A Ride

 

The A rides are led by the Alto Velo Racing Team and feature a hard, consistent pace for 3-5 hours of riding. The Sunday A Ride is the most challenging ride offered by Alto Velo. The Saturday A Ride offers a pace between the Saturday B Ride and the Sunday A Ride and is focused on endurance. Most routes will include shorter options in case you want to join for the first part but have afternoon commitments or don't (yet!) have the fitness to hang in for the whole ride. These rides do not stop often, so two full bottles and plenty of snacks are highly recommended.

Start Point: Summit Bicycles at 392 California Ave in Palo Alto

Start Time:

  • Saturday A Ride: Meet at 9 a.m. Roll at 9:10 a.m.

  • Sunday A Ride:

    • October - May: Meet at 9 a.m. Roll at 9:10 a.m.

    • June - September: Meet at 8 a.m. Roll at 8:10 a.m.

Pace: Fast. Expect to climb Old La Honda in 21 minutes or less.

Regroups: Rarely. Highly recommended that you know the route and/or download to your head unit.

Example route: https://www.strava.com/routes/10975526

The A Rides are subject to Alto Velo's Ride Rules and all participants must sign an annual waiver.

See below for details of the upcoming rides as well as past rides.

Alto Velo Alto Velo

A Endurance Ride 2.10.2024 - Half Moon Bay and Higgins Canyon

Hello riders!

This Saturday the A Endurance ride will take a trip toward the coast, heading to Higgins Canyon and Half Moon Bay.

We’ll depart from Summit Bicycles and head to Portola Valley on our way to climb Kings. From there, we will descend Tunitas Creek and turn onto Lobitos Creek to make our way to Purisima Creek Road. We’ll make a stop in Half Moon Bay for some water before heading south on Highway 1 and turning briefly onto Stage road to connect onto 84. We’ll then take West Old La Honda to finish the climb to Skyline, and descend 84 to Portola Valley to make our way back to Summit Bicycles. We will keep a steady pace at 2.5-3.5 W/kg and regroup for all riders.

See you there!

Jack

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3190380465019306648

Summary: 76 miles / 6,800 feet: Summit Bicycles > Old Page > Arastradero > Portola Valley > Kings > Tunitas Creek > Lobitos Creek > Purisima Creek > Half Moon Bay > Highway 1 > 84 > West Old La Honda > 84 > Sand Hill > Junipero Serra Blvd > Summit Bicycles.

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Jack Larkin

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

A Ride - 02/11/2023 - Pacifica & HW1

Let's enjoy the coastal mist after these long days of rain ! We will go up Cañada Road to Pacifica, and then enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Highway 1. The only major climb of the day will come at the end of the day on the western side of Route 84.

This will be an endurance ride. Riders are welcome to go as hard as they wish on the climb where we will regroup at the top. We will also regroup after long descents.

  • Check your bike and make sure it is in good condition.

  • Please respect the pace set by the ride leader.

  • Please be careful on the descents. Many corners are wet.

  • We aim to keep a steady pace, moving and avoid long stops

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3189815938639209550

Summary: 82 miles / 5700 feet - Summit Bicycle > Sand Hill Road > Cañada Road > Pacifica > Half Moon Bay > San Gregorio > Alice's (Skyline) > Sand Hill Road > Summit Bicycle

Time: Meet 9 AM, Leave 9:10 AM

Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Pierre-Amaury (PA) Laforcade

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

AV A Endurance - 02.03.24 Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Hi All,

This Saturday the A Endurance ride is headed to Pigeon Point Lighthouse! Selecting a long route and crossing mountains a bit risky with all the rain in the forecast, but we will improvise if needed. This route includes 3 loops and we can cut the ride shorter by skipping one or 2 of the loops if needed. We will keep a steady pace at 2.5-3.5 W/kg and regroup for all riders. We will do a quick stop at lighthouse (for a group photo ) and will have a 15 min stop for food/water in Pescadero.

See you there!

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3121973837666229304

Summary: 86 miles / 7,400 feet: Summit Bicycles > Old Page > Arastaredo> PV > OLH > Skyline > 84 > Haskins > Cloverdale> Highway 1 > Pigeon Light House> Bean Hollow Rd > Pescadero > Stages > 84 > West Alpine > Page > Summit

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride etiquettehttps://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Hoss Hayati

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

AV A Endurance - 01.27.24 Big Basin

Hey everyone,

This Saturday the A Endurance ride is headed to Big Basin! We will keep a steady pace at 2.5-3.5 W/kg and regroup for all riders.

The plan is to ascend Page Mill Rd then go South on Skyline to the junction at Highway 9. We’ll then descend 9 all the way to Big Basin. Next stop, Boulder Creek, for water and food at the gas station. After ascending Bear Creek Rd, we’ll go back on Skyline toward Castle Rock for another water stop. We’ll descend Highway 9 (on the other side), then take Pierce and Mt. Eden to Foothill and home.

See you there!

