Palomares-Patterson Pass Photo Shoot Double Metric Century (2012)

Ride profile courtesy of Ward Industries

 Century X   (April 14, 2012) Palomares-Patterson Pass, w/ Ward, Cisco Dave, Christine--the Ansel Adams-Imogene Cunningham-Carol Reed Division of the Diablo Cyclists. 120 miles, 5,800' climbing, 16.6 mph.



Our tribute banner to our friend Dr. Dave who just did Haleakala--we wish he was here with us doing his favorite Bay Area Climb !!.



Short movie trailer from ride (Pumpkincycle Studios and the Dave Broadcasting Network)

This ride was my favorite of the 10 century rides we've done this year.  Christine and Ward had extended themselves doing a large part of our Mines-Sierra Road loop last week and finished with 88 miles.  So they threw their hat in the ring for whatever nutty mileage our ride took this week.

Didn't want to take a 2 lb handlebar bag again but did at the end--making some concessions.  Instead of taking extra Perpetuem I made a 7 scoop Perpetuem bottle (instead of 5 scoops), with a shot of Hammergel.  This is a great Hammar product.  I did replace the HEED bottle with Cliff Electrolytes which I've been enjoying more on shorter rides.  In the bag went to Peanut Butter/ Pumpkin Butter sandwich, a few power bars and extra Cliff Electrolyte powder.  Limited the food as last week to lose weight (I've been stuck at 142)--Devil Mountain Double is in two weeks.

My hopes with bonus miles is to ride as much with our larger club before the bonus mile group takes off.  This week our Club ride was a metric loop--going over the short but steep suburban tract Schaefer Ranch Climb which led into the much much much longer rustic Palomares Climb.    We'd wind up in Sunol which is perfectly located for a number or options--and though it would be a long drag out we could visit one of my favorite routes--the deserted Patterson Pass loop and climb which might be hard.  Might as in "if headwind is blowing."

Dr. Dave and CA. Mike started the ride with us--it seemed like for the 1st time in a long while the old gang was back together.   They couldn't do an extended ride (hell, it was great to see Dr. Dave at all), but relative newcomer Cisco Dave was again in for whatever route was cobbled together.  To slow him down I asked and he promised to carry my bag full of food--until I told him I was brining a canned ham and lumpy gravy.

After a week of the heaviest rains and thunderstorms to hit the Bay area in recent times, it was nice and clear although an intermittent cool moist breeze sometimes caused a sudden chill..



Sara doing the Schafer Ranch Hula (Ward-o-photo)

 Early morning on flat Danville Blvd., which is a shitty return route with all the traffic and the red lights set off by all the turning cars--but early morning it is OK as traffic is light.  Steep Schaefer Ranch had a headwind which kills my standing climbs and was disappointed that my legs didn't feel as good after 10 miles as I thought two days doing nothing would have had them.  (My usual plan before something significant is to nothing two days before and take an ez spin the day before an event but for Club rides I take Friday's off also.)   My legs felt much better at mile 120 than at mile 15, but I shouldn't be surprised by this any more.

Long regroup before the screaming downhill to Palomares where CA Mike decided to work as hard as he could to pull the group into the headwind--he's pedaling like crazy, #2 rider is pedaling lightly, #5 rider is coasting the whole way.

Enjoying the Palomares climb with Dave (Ward-o-photo)

Loads of slow riders all over Palomares--turns out Team in Training is running a training event and this group was doing great, staying on the right side of the road, and not spread out all over the road as is their want.  Cisco Dave and I climbed together most of the way until he got bored and sprinted near the top.  A Team in Training worker offered us peanut butter pretzels, and when I asked if any bananas available they were.  Great.



(above) Ward cresting Palomaras (below) Andy sprinting out ahead of Norm



Ward & Christine, coming back from alleged hockey injury, still were smiling at the top of Palomares so it looked good that they'd be on the bonus loop.  We had lots of gamesmanship at the top of Palomares with almost cresting riders suddenly kicking it into another gear when they saw all the earlier arriving Club members and Team in Training workers watching intently at the top.

The other side of Palomares, the side we were going down, is longer than the one we came up--not nearly as steep, but very twisty.   Some washout/ gravel on the road.  CA Mike took charge on the downhill again, being the slowest downhiller in the group I dropped to the back and made an effort to hang on with the first group; and then all of a sudden BOOM and the sound of brake squeal.    Mike has a blowout-luckily it was his rear tyre.  Though he aged 5 years he was OK, the first group which contained all of our bonus mile members pulled over while everyone behind us continued on. to Sunol.

