Saturday, November 18, 2017
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This clock-wise loop goes along Alhambra Valley Rd for a climb up east Pig Farm Hill towards Pinole. Roll across the newly open Alhambra Valley Rd Bridge onto Pinole Valley Rd. Continue through Pinole before heading north on San Pablo Ave past Hercules and Rodeo. Head east along Franklin Ridge on Cumming Skywy to Franklin Canyon for the return to Martinez.
Heads out of Martinez on Arnold to Glacier and Vine Hill to Alhambra Ave.
The flat-rolling terrain on Alhambra Valley Rd leads to the junction at Reliez Valley Rd.
Alhambra Valley Rd continues west on flat terrain through a small residential community with front yard vineyards, orchards, and acreage homes.
After passing Deer Creek Dr, the two-lane road narrows as it continues through the wooded canyon for the next couple of miles; the rolling climbs leads up to the base of east Pig Farm Hill.
The climb up east Pig Farm Hill begins at the orange left turn sign; the half-mile stretch up to the summit has gradient ranges of 7-8% followed by a fast descent into the valley.
At Bear Creek Rd, continue straight to stay on Alhambra Valley Rd.
The flat-rolling terrain runs along Pinole Creek to the newly open Alhambra Valley Rd Bridge.
Go straight, the road name changes to Pinole Valley Rd. It you through Pinole‘s residential neighborhood and shopping centers towards San Pablo Ave.
Continue on San Pablo Ave out to Hercules and onto Parker Ave into Rodeo. This section of the route has lots of traffic going in and out of the shopping centers and around the I-80 freeway on/off ramps-use caution!
The climb up San Pablo Ave drops you down to the junction at Parker Ave.
Parker Ave changes back to San Pablo Ave as you exit town to the climb past the sewage treatment plant and refinery.
The road drops downhill floowed by a climb up to Cummings Skywy.
The climb on Cummings Skyway runs along Franklin Ridge with grades of 5-7% and one section with steeper pitches of 9-11%.
At Crockett Blvd, go straight to continue eastward on Cummings Skwy to Franklin Canyon Rd.
Descend Franklin Canyon Rd to Alhambra Ave.
Alhambra Ave leads back to Vine Hill Way for the return to Holiday Highlands Park.
This short hilly route is just enough for a cool autumn day and it leaves you with ample time to do something else…..
Garmin Stats:
34 Miles with 2566′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 750′
Max grade: 9%
Terrain: Hilly
Weather: Sunny and cool. Temps ranged from the low 50’s to the low 60’s with NE winds.
View the interactive RGPS route map & profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
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