Mines Road- Sunday May 14th

[Bike Goddess]

I am currently planning to lead a ride up Mines Road. This is a beautiful road with a lovely creek and (I'm told) many wildflowers. (We passed this road on the Cinderella ride about a mile outside of Livermore). I'm thinking we could do several options- one would be to go to the Junction cafe -about 30miles from the start in Livermore and then return the same way. The other option would be to keep going after a stop at the cafe, do the back side of Mount Hamilton and then return. This option would be available IF we have enough people who want to do it (14 miles to Hamilton summit)as it involves a lot more climbing.

I have ridden to the junction several times and have always enjoyed it. There is one steep hill about 5 miles into the ride. The other hill is getting out of the canyon- about 5 miles before the Junction cafe. Otherwise, it is about a 3% grade through the canyon.

Unfortunately it's Mother's Day, however, it's the only time I can do this ride in the next two months. I want to do it BEFORE the heat comes as this is a very sheltered area and can get quite hot in the summer months. (Plus the views are pretty spectacular!)

Veronica did this route as part of the DMD. Perhaps she could give us some insight as to difficulty. I believe the up and back to just the Junction Cafe is about 3'000 feet elevation gain- most of which you do in the first 30 miles.

I am planning a 9:00AM sharp start time from Livermore. I willl post more info if any of you are interested.

P.S.- we may have the fortune of an expert bike mechanic and cyclist (Mick) as he has also indicated an interest in coming. (He's ridden this route and Mt Hamilton as well).

[maillotpois]

I'll try to make it. This morning I was just thinking I wanted to get out there and do Hamilton again.

I just looked at my ride data from last year, when I did this ride from the pumpkin patch up to the top of Hamilton and back - oddly enough on May 14. Total miles: 89; 9000 feet climbing (I'm wanting to recheck that to be sure because it sounds high); and it took me 6:47 for the loop.

It was a tough ride and I suggest anyone wanting to go all the way to the top bring a camelback because if it is warm, 2 bottles may not get you form the junction to the top.

[Veronica]

Mines Road is a beautiful ride. The first hill is fairly steep, maybe 5 - 7%, and I want to say about three miles long. The next 18 miles or so are still uphill, but it is very gradual. There is a very short climb, maybe .5 miles, then a somewhat twisty descent. Then another longer climb and then you have a 2 - 3 mile descent almost all the way to the Cafe.

I second MPs reccommendation about water bottles if you plan to summit Hamilton. I could not get from the Junction Cafe to the Summit without asking a SAG driver for more water on Saturday.

This may be the perfect day for me to do my 200 K+ training ride for the month. It involves me starting at my house, has me continuing on the DMD route and I won't bore you with the details... but IF I do that, Thom would be on the road to lend some support. I'd be continuing on to Sunol and there would be room in the car to bring someone back with me (MP!) That is the volunteer weekend at the National Park however and since I've been sucking up all of our weekends with riding... I may be volunteering.

V.

[maillotpois]

This may be the perfect day for me to do my 200 K+ training ride for the month. It involves me starting at my house, has me continuing on the DMD route and I won't bore you with the details... but IF I do that, Thom would be on the road to lend some support. I'd be continuing on to Sunol and there would be room in the car to bring someone back with me (MP!) That is the volunteer weekend at the National Park however and since I've been sucking up all of our weekends with riding... I may be volunteering.

V.

Wow - that sounds like fun, and thanks for thinking of me - but... one of my absolute favorite parts of the Mines ride is descending Mines back into Livermore. It's just that sort of mindless downhill grind, typically into a headwind that I love. If we did the Sunol thing, would we miss that?

[Veronica]

Yeah, we would miss that. We'd descend Hamilton and head over to Sierra. :p

I've decided my monthly training ride is going to be some combination of Morgan Territory, Patterson Pass, Hamilton and Sierra - ideally all 4. But that's about 140 miles from my house. I don't have to start doing it until June since I'm doing Davis in May. :D But I think it should keep in shape for next year.

V.

[maillotpois]

Yeah, we would miss that. We'd descend Hamilton and head over to Sierra. :p

I've decided my monthly training ride is going to be some combination of Morgan Territory, Patterson Pass, Hamilton and Sierra - ideally all 4. But that's about 140 miles from my house. I don't have to start doing it until June since I'm doing Davis in May. :D But I think it should keep in shape for next year.