(above) Christine and Cisco Dave having fun while CA Mike changes his blowout (below) the making of an adventure movie (Ward-o-Photo)

(above) Dr. Dave going mountain biking as Captain Jack  not around to keep him under control (Pumpkinphoto)

Beautiful spot for a tyre repair--we're in a sunny spot among a dense stand of trees--and a stream below is running amok from the recent rains.   While we waited  Cisco Dave kept us amused setting up a photo shoot.
***
Down to heavily traveled Niles Canyon Road where we had to go uphill to Sunol.  This is a funny uphill--wind is funnelled through Niles Canyon and always a slow downhill into the headwind--so it's always a fast uphill with a tailwind assist along the gentle grade.  Cisco pulled close to 20mph most of the way--motivation for all of us to ride like hell is to get off the narrow road with lots of cars and a shoulder that tends to vanish.

Suntans in Sunol  (Pumpkinphoto)

Loads of cyclist in Sunol.  Sunol store had one of my favorites--a frozen rice pudding bar.   Stephen wasn't doing the bonus miles but he figured that there was a way for all of us to stay together for another dozen miles through Pleasanton and Livemore which worked out great.

Diablo Cyclist Peloton thru Pleasanton (Pumpkinphoto)

Flat through some rural, mostly suburban route with a nice shoulder.  I was resting up and riding near the back--only work I'd have to do is bring back any of our slower riders if they fell off but everyone did a great job staying in the group so I could really be lazy.   Then suddenly we were there--the big Club headed North while Cisco Dave, Ward, Christine and I turned East.

We were on the Cinderella Route--an all girls ride that suffered through torrential rains last weekend.  Christine stoked even if she didn't have streamers in her helmet, as she wisely didn't start the ride last week. If we continued straight we'd actually get on Patterson Pass the easy way with the tailwind, but my plan was to cut North and come in so we'd have to do it the hard way.

We had two choices of a cut through to be where we wanted to be--Choice 1 (Vasco) has lots of stores near the intersection we'd again turn.  Choice 2 (Greenville) looks like a dumping ground for truck trailers & warehouses from Google Maps.  So we needed to turn on Vasco, but Christine who was now in the front decided to skip Vasco, and go to Greenville.  OK--not too bad as I still had the handlebar bag loaded with food & drink mix but getting water would be a problem--I was down to half a bottle for the 10 mile dragout to Patterson Pass. 

But as we had a great group everything that needed to work out this day did.  In between all the semi industrial dives was a GRAND OPENING--Gas Station Mini Mart with tables.  The tables were surrounded by walls blocking any wind on two sides and in full sun so it felt great--and knee warmers came off for the day.    We stayed there a long time bs'ing about good energy sources for long rides and all the photos we take on rides.  Ward and I don't like using a phone for taking photos so we pack a camera--Ward took 155 photos on the ride.  Cisco Dave likes using an I-Phone and he's Ward's equal for taking photos while moving--and he took a dozen photos and some movie.    Remember--each time a photo is taken the rider is usually alone in the wind, and then one has to put the camera/ phone away and  may have to dig back to the group that may not have slowed.   I can't ride and take photos like these guys, I took about two dozen photos and some movie, but usually from a dead stop.  Christine usually carries a camera but she was being a weight weenie.   Lots of fun combining photography with cycling.



(above--Run in to Patterson Pass-Ward-o-photo) (below-Dave before the turn into the Patterson Pass climb-PumpkinWorldwide)



We came out by the cyclocross park at the edge of  Livermore--though the highway would never be that far away it was on the other side of rolling hills so all of a sudden it felt like we were in the middle of nowhere for 10 miles.  Great road, almost no traffic, just cows and windmills.  Half is a gentle climb with a tailwind leading to a fast downhill--fast NOT because it's steep but because its tailwind aided.  One of the great stretches of road in the Bay area--though we were hoping for NOT much of a tailwind as we'd be climbing back into whatever wind existed on Patterson Pass.   To quote Uncle Steve yet again--"if those windmills are turning you are screwed."

All of a sudden we were at the Midway turnoff which would get us past Rolling Stones Speedway (Altamont) and then onto Patterson Pass.  Earlier this year I discovered that if we went 1 mile past the Patterson Pass turnoff the highway appeared with lots of convenience stores on the side--but we had done the last 10 miles quickly and no one needed to refuel.

Scenes from the Patterson Pass climb--up the road(Ward-o-photo)



Christine killing the Patterson Pass Climb--half way up (Ward-o-photo)

 About 20% of the windmills were turning--so there was a headwind effect but the climb wasn't bad.  Early on we saw a dazed driver who had skidded into a barbed wire fence--luckily we were no where in the area when he skidded off the road.  Sky was a deep blue  interrupted by giant white clouds.  After a mile or so Cisco Dave took off on the 4 mile climb--he looked like he was shot out of a cannon.  Climb was lots of fun (unlike the much steeper Sierra Road last week)--the grade stays mostly gentle until it kicks up alot for the last 1/2 mile. 
***
Very occasionally a car would pass going up or coming down but traffic very very light. The steep section at the end usually has the most headwind blowing through (of course) but today not bad.  Cisco Dave was up at the top taking what I though were photos--later I'd learn it was a movie of Patterson Pass for PBS and me at the end of the climb; I like how it came out.  Hopefully I'll be this happy on DMD in 2 weeks. 

