Quadrophenia #9: Epic Dead Ends II (4/26/2014)

Date: Saturday, April 26
Meet time: 9:30 a.m.
Ride-out time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting place: Parking lot at Villa and Franklin streets, Mountain View (across from the Tied House) (map)
City: Mountain View
Rain policy: Heavy rain cancels
Category: 2 - moderate pace (10-12 mph)
Terrain: 4 - several steep climbs
Miles: 54

Description:

Worried about doing this ride on the day before Day on the Ride? Worry not; read on.

Our first Epic Dead Ends ride earlier this season was such a hit, we've created the sequel. Today, we'll head into the South Bay for another half-dozen streets that go nowhere but sure look faaaaabulous while doing so.

This time, we head south and begin our climbing in Cupertino with Voss Avenue, a side street off Foothill Blvd. that you've no doubt seen hundreds of times by now. Perhaps you've wondered what awaits you up there; the answer is an 11.0% climb of about 0.2 mile. Now that we're warmed up, it's just a short jaunt through the neighborhoods of Cupertino to a more significant challenge: Regnart Road. This 1.6-mile climb is rated at only 6.4%, but that's because there's a much steeper section in the middle: 0.2 mile at more than 16%. Chances are that you'll need to take a break; the toughest challenge when doing so is getting started again! (Be sure to descend this steep and curvy hill carefully.)

Next, we're off to Saratoga for our next challenge: Upper Hill Drive (0.2 mile, 14%). This hill is so far off the beaten path that only 11 cyclists have ever recorded attempts on this hill in Strava!

After a quick rest stop, it's off to Los Gatos for the rest of our fun. First is Matilija Drive (0.4 mile, 13%), which takes us up over 1,000 feet elevation while still in a residential area. Then we'll take a quick break in downtown Los Gatos before we cross over Highway 17 for the combination of Cypress Way, Maya Way, and Aztec Ridge Drive (1.7 miles, 9.5%). Doesn't sound too bad, but the middle part is 0.2 mile at 14% as this one takes us up to nearly 1,400 feet.

One more dead end awaits us. To get there, though, we'll have to do the old favorite of climbing Kennedy Road, although we'll have a bit of a head start, so this time it's only 1.0 mile at 6%. If you've been to the top of Kennedy before, you might have noticed another road branching off to your left. It is called, appropriately enough, Top of the Hill Road, and we'll do it today.

So that's a half-dozen epic dead ends. We're done, right? Nooooooo. We'll head down the other side of Kennedy and begin to climb Shannon Road, but we'll turn onto Santa Rosa Road, which is marked as a dead end. It's 0.3 mile at an impressive 13.6% ... and then it starts to descend, gently at first but then steeply. You're beginning to dread the climb you'll have to make to get out of this dead end. And then, when you least expect it, there's a gate and a paved park trail! Just a little jaunt down the trail and, shazam, you're in south San Jose, just a few blocks from Blossom Hill Road. Sweet!

Remember up top when I said not to worry about tomorrow being Day on the Ride? Two reasons why. First, you can skip any or all of the dead ends to make the day easier. But second, after we're done with Santa Rosa Road, we're going to get home by the quickest, easiest route possible: 15 uninterrupted miles of wide-shoulder, flat, easy expressway riding on San Tomas and Central expressways, all the way back to downtown Mountain View. This ride truly has everything!

Ride With GPS reports about 4,700 feet of climbing; most GPS devices will report a little bit less.

This ride is Caltrain- and VTA-friendly. The first southbound train of the day leaves SF at 8:15 and arrives in Mountain View at 9:29. We're about four blocks from the station.

These rides are for experienced cyclists who know how to safely handle their bikes on climbs and descents. Please RSVP even if you're not sure you're attending. We use the RSVPs to plan support (including free bagels!), and if the weather might cause problems, it's important that we be able to reach you. Also, join our Facebook group to get additional updates and scintillating conversation.


Click here to RSVP
RSVPs are requested but not required.