V.

Well, I may not do the diversion with you 5/14, but I'd love to know when you plan on doing this ride regularly because I'd love to join you if I can.

[Bike Goddess]

Hi Veronica- Thanks for the SAG offer! WE might want to take you up on the water/etc possibility. I agree with MP- more fun to come back via Mines road. It's such a great downhill ride. AND we'll be parked in Livermore so we have to get back to our cars!

Let's keep in touch and see how your plans go as well.

[SadieKate]

Details? So, where are the details? :D

[maillotpois]

This is what Nancy PM'ed me:

Mines Rd- Meet at So Livermore Rd and East St. As you are going east on s. Livermore, you'll see (on the left) a large parking lot- trees obscure some of it- and abandon building that used to be a supermarket. There's a strip mall in there, but you can't see if very well from the road. If you get to Concannon you have gone TOO far! Come back!

Lots of shade. We can ride to a little neighborhood park for a portapotty if anyone needs it!


Meet at 9, to roll shortly thereafter. I am always early.

[SadieKate]

Directionally challenged me again.

Yahoo keeps insisting that it is S Livermore Ave and East Ave. Is this the place? Cancannon is over a mile SE down Livermore Ave so is the parking lot right at the 3-way intersection or down the road a bit?

http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=S+Livermore+Rd+at+East+St&csz=Livermore%2C+CA&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=

[SadieKate]

For those in the know, should I just assume that since we are starting at 9 am it will be hot, hot and hotter for the entire ride? Will I freeze my tookas on the descent? What?

Fashion setters need to know these things ahead of time.

[Bike Goddess]

Re place- I'd say its not far from that intersection. It's a pretty big lot, BUT there are trees there so it's easy to miss. That's why I said that if you get to Concannon you've gone too far!

I"ve emailed the Valley Spokesmen people for exact directions but haven't gotten a response yet. I'll try Baldino as well. I know the VS meet there for rides.

Re weather- let's hope it's not too warm. I'll do a weather check later on this week to make sure we're dressed for the occasion! A lot of the road is shaded as we get into the canyons, so hopefully it won't be too warm. And if we get going soon after 9:00 we should beat the heat later in the day.

Bring lots of water and whatever you need for sports drinks and bars.

I'll be wearing my AV jersey, that's for sure!

[Veronica]

We usually park in front of the library on South Livermore Ave. The street parking is free and is tree lined on the library side.

Directions: It 's a bit longer, but less confusing.

Take whatever you need to get to 580. Get off at Vasco Road and head South. If you need a bathroom or snacks, there are a lot of gas stations if you head North on Vasco and it is fairly easy to turn around and head South.

Vasco T's into Tesla. Turn right on Tesla. Tesla becomes S. LIvermore Ave. The library is on your right. It is approximately 2.5 miles from Tesla to the library.

Going this way, you will pass Mines Rd., Concannon Rd. and the library/city hall complex on the right. After that there will be lots of trees on the right, pull over and park.

Since it's going to be hot, I will most likely be wearing a red sleeveless jersey. I will attempt to get there early, so SK look for the Subaru.:D

There is a park with a bathroom on the the way to Mines Road - sometimes it's open and sometimes not. Mines Road is very isolated so hunting for elephants can be done.

V.

PS Will there be another AV jersey order happening?

[Bike Goddess]

V- I chose the other parking lot because of the bathroom situation! I've sent this bulletin out to other groups so a bit hard to change the meet location now, unfortunately!

[Veronica]

I think you really want Pacific and S Livermore, not East Street. Google Maps doesn't show the strip mall on East, but on Pacific and that is just around the corner from the library.

V.

[maillotpois]

For those in the know, should I just assume that since we are starting at 9 am it will be hot, hot and hotter for the entire ride? Will I freeze my tookas on the descent? What?

Fashion setters need to know these things ahead of time.

Yeah, with a late start I am expecting warm and hot all day. Don't forget the sunscreen!!

[SadieKate]

I"ve emailed the Valley Spokesmen people for exact directions but haven't gotten a response yet. I'll try Baldino as well. I know the VS meet there for rides. Let us know what you find out. Wonder if the VS website gives more info.

[SadieKate]

If we are doing Valley Spokesmen's Del Valle/Livermore ride but continuing up Mines Rd, here is the route sheet. It is Pacific and S Livermore.
http://home.comcast.net/~prathman/VS96A.htm

[maillotpois]

Directionally challenged me again.