Remembering the "Nick Salvador*" rule of always riding down a hill for the achtervolgers, I planned to circle down for Christine/ Ward and do the "Oh My God" hill section again--but they were climbing great and Dave/I only had to ride down the last third of the steep section.   (*best thing I learned in my old Club--instead of waiting at the top of a climb and then ready to take off when the last person gets there--go back down and do the climb again)

Fast downhill into Livermore wasn't THAT cold, and it seemed like we were shortly at one of our favorite rest stops--the patio of the Livermore Library.    We'll we were there after Christine threw out a teaser--yelling out she wanted to do the 6 mile Del Valle Climb.  After I accepted the challenge she took the offer off the table.  I figure I have an IOU from her when she's healthier.


(above) NYC Park bathroom (below) Livermore Medical Office Park (Ward-o-photo)





 (above) Another Kodak Moment with wildlife on Highland (Ward-o-Photo) Christine on Highland (Pumpkinphoto)
  

The Diablo Cyclists A/V club coming back to civilization (Pumpkincycle Worldwide)

 Sock liners came off here--rest of the day would be warm interrupted by an intermittent cool breeze.  (Some of my colleagues mistakenly used the word "Hot." )   The rest of the group took the scenic route out of Livermore which totally confuses me--as by myself I turn right to get back home but somehow we turn left and eventually wind up in the same place.   We passed  one of our favorite medical office parks--that Ward dubbed long ago "brutal post modern park bathroom."  We passed the knockoff of Wyland on some water towers.  Then took the new route to a great rustic run in to Blackhawk/ Danville whereas the minimal amount of time is spent in suburban hell.

Great ride--the 120 miles seemed like 30, with the first 10 miles harder than the last 10.  Maybe it was the limited climbing; surprised when Ward said we did less than 7,000'--I would have thought we were slightly over.  Ride was priceless.
*****************News of the Week****************



(above) Sports Photo of the Week--Jordan Jones running down Lance Armstrong at the finish--neither Mr. Jones and Mr. Armstrong ever did Paris Roubaix though only Mr. Armstrong would have been expected to help his team and do it.


(below) Hammer message of the year--Special message for club member who worships Hammer Nutrition and should read this carefully



The Hell of the Sierra Road (2012)

Happy Paris Roubaix Sunday (Greetings from the Church of Ward)

Century #9 (April 7, 2012)  Mines Road, Mt. Hamilton, Sierra Road loop.   w, Cisco Dave, Jack, Fredrick--Ward and Christine to the foot of Mt. Hammy, 112 miles,10,000' climbing, 14.2 avg.

From Ward Industries Historic Files--we actually also did this stupid ride a couple of years ago

Club is doing the Mines Road ride and a few options present itself.  Can do the same ride from last week--ride from Walnut Creek two hours early and then join the club for the (mostly) gradual Mines Road Climb, bonus miles up super steep Mt. Hamilton,  and return the same way.  Cisco Dave is agitating NOT to do an out and back but descend the long side (San Jose side) of Mt Hamilton and then go up the climb I hate the most--mega steep Sierra Road.  (In this case 'mega' is worse than 'super')  Wanted to leave options open to see if our injured hockey players Ward and Christine could do a long but shallower climbing miles, so an option I left open was to go down and back up to Patterson in the Central Valley with them and then upon return I could do the Del Valle climb in Livermore.  Leaving from Walnut Creek (at 7am)wouldn't do good for options 2 & 3 so I decided to leave with the Club in Livermore (at 9am).

Meanwhile Cisco Dave was "threatening" to bring people faster than him on our ride--after the way he rode last week I thought he meant Freddie Rodriguez.   In any event he started an hour earlier (8am) half way between where we were and Walnut Creek.

I'm riding with Christine on the flat beginnng of Mines Road (Ward-o-Photo)

When I woke up glad I chose to start as late as possible.  Last week it just stopped raining a couple of hours before our ride but it was 44 degrees in the early morning.  This week the sun was out strongly and it promised to touch the 70's in the afternoon--but it was 36 degrees (F--Dave and I already froze on Wednesday night coming down Mt. Diablo  it was 38 degrees at the top--with a 25mph wind chill....well you figure it out.)  Today at 9:00 it was warm enough that we could leave the hated glove liners behind. 

