So, you're comfortable on bike rides of up to 25 miles, and you've always wanted to ride a century, but weren't sure you could? Or maybe you've ridden longer distances in the past but you've been dormant for the winter and now you'd like to get back in shape? 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's annual highlight is the Grizzly Peak Century, held the first Sunday in May each year with routes of 69 and 108 miles. Our century is every bit as well known for its superb food and support as for its spectacular route. Additionally, there are one or more club 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 variety 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 spring, GPC is giving a series of six rides for intermediate bicyclists who want to build stamina and increase range. The rides will be on six consecutive Sundays, March 26 through April 30, and will gradually progress in distance from about 25 to about 55 miles. All are over moderately hilly terrain, similar to that of our Century, and they cover many of the classic loops of the East Bay. Those who complete the series should be well-prepared to ride at least the 69-mile (metric century) north loop of our Century on Sunday May 7, as well as many other great 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. Later this year we will give a gentler series of `Novice Rides' aimed at encouraging less experienced cyclists to stretch themselves a bit.
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 complete a sign-in sheet. The ride leaders will also 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 lights, stop signs, pedestrian right-of-way, and just plain common sense. Riders should remain in single file unless conditions clearly permit otherwise. Ride series and Century participants are required to wear bicycle helmets that meet ANSI, Snell, or ASTM standards.
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.
Sun Mar 26 3/LT/25
Ride #1 -- The Bears.
Meet 10:00am at Orinda Bart in
front of the station entrance. We will ride north on El Camino Pablo/San Pablo
Dam Rd and then clockwise around the hills known as The Three Bears. Finish
with optional lunch in Orinda Theater Square -- bring your own or $ to buy. No
drop. Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride
leader.
Mark Abrahams and Peter Kyle
[contact info removed].
Sun Apr 02 3/LT/35
Ride #2 -- Mt. Diablo Southgate to Junction.
Meet 10:00am
at Walnut Creek Bart. We will ride south to Mt. Diablo Southgate, climb to the
junction, descend Northgate. 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.
Phil Morton and Dolores Apton
[contact info removed].
Sun Apr 09 3/T/40
Ride #3 -- Palomares and Kilkare Canyons.
Meet 10:00am at
Pleasanton Bart, south side of station. We will ride Dublin Canyon to
Palomares Canyon, Niles Canyon, then to Scott's Corner for lunch. Up then down
Kilkare Canyon, return to Pleasanton. Bring $ or food for lunch. No drop.
Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Brenda Giese
[contact info removed].
Sun Apr 16 3/T/45
Ride #4 -- Orinda to Crockett.
Meet 10:00am at Orinda
Bart. Ride north on El Camino Pablo and then to Crockett and back following
the partial route of the Grizzly Peak Century north loop. Lunch in Crockett --
bring your own or $ to buy. No drop. Helmets required. Rain cancels; if
weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Jorge Liderman and Jeff Pelton
[contact info removed].
Sun Apr 23 3/T/50
Ride #5 -- Berkeley-Oakland Hills.
Meet 10:00am at
Downtown Berkeley Bart, on the plaza just south of the main entrance at
Shattuck and Center. Sweeping vistas of SF Bay from the East Bay hills as we
climb Spruce, Grizzly Peak, and Skyline; then through parklands and the
greenbelt to Willow Park Golf Course where we rest briefly and turn around.
Bring food for the ride, as we pass through no towns and many places close for
Easter. Optional post-ride late lunch in Berkeley. No drop. Helmets
required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Mark Abrahams and Peter Kyle
[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.
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