Yahoo keeps insisting that it is S Livermore Ave and East Ave. Is this the place? Cancannon is over a mile SE down Livermore Ave so is the parking lot right at the 3-way intersection or down the road a bit?

http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=S+Livermore+Rd+at+East+St&csz=Livermore%2C+CA&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=


When I looked on the google map satellite thing, it looked like there was a large building with large lot at S. Livermore Ave and Pacific. This is just before College and Concannon. GOing further toward Concannon, there are then a lot of trees and a building right before College. So I am not sure at all where it is. This is all a ways down from East, but I didn't see anything near East that seemed right.

[Veronica]

East Ave is wrong, it is Pacific . (thom posting as V)

[maillotpois]

East Ave is wrong, it is Pacific . (thom posting as V)

Thanks, Thom in drag!

[SadieKate]

You really need to shave your legs. Your calves would look even better.:p

[BikeMomma]

Hey BG & All -

I'm thinking about joining the ride. But seeing as I'm a mom and it will be Mother's Day, can you give me a time estimate on when we might be back to the cars? I'd have about a 1.5hr drive home from there. I still need to check with the dh, but I know he'll ask for an estimated time on when I'd get back home.

Also, how many miles roundtrip for the ride? The climbing doesn't sound too suicidal, and the downhill sounds fun -- always love those! Sounds like an awesome ride for Momz Day (spent how Mom wants, right??! :p ).

BG, SK, MP & V (why don't I just say "all"?!) -- looking forward to meeting & riding with you, if I can swing this.
:D
~BikeMomma (Kim)

[SadieKate]

aka_kim is also coming in the Bike Bus with me and MP. She won't be able to get a word in edgewise.

I'd love to meet you finally, at long last.

2 Kims and 2 Sarahs - this is going to be a confusing day.

[Bike Goddess]

Yep! It's the old Nob Hill center! It is now just a building! It's a little hidden by the trees so be sure to watch out for it. I missed it the 1st time I met people at this spot. So, IF you get to Concannon, just turn around and come back. Thanks Thom and SK. What would we do without your excellent map skills! (I even ask some Valley Spokesmen and they didn't know the name of the street!)

Bike Momma- If you just do the ride up to the Junction Cafe, it's about 30 miles. I'd say figure 2.75 hrs up and about 1.5 hr down (coming back you can really get going as its mostly down hill the whole way!) So, I'd say you could probably get back by 2:00. Since it's an up and back, if you are under time constraints, you can always turn around and fly back down. It's pretty simple to get back to the car!

Everyone- remember 2 water bottles ( I suggest a sports drink in one), electrolytes if you have them, luna bars, etc. There isn't anything until we get to the Junction Cafe! (And that's one neat place!)

Some of the people from my club are also planning to come. Should be a great ride with GREAT people!

I checked temps- so far 78 degrees Sunday in Livermore. Not too hot, yet!!!!

[SadieKate]

Bike Momma- If you just do the ride up to the Junction Cafe, it's about 30 miles. I'd say figure 2.75 hrs up and about 1.5 hr down (coming back you can really get going as its mostly down hill the whole way!) So, I'd say you could probably get back by 2:00. Since it's an up and back, if you are under time constraints, you can always turn around and fly back down. It's pretty simple to get back to the car!

Here's a link to another route sheet. It appears to be 30 miles each way.

http://home.pacbell.net/leewaysf/delpuer.html

[BikeMomma]

Thanks, BG & SK. Looks like a GO...dh says "the day is mine". :D Yay!

I'll have to look back through this thread for directions...is there an address or cross street that I could just plug into MapQuest, etc? Is it Livermore Ave & Pacific Ave? BG, I think I still have your cell # from a previous PM.

Should be fun! Oh, regarding the double Kim's thing....my supervisor at work is also a Kim, and to eliminate some confusion we call her Kim1 -- K1 for short. I'm K2, which is easy to remember since I'm so tall (think Mt. Everest, though I'm not THAT tall :rolleyes: ). It would be just fine with me if we used the same identification system here. I won't start talking shop, I promise. :)

See y'all Sunday...:D
~BikeMomma

[Bike Goddess]

Bike Momma- Take the VASCO Rd turnoff. Go south to the very end (Tesla) Turn right. Pass through the signal light (Concannon). You are now on S. Livermore Ave. About 1/2 mile on the right side (Pacific and S. Livermore). you'll see a large parking lot- hopefully LOTS of bikes too!

