Mid-Week Rides: Mt Hamilton

14 Jan 2010

Dick writes:

A break in the weather

Five soggy riders sauntered into the Livermore’s L & M Cafe for a most welcome hot breakfast. “Hey, the Captain said it was to be sunny today!” Above the fog, the sun shined brightly. By the time we finished breakfast, California’s promise revealed itself; the sun! We headed out of Livermore on Livermore Avenue to Mines Road bound for “The Junction” for coffee reinforcement. OK, the Junction was closed, coffee break delayed. The ride through San Antonio Valley was spectacular with green hills greeting us on winding roads. We pulled up at the top of the world, Mount Hamilton. Brett Hansen has been everywhere… everywhere except the top of Mount Hamilton, it was a new entry in his log that stretches half way around the world. It was so clear you could see the Sierra Nevada without the aid of binoculars. It was only mid-day, so where to go, where to go? Mount Uminum? No, Dick and the slash-two had just ridden up Mount Um the day before. Mount Whitney? Too far. We opted for Sierra Road and around the Calaveras reservoir. On the road, the Captain had a coffee withdrawal episode, developed “steering lock” and pulled into Dawn Donut on White Road, where coffee and sugar addicts got their fix. The Midweek Riders usually approach Sierra Road from the north so those of us so familiar with the track weren‘t so sure this was a good idea. It was a good idea; Sierra Road and Calaveras Road have an entirely different look coming from the southwest. We stopped for footbath and discussion before motoring on to the Sunol Water Temple. Despite repeated warnings from the K-100, Captain Chris blew off the CLOSED signs and led us to the temple for a look. No one challenged. At the exit, Chris, Simon, and Eric headed west through Niles Canyon while Dick and Brent opted for I-680. Despite morning fog, the weather was our friend for the day. These midweek rides just get better and better.