Quadrophenia #8: Coastside adventure (4/12/2014)

Date: Saturday, April 12
Meet time: 9:30 a.m.
Ride-out time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting place: Parking lot at Villa and Franklin streets, Mountain View (across from the Tied House) (map)
City: Mountain View
Rain policy: Heavy rain cancels
Category: 2 - moderate pace (10-12 mph)
Terrain: 4 - long hills
Miles: 58

Description:

So far this season, we've stayed on the bay side of the coastal hills. No more! Today, we'll do one of the Bay Area's quintessential benchmark climbs, we'll climb through quiet backwoods, and we'll end with one of the region's best descents.

Our epic adventure begins with a quick trip to Menlo Park and into Portola Valley for the first big climb of the day: Old La Honda Road. This 3.1-mile effort is one of those climbs on which cyclists measure their time year after year. In Strava, more than 68,000 climbs of Old La Honda have been recorded! The fastest time is a blazing 14 minutes and 41 seconds; you won't go nearly that fast (anything under half an hour is considered "expert"), and in fact there's no need to rush up the hill since we have all day to go just 58 miles.

After reaching the top of the coastal ridge at en elevation of about 1,650 feet, we'll descend partway to the coast. But we'll take a turn at the village of La Honda, where we'll climb Alpine Road. Yes, that's the same Alpine Road that we know and love from Portola Valley, but this is the coastal side of it. In this direction, the climb is a substantial 7.4 miles and averages 4.5%, but it has several steeper sections along the way. This takes us back to the top of the ridge -- this time at a much higher elevation of about 2,400 feet -- where portapotties are available for a quick stop.

Then we'll ride along the crest on southbound Skyline Drive, gaining a couple hundred more feet over the next 6 miles on the way to the junction with Highway 9. Hang on to your seats, because it's time for the 7-mile descent into Saratoga. Expert cyclists might be able to keep up with the flow of motorized traffic, but be sure to observe the posted speed limits because even cyclists can get a ticket out here. And it's perfectly OK if you don't want to go faster than your comfort level; just stay to the right and give motorists and other cyclists a chance to pass when safe.

After a rest stop in Saratoga, the remainder of the route is mercifully flat or gently downhill. What a day!

Ride With GPS reports about 6,100 feet of climbing; most GPS devices will report a little bit less.

This ride is Caltrain- and VTA-friendly. The first southbound train of the day leaves SF at 8:15 and arrives in Mountain View at 9:29. We're about four blocks from the station. This route contains a 22-mile segment with no food or water available; be sure to stock up at the rest stops and in La Honda, especially if it's hot on ride day. But also keep in mind that coastside conditions can be vastly different from those in Mountain View; a temperature difference of 30 degrees or more along this route is not at all uncommon. Dress appropriately!

These rides are for experienced cyclists who know how to safely handle their bikes on climbs and descents. Please RSVP even if you're not sure you're attending. We use the RSVPs to plan support (including free bagels!), and if the weather might cause problems, it's important that we be able to reach you. Also, join our Facebook group to get additional updates and scintillating conversation.


Click here to RSVP
RSVPs are requested but not required.

Quadrophenia #7: Midpeninsula Monsters (retry 4/5/2014)

Date: Saturday, April 5
Meet time: 9:30 a.m.
Ride-out time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting place: Parking lot at Villa and Franklin streets, Mountain View (across from the Tied House) (map)
City: Mountain View
Rain policy: Heavy rain cancels
Category: 2 - moderate pace (10-12 mph)
Terrain: 4 - three very steep climbs
Miles: 51

Description:

Today, we travel into new territory to conquer three of the most challenging climbs on the Peninsula. And because we love you, there's also a little bit of climbing on the way there ... and again on the way back. Because the first 11 miles and the last 11 miles of this ride are almost flat, there's a lot of climbing packed into those middle 29 miles!

After an early rest stop, we'll move right into our warm-up climb. We'll do the steeper direction of High Road, a quiet residential street that branches off Highway 84 on the way to Woodside. It's a little tough getting to the top (0.7 mile, 8.0%), but the reward is a long, moderate descent back down to Alameda de las Pulgas.

