to the start and maybe use the restroom. The 9:11 AM train gives you just 19 minutes and this is
extremely tight. If you take the 9:11 you will have to chase the group to catch up. But BART schedules are notoriously inaccurate plus there are unexpected train delays, so check the BART real time departures that morning to make sure you arrive on time.
Rain cancels. If forecast is iffy, contact the ride host.
About Lick Observatory
