Saturday, February 9, 2013
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Michael and I had the great pleasure of being invited to join Brian Begley & friends for his 55th birthday ride up Mt Diablo.
We all meet up at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek for an out and back ride up Diablo via North Gate Rd and Summit Rd to the summit.
The climb up to the Junction Ranger Station from the North Gate entrance is 6.5 miles with an average grade of 6%. The steepest section is the quarter-mile stretch starting from the approach to the 1000′ elevation sign; the gradient ranges from 9-11%.
Summit Rd to the summit is 4.6 miles with an average grade of 7%. The stretch between Blue Oak and Oak Knolls picnic areas has gradient ranges of 9-11%. The road eases up once you pass Pioneer picnic area up to Juniper.
The climbing continues with a steady grade of 7-8% all the way up to the Devil’s Elbow. The road eases up a bit for the next miles up to the lower parking lot. It’s been pretty cold the past few days; there’s still some snow on the ground! The climb up “the wall” is steep; it begins at 13% and maxes out at 17-18% to the top!
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The views from the summit are spectacular! It’s a clear, sunny cool day with no winds. I can see the Sierra Mountains, the Central Valley wind farms and even the Golden Gate Bridge-WOW!
The post ride stop at Peet’s is a warm welcome to us all; Brian was very generous with his birthday offerings of delicious homemade muffins, sandwiches and gift bags.
It was an absolute treat for me to meet and ride with Brian (blog subscriber), his family and friends; Joe, Mike, Suzanne and Charles. I’m certainly looking forward to meeting up with them again for another ride in the very near future!
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN!”, thanks for allowing us to share in on your special day!
VDO Stats:
30.9 miles with 3761′ of elevation gain
Avg grade: 5%
Max grade: 18%
Weather: Great! Sunny and clear with cool temps ranging from the low-mid 50’s. Summit temps in the mid 40’s with no winds.
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The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.
~Oprah Winfrey
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Click here to view the route map & profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
Ride Chronicles 
WOW! Great birthday ride . . Congratulations . . Is there any way for you two to do some of Levi’s GranFondo ?
James, Michael and I will probably ride the century route on our own later this year; wihout the company of 1000’s of other cyclists! Nancy
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