So, you have a shiny new bike -- or maybe a dusty old one -- and you'd like to ride it more? Or, maybe you've heard what an incredibly social sport bike riding is, and you want to check it out? If yes, this ride series is for you!
Grizzly Peak Cyclists is a recreational road-riding bicycle club based in the East Bay. We have members of all ages and levels, from family riders to fanatics. We are dedicated to the principle that cycling is fun, social, and friendly. Our unofficial motto is `ride to eat, eat to ride.' We do plenty of both--most rides include hanging out and eating, either at a lunch stop or after the ride proper.
Our club holds one or more rides nearly every weekend day throughout the year. Rides vary from very easy family-oriented (child-friendly pace and distance), to advanced unsupported 100+ milers, to everything in between. The current schedule, and other information, are on the club's web site [old URL removed]. Other impromptu rides and a wide range of bike related topics are discussed on the club's e-mail list, which is open to club members. Club members receive discounts at a number of local bicycle stores.
This fall, GPC is giving a series of six rides expressly designed for less experienced bicyclists who want to ride more and in the process increase their cycling abilities, learn about responsible group riding, and just plain have fun. The rides will be on six consecutive Saturdays, September 9 through October 14, and will gradually progress in distance from about 16 to about 32 miles. The routes cover a variety of cycling options in the East Bay, including some lesser-known and very scenic areas. The first two are over flat terrain; the remainder include some gentle hills. Those who complete this series will be well-prepared to enjoy many of our easier club rides.
All rides in the series start at 10am, and all start at Bart stations to encourage auto-free transit. We recommend that riders learn the rules for bicycles on Bart. Using Bart can greatly expand your riding area and give you the flexibility of beginning and ending a ride at different places.
Everyone is welcome at the ride series. There is no fee and no need to sign up in advance. All participants will be given copies of the excellent booklet Street Smarts: Bicycling's Traffic Survival Guide by John S. Allen. Next spring we plan to give a more challenging series of rides aimed at preparing intermediate cyclists to complete a hilly century course.
Each ride will have several club members designated as leaders. They will have planned the route, printed cue sheets or maps, and will have everyone sign in. The ride leaders will make sure that no one gets lost or left behind because of mechanical or physical problems, and/or suggest a `bail-out' route to those unable to complete the ride. We encourage calling the leaders in advance with any questions about the ride. In addition, other GPC members will be on the rides to offer assistance, helpful hints, or just moral support.
Bicycles are vehicles operating on public roads and must obey all traffic regulations, including traffic signals, pedestrian and other right-of-way rules, lane indications, and plain common sense. Riders should remain single file unless conditions clearly permit otherwise. Ride series participants must wear approved bicycle helmets. The first two rides are preceded by optional safety sessions.
Riders should carry at least one water bottle and drink regularly, and also carry an energy bar or similar small snack. Longer rides usually have a food stop, so bring money or a lunch-sized snack. Clothing is a matter of personal preference. Lycra is not required; however, riders should choose clothing that won't chafe and should dress in layers to be prepared for all reasonable temperature extremes. Rain cancels the ride. If weather is questionable, call a ride leader.
Sat Sep 09 1/L/16
Ride #1 -- Iron Horse Trail to Danville.
Meet 10:00am at Walnut Creek Bart, east side station entrance,
with an optional pre-ride safety session at 9:30.
The ride will be easy paced and flat.
We'll ride the Iron Horse Trail to Danville and return on regular roads.
Finish with optional lunch in Walnut Creek --
bring your own or $ to buy.
No drop. Helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Mark Abrahams and Amy Stabler
[contact info removed].
Sat Sep 16 1/L/18
Ride #2 -- Alameda and Bay Farm Island.
Meet 10:00am at Fruitvale Bart,
with an optional pre-ride advice clinic at 9:30.
The ride will be easy paced and flat, with great bay views.
Bring lunch or $ to buy.
No drop. Helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Marilyn Chin and Bruce Berg
[contact info removed].
Sat Sep 23 2/L/20
Ride #3 -- Orinda-Lafayette-Moraga.
Meet 10:00am at Orinda Bart.
The ride will be easy paced and cover some gentle hills.
We will ride from downtown Orinda to downtown Lafayette to downtown
Moraga and return, using the St. Stephens bike trail, the
Lafayette-Moraga bike trail, and also regular roads.
Finish at Orinda Theatre Square for optional lunch --
bring your own or $ to buy.
No drop. Helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Ed Cullen and Krehe Ritter
[contact info removed].
Sat Sep 30 2/L/24
Ride #4 -- Out in the Country.
Meet 10:00am at Dublin/Pleasanton Bart, south side station entrance.
We will explore the undeveloped rolling countryside south of Mt. Diablo.
Bring lunch or $ to buy.
No drop. Helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Bruce Berg and Mark Abrahams
[contact info removed].
Sat Oct 07 2/L/28
Ride #5 -- The End of the Line.
Meet at 10:00am at Pittsburg/Bay Point Bart,
to discover what's at the end of the line.
We'll explore the recently-built bicycle path systems out to Antioch
and then enjoy a loop round Empire Mine Road, Deer Valley Road,
and Lone Tree Way before returning to the start.
(Bonus ride: An extra 7 mile route will be offered at the end,
over the Delta De Anza Regional Trail which connects Pittsburg to Concord
without having to climb Evora Road.
This extra ride will end at North Concord/Martinez Bart.)
Bring lunch or $ to buy.
No drop. Helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Kelly Richards and Don Osborn
[contact info removed].
Sat Oct 14 2/L/32
Ride #6 -- Franklin Canyon and Carquinez Scenic Drive.
Meet 10:00am at Pleasant Hill Bart.
Ride through Pleasant Hill and out Franklin Canyon
with a longer but gentle hill.
A fabulous descent into Crockett brings us to lunch/snack at a local cafe --
bring your own or $ to buy.
Great views of Carquinez Strait from a secluded road on the return.
No drop. Helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Charlie Uhlman and Stan Wong
[contact info removed].
For general questions not answered above, contact Mark Abrahams [contact info removed]. For questions about specific rides, contact the ride leader(s) listed.
GPC rides are rated by terrain/pace/distance. Terrain ratings are: 1) essentially flat; 2) a few low hills; 3) moderately hilly; 4) hilly, a few steep ones; 5) very hilly, considerable climbing. Pace ratings are: XL) extra-leisurely, child-friendly; L) leisurely, easy pace with frequent stops; T) touring, steadier pace; M) moderate, faster pace still; B) brisk, on your own, except for lunch. Mileage follows the first two factors. Pace letters may be combined to show intermediate ratings. For example, 3/LT/35 is a moderately hilly ride at leisurely-to-touring pace of distance 35 miles. Riders are expected to check ratings in advance and not attempt rides clearly beyond their abilities.
GPC Home Page | GPC Ride Series Overview | GPC Ride Guidelines | GPC Ride Rating System