(above) Road goes up and Cisco Dave, Fredrick and I go up the road (below) Paparazzi shootout--Cisco Dave getting camera ready (both Ward-o-Photos)

Nice group for this popular ride, but many less riders than in past years.  See my description of Mines Road--Mt. Hamilton from last week for first part of the ride description.   Noticeable differences this week:

-Either a Sunday factor or morning wet road factor but last week Mines Road was deserted.  This week about two dozen motorcyclists passed us on the ride up (and a fuckin SUV who passed on a blind turn--bad enough as we'd be collateral damage by flying crap when he got hit head on--but in the curve he came quickly in from about 4' away from us to 6" away.)

--We had a much easier ride up Mines Road as last week going balls out--this week regrouped for my injured compatriots, and we still managed to be the 2nd group to arrive at the Junction.

--Traditional huge puddles were minuscule.

--Toby already at the Junction--he was doing the same loop we were doing for Ironman Training.  (He said he left before us but for all we know he left at 10am and whizzed past us.)  He'll be racing against some over hyped cyclist -- Toby's on my Team BRL (Beat Roubaixless Lance)

--For this ride switched wheels to my new Stan Rims/ King Hubs and even though before Memorial Day switched to my Gleaming White Carbon Soled Shoes.  (More comfortable foot bed then my other shoes but not the uppers.)  Want to get everything "spot on" before Devil Mountain Double.

--Loads of cyclists and motorcyclists at the Junction this week. 

Christine thought we were riding too cooperatively--so on the lead in to the last hill before the Junction she drafted off my wheel and then made a move to get ahead--but I was too motivated as I didn't want to suffer her taunting like some poor guy she passed on Mt. Diablo last week.  (Women arev in bad mood when Cinderella Ride is rained out

OH YEAH--Last Movie of the Season Being Done of the Ride--Will Be Here When Completed

Fredrick-Christine & me in the San Antonio Valley (CiscoDavevision)



At the Junction Ward/ Christine decided they didn't want to go to Patterson but would ride the rollers  (progressively steeper) out to the Isabel Creek Bridge before Cisco Dave/ Fredrick/ Jack and I started the Mt. Hamilton--Sierra Road loop.  We somehow lost Jack and rode a spirited ride through the beautiful country 10-15 miles out to the Isabella Creek Bridge.  Fredrick had done the Devil Mountain Double before so we were trading DMD stories.

(above) At Isabella Creek before Hammy Climb, Cisco Dave pestering the cows to go up Mt. Hamilton also (below) I prepare for it to get warm, (far below) Christine says good riddance to us and we prepare to go up Mt. Hamilton (Ward-o-photos)

We awaited about 10 minutes for Jack at the Bridge and he never showed (getting dropped from a fast moving paceline is sure death re the reduced speed and additional energy you have to put in.) .   We wanted to get out of there before our legs tightened up--and the aggressive cows that were over the fence and on the road charged us, so three of us left while two turned back.

Last week I was not happy on Mt. Hamilton while Dave zipped up.  This week I was much happier and Dave less so--which showed the fickleness of trying to hold condition when you work for a living and not 21 years old.  Unlike last week the Climb it stayed warm throughout (last week a cold headwind developed), and the snow from last week was all gone.   Good move getting rid of knee/ arm warmers and t-shirt at the bridge.

Only bad thing about observatory is that you have to take cleated shows off--and in restroom floor was wet.  From now on I'm looking for a tree outside.  

We were ready to go when Jack dieseled in.  He was in good spirits and he's super quick at rest stops so we waited a few minutes for him to get ready.  Seemed like downhill wouldn't be THAT cold--and didn't want to put on t-shirt and then take it off before Sierra Road so just threw on vest.  It was a little cold on the way down with just a vest but not bad.

Unlike last week when we returned on the super steep east side (curvy, wide, decently paved, silt covered, super steep road), this week we were going down  the super curvy, narrow, cruddy paved, fallen rock covered west road--at least its not super steep, a steady 4-5%.    But loads of caution around every hairpin--most had gravel/ rocks around the bend.

Dave and Fredrick slowed for me after the downhiill and we rode the "fun part" of the ride together--about 3-4 medium rollers and the rest is fast on a well paved road.  I pointed out on DMD the fun ends when you have to take a side street to the LAST HOUSE on the top of a hill for a rest stop/ check in.

