Friday, November 28, 2014

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Today’s urban route heads south along San Ramon Valley for an out and back jaunt through Bollinger Canyon to Las Trampas Regional Wilderness.

I take my standard way out of Martinez on Arnold, Glacier and Center to Vine Hill, Morello and Taylor Blvd.

The Contra Costa Canal Trail from Pleasant Hill leads me onto the Iron Horse Trail to Walnut Creek.

Danville Blvd runs south along the flat San Ramon Valley from Walnut Creek to the business and commercial districts in Alamo and Danville.

I continue south on San Ramon Valley Rd through the busy shopping plazas and commercial businesses in Danville to San Ramon.

Crow Canyon Rd west takes me through the residential neighborhoods and business district around Bollinger Canyon and San Catanio Creeks.

I head north on Bollinger Canyon Rd; this quiet less traveled road runs 4.5 miles to the Bollinger Canyon Staging Area at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. The gentle terrain rolls through a scattered ranching community with open pastoral lands and meadows.

The road continues pass a few ranchettes to the Las Trampas Stables and to the entrance of Little Hills Ranch Rec Area.

Bollinger Canyon goes on for another half mile through the gates to the end of the road at Bollinger Canyon Staging Area.

I exit Las Trampas Wilderness and reverse my way out of the canyon.

From Crow Canyon Rd, Bollinger Canyon Rd continues for another 2 miles through the subdivisions to San Ramon Valley Rd.

I return north on San Ramon Valley Rd and cross over I-680 on Greenbrook Dr.

For variety’s sake, I stay north on Camino Ramon; this east side frontage road leads to the Iron Horse Trail off Sycamore Valley Rd.

I make my way through Danville on Hartz Way and Front St.

Danville Blvd takes me back to Rudgear and S Broadway.

I head back towards Pleasant Hill on the Iron Horse and Canal Trails to Taylor Blvd.

Morello Ave takes me back onto Vine Hill and Center Ave to Glacier and Arnold Dr.

Take this easy spin rolls through the flat valley to the quiet city back road along Bollinger Creek on Bollinger Canyon and enjoy the scenic rolling hills and ridges around Las Trampas Wilderness. Need a “pick-me upper” along the way? There are plenty of places to stop along this urban route for a quick bite and a caffeine fix.

Garmin Stats:
54.64 Miles with 2083′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 1046′
Max grade: 7%
Terrain: Flat-rolling

Weather: Sunny and cool with temps ranging from the mid 50’s to the low 60’s. SW winds with 67% humidity.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: