Ride Schedule for March 2020
Leader: John Alexander (510) 528-3701
Leader: Bill Hofmann (510) 387-0952
Leader: Jessica Jensen (510) 508-6389
Meet at 10:00 am for a 10:15 am start
GPC Route: SPDR and Wildcat
Start Location: North Berkeley BART
Wipe off the winter dust and join us for the first of two Warm Up Rides that will help get you ready for the Century Prep Ride Series. Ride the flats north to San Pablo Dam Rd and climb Wildcat Canyon to Spruce; then return to BART.
Leader: Nick Umemoto
Meet at 5:30 pm for a 5:35 pm start
Start Location: Berkeley - Spruce & Grizzly Peak Blvd - Plaza
Next week GPC Tuesday evening ride begins (Redwood Pinehurst loop), same place, same time.
You can think of this short (distance) ride like an evening spin class with good intervals. We'll head out along Wildcat Canyon to South Park Rd. From there, we'll climb to the top of South Park one - three times (round trip). Cyclists of different paces are welcomed on this ride such as MB, M, TM. Slower paces may climb less vertical feet and ride fewer miles than faster riders. At this time of the year South Park should be closed to motor vehicle traffic. If you complete 3 round trip ascents up South Park, expect 13 miles and about 2,500 feet of elevation gain. If you can't meet us at the start, feel free to join us along South Park Dr.
https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/2742955390
Please bring front and rear lights and set your lights to steady and not blinking. Ride route subject to change without notice. 20% chance or greater of rain cancels ride. Please check the website for ride updates if there's unfavorable weather.
Leader: Beany Wezelman (510) 847-5762
Meet at 10:00 am
GPC Route: Nicasio to Marshall
Start Location: Nicasio
Hello Wednesday Riders,
This Wed., March 4, let's do the Marshall Wall Ride. It's 40 miles with about 2300' of climbing.Meet at Nicasio at 10am.
We'll eat in Marshall. Bring lunch or buy food at the deli there.
We'll also stop in Pt. Reyes Station for coffee and goodies
Hope to see you!
Cheers, Beany
Leader: Michael Kahn (510) 207-4302
Meet at 9:30 am
GPC Route: Miller Creek to Marshall
Start Location: San Rafael - Marinwood Community Center
We will ride to Nicasio, then the Cheese Factory, then over the Marshall Wall to Hwy 1.
Lunch in Pt. Reyes Station before completing the loop.
Leader: Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294
Meet at 7:30 am Rain Date: Sun Mar 8
Start Location: Pleasanton - Neal & Railroad Ave
(6pm Friday update): Rain is forecast for Saturday morning. Ride is raindated to Sunday 3/08. Sunday is currently forecast to be dry, but check back Saturday evening to confirm.
This is the classic GPC Del Puerto loop from Pleasanton. A fabulous variety of terrain for riding, sightseeing, climbing (including one 1.5 mile steep pitch, hence the "!" in the listing), descending, pacelining (optional), and a bit of craft beer drinking too (also optional).
In 120 miles we'll traverse the Livermore Valley; ride out to the Central Valley; skirt around Tracy and Patterson; climb Del Puerto Canyon to San Antonio Junction; climb away from the Junction and zoom down Mines Road; and finally re-traverse the Livermore Valley back to Pleasanton. Note for those who have ridden that "other, younger" bike club's route recently: We follow a classic, different, and IMHO better route through both valleys, including vineyard and foothill views through the Livermore valley and the historic Hwy 33 through Vernalis and Westley in the Central Valley. The route includes 3 rest stops. It has no shortcuts or bailouts.
For the Pleasanton (120mi) start, be ready to ride at 7:35am - please arrive long enough in advance to get ready. Prompt 7:40am departure. Location: Pleasanton at Railroad Ave just north of W. Neal (between First and Main Sts). Nice public restrooms are nearby, one block south (but if you might need the restroom, please arrive and be parked by 07:15 latest).
A shorter (101 mile) option is available, starting in Livermore. For this, meet us at the intersection of Concannon Blvd and S Livermore Ave, on the south corner of the intersection. Please be there, ready to ride, at 08:20 (although our exact arrival time is not possible to predict). There's a parking lot on the north corner, across the street. The location is about 3/4 mi beyond (southeast of) Livermore Civic Center. RSVP's are appreciated, in any case, for map count.
Three food stops: A convenience store near Tracy, about 1/4-way (but no restrooms, alas); sitdown lunch near Patterson, about 1/2-way; sitdown refreshments at The Junction in San Antonio Valley, about 3/4-way.
Bring lights in case of a later return than expected, especially if you're doing the 120 mile route. Be prepared for chilly morning weather.
The route: ridewithgps.com/routes/26625111. Paper maps are available, but if you want one please RSVP so that I can bring enough.
NWS PoPs 20% or more will likely postpone the ride to Sunday. If weather is doubtful, contact ride leader by 9:00pm the night before or check the online listings for an update - don't assume anything.
Leader: Stephanie Clarke (510) 423-1873
Meet at 9:30 am
Start Location: Concord BART
CANCELLED DUE TO PREDICTED RAIN. THE RIDE WILL BE RE-SCHEDULED TO A FUTURE DATE.
We'll start with a long warm-up along Clayton Road before the climbing begins, then huff and puff our way to the top of Morgan Territory before the hair-raising descent down the other side. Bring water and snacks to get you through to our late-lunch stop in Pleasanton. Meet at Concord BART station at 9:30 a.m., roll at 9:45. This will be a BART to BART ride, beginning at Concord BART and ending at Castro Valley BART, though the leader may continue on to Bayfair BART with those better-served by getting on the Fremont-to-Richmond line. 20% chance of rain cancels, contact leader the night before if the weather forecast is iffy -- no, we will not do that descent in the rain, it's scary enough on dry roads. But if we can't have rain, let's at least ride.
5pm Sunday update: Forecast for tomorrow looks good. Ride is on. Three notes: (1) DST Change tonight. Set your clocks forward one hour or else you might miss the start. (2) Expect cold temps at the start, especially given the weather system which just moved through. (3) Wildflowers blooming! (I hope!)
Leader: James Scott (510) 847-3948
Leader: John Alexander (510) 528-3701
Leader: Bill Hofmann (510) 387-0952
Meet at 10:00 am for a 10:15 am start
GPC Route: Tunnel Road and Pinehurst from Rockridge BART
Start Location: Rockridge BART
Get ready for the Century Prep Ride Series with the second of two Warm Up Rides. Climb Tunnel Rd to Skyline, continue to Redwood, climb back to Skyline via Pinehurst, which is the first big challenge of the Grizzly Peak Century! Descend Shepherd Canyon back to Montclair Village and back to Bart.
Leader: David Madson (415) 722-5885
Meet at 10:45 am for a 11:00 am start
Start Location: Richmond BART
Meet on on Parking Ramp side of station. Train arrives at 10:44 am. Roll at 11:00. If it is below 45 degrees the ride is cancelled because it may be cold and windy on the bridge.
Leader: Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294
Leader: Matthew Mc Hugh
Leader: Nick Umemoto
Meet at 5:30 pm for a 5:35 pm start
Start Location: Berkeley - Spruce & Grizzly Peak Blvd - Plaza
Friendly but hilly workout & skills ride. We have two pace groups — M and B — each usually with its own leader (Mark and/or Nick for M; Matt for B). Either group will give you a sustained hard workout and will help develop your skills in climbing, descending, drafting, pacelining, positioning, and sprinting. Please read ride details and route description at http://www.abriz.net/gpc/tues-ride.html. RAIN CANCELS. Sunset is still early in March, so BRING LIGHTS if you plan to do the 32 mile version.
Leader: Jim Clara (510) 387-1255
Meet at 10:00 am
GPC Route: Hennessey - Berryessa Loop
Start Location: St Helena - Lake Hennessey boat launch
We will meet at the boat launch parking at Lake Hennessey on Hwy 128, but we will not park there. Park on the roadside just past the boat launch. We will ride east on 128 to Lake Berryessa for lunch at Oak Shores Day Use Area, and return via Pope Valley. The ride is not very hilly, although there are a couple of long climbs. Lunch and cold drinks can be purchased at Spanish Flat Country Store & Deli, but it is best to bring your lunch or at least enough snack food to get to the market in Pope Valley. There we will have a second lunch opportunity!
Meet at 6:30 pm
Join us for a delicious potluck dinner, a program presentation, and the club's monthly business meeting. This month's details are in your Wheel Truth newsletter.
Leader: Mark Nienberg (510) 812-9312
Meet at 9:30 am
GPC Route: Rockville Winters loop
Start Location: Rockville Bike shop
We will ride a 66 mile loop up to Winters for lunch and back via Lake Berryessa and Wooden Valley.
