Feb 5 -- Briones Dirt Ride (Martinez near the John Muir House)
Another training ride! This time all on old dirt ranch roads with incredible views of the east bay, wildflowers, cows and some fun downhills.
Start: Briones Regional Park, Alhambra Creek Staging Area (off Reliez Valley Road on the north end of the park)
Time: 10 am, ready to ride as soon after as possible
Length: about 12 miles
Climbing: about 2,000 cumulative feet
We’ll climb up through a shady oak grove and catch our breath by some wildlife lagoons before the climb to a spectacular view point on the Briones Crest Trail. Next is a series of “poppingo-s” named after a friend of that name. These will require good shifting and lots of momentum, but you’ll be rewarded with one long fast downhill into the Bear Creek Staging area where we’ll take a snack break in the picnic area (portapotties and drinking fountain here). Perhaps a spontaneous game of bikeshoe will break out (unless someone wants to carry horseshoes in their pack :D ).
Next is the gentle climb up Abrigo Valley to purgatory and the Hill from Hell. We’ve only seen one person ride it. It is only about 50 ft long . . . unfortunately, it is nearly vertical. You can listen to the tinkly sounds of the waterfall as you trudge up it. Then, saddle up and you have one last climb to the top and miles of downhill back to the car.
PM me for more details or about carpooling from Davis. Rain within 48 hours will cancel and we'll find a substitute road ride (unless it's raining the same day :p ). There is a minimal parking fee at the park.
