Friday Club Ride: Ethan & Andrew - March 8

This Friday's club ride was packed with miles and scenery! We had one show-up from the club for this ride, Ethan. First, we headed south to get Ethan's wheels pumped and ready to go! Then, we rode northwest towards Fremont. The first segment was Piedmont Road (north), which was relatively easy at a relaxed pace of around 8 mph.

Then, after the small downhill next to the green hills east of the road, our average speed rose to about 10 mph. Destined for Fremont, we rode towards Avalon Heights (in the wind). This gave the opportunity to talk about the importance of drafting and staying as low as possible in the wind. That's 1-5 mph for free in the small winds!



Before reaching Avalon Heights, we made a left onto Scott Creek Road, towards the 880. Then we biked alongside the 880. Watching the snail-paced traffic on the highway next to us was pretty amusing as we coasted down at 17 mph.

Finally, after riding along the 880, we turned around and retraced the route back to school. 400 calories lost, and the other stats can be seen below!

• 17.7mi
  Distance
 
• 1:33:06
   Moving Time
 
• 580ft
  Elevation

• 63W
  Estimated Avg Power
 
• 354kJ
  Energy Output

	Avg	Max
Speed	11.4mi/h	23.3mi/h
Calories	395
Elapsed Time	1:45:07

Device: Strava Android App

Bike: Mountain

I'm hoping to see more club members on the next ride!

- Andrew

Sierra Road Climb, a Few Photos

A few days ago I climbed Sierra road again... it's for sure one of the steepest climbs in the Bay Area (Category 2)! The foot of Sierra Road begins at the Piedmont intersection, where a steep grade continues a little past a red church on the roadside. For me, this first part usually serves as a test to see how fast I'll do the climb- if I'm hurting and taking it slow, the rest of the climb is probably going to be slow. Take a slight left, and you're headed up the hill! This next segment continues for around a mile until you're about halfway. My halfway point is a cluster of trees with a great view of the Bay Area. I usually reach this point 18 minutes into the climb. After, it's usually a deadly sprint up to the top of the hill. The only reason I stopped to snap a few photos was because my bike was not exactly cooperating with me (the day after a bumpy race in the Central Valley).

This is the view facing West, at the top of the Sierra climb. Yep, 2,000 feet up. These hills are usually dry and bare, but it finally rained here in the Bay. I went right after a nice rainfall a few days before, so I'm not surprised that the hills are now lush.

This view is facing to the north and back down Sierra. While I have ridden down Sierra, I definitely don't recommend it. A total waste of brake padding and brake line after riding it a couple of times! Instead, take the Felter route down Calaveras, and back to Piedmont Road. Much cleaner and more miles with only a little bit more elevation gain.

And finally, the view facing Felter Road, my usual return route. The scenery on this road is just as beautiful as the scenery you can find on Sierra. If you plan to climb Sierra Road, from Piedmont and returning via Felter and Calaveras roads, set aside about two hours. For a joy ride, maybe two hours and thirty minutes. Enjoy the photos!

Friday Club Ride!

• 15.1mi
  Distance
 
• 1:13:40
   Moving Time
 
• 686ft
  Elevation
• 102W
  Estimated Avg Power
 
• 450kJ
  Energy Output
	Avg	Max
Speed	12.3mi/h	36.5mi/h
Calories	502
Elapsed Time	1:48:01
Device: Strava iPhone App
Bike: Specialized Allez Sport

 

• 2nd fastest time on Dog Park Sprint (59s)
• 2nd fastest time on Calaveras/Ed Levin Dog Park (18:38)
• 2nd fastest time on Old Calaveras Rd. to Sandy Wool Lake (4:27)