From the south, take Hwy 80 and take the Suisun Valley/Pittman Rd exit. From Oakland or east of the hills Hwy 680 to Hwy 80 is probably faster. Go left on Suisun Valley Rd. After about 1.7 mi go left on Rockville Rd. The bike store is on the left. Park all the way in the rear of the lot, not in front of any of the stores.
Leader: Rick Patterson (510) 978-1786
Leader: David Brown (510) 508-4215
Leader: Dean Lobovits (510) 701-6784
Meet at 5:20 pm for a 5:30 pm start
Start Location: North Berkeley BART
A fast, friendly ride with regroups for strong TM riders. Meet at 5:20 for 5:30 rollout from North Berkeley BART. Up Spruce and out Grizzly Peak and Skyline, then down Shepherd Canyon and back to BART. As the days get longer we’ll add the (optional) out-and-back to to the Chabot Space and Science Center before heading down Shepherd. Please bring lights for the return trip.
Leader: Arleen Sakamoto
Leader: Kenneth Karda (510) 530-8389
Meet at 9:45 am for a 10:00 am start Rain Date: Fri Mar 20
Start Location: Berkeley - Aquatic Park Playground
We will ride to the Emeryville marina, then North on the Bay Trail for a clockwise loop to the Red Oak Victory Ship, Miller-Knox Park, Ferry Point Tunnel & lunch @ Little Louie's. There will be option to bypass the tunnel. This is a no drop ride.
Leader: Steve Tracy (510) 881-6042
Meet at 10:00 am for a 10:10 am start
Start Location: Pinole - Park
Why ride in the rain this weekend? Lollipop 35 mile route from Pinole Valley Park over Pig Farm Hill to Martinez via up Franklin Canyon, DOWN McEwen and through Carquinez Scenic Drive. Food & drink in Martinez at mile 22. Return via Alhambra Valley.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32113046
print your own route sheet
Leaderless options: shorten to 30 without Franklin Canyon, McEwen, and Carquinez Scenic; lengthen to 40 by continuing up Franklin to take Cummings Skyway into Crockett.
Due to health concerns, snot rockets are limited to the rear of the group and pace lines will be discouraged.
Leader: John Buenfil (925) 408-2360
Meet at 9:00 am for a 9:15 am start
Start Location: Orinda BART NW corner of parking lot
Meet and sign-in at 9:00, introductions at 9:15, then roll. The first 7.5 miles all pace groups ride together at a social pace...you'll ride with club members you might not see for the rest of the month. After that, we split into five separate pace groups. The pace groups are named after musical tempi: Largo, Adagio, Andante, Allegretto, and Presto. Click on the tempo for the exact route. More information about this ride, excluding route details, is posted on-line at http://www.grizz.org/rides/assr.php. Rain cancels. If weather is questionable, or for other questions, contact ASSR Coordinator John Buenfil. Leaders TBA.
Leader: Pat Greene (415) 481-5469
Meet at 9:30 am
Start Location: Berkeley - Aquatic Park Playground
50% Pops on 3/14. This ride is CANCELLED
Meet at 9:30 at the end of Bolivar nearest the playground and restrooms. This is a 10 minute ride from either North Berkeley or Downtown Berkeley BART; there is also parking along Bolivar. We’ll ride ~15 mostly flat, paved miles on the Bay Trail (with one short climb over the racetrack and one very short stretch on gravel). The route goes over the multiuser bridge, heads a short way toward Point Emery, and then north past The Meadow (Eastshore State Park), the Race Track and Pt. Isabel to Meeker Slough. There should be some ducks left, wintering shorebirds, waders and terrestrial resident birds. Helmets required. Bring binoculars and snacks; wear layers. This birding ride is co-listed with Golden Gate Audubon, with co-leader, Cathy Bleier (csbleier@sbcglobal.net). If the weather is questionable, check this site for an update on the status of the ride.
Leader: James Scott (510) 847-3948
Leader: John Alexander (510) 528-3701
Leader: Bill Hofmann (510) 387-0952
Meet at 9:00 am for a 9:15 am start
GPC Route: The Bears and a Bit
Start Location: Orinda BART NW corner of parking lot
Rain is predicted. The ride is cancelled!
We will ride north on Camino Pablo/San Pablo Dam Rd, then clockwise around the hills known as The Three Bears, part way up Wildcat and then counterclockwise on the little-traveled El Toyonal loop to return to Bart.
