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Grizzly Peak Century
- Details
- Published on Friday, 03 June 2011 21:43
- Written by melne
The last time I participated in the Grizzly Peak Century was in 2009, and that day it was pouring down rain. Although I began the course, by the time I rode about 3 miles of the course the realization came that this would be a cold, uncomfortable and dangerous outing. So at the last intersection at which you could choose to turn off the course and head for the BART train, I said farewell to my companions (who were much braver than I) and bailed out.
This year, however, the day dawned clear (and cold!) and a group of six Alameda Velo riders set out for what would be my longest ride ever: 109 miles.
The route takes you from Orinda up Pinehurst Road to Skyline Boulevard. You follow Skyline to Grizzly Peak and down to Wildcat, then head out to Pinole, Crockett and Port Costa, where you climb the evil McEwen Road and Pig Farm hill, then Bear Creek Road's "Poppa Bear" before swinging back toward Orinda.
In years past, riders would return to the start for a lunch stop before heading out on the final 30 mile loop to complete the century. This year, though, they changed the route so that long riders bypass the start/lunch and continue on the 30 mile South loop with an additional rest stop substituting for the lunch stop. Perhaps this is because in GPCs past, I noticed a lot of century riders calling it a day after 75 miles, because they were back where their cars were, had been fed, and sheesh, why ride another 30 miles?
So, past the lunch/start we went, headed for a Pinehurst (the other way) Redwood/Zoo loop.
L-R: Phil, Lucy, Allen, melne, John M. & John W. at the last rest stop (Look at those GIGANTIC water bottles!)
In contrast to my previous riding of this event in 2009, I finished this one strong. I remember really suffering on the last 2 miles of Redwood when headed back to Orinda in 2009. This time, I was passing other riders with energy to spare.
Once back in Orinda, we had lunch, which was some delicious BBQ chicken with bread and salads and fresh fruit, and a Coke (one of the best things to cap a ride, in my opinion!)
109.78 miles, 13.9 average speed, 9440 feet of ascent. And an excellent day on the bike!
You can see the full route/stats on the GarminConnect website, if you like.