This is great! Another TE participant!

Towards the end of this week, I'll make a list so we know who all is expected to the party!

BTW- 30 miles up, 30 miles back. Sorry if I didn't make this clear before!

[jobob]

Tell you what, IF LeeBob and I go, since it's an up and back, we'll just turn around when you guys pass us on the return trip.

It's not like we'd get lost or anything :p

And since we carry enough for a small army anyhow, it's not like need to reach the Junction Cafe :rolleyes:

we'll see.

[SadieKate]

. . .we call her Kim1 -- K1 for short. I'm K2, which is easy to remember since I'm so tall (think Mt. Everest, though I'm not THAT tall :rolleyes: ). It would be just fine with me if we used the same identification system here. Hmm, we have short and tall going with the Sarahs also.

Signed,
The Short One who keeps hoping she'll grow up (as in height not maturity, oh no, not that! :eek: )

[SadieKate]

we'll see.I'm hoping I see!

[maillotpois]

I am so excited to do this ride!! I have been wanting to go back to Mines for months!!

I will have been up relatively late the day before (family going to the KFOG Ka-Boom fireworks show and concert. There will be much food and drink!) So anyway, be nice to probably hung over taller Sarah.

[jobob]

Jo's Pharmacopeia will be stocked with Motrin.

[maillotpois]

Fantastic! I often forget to bring the advil, but I do try. Nice to know someone's prepared.

[jobob]

Nice to know someone's prepared.
This is where SK would wisecrack something along the lines of "clearly you haven't ridden with jo 'kitchen sink' bob before".

Maybe I'll beat her to it.

neener

[SadieKate]

Who, moi? Wisecrack? Sweet 'lil me would never, ever, say something like that.:rolleyes:

I'm off to on check on Jo's Winters LCS request (local caffine supplier).

[Bike Goddess]

MP- now mind your drinkin' the night before as I have some perfect riding companions for you (thou who rides like a mountain goat runs)! Tall Joe from our club is coming along plus a few others who might be able to keep up with you (as the rest of us enjoy the flowers and the babbling stream).

Yes, this is going to be a fun ride. Is someone bringing a camera?

[maillotpois]

Thanks, BG, but I am sure as heck not the world's fastest climber! Plus, I'm there to have fun. At least on the way up. Let's just see who can catch me on the way down Mines... :D

[jobob]

Let's just see who can catch me on the way down Mines... :D Besides Princess Zippy, you mean?

[maillotpois]

Besides Princess Zippy, you mean?


I'm pretty sure I outweigh her, so I have an "advantage".

[Bike Goddess]

Well, we'll see. I heard how you (MP)flew past Ms SK and Bubba and then I read your ride report. You've established a little reputation for yourself Ms Sarah!

Seeing is believing, so I have yet to see but much to believe!:p :p :p :p

[BikeMomma]

Bike Momma- Take the VASCO Rd turnoff. Go south to the very end (Tesla) Turn right. Pass through the signal light (Concannon). You are now on S. Livermore Ave. About 1/2 mile on the right side (Pacific and S. Livermore). you'll see a large parking lot- hopefully LOTS of bikes too!

This is great! Another TE participant!

Towards the end of this week, I'll make a list so we know who all is expected to the party!

BTW- 30 miles up, 30 miles back. Sorry if I didn't make this clear before!
Thanks, BG...I seem to remember seeing the Vasco exit sign last weekend when I passed through that area. Sounds pretty simple to find.

Got it about the up-n-back. Jo's right...no chance of getting lost!

[Bike Goddess]

Here's the list:

Sadie Kate
Bubbba ?????
Kim (K1)
MaillotPois
JoBob
LeeBob
Veronica
Thom
Bike Momma (K2)

Tall Joe
Phat Bar Bob
Mick (our very own mechanic!)
Ron
Glen
BikeGoddess AKA Nancy

Did I forget anyone?????

See you all on Sunday!

[maillotpois]

I had a close call!

The petitepois is at an age (10) where I am either her best friend in the world or she is mad at me. (I know, I know, it will only get worse). Anyway, yesterday (when I was on her good side), she was slyly asking me about what I liked for breakfast and I could tell she was planning for Mother's Day. So I said, "You know, your dad has a ride Saurday and I was actually going to do a ride Sunday, so why don't you and I celebrate Mothers Day on Saturday?"