Now we're ready for some fun. We'll start up Edgewood Road in Redwood City, but before we reach the main Edgewood climb, we'll instead take a right turn and climb the appropriately named Crestivew Drive (0.5 mile, 11.2%). Then, after a jaw-dropping descent on Brittan Avenue (0.4 mile, about 15%), we'll turn around almost immediately and climb Melendy Drive, a 1.2-mile hill rated at a very deceiving 9.6% grade because it contains several much steeper stairsteps along the way. At an altitude of about 900 feet, we'll ride along the crest of the foothills and eventually reach the screaming descent of Ralston Avenue in Belmont and our well-deserved second rest stop.

Don't eat too much, though, because one more monster remains. Club Drive is 1.3 miles at 8.7% average, but the middle part approaches 19% in places. This takes us right back to the top of Crestview Drive, which we'll descend this time on our way back to Edgewood Road.

Remember that Edgewood climb we skipped at the beginning of the ride? No such luck this time; we're going all the way to the top at I-280 and then down to Cañada Road for a gentle ride into Woodside, where a quick rest stop is available if needed. But don't dilly-dally, because there's one more piece of fun: On the way down Highway 84, we'll take a right turn on Southgate Drive, one of those secluded areas you've gone by a thousand times but never quite felt the need to enter, especially considering the short but steep climb that greets you immediately upon entering. We'll enjoy the quiet beauty of the area for a couple of miles and make our way to Stockbridge Avenue, where we descend to Alameda de las Pulgas for a quiet return to Mountain View. The monsters have been tamed!

Ride With GPS reports about 4,770 feet of climbing; most GPS devices will report a little bit less.

This ride is Caltrain- and VTA-friendly. The first southbound train of the day leaves SF at 8:15 and arrives in Mountain View at 9:29. We're about four blocks from the station.

These rides are for experienced cyclists who know how to safely handle their bikes on climbs and descents. Please RSVP even if you're not sure you're attending. We use the RSVPs to plan support (including free bagels!), and if the weather might cause problems, it's important that we be able to reach you. Also, join our Facebook group to get additional updates and scintillating conversation.


Click here to RSVP
RSVPs are requested but not required.

Quadrophenia #6: Epic Dead Ends (3/15/2014)

Date: Saturday, March 15
Meet time: 9:30 a.m.
Ride-out time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting place: Parking lot at Villa and Franklin streets, Mountain View (across from the Tied House) (map)
City: Mountain View
Rain policy: Heavy rain cancels
Category: 2 - moderate pace (10-12 mph)
Terrain: 3 - rolling hills with several short, steep climbs
Miles: 46

Description:

At first glance, the map for this ride looks rather ho-hum: another boring ride up to Cañada Road and back. But look more closely! The route is full of little side trips that extend like the tentacles of a mighty beast and make this a very challenging ride. And since they're dead ends, many of these locations aren't visited often and give you some new options close to home. Some of them are pure climbs, others descend first and then climb back out, and still others are an up-and-down mix of the two. The even nicer part about it, though, is that you can skip as few or as many of the dead ends as you want.

We begin quickly by climbing into Los Altos Hills to the end of Ravensbury Avenue as an attention-getting warm-up (0.6 mile, 5%). Then, it's less than a mile to Olive Tree Lane (0.7 mile, 8%, but that includes an intermediate descent) -- be sure to continue all the way to the end, and don't be fooled by the cul-de-sac that looks like the end but isn't. Next, we go around the quarry and then climb Oak Knoll Circle to rise even higher above the quarry than we've ever done before (amazing views!) and then drop down to the steep dead-end of Oak Park Court ... which requires climbing back out for 0.1 mile at 14%.

We're just getting started! Next, we'll start on the usual Elena-Purissima route to the Arastradero nature preserve. But wait: You know that little hill on Arastradero Road next to 280? The one where there's a new stop sign for an impossibly steep road that you've seen a thousand times but never been brave enough to attempt? Welcome to Stirrup Drive, a mere 0.1 mile at 14.6%. This takes us to Saddle Mountain, where we drop down into a dead-end valley and climb partway back out before we dismount and walk down a secret, short, steep gravel path (who knew this would be a biathlon?) to an amazingly beautiful backroad that eventually leads us to Page Mill Road, and finally back to the nature preserve.