(above) Fredrick gets special Hammar Nutrition before tackling Sierra Road (below) I just finished 37 minutes of punishment (CiscoDavevision)

Suddenly in suburbia for the first time since Livermore--66 miles ago.  We zig zag the neighborhood streets, following the DMD markings, for 3 miles.  It is now nice and warm.  We stop of at a 7-11 to rehydrate as there will be no water en route ON the Sierra Road climb and after Sierra Road for 25 miles.  Here Frederik cements 'man of the match' status by downing a 7-11 Hotdog before the warm climb.  Shades of Kitty and Collen.  While enjoying the sunshine Jack pulls in and stokes up on a muffin.  (Plenty of places to get 'stuff' on this ride but for some stupid reason I again decided to have a handlebar bag stuffed with 2 lbs of food and drink mix--on DMD I'll instantly lose a couple of lbs--great!!)

We go a few blocks, suddenly the wall in front of us appears--its Sierra Road.  Dave had a nice recovery from his Mt. Hammy and went up well.  I was smart and didn't chase on this climb that I HATE.***   Hot on the climb and my back didn't give out; I was pleased as I had same time as a couple of months ago when we rode up it only after a leisurely Calaveras Road climb. 

***Why I Hate Sierra Road.  I'm not a pure climber and can power over short steep climbs well--that's why the Mt Tam Double or Gold Country rides are my favorite.   Extending this--a climb that has steep sections followed by recovery sections is great.  I love Mt. Tam from Alpine Lake--steep hairpins between gradual uphill recovery sections.    If I'm riding well Mt. Hammy from the steep side isn't bad.  But I can't sit and spin at 100000 RPM.   Sierra Road has no recovery sections and instead of attack-relax-attack its just a constant grind.   F-me.

Jack arrived and we started the long super fast road back to Calavaras.  I still am a slow downhiller so can't take advantage of the speedway--but can now hang in there.  After "the Wall" (short but steep climb) that starts Calavaras we had to wait for Jack--and as Dave and Fredrick were parked in the other direction after Sunol they took off and  I waited for the Captain.  Funny comment from Fredrick though--he wanted to detour around Sunol so wouldn't have to take the short noticeable climb out of town--what--ducking a pissy Sunol Climb after you just flew up Mines Road--Mt Hamilton and Sierra Road?? 

Jack pulled in and we two manned to Sunol where they had a GREAT frozen rice pudding pop.  Then Jack added on a mini bonus loop before on to Pleasanton and then Livermore--where the most dangerous part of the ride was trying to get to the bathrooms at the sports park where a tournament was going on and the parents were driving all which ways.

The 10 Year Anniversary

Felt much better than the week before.  So now its time to register for Devil Mountain Double.  As the great Johan Museeuw said "I trained well, tomorrow (during the race) I'm gonna do the maximum, but more I can't do."  Going into DMD I don't think I can do any nuttier training rides than the ones I've done this spring.
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Note--bad week for cyclists--Nancy Y who writes a positive cycling blog (counterbalances my cynical blog) and makes movies of doubles rides was injured in a bike accident on an organized ride.    And the news gets much worse--the ultimate tragedy--a family on a leisurely bike ride near where we start our club from, when dad and daughter were killed by a wayward SUV while on the sidewalk.  And of course week before cyclist plows into and kills a pedestrian in San Francisco.  Of course soon a bunch of lawyers will proclaim their clienst the greatest guys since Abe Lincoln--just ignore prior DUI's, hit & runs etc.    Click here re brother of SF Giant who drove into cyclists last year.

De Ronde van Mines Road-Mt Hamilton Vlaanderen (2012)

Century #8-Longest Self Supported Ride Ever-160 miles

It's good to see cycling going the way of all the overhyped commercial sports.  Soon we'll have the Muur de Poulan Weedeater or the Alpe de'Tostitos.  "Here we are...On Cobblestone Section Farmers Insurance followed by the real bad section-the Cobblestone Section Fed Ex."  

IMO the best race is Paris Roublex when it is wet.  When it is dry the Tour of Flanders, aka de Ronde van Vlaanderen is the best.  Unlike the stage races of multiple days of short lengths interrupted by days of cycling parades like the Tour de France, the one day balls out high intensity races are great.  And the Tour of Flanders, with its repeatedly short but steep climbs (many cobbled) climaxes on the penultimate climb, the feared cobbled Muur van Geraardsbergen/Mur de Grammont.  The Muur is 1075 meters at 9.3%, with a maximum grade of close to 20%, everyone waits for the winning move to be made on it.  The Muur is the place where an old Johan Museeuw tried in desperation to attack the group in 2002--fell off badly-- and had a resurrection ("he never gives UP--EVER!"--Phil Liggett)  and made the podium.  More recently the place where Fabian Cancellara said bye bye to Tom Boonen, both who were involved in their own two man race with everyone a few levels below them.

2009 Tour of Flanders
Announcer Paul Sherwin-"With 20km to go Stijn Devolder has shown that got some strong legs today and he'll start to think of the Mur de Grammont that is coming up in 6km time.

