So, you have a shiny new bike -- or maybe a dusty old one -- and you'd like to ride it more? Or, maybe you've heard what an incredibly social sport bike riding is, and you want to check it out? If yes, this ride series is for you!
Grizzly Peak Cyclists is a recreational road-riding bicycle club based in the East Bay. We have members of all ages and levels, from family riders to fanatics. We are dedicated to the principle that cycling is fun, social, and friendly. Our unofficial motto is `ride to eat, eat to ride.' We do plenty of both--most rides include hanging out and eating, either at a lunch stop or after the ride proper.
Our club holds one or more rides nearly every weekend day throughout the year. Rides vary from very easy family-oriented (child-friendly pace and distance), to advanced unsupported 100+ milers, to everything in between. The current schedule, and other information, are on the club's web site www.GrizzlyPeakCyclists.org. Other impromptu rides and a wide range of bike related topics are discussed on the club's e-mail list, which is open to club members. Club members receive discounts at a number of local bicycle stores.
This fall, GPC is giving a series of six rides expressly designed for less experienced bicyclists who want to ride more and in the process increase their cycling abilities, learn about responsible group riding, and just plain have fun. The rides will be on six consecutive Sundays, September 5 through October 10, and will gradually progress in distance from about 25 to about 40 miles. The routes cover a variety of cycling options in the East Bay, including some lesser-known and very scenic areas. The first two are over flat terrain; the remainder include some gentle hills. Those who complete this series will be well-prepared to enjoy many of our easier club rides.
All rides in the series start at 10am, and (nearly) all start at Bart stations to encourage auto-free transit. It's easy to take a bike on Bart; we recommend you learn how. Using Bart can greatly expand your riding area and give you the flexibility of beginning and ending a ride at different places.
Everyone is welcome at the ride series. There is no fee and no need to sign up in advance. All participants will be offered a copy of the excellent booklet Street Smarts: Bicycling's Traffic Survival Guide by John S. Allen. Next spring we plan to give a more challenging series of rides aimed at preparing intermediate cyclists to complete a hilly century course.
Each ride will have several club members designated as leaders. They will have planned the route, printed cue sheets or maps, and will have everyone sign in. The ride leaders will guide people through the route, make sure no one is left behind due to mechanical or physical problems, and/or suggest a `bail-out' route to those unable to complete the ride. We encourage calling the leaders in advance with any questions about the ride. In addition, other GPC members will be on the rides to offer assistance, helpful hints, or just moral support.
Bicycles are vehicles operating on public roads and must obey all traffic regulations, including traffic signals, pedestrian and other right-of-way rules, lane indications, and plain common sense. Riders should remain single file unless conditions clearly permit otherwise. Ride series participants must wear approved bicycle helmets. The first two rides are preceded by optional safety sessions.
Riders should carry at least one water bottle and drink regularly, and also carry an energy bar or similar small snack. Longer rides usually have a food stop, so bring money or lunch. Clothing is a matter of personal preference. Lycra is not required; however, riders should choose clothing that won't chafe and should dress in layers to be prepared for all reasonable temperature extremes. Rain cancels the ride. If weather is questionable, call a ride leader.
Sun Sep 5 1/L/26
Novice Series Ride #1: Alameda Creek Trail
Meet 10:00 a.m. at Union City Bart, west side station entrance near
bike stowage boxes, with an optional pre-ride safety session at
9:30. The ride will be easy paced and completely flat. We'll ride
the Alameda Creek Trail to Coyote Hills and back. Finish with
optional lunch in Union City: bring your own or $ to buy.
No drop.
No water on route; bring a water bottle and energy bar. Helmets
required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Janet Noble and Chip Scarborough
[contact info removed].
Sun Sep 12 1/L/22
Novice Series Ride #2: Alameda and Bay Farm Island
Meet 10:00 a.m. at Fruitvale BART, south parking lot, with an
optional pre-ride advice clinic at 9:30. The ride will be easy
paced and flat, with great bay views. Bring lunch or $ to buy.
No drop.
Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact
ride leader.
Robert Kenyon and John Buenfil
[contact info removed].
Sun Sep 19 2/L/22
Novice Series Ride #3: OrLaMor
Meet 10:00 a.m. at Orinda BART. The ride will be easy paced, have
multiple regroups, and include some gentle hills. We will ride from
Orinda to Lafayette to Moraga then return to Orinda. The route will
include St Stephens bike trail, the Lafayette-Moraga bike trail,
and regular roads. Finish at Orinda Theatre Square for optional
lunch; bring your own or $ to buy.
No drop.
Helmets required. Rain
cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Ken Karda and Melarie Johnson
[contact info removed].
Sun Sep 26 2/L/27
Novice Series Ride #4: Blackhawk Ramble
Meet 10:00 a.m. at east side of Walnut Creek BART. We will tour
some of the finest semi-rural East Bay neighborhoods, as well as
expose you to a little more traffic. Bring lunch or $ to buy.
No drop.
Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact
ride leader.
Nan Steketee and John Buenfil
[contact info removed].
Sun Oct 3 3/L/32
Novice Series Ride #5: Franklin Canyon and Carquinez Scenic
Drive
Meet 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Hill BART. Ride through Pleasant Hill
and out Franklin Canyon with a longer but gentle hill. A fabulous
descent into Crockett, followed by great views of Carquinez Strait
from a secluded road on the return. One spot is frequently
foggy/cold, so carry an extra layer. Bring lunch or $ to buy.
No drop.
Helmets required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact
ride leader.
David Block and James Thompson
[contact info removed].
Sun Oct 10 3/LT/22 or 40
Novice Series Ride #6: Central Marin Redwoods
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Lucas Valley Park and Ride, at the Lucas
Valley Rd exit on Hwy 101 just N of San Rafael, or meet 9:15 a.m.
at N Berkeley BART, east side, for informal car pool (no
guarantees, but if you are driving nearby, please stop by). We will
tour the redwoods of central Marin county. The 22 mile version goes
to Nicasio and back. The 40 mile version continues to Samuel P
Taylor Park and returns via Lagunitas. There are hills, but we will
ride them gently. Bring lunch or $ to buy.
No drop. Helmets
required. Rain cancels; if weather is dubious contact ride leader.
Janet M Monks and Bruce Berg
[contact info removed].
For general questions not answered above, contact Jeff Kurtock [contact info removed]. For questions about specific rides, contact the ride leader(s) listed.
GPC rides are rated by terrain/pace/distance. Terrain ratings are: 1) nearly flat; 2) somewhat hilly; 3) moderately hilly; 4) hilly; 5) very hilly, considerable climbing. Pace ratings are: XL) extra-leisurely, child-friendly; L) leisurely, easy pace with frequent stops; T) touring, steady pace, fewer stops, for experienced riders; M) moderately fast pace, for strong experienced riders; B) brisk, for very strong riders. Mileage follows the first two factors. Pace letters may be combined to show intermediate ratings. For example, 3/LT/35 is a moderately hilly ride at pace between leisurely and touring of distance 35 miles. Riders are expected to check ratings in advance and choose rides appropriately.
GPC Home Page | GPC Ride Series Overview | GPC Ride Guidelines | GPC Ride Rating System