We'll take our first rest stop at Roberts Market in Portola Valley, and then it's time for the biggest climb of the day: Wayside Road. This is a mile-long, secluded, scenic dead-end that you fly by every time you do the Portola Valley loop. The total elevation gain on Wayside is only about 500 feet (9% average), but a lot of that comes on tight, steep hairpin curves that twist their way up the mountain. Use caution on the twisty, narrow, technical descent!

We've got just one dead end to go, and it's another gem. Runnymede Road branches off Cañada Road in Woodside and meanders up and down for 1.3 miles (and then up and down for another 1.3 miles on the way back) to the end of the pavement. Yay, we're done! Well ... not quite. We get back from the hills to the valley floor with a final stimulating climb through the Cañada College campus and the thrilling descent of Farm Hill Blvd.

After that, we're feeling merciful and benevolent, so there's a final rest stop in Menlo Park and 10 miles of easy riding with no hilly surprises (we promise!) along Junipero Serra and Foothill back to Mountain View. Treat yourself to a hearty and healthy post-ride meal; you've earned it!

Ride With GPS reports about 4,350 feet of climbing; most GPS devices will report a little bit less.

This ride is Caltrain- and VTA-friendly. The first southbound train of the day leaves SF at 8:15 and arrives in Mountain View at 9:29. We're about four blocks from the station.

These rides are for experienced cyclists who know how to safely handle their bikes on climbs and descents. Please RSVP even if you're not sure you're attending. We use the RSVPs to plan support (including free bagels!), and if the weather might cause problems, it's important that we be able to reach you. Also, join our Facebook group to get additional updates and scintillating conversation.


Click here to RSVP
RSVPs are requested but not required.

Quadrophenia #5: Montebello retry (3/8/2014)

Date: Saturday, March 8
Meet time: 9:30 a.m.
Ride-out time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting place: Parking lot at Villa and Franklin streets, Mountain View (across from the Tied House) (map)
City: Mountain View
Rain policy: Heavy rain cancels
Category: 2 - moderate pace (10-12 mph)
Terrain: 4 - long, steep climbs
Miles: 40

Description:

We got rained out on March 1, so we'll try again.

So far this season, all of our climbs have been relatively short. Today, that changes. Montebello Road rises from Stevens Canyon on a climb of 5.2 miles to a top elevation of about 2,560 feet. (That's just about as high as Mount Tamalpais!) But you can think of it as three separate climbs. The first mile averages 9% and is moderately challenging. The middle three miles average only 6% and offer some relief. The final mile averages only 7%, but it has a few very steep (double-digit) pitches on the way to an epic dead end with amazing views of the valley. Your reward for all that climbing? An epic 5.2-mile descent, but watch out for wildlife, oncoming traffic, and debris.

That's more than enough for one day, yes? Noooooo! Before we even get to Montebello, we'll warm up with a gentle little climb up the backside of Mount Eden. And after we return from Montebello, one more piece of "fun" awaits: a detour into Los Altos Hills via the short and steep Mora Drive. But after all that other climbing, it'll seem like a piece of cake! (Uh-huh. It can easily be skipped if you wish.)

Ride With GPS reports about 4,000 feet of climbing; most GPS devices will report a little bit less.

This ride is Caltrain- and VTA-friendly. The first southbound train of the day leaves SF at 8:15 and arrives in Mountain View at 9:29. We're about four blocks from the station.

These rides are for experienced cyclists who know how to safely handle their bikes on climbs and descents. Please RSVP even if you're not sure you're attending. We use the RSVPs to plan support (including free bagels!), and if the weather might cause problems, it's important that we be able to reach you. Also, join our Facebook group to get additional updates and scintillating conversation.


Click here to RSVP
RSVPs are requested but not required.

Quadrophenia #4: Ring of Fire (2/15/2014)

Date: Saturday, February 15
Meet time: 9:30 a.m.
Ride-out time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting place: Parking lot at Villa and Franklin streets, Mountain View (across from the Tied House) (map)
City: Mountain View
Rain policy: Heavy rain cancels
Category: 2 - moderate pace (10-12 mph)
Terrain: 4 - several very steep climbs
Miles: 38

Description:

The Ring of Fire is one of the most legendary and challenging rides on the Peninsula. And because we're Quadrophenia, we're ready to tackle it as only our fourth ride of the season!

