HillsRUs

Perusing the catalog of HRU rides on the WW website, looking for inspiration, I came upon a ride that intrigued me, as it climbs Black Mountain via Ridgeway, a combination that has been on my bucket list for a few years.  To get there, we will do a variety of roads I've climbed, but not for awhile, and never in this order.  Besides the always challenging Crestview, along the way we will also do northbound Parrott - another climb on my bucket list.  This ride covers many of the same general areas as our Flintstone ride 3 months ago, but in a very different way, with numerous killer views of the south bay.  There are some steep hills in this route, but you'll notice every one can be easily bypassed, so this ride can be as challenging or easy as you want to make it.  

This is a social-paced D ride (we are after all the Wednesday Social Climbers) with regroups; faster riders are encouraged to form a D+/E group. Rain cancels.

Start: Shoup Park, rolling at 9 AM

Lunch: At a bit before mile 34, we'll hit the Safeway at the Crystal Springs shopping center on Polhemus.   There is also a Starbucks and a Bakery.  Beware that there is a short, but very steep climb after lunch (Bunker Hill).

From the shopping center there will be water and restrooms about 4 miles later, at the Pulgas Water Temple.  

Ride Leader: Steve Rempel

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Let's see the sights from the top of Mt. Umunhum.  We'll climb Kennedy, Hicks and then onto the summit for lunch.

Meet at Shoup Park at 8:45 AM for a 9:00 AM departure.  We'll pass by the former site of CBS for those that want to join the ride there.

Distance - 72.5 miles, Elevation gain - 6,031'

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Ride leader:  Jack Jones

The forecast is for another temperate day, so let's go do a variation on an HRU Classic  - the clockwise Lexington loop... but with a twist.   We'll trim off 2 miles by going up Redwood Estates in lieu of Mountain Charlie.  Spring is the best time to do this climb.  There are some steep bits, but also quite a bit of shade.

There are a lot of zigs and zags on the Redwood Estates climb, so I highly recommend downloading the route to your GPS device.  There is 1.6 miles of packed dirt and gravel on the Los Gatos Creek trail.   

This is a social-paced D ride with regroups; faster riders are encouraged to form a D+/E group. Rain cancels.

There are a couple of ways to trim mileage/climbing off this ride.  If you live in the Cupertino area, you can meet us at the old Cupertino Bike Shop to start (end of McClellan at Foothill) - dropping down Highway 9 on the way back.  Another trim is to skip the jog up to Montalvo on the way out to Lexington.  I did that once many years ago after a long vacation, with the faster riders slowly but surely reeling me in along Skyline.  

Start: Shoup Park, rolling at 9 AM

Lunch: At mile 26.5, We'll buy food and drink at the Redwood Estates store to eat up top at the park near Summit.   I recollect that there is a $10 minimum for a credit card, so bring cash if you plan to buy just a few things.  Across the street is Nonno's, which makes sandwiches to order, and salads to go. 

From the store there is no water until the Castle Rock parking area.  

Ride Leader: Steve Rempel

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I'm subbing for Cathy this week.

It'll be cold at Shoup at 9 am (46˚F) but supposed to warm up to the mid 50s–low 60s, cloudy in the AM, clear in the afternoon, and we get a good tailwind coming back. Rain (hah!) or heavy fog may change the route. 68.2 miles, 6,175 ft.

Michael K.

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HillsRUs for Wed March 9 will be Debra's Ride:  Kings, WestAlpine, Skyline, 9

Start Location: Shoup Park

Meet at 8:45 for a 9:00 start

Distance: 62 miles

Climb: 6700 feet

Route Link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31341421

Cue Sheet: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31341421/cue_sheet

Weather: https://bit.ly/3pNFtkV

Lunch: Bring Lunch to eat at Alpine Lake at the top of W Alpine

Ride Leader: Don Johann

Meet at Cataldi Park at 8:45 for a 9 AM departure for Mt. Hamilton and Kincaid Road.  Bring lunch to enjoy on the top of Ham, hope we're not in clouds.

59 miles, 7,110' of climbing with Kincaid

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Ride leader - Jack Jones

IT'LL BE COLD, 9:45 MEET, 10:00 AM ROLL, THIS WEEK ONLY!

Let's get warm with some climbing!  

Montebello, one of Troy Folkner's favorite climbs. A chilly descent, to Montalvo, and then we'll follow Steve's route from a few weeks back, paralleling Highway 9 to Los Gatos. Turns, we have turns! Watch for some perhaps unexpected turns!  Lunch in Los Gatos, and north to Troy's bench—share your memory of our friend—and back to Shoup Park.

Start Location & Time: Shoup Park, 9:45 meet 10:00 roll
Distance: 58 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,700'
Lunch: Town Plaza Park, Los Gatos
Ride Leader: Cathy Switzer

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Since it's Summer in February and we have already been doing summer rides, let's continue with another good one:  ZAYANTE !!.  Since it is early in the year we will do the easier of the two versions

Starting Location: Parking Lot .3 mi past the dam at Lexington Reservoir. There is now a $6 fee to park there (Credit/Debit Card). There is also a dirt area across the street from the parking lot that can handle about 6 cars.

Directions: take the Bear Creek Rd exit off of Hwy 17, go across Hwy 17 and turn left like you were getting on 17. Take Alma Bridge Rd and go .6 mi to the parking lot just past the dam

Start Time: be there by 8:45 for a 9 am departure.

Distance: 56 miles

Elevation: 5500 feet

Lunch: Bring or Buy to eat at the Covered Bridge County Park in Felton (at the intersection of Mt Hermon Rd and Graham Hill Rd)

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28916033

Cue Sheet: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28916033/cue_sheet

Weather:  https://bit.ly/3BeBB0Z

Ride Leader: Don Johann

The forecast is for a very temperate day, with a high of 73, so let's go do one of my favorite rides - the Los Gatos zig-zag, Shennedy, and a little Hicks (the fun part).  It's an extended version of my first HRU ride.  

There are a lot of zigs and zags, so I highly recommend downloading the route to your GPS.

This is a social-paced D ride with regroups; faster riders are encouraged to form a D+/E group. Rain cancels.

Start: Shoup Park, rolling at 9 AM
Lunch: At mile 40, bring food to enjoy at the Town Plaza Park in Los Gatos, or go do a little hunting and gathering along Main Street.  
Ride Leader: Steve Rempel

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We'll climb OLH, take 84 to Stage Road and Pescadero.  Return via Haskins Hill and W. Alpine climbs.  Start is at Shoup Park, meet at 8:45 for a 9:00 AM launch

65 miles, 6,500' climbing, D pace                                                                         

Lunch - bring or buy at Archengeli's Grocery in Pescadero

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Ride leader - Jack Jones