Zack

Routehttps://www.strava.com/routes/3185812399725735510

Summary: 86 miles / 8,750 feet: Summit Bicycles > Old Page > Page Mill > Skyline > Highway 9 > Big Basin > Boulder Creek > Bear Creek > Skyline > Highway 9 > Pierce + Eden > Foothill > Home

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride etiquettehttps://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Zack Berger

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

A-Ride 1/28/2024 - Zayante/Black

This Sunday we’ll go visit some less popular roads for a change! We’ll go up Page, skyline to 9, down to Boulder Creek where we will replenish on water and food (not a long stop, just quick refill at the gas station). We’ll make our way to climb Zayante, back down Bear Creek into Lexington Reservoir, to climb back up Black, but instead of going all the way to skyline, we will turn up on Gist. We’ll then take skyline back to Page (with a quick stop in Castle Rock for water if necessary) and roll back down. You are welcome to push the pace on the climbs, with regroups at the top of Page, Zayante and Black/Summit/Skyline. But we will aim to stay together the rest of the time. No that-spiraled-into-a-leadout pace lines, or half-wheeling each other. Just riding as a group (famous last words, y’all will misbehave, I know it).

Reminder: The A-ride meets at Summit Bicycles on California Ave in Palo Alto at 9 am Sunday during the winter months.

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3185301301841880662

Summary: 81 miles / 9,500 feet: Summit Bicycles > Page Mill > Skyline > 9 > Zayante > Bear Creek > Black > Gist > Skyline > Page > Home

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride etiquettehttps://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Nico Sandi

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

A-Ride 1/21/24 - Pescadero

This Sunday, we’ll do the classic Pescadero route, now finally including the recently reopened Stage Road! Our plan will be to get some solid base miles, aiming for ~3-3.5 W/kg on average. We’ll regroup at Alice’s and at the top of Tunitas, as well as a quick refueling stop in Pescadero. Make sure you’re prepared for wet weather and water on the roads as it’s likely to rain.

Reminder: The A-ride meets at Summit Bicycles on California Ave in Palo Alto at 9 am Sunday during the winter months.

Routehttps://www.strava.com/routes/3183662952825245472

Summary: 67 miles / 6,500 feet: Summit Bicycles > Old La Honda > 84 > Pescadero > Stage > Tunitas > Kings > Summit Bicycles

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride etiquettehttps://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: George Wehner

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

AV A Endurance Ride 1/20/24 - Kings & West Alpine

The second edition of the A-Endurance ride will feature a Kings-West Alpine loop. The forecast has a bit of rain, but it’s getting better and better - it’s supposed to be light and less than a 30-40% chance into the early afternoon. To start, we’ll ride through PV and Woodside to Kings, climb Kings via Greer and Huddart park, and regroup at the top of Kings. From there, we’ll do a little adventure on Star Hill, ride Skyline south to 84, and stop for water at Sky Londa. We’ll descend 84 to La Honda, turn left onto Pescadero Creek, and after making sure we’re all together, climb West Alpine. We’ll regroup at the top of West Alpine and finish the ride by descending Page Mill. 

The pace will be easier than a Sunday A-ride; let’s keep it in Zone 2 for the most part. Feel free to do intervals on the climbs and wait for the group at the top. We can add a Haskins in before West Alpine if we are feeling it.

Reminder: The A-Endurance ride meets at Summit Bicycles on California Ave in Palo Alto at 9 am Saturday

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3182576619187066454 

Summary: 53 miles / 5500 ft; Stanford > Old Page Mill > Arastradero > Alpine > Portola > Mountain Home > Woodside > Kings > Tunitas > Star Hill > Skyline > 84 West > West Alpine > Page Mill

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride Etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Drew Mathews

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

AV A Endurance Ride - 01.13.23 Meet the Flintstones

This is the first edition of the new AV Endurance A ride, meeting Saturday 9am at Summit Bicycles Palo Alto. The ride is endurance focused, so we will keep steady at 2.5-3.5 W/kg and regroup for all riders.

The forecast is looking wet so I figured we could keep the ride in the lowlands. I added a few ~500ft steep climbs for some extra fun. We’ll begin with Moody Rd, before coming down Page and going north to the infamous Flintstones House. We’ll ascend via Tartan Trail Rd, then loop back down through San Mateo up Parrot Drive. Next we’ll make a game time call, depending on the rain. If it looks good enough we’ll go up Crestview, otherwise we’ll go down the Ralston Bike Path and return to Summit via Canãda.

See you there!

Zack

Routehttps://www.strava.com/routes/3180602995453190742 (or https://www.strava.com/routes/3180692508253910614 if it’s not too wet).

