Cycling for the Arthritis Foundation

Training Ride 6/21: Mt. Tamalpias via Panoramic Highway

On June 21 we set out from Fairfax through various towns in Marin. In Mill Valley we started ascending to get to the Panoramic Highway. The "highway" is a street that has a beautiful view of the ocean, albeit from far above. It rolls along. Rest stop just outside the Mt. Tam park entrance. We took Pan Toll Road into the park, climbed up Mt. Tam, returned and continued on on Westridge Road. At the intersection with Fairfax Bolinas Road, we went right to the Alpine Dam and then back to Fairfax.

It was a nice day, not too hot for climbing. Satisfying late lunch at the end at M&G Burgers.

About to set out on our adventure.

Stats:
39.98 miles
3,974 elevation gain

Training Ride 4/19: Mt. Hamilton

February 19 was a nice warm day. A large group met to climb up Mt. Hamilton in San Jose. As Beth says, "Mt. Hamilton is quite the climb with over 4,000 ft. in just 22 little miles. However, the scenic beauty, amazing views, and low traffic more than make up for challenge. The Observatory offers the perfect rest spot with with nice cold beverages and views that stretch from the Bay to the inland."

I didn't know what to expect. Mt. Hamilton is a more gentle climb that other bay area mountains, but it just kept going. I could feel it in my low back. Had an ice cream sandwich from the ice cream truck at the park at the end.

Here's the group, ready to get started. We sang Happy Birthday to Bob Carlson, who didn't make it into this picture.


Letitica, Jerry and Kim on the way up.

The observatory is ahead.

Stats:
No stats. I forgot the computer at home, but it should be about 44 miles round trip and about 4,000 feet of elevation gain.

Training Ride/Event 4/5: Cinderella Classic & Challenge

April 5 was the annual women-only bike event, the Cinderella, hosted by the Valley Spokesmen cycling club. The classic is a metric century, 66 miles. The challenge is 85 miles, including Patterson Pass and Altamont Pass. http://www.valleyspokesmen.org/cinderellaclassic. The men did a Morgan Territory loop.

To really embrace the Cinderella, you dress up. There are some great costumes, Laura, Sueli, and Debbie went for crowns. This was the last rest stop (mile 70 for the challenge).

A group shot of the local Arthritis Foundation training group women in the Cinderella.

Do we look different after the ride? The Arthritis Foundation had an information table at the expo after the ride.

Stats:
85.55 miles
Elevation gain: take your choice, this year the computer said 4,291 feet. Last year it said 3,509.

2/15 Tranining Ride: Patterson Pass

February 15 we met in Livermore, headed out on S. Livermore/Tesla Road, took Cross Road and then went up Patterson Pass. That's a challenging climb. Great descent through the wind turbines. Instead of the usual cyclist route over to Altamont Pass, we continued on Midway and eventually got on a bike path that ran along the aqueduct until we reached Corral Hollow. We returned by Corral Hollow, another challenging climb with a headwind. Lots of good scenery and a good time of year to ride in Livermore area.