Announcer Paul Sherwin-It's 2.2 km to the start of THE CLIMB and if you have never been there it is a beast of a climb--the Mur de Grammont.

Annoncer Phi Liggett-The chapel at the top seen through the trees.  Its where cyclists go in Belgium-to a mecca to see what the rides go through...Life is about to change as the rides go up the wall of  Geraardsbergen
So in 2012 the sacred place--the Mur de Grammont--The Muur van Geraardsbegen-- has been tossed from the Tour of Flanders.

Diablo Cyclists watch the Tour of Flanders Mt Diablo Route (added for $$$ payment)--Ward Industries

The Ronde's organizers could get more money if they looped the same lesser climbs a few times--better to put up fancy hospitality tents and have patrons with $$$$ plop down and see the race a few times without moving instead of having the hoi polloi see the race for free along the road--then jump in their car and tear off to another spot--with the wildest spectator section being the Muur van Geraardsbergen. 

So on Sunday, while this farce of a Tour of Flanders is going on, we decide to break custom and get a long ride in for Sunday--which is usually what Saturday is for.  But it decided to storm on this Saturday as it did on the last Saturday and the one before that.  In fact--got an early self supported century in at the beginning of March and sat on "1" for the rest of the month.  Now its April 1st--maybe taking the Muur van Geraardsbergen out of the Ronde is an April fools joke, so a few of us decided to do the ride we were supposed to do two weeks ago.  Start from Walnut Creek and ride the 30 mile flatlands out to Mines Road--which is then a 30 mile mostly gentle (OK-forgetting about the beginning few miles and the ending few miles which are steep) climb.  From there if it is warm we can go 20 miles further to the top fo Mt Hamilton, or if cool go down the 25 miles to Patterson.  Of course this will then make it a 180 mile ride--but best get into gear with if I plan to sign up for Devil Mountain Double.  Endless hours in the garage on my ski machine ain't gonna cut it.

FUCK YOU Dr. Earl, the insurance expert, who said I did't need any corrective surgery as "i'm not an athlete."  Insurance attorney (who was actually OK--unlike swarmy insurance adjuster) thought it was amusing that my accident was on April Fools Day.

Lots of trepidation riding on April 1st--for years I never did--superstition I guess.  April Fools day 2001 my front wheel was undercut by a border collie which left me with an uneven shoulder and torn up knee which still has to be wrapped before I ride, and hurts when cool.    So what would be a better way to celebrate the Ronde and celebrate April 1st by doing some insane ride.

(April 1, 2012)  Walnut Creek to Mt Hamilton via Mines Road.  160 miles with Cisco Dave and Jack.  @8,100' climbing.  7:00-7:30, 15.1 mph.

I proposed this and Captain Jack and Cisco Dave were takers.  Our usual 7am start for "opening day" (which had been rained out) where we just go half way toward Mt Hamilton and stop at the Junction.   (Damn-Jack is supposed to be sensible and talk me out of things like this.)   Cisco started politicking for an 8:00 start where Jack responded "toughen up--if you want to do DMD it starts at 5:00"  Truth be told Cisco could have started at 9:00 and eventually caught up with us.

For self supported ride loaded up handlebar bag with container (Hammergel grenade) of Heed and container of Perpetuem--2 Z Bars, 2 Cliff Bars, and a Peanut Butter Sandwich.    Will be great on organized ride--I'll quickly lose 2 pounds.    Figured my bag would gradually empty out and then could put my rain jacket in it.  It had stopped raining 2 hours before and everything was drenched; the day promised to be dry but it was damp and cold outside. Jack rode in at 6:55 and we discovered that all the bathrooms at Heather Farms were locked.  We wondered if Cisco was going to join us en route and off we went.

Cisco Dave met us on the road outside Walnut Creek and we quietly made our way through tony suburbia.  Not many cars out but some early morning runners and cyclists.  In 15 miles of Central County we saw more cyclists than my 150 miles in East County the last few weeks.  First stop--15 miles at gas station outside Blackhawk, 15 miles after Jack and I needed one.   Cisco just turned 50 so he joined in the old person conversation regarding constipation and how Hammar needs to have dried prune fiber bars. 



Jack and I on Collier Canyon Road--part of the gentle 30 mile ride out to Livermore (Cisco Dave I-PHONE XXXVII with Nikon App Photo)



Movie by Cisco Dave--he made me say my lines--otherwise he wasn't going to pull us all he way back

Now getting warm and rain jacket and glove liners could be put away.    After Blackhawk are numerous backroads to Livermore--mostly flat with some baby rollers--all popular with cyclists.  Jack suggested we deviate a little and go Collier Canyon which was perfect as had a tailwind most of the way into Livermore.

