Anyone can do the Mt. Diablo Challenge - no race license required - it's not really a race, but a fun, timed event. There is a mass start, usually with 700+ riders, and it's amazing how fast much of the field is. Usually over 100 people can finish in under an hour, and over half the field within 90 minutes.

The route starts at the Athenian School on Mt. Diablo Scenic Rd and goes straight up for 10.x miles to the summit of Diablo. There's been road work on the summit road recently so it's been closed, but the road will be open for the challenge. You can still ride half-way up the mountain to the junction with the North Gate Road to recon the course.

Check out the web site for info on registering.