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We managed to make to the top of Diablo without any slabbing – started up 84 and then a left onto Palomares Rd., one of my favorites as you feel like you’re so far away from everything without having to actually travel hours to get there! From there, we journeyed along Crow Canyon Rd. in San Ramon which gently winds it’s way through some of the most beautifully manicured and well coiffed homes and gardens I’ve seen in a long time. Along one stretch of neighborhood, was a whole row of jasmine that filled the air with its scent. Then it was up the scenic summit drive, aka North Gate Rd., to the top of Diablo. This is a road that has some wild twisties (as well as a plethora of bicyclists whom I give lots of credit for making the journey to the top on their version of two wheels!) and it can be a challenge to keep your eyes on the road with all the splendid views you come across as you climb up, up, up to the summit. We reached the top and parked the bikes, dismounting and stripping from all our riding gear (music and dollar bills are always appreciated... ;-) to spend a little time enjoying the splendor of the 360 degree view. We could see the Golden Gate Bridge through binoculars to the west and farmland to the east as far as the eye can see. There was a little bit of haze but all in all, a good day for viewing the world. Accosting an innocent bystander, we got our obligatory group shot at the tippy top and then headed for the bikes (of course, once we got Brit Bob off his cell phone in the parking lot!). Down we went and this time out via South Gate Rd., again another series of twists and turns on nicely paved road. At one point, I could see the shadow of a hawk on the road alongside my bike as I found a rare patch of straight road… kind of felt like a presence was with me as I rode. We toodled along via Oak Grove, Ygnacio Valley, to Clayton to Marsh Creek Rd. and stopped in Clayton for lunch at the Mudville Grill (great burgers and salads!). We snagged a table outside and enjoyed the cool breeze as everyone shared stories and laughs. Once sated, we continued along Marsh Creek Rd. to Morgan Territory Rd. Now I guess I didn’t warn everyone enough before journeying along this road as CC’s comment at the other side, “Was that road on the route you gave us? I don’t remember seeing a Hell Rd.!” took me for a bit of a surprise! Lol But seriously, the road is in pretty bad shape. It was never in great shape but now there are potholes the size of China (I think you could fit a bike in some of them!), lots of dirt in the curves, and at one point the left side of the road slants to the side, the right side has potholes, and the middle is ridged… decisions, decisions! But on the good side, the country through this section is absolutely beautiful… canopied trees over the roads with dappled sunlight streaming through and dancing on the road, cool shade and the smells of the countryside. It’s only about a 11-mile stretch but it still seemed a good idea to make a quick stop at the regional preserve parking lot to catch our breath. We had some more chatting and checking out each other’s bike before the ladies pulled together for a DC group shot. The first photo was fueled by Bob doing his belly dancer impression and causing quite a bit of laughter from the onlookers (check out the looks on our faces and try to imagine the floor show on the other side of the camera). We continued along Morgan Territory which becomes a bit of an E-ticket ride – a wide one lane, well paved series of lovely twists and turns, a welcome change from the bumps and booms on the earlier part of the road. As we neared 580, Bob made his exit to parts home and the rest of us headed for 84 through Livermore. As we sat at a stoplight, I saw a bike with two-up on the other side of the road and the passenger was flailing her arms at us. Wasn’t really sure whether they knew us, something was wrong, or they were crazy (two out of three… they knew us and they’re crazy… in a good way!). Turns out Pamela and Don had decided to head out of town and saw Patrick’s unique graphics (it’s supposed to look like red paint splatters but I still say it looks more gruesome than that!) and waved us down. We followed them to their nearby home for a break and some nice cool water. Their backyard is literally a golf course and we got to view some of Pamela’s amazing quilting work. There are a couple of pics on the website but they really don’t do her work justice! We mounted up and headed out 84 and detoured along Calaveras Rd., Felter Rd., to Sierra Rd. and stopped at the turnout by the eucalyptus trees for a view of the valley before finally descending down and back to the expressways and freeways that are Sillycon Valley… sigh. Another wonderful ride with wonderful people and, well, just an all around wonderful day (lord, I sound like Mary Poppins or something!). Sending all good energy and wishes for safe journeys and amazing experiences! Peace,
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The
day started out with deep blue skies and a ¾ moon in the East
as we journeyed to Starbucks in Fremont for some chit chat and sustenance
before hitting the road. With us this particularly fine day were Brit
Bob (aka Wrong Way Corrigan), CC, Cheryl, Patrick, Stevie, Nancy (on
her very pretty custom Heritage Softail), and Tyler.