Leader: Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294
Leader: Matthew Mc Hugh
Leader: Nick Umemoto
Meet at 5:30 pm for a 5:35 pm start
Start Location: Berkeley - Spruce & Grizzly Peak Blvd - Plaza
"B" pace ride is cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns. "M" pace version is on, but with precautions in place and insisted upon. Email leaders for details.
Friendly but hilly workout & skills ride. We have two pace groups — M and B — each usually with its own leader (Mark and/or Nick for M; Matt for B). Either group will give you a sustained hard workout and will help develop your skills in climbing, descending, drafting, pacelining, positioning, and sprinting. Please read ride details and route description at http://www.abriz.net/gpc/tues-ride.html. RAIN CANCELS. Sunset is still early in March, so BRING LIGHTS if you plan to do the 32 mile version.
Leader: Dolores Apton (510) 530-4248
Meet at 10:00 am
CANCELLED! Due to Social Distancing.
Miles and smiles, hills and thrills, lunches and lattes. This listing will be updated when the route and leader have been determined, usually by Monday evening. Meet at 10:00 am (usually) for this ride. Rain cancels. You can also join our email list and check the list archives for the current information or contact Mark Sapiro at (415) 388-8910.
Leader: Mark Nienberg (510) 812-9312
Meet at 9:30 am
This week's ride is cancelled. The fast changing events of the last few days warrant a re-thinking of the prudence of group rides. Stay safe and check for an update next week.
This weekly ride often tours through West Marin, but sometimes travels to Napa, Sonoma, or Livermore, depending on the season. We have frequent regroups and usually stop for a real lunch, if it is available on the route. This listing will be updated when the route and leader have been determined, usually by Monday evening. If you don't have web access you can call Mark Nienberg at (510) 812-9312 for the information.
Leader: Rick Patterson (510) 978-1786
Leader: David Brown (510) 508-4215
Leader: Dean Lobovits (510) 701-6784
Meet at 5:20 pm for a 5:30 pm start
Start Location: North Berkeley BART
A fast, friendly ride with regroups for strong TM riders. Meet at 5:20 for 5:30 rollout from North Berkeley BART. Up Spruce and out Grizzly Peak and Skyline, then down Shepherd Canyon and back to BART. As the days get longer we’ll add the (optional) out-and-back to to the Chabot Space and Science Center before heading down Shepherd. Please bring lights for the return trip.
See the listing for Fri Mar 13. If that ride was rained out, we will try again today. Contact the ride leader if you aren't sure.
Leader: Dean Lobovits (510) 701-6784
Meet at 9:45 am for a 10:00 am start
Start Location: Orinda BART NW corner of parking lot
Due to the social nature of this ride, it will be cancelled due to infection concerns. Hopefully we'll all work together to minimize the impacts of this crisis and be back on the road together soon!
Ride out to Pinole, along San Pablo Dam Road and Pinole Valley Road. Our goal is to get some riders who may cringe at riding the hilly 'bears route'; but who would like to do about 30 miles to maybe get back into riding again. Planned destination is the Bear Claw Cafe, a quaint, old-timey family bakery in downtown Pinole, with a visual historical treat in the alcove next to the building. Faster riders are welcome, too...just save me a Bear Claw! Bring a friend. Optional lunch at Orinda Square (Petra's Greek Cafe, Europa Hof-Brau, Nation's burgers, Subway, Peet's and Starbucks). https://ridewithgps.com/routes/14580950. Check out Social Biker Group on Facebook. Join free.
Leader: James Scott (510) 847-3948
Leader: Jim O'Melia (925) 262-3882
Leader: Jessica Jensen (510) 508-6389
Meet at 9:00 am for a 9:15 am start
GPC Route: Pinehurst, Grizzly Peak Loop
Start Location: Orinda BART NW corner of parking lot
We will tackle Pinehurst, Skyline, then Grizzly Peak, following the route of the century. We will then descent Wildcat and return to Orinda BART.
Leader: Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294
Leader: Matthew Mc Hugh
Leader: Nick Umemoto
Meet at 5:30 pm for a 5:35 pm start
Start Location: Berkeley - Spruce & Grizzly Peak Blvd - Plaza
Friendly but hilly workout & skills ride. We have two pace groups — M and B — each usually with its own leader (Mark and/or Nick for M; Matt for B). Either group will give you a sustained hard workout and will help develop your skills in climbing, descending, drafting, pacelining, positioning, and sprinting. Please read ride details and route description at http://www.abriz.net/gpc/tues-ride.html. RAIN CANCELS. Sunset is still early in March, so BRING LIGHTS if you plan to do the 32 mile version.
