Biker Z- Good job!!!! I think the way you did it is a bit easier. I've done the Bears your way as well many times. We come from Benicia so we do a lot of climbing before we even get to the BEARS!!!! I've also done the Bears one way and then turned around at the top of Papa Bear (the one before that long down hill) and gone backwards to Mama and Baby plus other hills to get home. I think the reverse way (counterclockwise) is a bit harder, but maybe that was because I was already a bit tired. At some point I will go down to San Pablo Road, turn around and go back up. Maybe I could call that ride the Double Bear ride!

Your next route sounds pretty challenging! As others have said- the more you do the same route, the better it will be for you. It's not necessarily going to get a lot easier, BUT, you know what to expect and for me anyway, that makes a big difference. I'm out that way most Sunday mornings so if you ever want to meet up, I'll do those "Bears" with you! (That goes for anyone else as well!!!)

VERONICA- We definitely need to initiate you! You could start in Martinez (just down the freeway from you). I'd love to do that ride with you!