30 miles--in Livermore at 9:10.   Sports park--bathrooms LOCKED.  Doen't anything open up on Sunday morning.    We see some guys wearing Bikes 4 Life kits, my local bike shop, start up towards Mines Road.  At least water fountain was working so we could mix sports drink.  Maybe Jack was trying to talk sense into me--he asked a few times "So you really want to go up Mt Hamilton??"  Unfortunately he asked when I felt great and was full of enthusiasm.

(above) One of the traditional Mines Roads scentic water crossing (below) Closeup of Dave and I (Cisco Dave photo)

From here its about 34 miles to the Junction--with each mile marked in huge numbers on the road so helicopters know where to land to medivac people out.   Very rustic, few buildings, no cell phone reception--not much until the Junction Cafe 34 miles away.  After a few miles of flat the road suddenly goes up seriously for a couple of miles--then gently for the 20--with a few sharp rollers and short but serious climbs which lead into a fast downhill and short uphill into the valley where the Junction Cafe (and fire station) are.  I guess the last downhill is "fun" for most people but I get sawed off on it--and then coming back its a bitch to climb when you're tired.  In fact, in 2002 after knee surgery from my April 1st accident i could barely climb out of it. 

Dave and I Jack on the initial climb--but Dave loves fn around with his I-Phone (he thinks its a camera) so we're making movies and taking photos.    After the road flattened off to a 1% uphill at mile 8, we stop and wait for Jack.   Jack joined us and we all pacelined for the next 20 miles.   Well, we pacelined until we had to ride through the two traditional puddles that are on the road--then we gingerly rolled through those washouts one by one.

Sun is out but cool.  Surprisingly not to many cyclists out--nor motorcycles.  This is a big motorcycle route--with many motorcycles usually taking the curves at speed where we can almost reach out and pat them on the helmet as they lean in and come by.  I guess last night rains had motorcyclist starting out later today.

Dave riding great--he was fn around with the camera and still setting a great pace.  We went over the first sharp climb--he waited for me on the downhill--then we went over the next sharp climb together. But far down the road you could see the Bikes 4 Life guys so he started to chase.  I would have also but I can't add speed on a downhill. 

I saw Dave catch them at the end of the downhill where the road suddenly straightens out and leads into a short steep climb--and I saw the Bike 4 Life guys try to get on his wheel but they couldn't.  I then put in a dig to try to catch Dave if he slacked which had me whip around these guys also.

At the Junction Dave tried to make friends (I think)

Dave-You guys going up Mt. Hamilton?

Bike 4 Life Guys-No

Dave-You should go up to Mt Hamilton, we are

Bike 4 Life Guys-No

Dave-Where did you start from?

Bike 4 Life Guys-Livermore

Dave-We started in Walnut Creek

Bike 4 Life Guys-Good for You

Cisco Dave at the Junction--20 Miles to the top of Mt Hamilton on the way to San Jose.   Other option is to go down into Patterson in the Central Valley  (Pumpkincycle photo)

At least they weren't so pissed that they did tell me the Tour of Flanders results.  Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Butter Sandwich was perfect.  A little concern as we didn't see Jack for a long time, and cyclists coming up couldn't tell us if they had seen him.  Its such a long time that we think Jack pulled an April 1st prank and went back down to Livermore--but he's the serious one in our group so probably not.  When we were ready to circle back to look for him Jack pulled in. 

I had told Jack/ Dave that the determining factor going up to Mt. Hamilton should be the weather at the Junction--if cold--no.  'Problem' was that it wasn't cold--just cool.   Jack gave me the option again and I said lets go.   Besides reasons already stated next week is Club ride up here and if a group of friends rather go down to Patterson in the Central Valley (25 miles downhill) instead of Mt. Hamilton (20 miles uphill) we'll probably do that.

Now a careful reader will ask "who cares if uphill or downhill--if you are doing an out and back you have to eventually climb.  The difference is that the road slope to Patterson is generally modest--Mt Hamilton is a bitch.

I'm on one of the rollers before the serious climbing starts up Mt. Hamilton (Cisco Dave Photo)

Actually the first few miles from the Junction sucker you in..  It is relatively flat through the San Antonio Valley with wide up acres on each side.  Then gradually there are small rollers.  Then the road transforms into significant rollers.  Then you suddenly drop down to a bridge on the valley floor guarding a creek and Mt. Hamilton is only 5 miles away.  Straight up.

In five miles you go up 2,100 feet.  (By way of comparison, the Ranger Station half way up Mt Diablo-- is a 1850' climb for  six and a half miles.)  Dave climbing great--he circled back for me a few times or stopped to take photos.  We then both started comparing his I-Phone XXXX with my antique cellular phone--Dave definitely a phone snob and insisted that we only take photos with his I-Phone XXXXX.  Jack joined us and we continued up.



