Mt Hamilton - #2 in the Trifecta

[SadieKate]

Jo? When are we going? Kim, Bubba and I were talking about attempting the Bay Area Trifecta before the year is over. That means we've still got Hamilton and Tam to go. Tam would be a good summer ride as it is a bit cooler. What about Hamilton?

How many routes are on that thing? Not sure that I want to do V and Thom's self-supported century but I could be talked into something involving Hamilton. You willing, Power Girl?

[Veronica]

3 different routes I think. The backside, the front side and the Quimby side.

V.

[SadieKate]

3 different routes I think. The backside, the front side and the Quimby side.

V.

Quimby? It this a road name . . . or an anatomy lesson?

You have a recommendation? Best climb? Best views? Most shade?

[jobob]

Sounds great, but it'll have to wait until mid-June if you want me to join you.

No way in creation will I be doing Quimby. No siree.

We can start at the beginning of Mt. Hamilton Ave, where it makes a T-intersection with Alum Rock Ave (and where Rt. 130 continues up to Mt. Hamilton). There's a small area where people park just across Alum Rock from the start of Mt. Hamilton Ave.

Mt. Hamilton Ave. goes directly to the summit.

Here's a google map showing the start point and the lower part of the climb:
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=from%2...21%2C-121.7170

And here's a link to a route sheet.
http://bikemaster.home.att.net/routes/lvs002.txt
Note it starts at Linda Vista School on Kirk Ave, which is an alternative place to park if the small lot across from the start of Mt. Hamilton Ave is full - it's about a mile away from the intersection of Alum Rock and Mt. Hamilton Rd.

hth, - Jo.

[Veronica]

We just bought a new Krebs map. Thom's trying to figure out how to do Quimby, Sierra and Calaveras as a scenic loop.

V.

PS Sarah, Quimby and Sierra both have several 3 chevron spots.

[slinkedog]

Quimby is widely considered to be about the hardest climb in the area, barring Hicks Rd. (harder because it's longer, I think) and the On Orbit/Bohlman/On Orbit loop in Saratoga. That one has a section over 20% for a considerable distance, I believe.

[SadieKate]

I think I've done my share of multiple 3-chevron rides for a while. I'm not available until mid-June either. I just started this thread to get our forum's Mt. Hamilton expert thinking about a group ride. We can even wait until fall. I think it would be fun to have the Trifecta as a goal this year.

I'm going home to check out the Kreb's map (after hitting up Blockbuster). Thanks, girls.

[Veronica]

Quimby is widely considered to be about the hardest climb in the area...

So, you know we HAVE to do it. At least once.

V.

[SadieKate]

Just looked at the route sheet - looks like just about the right ratio of climbing to miles for Yellow.

[slinkedog]

V... LOL! I was just looking at a site with some info on the climb... it is about 2100 ft. of climbing over 5 miles, but it starts out modestly and gets hard at the end. You guys can do it!!

Oh... and Blaine may be able to help you figure a route. He's done that whole area quite a bit. Let me know if you want his input.

[SadieKate]

So, you know we HAVE to do it. At least once.

V.

Can I go the long way and meet you at the top?

[slinkedog]

Oh, SK... is it movie night? If so, you'll be in my thoughts.

[Veronica]

V... LOL! I was just looking at a site with some info on the climb... it is about 2100 ft. of climbing over 5 miles, but it starts out modestly and gets hard at the end. You guys can do it!!

Oh... and Blaine may be able to help you figure a route. He's done that whole area quite a bit. Let me know if you want his input.

How about if you two led a ride? Nothing like putting you on the spot huh.

V.

[slinkedog]

We would really like to sometime. However, at this point, I'm still only able to do about 40 miles, tops and my climbing abilities are pretty much non-existent. So I'll keep working and we'll have you guys down when I'm a little stronger. Or, you guys can go out with Blaine and do Hicks/Shannon/Kennedy and some other stuff and I'll stay home and cook the after-ride meal!!

[Veronica]

Hey, never sell yourself short. When you started riding, did you think you'd be able to do 40 miles? Every bit you accomplish is good!

V.