Oh Kim - wasn't the Alpine loop miserable? I usually love the loop - I ride it all the time, but Alpine seemed to be steeper than Kings Mountain Road, but without cover. I think my biggest beef with Alpine road is that it's a false flat. It looks as if you should be zipping along, but man, you're pushing to keep it at slow speed. Fortunately Portola Valley Road is a little shaded and offered SOME relief.