(above) Jay & Jack riding up Mt Hamilton; Dave riding up Mt Hamilton.
(below) Snow and Grizzly Peak Cyclists Mark on the top of Mt. Hamilton

  

Two surprises at the top.  Snow and Grizzly Mark.  Snow packing the shoulder though one section of Northern Exposure trees were covered with dripping ice.  Then almost to the observatory Grizzly Mark and his band of Grizzly Peak Cyclists were leaving--they were doing a circular self supported century and would be returning the same way we'd be going.

Cisco Dave, Captain Jack and The Pumpkin of Flanders at the top of Mt Hamilton--80 milex from where we started

Shoes off to go into the observatory, water and bathroom.  Dave eats his 3rd of 4th Hammar Almond Joy of the day.  Now close to 2pm--we'd have to leave fast to get back before nightfall.  In any event the sunny Courtyard--sheltered from the cold winds-- is usually a great place to spend time at 4,200' but today it was even cool in the sun.  The 5 mile descent sucked--it always sucks as too fn steep and curvy and though the road surface looks smooth there are some surprise bumps/ dips.  Today there was a layer of silt on the surface that made the downhill worse than usual. 

And can it get worse department--I hear something fall of my bike on the bumpy descent but don't notice anything missing.  Then when I go to take a drink from my bottle I thing I'm chug a lugging a Porter--my bottle cap is gone.

Get back to the valley bridge, take off the extra layer and we start out when someone with a Sharp Bike jersey passes red faced.  What's it with guys with bike shoppe jerseys and seems like Sharp Bike Jersey riders are the worse.  Dave easily passes and goes on--I get shelled on the downhill roller but get back on the next uphill and pass the guy and his friend.    Up ahead Dave has stopped--kicking rocks off the road--while Sharp guys rolls on ahead..   When Dave finishes housecleaning we start two manning--with Dave doing all of the work.  Suddenly we get to a crowd of the Grizzly Peak Cyclists looking down--oh shit an accident.   Its not a cyclists but a motorcyclist who has crashed.  We briefly stop--there is no cell phone reception, someone has ridden back to call the medics from the Junction Cafe.   We continue our two man and catch up to lead Sharp Guy who who then tries to jump ahead--Dave shoots by him, but when Dave slows after getting into the Junction Cafe Parking lot the Sharp guy still is trying to fly by him--almost through the front door.  Stupidass--the road ended 100' ago. 

Jack comes in--quick break at mile 100.  I'm suddenly very thirsty--not good.  This usually leads to nausea on the doubles.  And I've been drinking a lot all day.  Get a Gatorade bottle to take the place of the capless water bottle--but a few miles out of the Junction I will have downed the rest of my Perpetuem and would have to stop to transfer the Gatorade to my other water bottle.

And what a few fn miles it is.  The screeming downhill that first got us into the Junction now has to get reclimbed--and I'm thirsty and a little nauseous so trying to keep a gentle pace up but I'm struggling.  Plus we now have a headwind--which we'd have for the rest of the ride down Mines Road.  I just keep telling myself soon we'll get to the gentle downhill rollers and then the big downhill--so just have to battle though this.    Luckily when I stop to transfer the Gatorade Dave waits for me and he paces me back up to Jack. 

Dave later "complained" that he didn't take many photos on the ride back.  I'm glad he didn't--I musta looked like a zombie.  The whole ride down Mines Road I just focused on Dave or Jack's wheel in front of me--making sure to get as much draft protection as possible while guarding my front wheel.  Vest was pulled off when I felt like I was overheating, then on when I was chilled.  On vest, off vest, repeat, repeat...

Luckily library in Livermore was open on Sunday at 5:30.  The rest and now riding the flats did a world of good.   We went back the same was we came and had a tailwind again.  Got out of my stupor fully at Blackhawk when a racer came by and I quickly got on her wheel for a few lights then took a turn when motioned forward to pull.  She turned off and my compatriots joined me and Dave resumed setting the pace.

Sun now disappearing quickly.  Luckily we all had small lights with us.  Final sprint--I was happy to go 24--Dave was unhappy he couldn't hit 30.  Dave and Jack pulled off sideroads to go home and while I rode back to the car in the semi-darkness.  Tired but LONGEST SELF SUPPORTED RIDE EVER DONE on the anniversary  of my big accident.   Disappointed that I faded from mile 100-130.  This was supposed to be a signpost for the DMD but inconclusive.   Not for Cisco Dave--if he signs up for DMD and rides like he did today he'll finish in the top 20. 

Heard Fabian Cancellara had a bad accident in today's race--hope a border collie didn't come off their front yard and undercut his wheel, like one did to me in 2001.