Leader: Phil Morton (510) 852-9663
Meet at 10:00 am
Miles and smiles, hills and thrills, lunches and lattes. This listing will be updated when the route and leader have been determined, usually by Monday evening. Meet at 10:00 am (usually) for this ride. Rain cancels. You can also join our email list and check the list archives for the current information or contact Mark Sapiro at (415) 388-8910.
Leader: Mark Nienberg (510) 812-9312
Meet at 9:30 am
This weekly ride often tours through West Marin, but sometimes travels to Napa, Sonoma, or Livermore, depending on the season. We have frequent regroups and usually stop for a real lunch, if it is available on the route. This listing will be updated when the route and leader have been determined, usually by Monday evening. If you don't have web access you can call Mark Nienberg at (510) 812-9312 for the information.
Leader: Rick Patterson (510) 978-1786
Leader: David Brown (510) 508-4215
Leader: Dean Lobovits (510) 701-6784
Meet at 5:20 pm for a 5:30 pm start
Start Location: North Berkeley BART
A fast, friendly ride with regroups for strong TM riders. Meet at 5:20 for 5:30 rollout from North Berkeley BART. Up Spruce and out Grizzly Peak and Skyline, then down Shepherd Canyon and back to BART. As the days get longer we’ll add the (optional) out-and-back to to the Chabot Space and Science Center before heading down Shepherd. Please bring lights for the return trip.
Leader: Jim Clara (510) 387-1255
Meet at 9:45 am for a 10:00 am start
Start Location: North Berkeley BART
This ride is cancelled. Best wishes for good health and good cheer.
The Richmond bound train arrives at 9:45 am. We set out at 10:00 for Aquatic Park to pick up possible riders and depart there at 10:15. Ride the Bay Trail and cross the RSR bridge for a leisurely lunch at Larkspur Landing. From there we look forward to a short ride along 580 before re-crossing the bridge. Bring your e-bike!
Here is the route on RideWithGPS.
Leader: David Cone (510) 684-3874
Leader: Stephanie Clarke (510) 423-1873
Meet at 10:00 am for a 10:15 am start Rain Date: Sat Apr 18
Start Location: Warm Springs BART
- Meet at Warm Springs BART (Sched. arrivals 9:44, 10:04)
- Calaveras Wall, lunch in Sunol
- Return via Niles Canyon, Palomares, Redwood, Pinehurst
- Optional end at Castro Valley BART (mile 41)
Leader: John Alexander (510) 528-3701
Leader: Wendy Cosin (510) 813-7061
Leader: Bill Hofmann (510) 387-0952
Meet at 9:00 am for a 9:15 am start
GPC Route: East Bay Hills
Start Location: Orinda BART NW corner of parking lot
We will ride north on Camino Pablo, climb Wildcat Canyon, Grizzly Peak Blvd, Skyline Blvd, descend Redwood Road, then return via Pinehurst, Canyon, Moraga Way.
Leader: John Buenfil (925) 408-2360
Leader: Karen Street (510) 356-7081
Meet at 10:00 am for a 10:15 am start
Start Location: Pleasant Hill BART
Meet by the fountain. We'll ride down the Iron Horse Trail to Peet’s in Danville. Then circle back through the neighborhoods of Danville, Alamo and Walnut Creek. Lunch stop is near the end, at the Countrywood Shopping Cente
Leader: Mark Abrahams (510) 524-1294
Leader: Matthew Mc Hugh
Leader: Nick Umemoto
Meet at 5:30 pm for a 5:35 pm start
Start Location: Berkeley - Spruce & Grizzly Peak Blvd - Plaza
Friendly but hilly workout & skills ride. We have two pace groups — M and B — each usually with its own leader (Mark and/or Nick for M; Matt for B). Either group will give you a sustained hard workout and will help develop your skills in climbing, descending, drafting, pacelining, positioning, and sprinting. Please read ride details and route description at http://www.abriz.net/gpc/tues-ride.html. RAIN CANCELS. Sunset is still early in March, so BRING LIGHTS if you plan to do the 32 mile version.
* Rides shown with an asterisk were added after publication of the Wheel Truth newsletter.
| March 2020 Statistics | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Weekend | Totals | |
| Rides Published in WT | 13 | 14 | 27 |
| Rides Added after WT * | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Totals | 14 | 14 | 28 |