I met with some big resistance initially, but she gave in. The condition is that I have to sleep in tomorrow (and then we're spending the day together). Boy, that'll be tough!!!

We've also got a family Mothers Day dinner, but I can show up grimy!! They're used to that.

[Bike Goddess]

Whew! Yes, indeedy that was CLOSE!
(That'll teach you to have lovin children!:p :p )

[SadieKate]

I have no idea if Bill is coming.

[Bike Goddess]

I put question marks after his name. (Didn't want him to feel left out!)

[maillotpois]

Looks like Baldino may join us. That would be fun!

[jobob]

LeeBob is under the weather, so it might be just me ... bringing up the rear ...all by my lonesome ... :cool:

[maillotpois]

Well, please still come - even without him. It will be fun. Remember?

[Veronica]

I hope Lee feels better. And do still come. I've missed riding with gang. Any idea where we can go for pizza after?

V.

[cindysue]

you're up early this morning, V.

Have fun tomorrow everyone! See ya in Utah!

[Veronica]

you're up early this morning, V.




It's the cat's fault. She's used to weekdays when the alarm goes off at 4:20.

V.

[maillotpois]

It's the cat's fault. She's used to weekdays when the alarm goes off at 4:20.

V.

This is why our cat has to sleep outside. He has to go to the bathroom at 3 am and wakes us up. And we don't leave the cat door open any more because of drafts and raccoons.

Wish I were riding today as well. Oh well. Tomorrow will be fun. We're off to see miniature horses now.

[Bike Goddess]

It would be fun if Baldino comes along. (AKA RoboRider on the Bike Journal). He's training for RAAM this year. Maybe he can pass on some training secrets! :p :p :p :p :p

Jo, sorry to hear about Lee. Hope it isn't anything serious. :( :( :( Well wishes on the way! Look forward to seeing you in any case! What would we do without you!:D :D :D :D

[jobob]

Jo, sorry to hear about Lee. Hope it isn't anything serious. :( :( :( Well wishes on the way! Goodness, no, just a sore throat. He's taking it easy today and playing it by ear (um, throat) for tomorrow.


Look forward to seeing you in any case! What would we do without you!:D :D :D :D

Uh, go faster, perhaps ? :D

[Veronica]

I've never been to this place, but it's been around since 1992 so it can't be awful. It's at 364 S. Livermore - just the other side of East street.

They do have beer! :D

And they had some on line coupons that I printed out. Now the trick is to remember to bring them.

V.

[Bike Goddess]

Oh, darn. I was hoping for BBQ- testing out your new backyard digs!:p :p :p
(Just kidding, of course!)

[snapdragen]

So? Y'all back yet? Did you cook in the heat?

[Veronica]

It was pretty warm. My HRM says 94 when we got to the Junction Cafe. 101 when we finished in Livermore.

It was a good ride. Jo, Thom, Patric (guy from club) and I rode together on the return. Pizza at Magoos was pretty good and the conversation was great!

V.

[jobob]

Gahhhhhhhhhh

Now I know what the inside of a convection oven feels like. Or perhaps a blast furnace. :p

[Veronica]

It wasn't as hot as the lava I played with in Hawaii.

V.

[jobob]

Actually, it would have been a great ride if it were about 20 degrees cooler. I'd love to do it again - in November :D

But hey, I survived. Many thanks to V. and Thom who hung back with me & Patrick. And it was a very pretty ride. And it was really great to see so many old friends, and to meet a new one.

Lee says he's glad he didn't go, he said it was plenty hot enough at home, and we're out by the bay.

Photos to follow. I'm still in veg-out mode.

http://i2.tinypic.com/zsp8qq.jpg

[aka_kim]

I toured a steel mill once - I think Mines Road was that hot.

[SadieKate]

I'm still melting! Just remembered I have Nutty-Buddies in the freezer. Yum.

Grand day out followed by good pizza and even better chit-chat.

[snapdragen]

Glad you all had a good time, and survived the heat! I thought about you while I huffed and puffed and sweated while shampooing the carpets:(

[bikerz]

Well done you guys - I was thinking about you all today, and wondering about the heat - it was pretty darn hot down by the bay, and it is 76 degrees in my house RIGHT NOW (10:41 pm - yikes - past my bed time!)