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**IMPROMPTU C+/4 (6100')/73 FALL FUN SERIES: MINES ROAD AND EAST HAMILTON

When
Sat, October 10, 2015
9:45 AM
Location
Robert Livermore Park

Many of us Western Wheelers have ridden Mt Hamilton from the west side but have you ever ridden the Road Less Traveled; east side of Hamilton? We start the ride from Livermore with the FFS riders and follow the regular route along Mines Rd but then cross Mt Hamilton from the east side into San Jose rather than returning to Livermore.

This route takes us into some very scenic and isolated country in the remote San Antonio valley with spectacular views as we ascend Hamilton. But we work for those views and so come ready for climbing. The east side of Hamilton is shorter but quite a bit steeper than the west side.

We will start with the FFS riders out of Livermore and stop for a quick refuel at the Junction cafe. Then after lunch we will continue through San Antonio valley, climb the east side of Hamilton, descend into San Jose and take Caltrain home. Both Mines Rd and San Antonio valley are remote with very little traffic and ideal for cycling. And fall is the perfect time to do this ride since San Antonio valley is usually way too hot to ride in summer. Water is available at the Junction and then at the top of Hamilton. Food is available at the Junction and then snack food only at Hamilton so bring plenty to eat and drink.

The challenge with this route is that we don't return to Livermore to pick up your car. So if you plan to ride this route it's recommended to carpool one way to the ride start in Livermore with a driver who is riding the regular FFS route. Then once in San Jose we will take Caltrain home.

If you are driving to the ride start and can provide carpooling to Livermore please go ahead and enter your name and contact info into the carpool document below. Carpool providers will earn excellent bike karma! Riders needing a carpool please check the doc to find carpool providers and then contact the provider directly to arrange your carpool.

Carpool Document:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gzSzIVHcjOCZgd8iFJuJgMp8ofEfh229SQj3Xgg3kQg/edit?usp=sharing

Meet at 9:45 AM for a 10:00 AM start by the small grey restroom building of the Robert Livermore Park. Directions: Right on First St exit off 580, Left on North Mines Rd, Right on East Ave, Right on Loyola Way. Contact David Murphy (davidp.murphy@sbcglobal.net) (650 995 4261) or Gilbert Sy (gilbertsy@yahoo.com) (650 787 5361) for more information. Rain or extreme heat cancels.

See the regular FFS Mines Rd description for more information re the first part of the ride.