Saturday, January 6, 2018
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This urban route utilizes the EBRP Canal and Iron Horse Trails from Pleasant Hill out to Walnut Creek. It continues eastward through Sycamore Valley and Camino Tassajara for a scenic backcountry lollipop loop around the NW edge of Livermore on Highland Rd to Collier Canyon Rd and Carneal Rd.
Head out of Martinez on Arnold, Glacier and Center to Vine Hill, Morello and Taylor Blvd.
Continue on the Contra Costa Canal Trail from Pleasant Hill to the Iron Horse Trail in Walnut Creek.
Exit the trail onto S Broadway to Rudgear Rd and Danville Blvd. Danville Blvd runs south along the flat San Ramon Valley from Walnut Creek to the business and commercial districts in Alamo and Danville.
Continue through the downtown area on Front St to Hartz Way and ride along the residential neighborhoods around Laurel Dr.
The turn on Sycamore Valley Rd to Camino Tassajara takes you through the suburban neighborhoods in Danville. The flat miles goes pass the golden hills of Sycamore Valley Open Space and the displays of trees, plants, and flowers at the Tassajara Nursery. The short climb on Camino Tassajara rolls down towards the shopping centers around Blackhawk.
Camino Tassajara continues out of Danville and heads south towards the country with wide open pastoral ranch lands and rolling hills through the unincorporated town of Tassajara.
The turn on Highland Rd travels east on gentle rolling terrain through “horse country” with boarding ranches and training facilities. The beautiful hills are dotted with grazing cattle and scattered barns.
The climb up Collier Canyon Rd is 0.6 mile with an average grade of 4.8%; you’re near the top when you see the old water tower and windmill.
The road continues to drop down through the beautiful open valley to Carneal Rd.
Carneal Rd cuts across the valley to the T junction at Highland Rd.
Turn left at Highland Rd for the return to Camino Tassajara.
Retrace the route through Camino Tassajara past the equine boarding and training facilities and open pastoral fields below the contoured hills to the suburban neighborhoods around Blackhawk.
Meander back along the city streets to Danville Blvd and S Broadway.
Return on the Iron Horse and the Canal Trails to Pleasant Hill.
Climb the low hill on Morello Ave to Vine Hill and Center for the drop down Arnold to Holiday Highlands Park.
This is a great “get out” and spin the legs ride with a few low hills from the urban streets to the country back roads in Livermore!
Garmin Stats:
60.8 Miles with 2006′ of elevation gain
Max elevation: 771′
Max grade: 9%
Terrain: Flat-rolling with a few low hills
Weather: Sunny and cool. Temps ranged from the low 50’s to the low 60’s with SW winds.
View the interactive RGPS route map & profile
Follow this route for today’s ride:
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