This is not a ride for the faint of heart (or the weak of leg). After 6 miles of gentle warm-up, the climbing begins in earnest with the ascent of Moody Road (0.5 mile, 11%) to Page Mill Road. We get a brief respite through the Arastradero nature preserve, and our next target is Golden Oak Drive southbound (0.6 mile, 11%). Then, after a short but leisurely break comes the one-two-three punch all in a row of Los Trancos Road (0.3 mile, 11%), Ramona Road (0.6 mile, 12%), and Vista Verde Way (0.3 mile, 13%), where we peak at an altitude of 1,425 feet. After all that, we finally get a well-deserved rest stop in Portola Valley, where just one more challenge remains: the reverse (easier) direction of Westridge. We've done it before on the Prelude rides, but chances are that after all that climbing, you'll find it much more challenging than you might expect.

You'll have plenty of time to complete the ride, so don't hesitate to take as many breaks as necessary ... or even to walk some of the steepest bits. (And, yes, some of the steepest bits are very steep.) Just like in the Death Ride, whether you're a one-, two-, three-, four-, or five-hill finisher, you will have plenty of reasons to be proud of your accomplishment ... and you might even have a new local benchmark against which you can measure your future progress.

Ride With GPS reports about 3,750 feet of climbing, almost all of it concentrated in the middle 20 miles of the route; most GPS devices will report a little bit less. (In Strava, I got 3,150 feet when I did this ride in 2013.)

This ride is Caltrain- and VTA-friendly. The first southbound train of the day leaves SF at 8:15 and arrives in Mountain View at 9:29. We're about four blocks from the station.

These rides are for experienced cyclists who know how to safely handle their bikes on climbs and descents. Please RSVP even if you're not sure you're attending. We use the RSVPs to plan support (including free bagels!), and if the weather might cause problems, it's important that we be able to reach you. Also, join our Facebook group to get additional updates and scintillating conversation.


Click here to RSVP
RSVPs are requested but not required.

Quadrophenia #3: Joaquin -- the rematch (2/8/2014)

CANCELED DUE TO HEAVY RAIN
Date: Saturday, February 8
Meet time: 9:30 a.m.
Ride-out time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting place: Parking lot at Villa and Franklin streets, Mountain View (across from the Tied House) (map)
City: Mountain View
Rain policy: Heavy rain cancels
Category: 2 - moderate pace (10-12 mph)
Terrain: 3 - rolling hills with some steep climbs
Miles: 35

Description:

We got rained out when we tried this on February 2, so we'll try again here. Note that this ride will be run through Different Spokes San Francisco, so the level of support might not be the same as on an ALC ride. Fewer leaders, no guaranteed sweep.

This time, we add a few more short climbs and one really spectacular climb! Our day starts again in Los Altos Hills, where we climb Mora Drive and go around the quarry. Then, on our way to the Arastradero nature preserve, we take a little detour up La Barranca Road. After a brief rest stop in Portola Valley, we do the 3-mile gradual (and very scenic) climb to the end of Alpine Road for our main event: The 0.4-mile climb of Joaquin Road, which averages 12.1% but is closer to 20% for a bit in the middle. It's a serious challenge, but there's nothing wrong with cross-training part of it!

The reward for all that climbing is a steep, technical descent down Los Trancos Road back into Portola Valley. We're not yet home free, though; our return route takes us up the west side of Viscaino Road (0.2 mile, 12%), and we finish with Alta Tierra Road in the opposite direction to what we did back on our first Prelude ride. Whew!

(We originally planned to climb Altamont Road in this ride, but we're skipping that due to the ongoing road work in the area.)

Ride With GPS reports about 3,500 feet of climbing; most GPS devices will report a little bit less.

This ride is Caltrain- and VTA-friendly. The first southbound train of the day leaves SF at 8:15 and arrives in Mountain View at 9:29. We're about four blocks from the station.

These rides are for experienced cyclists who know how to safely handle their bikes on climbs and descents. Please RSVP even if you're not sure you're attending. We use the RSVPs to plan support (including free bagels!), and if the weather might cause problems, it's important that we be able to reach you. Also, join our Facebook group to get additional updates and scintillating conversation.


Click here to RSVP
RSVPs are requested but not required.