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 www.GrizzlyPeakCyclists.org. 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 Sundays, August 12 through September 16, and will gradually progress in distance from about 25 to about 40 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 (nearly) all start at BART stations to encourage auto-free transit. It's easy to take a bike on Bart; we recommend you learn how. 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 offered a copy 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 guide people through the route, make sure no one is left behind due to 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 begin with short safety sessions / advice clinics.
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 lunch. 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 Aug 12 1/L/21
Ride #1 -- Alameda Creek Trail.
Meet 10:00am at Union City Bart, west side station entrance
near bike stowage boxes.
The ride will be easy paced and completely flat.
We'll ride the Alameda Creek Trail to Coyote Hills and back.
Finish with optional lunch in Union City --
bring your own or $ to buy.
No water on route; bring a water bottle and energy bar.
No drop. Helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader.
Toshi Takeuchi, (510) 919-7876, ttoshi at gmail dot com,
Frank Carothers, (510)528-7048, frankc at berkeley dot edu,
Jeff Kurtock, (510)653-1771, jkurtock at sbcglobal dot net,
John Buenfil, (925)686-9077, eleganttype at earthlink dot net.
Sun Aug 19 1/L/22
Ride #2 -- Alameda and Bay Farm Island.
Meet 10:00am at Fruitvale BART, south parking lot.
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 a ride leader.
John Buenfil, (925)686-9077, eleganttype at earthlink dot net,
Toshi Takeuchi, (510) 919-7876, ttoshi at gmail dot com,
David or Liz Block, (510)235-7851, dlblock at comcast dot net,
lizblock at comcast dot net,
Chuck Wunderlich, (510) 526-7570, chuckwun at speakeasy dot net,
Sara Atkins, (510) 520-4834, atkins dot atkins at sbcglobal dot net,
Doug Brown, dougfb at jps dot net.
Sun Aug 26 2/L/22
Ride #3 -- OrLaMor.
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 a ride leader.
Toshi Takeuchi, (510) 919-7876, ttoshi at gmail dot com,
Mike Briggs, (510)236-1698,
Jeff Kurtock, (510)653-1771, jkurtock at sbcglobal dot net,
Chuck Wunderlich, (510) 526-7570, chuckwun at speakeasy dot net,
Melarie Johnson, (510)237-5265, melariej at sbcglobal dot net.
Sun Sep 02 2/L/23
Ride #4 -- Roundhill Loop.
Meet 10:00am at Northeast corner of Pleasant Hill BART.
We'll ride through Walnut Creek and down Danville Blvd,
circling back through the neighborhoods of Danville, Alamo & Walnut Creek.
Bring lunch or $ to buy.
No drop. Helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader.
John Buenfil, (925)686-9077, eleganttype at earthlink dot net,
Melarie Johnson, (510)237-5265, melariej at sbcglobal dot net,
David or Liz Block, (510)235-7851, dlblock at comcast dot net,
lizblock at comcast dot net,
Francois and Gregory Pohan, f dot pohan at att dot net, (925) 354-2820.
Sun Sep 09 3/L/32
Ride #5 -- 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,
followed by great views of Carquinez Strait from a secluded road on the return.
One spot is frequently foggy/cold, so carry an extra layer (jacket).
Bring lunch or $ to buy.
No drop. Helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader.
James Thompson, (925)933-8449, bigpudl1 at comcast dot net,
Chuck Wunderlich, (510) 526-7570, chuckwun at speakeasy dot net,
Sara Atkins, (510) 520-4834, atkins dot atkins at sbcglobal dot net,
Doug Brown, dougfb at jps dot net,
Janet Noble,510/653-6243, janetnoble at yahoo dot com.
Sun Sep 16 3/LT/22-or-40
Ride #6 -- Central Marin Redwoods.
Tour the redwoods of central Marin county through Nicasio
and have lunch at the Bovine Bakery on Highway 1.
Return through Olema back to Nicasio and Lucas Valley.
The 22-mile ride joins the 40 mile ride in Nicasio and loops back to Nicasio.
There are hills, but we will ride them gently.
-- For the 40 mile ride, meet 10:00am across from the Miller Creek
Community Center: exit Hwy 101 at the Lucas Valley exit just north of
San Rafael and head West on Lucas Valley Road.
Make a right turn at Miller Creek Rd. and park on the street across
from the community center.
-- For the 22 mile ride, meet at 11:00 am in Nicasio for an 11:15 departure.
From Hwy 101, take the Lucas Valley Rd/Smith Ranch Rd Exit.
Go 10 miles west to Nicasio Valley Road.
Turn right and go 0.3 mile to a parking area with convenience store.
You will pass the 44-mile bicycle riders on Lucas Valley,
so please take extra care.
-- For carpools, meet 45 minutes before ride departure time at North
Berkeley Bart, east side (by Wed Oct 11th, please contact Toshi
Takeuchi ttoshi at gmail dot com, 510-919-7876 who will coordinate
interested riders).
Bring lunch or $ to buy.
No drop. Helmets required.
Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact a ride leader.
Janet Monks, (510)534-7621,
Mike Briggs, (510)236-1698,
Gretchen Kunitz, kunitzg at comcast dot net,
David or Liz Block (22-mile leader), (510)235-7851, dlblock at comcast dot net,
lizblock at comcast dot net,
Frank Carothers, (510)528-7048, frankc at berkeley dot edu,
Sara Atkins, (510) 520-4834, atkins dot atkins at sbcglobal dot net,
Nancy Yu at nancyyu7 at hotmail dot com, (510) 697-7736.
For general questions not answered above, contact our Ride Series Coordinator, Toshi Takeuchi, (510)919-7876, RideSeries2 at Grizz dot org. For questions about specific rides, contact the ride leader(s) listed.
GPC rides are rated by terrain/pace/distance. Terrain ratings are: 1) nearly flat; 2) somewhat hilly; 3) moderately hilly; 4) hilly; 5) very hilly, considerable climbing. Pace ratings are: XL) extra-leisurely, child-friendly; L) leisurely, easy pace with frequent stops; T) touring, steady pace, fewer stops, for experienced riders; M) moderately fast pace, for strong experienced riders; B) brisk, for very strong riders. 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 pace between leisurely and touring of distance 35 miles. Riders are expected to check ratings in advance and choose rides appropriately.
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