Mount Diablo - climb and a half

October 31 - members of the Cycle Folsom Peloton and Performance groups tackled the ascent of Mount Diablo. Starting from Walnut Creek, we warmed up for 5 or 6 miles on the city streets and bike trails and then started up NorthGate. The weather was perfect with almost no wind and a temperatures in the 60's making the hard work of climbing 3900' in 11 or so miles much more comfortable.

After a number of weeks off the bike after the crash in Park City Utah - and the vacation in Canada I had a week or two of spin class and trainer riding in the garage under my belt - but no where near the fitness required to keep up with the rest of the group. But I kept the heart rate under my thresholds and made the top to the encouragement of the group.
The descent down Southgate was fun but a bit painful due to the strained ligaments in my left wrists - even with the brace so I took it easy.

One strange sight was tthe tarantuals on the road... really! Also we got stared down by a coyote.

We then pacelined out on Blackhawk Road for a few miles and returned to climb Southgate to the junction and then down Northgate back to the cars

We re-fueled at Chipotle afterwards with burritoes, tacos etc

All in all a great day, great ride with a great bunch of riders