The Grizzly Pedal Pushers (GPP, GPC starting in 1975) was founded in late 1968 by 100 or so Berkeley area bicyclists to "join other bicycle clubs in the movement for physical fitness, recreation, and the preservation and enjoyment of our open spaces and natural wildlife environment." Existing bike clubs in the area, the Berkeley Wheelmen and Velo Club Berkeley, were racing oriented.
In 1972, one of our members started the East Bay Bicycle Coalition (EBBC) to deal with bicycle activism issues, while another member was elected the first president of the California Association of Bicycle Organizations (CABO). The City of Berkeley started its own recreational bike club in 1974 for less advanced cyclists, the Live Oak Bicycle Club (LOBC). The only problem was that some members of GPP went on LOBC rides, while LOBC riders soon advanced to go on GPP rides. So in 1975, after an ill-fated attempt to merge racing and touring bike clubs in the area into one club, the Peralta Cyclists, only GPP and LOBC merged to form the Grizzly Peak Cyclists (GPC) - a touring club. Pierre La Plant was elected 1st president and promptly chaired the '75 century committee.
Although GPP had a few 100 mile rides in the early 70's, the first supported "Century" wasn't until October 1974. It was 108 miles long and invitational only. Starting from Sproul Plaza on the UCB campus, the "Super Century" had 6 ride leaders for the 50 riders and a couple of sag wagons. Riders supplied their own lunch to be taken to Lake Del Valle near Livermore.
The 1st GPC century in September, 1975, was organized by GPC riders who were disappointed at most other centuries of that time because they were offered bologna and processed cheese on white bread and served water out of trash cans. Sometimes riders couldn't find restrooms with the terrible maps given out. The GPC century, however, was to be a model of what was possible. Since the beginning, about half of the club (500 in 1998) has participated by baking breads, making maps, ordering patches, signing riders up, marking the route, staffing rest stops, driving sags, BBQing chicken, and cleaning up. The chair and committee heads have put in 20-100 hours each. Definitely a labor of love.
The GPC Century started beneath the tall eucalyptus trees at Island Picnic Area in Tilden Park and went thru some redwoods before climbing over the twisted rock layers of Grizzly Peak. No more bears, but there are mountain lions, coyotes, and some caged hyenas along the route through the Berkeley- Oakland hills with views of the bay and Mt. Diablo. At Knowland Park riders are offered homemade breads before watching the monkeys in the zoo. After rounding Lake Chabot, riders climb for several miles up Redwood Rd past reservoirs (no redwoods here), Pinehurst (deep in the redwoods), and Grizzly Peak again, avoiding newts and banana slugs along the way of this 50 mile southern loop. A truly gourmet lunch at Island is centered around a BBQ, but yes, we do have bananas too. That 1st year we had Saag's sausages, homemade tomato sauce, pasta, melons, fruit, and more homemade bread and real Coca Cola-tm.
On the 2nd 50 mile northern loop, riders would go down treacherous Wildcat Dr by live oak, blue oak, and bay trees to the Dam on San Pablo Creek. After going by the bucolic (no more) Castro Ranch, cyclists spun along Pinole Creek, and held their breath on San Pablo Avenue while meandering thru the refineries along the Carquinez Strait to Crockett. Until the washout of the early 80's, the route did the 108 turns of Carquinez Scenic Dr between Port Costa and Martinez. Cookies and Coke were served before ascending the smelly Pig Farm Hill in Alhambra Valley. It's-Its were the treat waiting riders at the top of Mama Bear overlooking Briones Reservoir, but then they had to struggle up Papa Bear and Wildcat to the finish.
A very professional map was drawn, and the 99 riders provided us with the accolades. "Wow! How did you do it?", "Best ever", "hot soup and coffee hit the spot after the ride", "blankets....were nice", "toughest 100 miles around [not anymore]....great scenery....best lunch stop of ANY century."
We measured 9250 ft of climbing major hills, so advertised 10,000 ft. "This ride lived up to all the rumors about its difficulty.....An enjoyable route and good food-fresh bread.....good support." Only a few riders have ever broken 6 hours.
By the 3rd year in 1977 we had 278 riders for the now April event. Word got around. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy helped with the menu, which prompted the chair of the Davis DC food committee to state "...your menu was excellent....does your club have records?" We BBQ'd chicken starting that year in addition to providing all sorts of salads and breads. One year we even had help from some Chez Panisse staff and another year served Peet's Coffee. The food and route keep changing a bit, but they will always be great!
Except in 1978 and 1979. It hailed 2 inches in '78 and there were only 85 riders. Then in 1979 it rained heavily all day and only 7 people finished. We learned our lesson, and the next year we ran it in May for 151 riders. The century has steadily grown, but we have put a cap of 850 riders to ensure a quality ride. The pre-registration fills up several months before the early May event.
In 1983 we added the very steep climb up McEwen from Port Costa because rain had washed out Carquinez Scenic Drive. Then in the late 80's, EBRPD began to object to the many cars the century brought to Tilden Park. To address their concerns, the start was moved to Miramonte High School in Orinda in 1993. The loops go over the same terrain, but are now 70 and 38 miles. And the food is better than ever!
Pierre La Plant