Thursday, September 3, 2015

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This ride meanders through the residential neighborhoods around Roundhill and Diablo Country Clubs to the “hole in the fence” before ascending Mt Diablo on South Gate Rd to the Junction Ranger Station.

Head out of Martinez on Arnold, Glacier and Center to Vine Hill, Morello and Taylor Blvd.

The Contra Costa Canal Trail from Pleasant Hill leads to the right turn onto the Iron Horse Trail to S Broadway in Walnut Creek.

Turn left on Rudgear Rd; the road head east through the residential neighborhoods before curving southward onto Lavender Dr.

Make a left for a quick jaunt into the town of Alamo along Livorna Rd and Miranda Ave.

The turn on Roundhill Rd leads you through the larger estate homes around the Round Hill Country Club area to Roundhill Dr.

Meander along the golfing greens at Round Hill to Stone Valley Rd.

Continue east on Stone Valley Rd to Green Valley onto the multi-use path along Diablo Rd to Calle Arroyo.

Calle Arroyo is a private road that goes along the Diablo estate homes around the golfing greens at Diablo Country Club.

The turn onto Alameda Diablo meanders through the upscale neighborhood to the “hole in the fence”.

To keep in harmony with bicyclists, the Diablo community has kindly posted signs along the road to remind cyclists to “obey the laws and respect the community”.

The dirt path leads up to the open fence area onto Mt Diablo Scenic Dr to Mt Diablo State Park South Gate Entrance on South Gate Rd.

From the South Gate Entrance, the climb up to the Junction Ranger Station is 5.7 miles with an average grade of 5%. Enjoy the spectacular vistas as you wind your way up along the south side of the mountain!

South Gate Rd weaves around the chaparral covered mountain with spectacular valley views. I always like to look behind my shoulders to see the winding road from behind-WOW!

The road continues snaking its way up the side of the mountain and levels out when you round the curve to the South Gate Entrance Station.

From the kiosk, it’s 3.1 miles up to the Junction Ranger Station. South Gate Rd descends under a canopy of trees towards the sandstone formations at Rock City.

The road continues to drop down pass the picnic areas surrounding Rock City before tilting up again for the climb up to Curry Point.

The climbing continues and makes its way in and out of the woods to the open ridge line.

Enjoy the phenomenal views of the expansive grasslands along the upper slopes to the summit above and the fantastic valley views below.

The last half mile up to the Junction Ranger Station has grades of 7-9% with steeper pitches of 10-11%!

Descend North Gate Rd and exit through the North Gate Entrance to Oak Grove Rd.

Follow the bike route from Walnut Ave to El Divisidero and go around the neighborhoods on San Antonio Dr to San Carlos Dr.

Continue along the Canal Trail from Heather Farm Park to Pleasant Hill.

Exit the trail onto Taylor Blvd and climb up Morello Ave and retrace steps back on Vine Hill to Center, Glacier and Arnold to Fig Tree.

I love going up Mt Diablo, it’s one of my favorite local rides and it never gets boring! You always have the option of continuing up Summit Rd to Juniper and or to the summit. Go as far as you want and turn around at any time or simply descend the mountain from the saddle at the Junction Ranger Station. You’ll enjoy the beautiful valley views on the climb up the mountain!

Garmin Stats:
46.1 Miles with 3245′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 2160′
Max grade: 11%
Terrain: Hilly

Weather: Sunny, warm and breezy. Temps ranged from the low 60’s to the low 80’s with SW winds.

View the interactive RGPS route map & profile

Follow this route for today’s ride: