Meetup: 9:00 AM PST
Rollout: 9:30 AM PST
Distance: ~45 miles
Pace: B
Terrain: 5
Total elevation: ~5,300 feet
Route:
RWGPS Mt Hamilton in the Fall route sheet
Shorter route (led by David Goldsmith):
RWGPS Mt Hamilton shorter 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).
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.
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.
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 8:36, 8:56, and 9:16 AM. Please plan to take the train that arrives at 8:36 or 8:56 AM. This will give you ample time to cycle to the start and maybe use the restroom. The 9:16 AM train gives you just 14 minutes and this is
extremely tight. If you take the 9:16 you will have to chase the group to catch up. 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. (As of Tuesday, the weather is looking good. But given the uncertainty, the ride leader will send a note to all registrants Friday evening about the status of the ride.)
About Lick Observatory