Summary: 60 miles / 5,000 feet: Summit Bicycles > Old Page > Elena Rd > Moody > Portola Valley > Canãda > Flintstones House > Parrot Dr > [Crestivew or Canãda] > Sandhill Rd > Backyard Brew

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride etiquettehttps://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Zack Berger

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

A-Ride January 14th, 2024: Big Basin

Let's embark on a climbing adventure! One of my all-time favorite rides Big Basin - Our meeting point is Summit Bicycles Palo Alto at 9 am. We'll kick off with a warm-up by cycling to Stevens Creek via Foothill. Upon arrival, we'll tackle the Redwood Gulch climb, making our way to the summit of Congress Spring Road/Skyline. A brief celebration and regrouping session (3-5 minutes) will follow at the top. Afterward, we'll descend into Big Basin, this will be a rolling regrouping at the bottom before continuing through Big Basin and stopping in Boulder Creek for a 5-minute refueling break.

To maintain a cohesive group, let's stick together on flats and descents, regrouping at the top of climbs. Expect cool weather, and given the length of the ride, ensure you have sufficient fuel. We'll have two planned pit stops, one in Boulder Creek and another in Castle Rock, each lasting 5 minutes. Our descent down Page Mill Road will lead us to a brief stop at the intersection of Page Mill Road and Arastradero. Here, we'll decide on the OPTIONAL additional climb of OLH to achieve a total of 10,000 feet of climbing. If you prefer to skip this segment (completely understandable), the ride concludes. For those opting for OLH, we'll head back to Summit after completing it.

Should be an awesome time in the saddle, so if you’ve made a new year’s resolution to join an A-ride (or do more A-rides), head on out!

Fuel:  3-4 Gels, 2 bottles (500ml/ea. - Super Carb Mix), 2 energy bars
(I will generally re-fuel at boulder creek, if needed)

Reminder: The A-ride meets at Summit Bicycles on California Ave in Palo Alto at 9 am Sunday during the winter months

RouteAV-A Ride 1-14-2024 Big Basin 100mi/10,000ft

Summary: 100 miles / 10,000 feet: Summit Bicycles > Foothill > Steven Creek Canyon > Redwood Gulch > Congress Spring Road > Big Basin Way > Boulder Creek > Bear Creek Rd > Skyline > Page Mill > Summit Bicycles (Optional Route to Arastradero > Alpine > Portola > OLH > Sand Hill > Summit)

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride etiquettehttps://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Steven Pelas

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

A-Ride January 7, 2024: Bohlman-On Orbit-Bohlman and Black Road - Don’t miss it!

To ring in the new year, let’s do some climbing! We’ll meet at 9 am at Summit Bicycles Palo Alto, and then warm up by riding out to Los Gatos. As soon as we arrive, we’ll hit the famous Bohlman-On Orbit-Bohlman climb. If you haven’t done it before (or even if you have), it’s one of the most challenging climbs in the area, especially the On Orbit section (okay you can stay on Bohlman if you insist, I guess). We’ll regroup at the top and congratulate each other for 3-5 minutes. Then we’ll carefully make our way through the brief Montevina dirt/gravel section (watch for loose sand/gravel at the turns - and mud?) before winding down the beautiful sweeping Montevina descent. Let’s quickly come together again and make a right onto Black Road, a 4.5 mile climb with a flat mile in the middle (similar to Montebello). Once we hit Skyline, we’ll have a few more miles of more moderate climbing, and then it’s basically a descent the rest of the way down Skyline and Page Mill back into town.

As usual, let’s try to stay together on the flats/descents, and regroup at the top of the climbs. The weather should be cool, and the ride isn’t too long, so let’s play the water stops by ear, but plan to at least get water at Castle Rock. We can also divert to Lexington Elementary before we climb Black Road if folks need water then.

Should be a fun time, so if you’ve made a new year’s resolution to join an A-ride (or do more A-rides), head on out!

Reminder: The A-ride meets at Summit Bicycles on California Ave in Palo Alto at 9 am Sunday during the winter

Route: AV A-Ride 1-7-23 | 56.9 mi Cycling Route on Strava

Summary: 57 miles /7,000 feet: Summit Bicycles > Los Gatos (via Stevens Canyon, Pierce, Eden) > Bohlman-On Orbit-Bohlman > Montevina > Black Road > Skyline > Page Mill > Summit Bicycles

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Nat Green

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

AV A (Gravel) Ride 12/31/23

To end 2023 and help ring in 2024, we’re going to get dirty. Bust out that new gravel bike and put those new tires on as the AV A Ride explores the trails in and around Skyline Ride and Russian Ridge. While the full route takes you back to Summit Bicycles, the ride leader will be making a nutritional pit stop at Alpine Inn for mineral waters. There’s a handful of bailout points along the route.

I will keep an eye on the weather over the next few days to ensure this ride doesn’t destroy the trails. If it’s too wet, I will send an updated route that will stick to the road. If you know that any of the trails included are recently bike illegal or are particularly rutted out, shoot me a message privately and I will make the necessary adjustments.

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3175503607219568744

Summary: 50 miles/ 6200 feet: Summit Bicycles > Montebello > Skyline (via Skid Rd Trail) > Ridge Trail > Skyline > Crazy Petes >  Dirt Alpine > Page Mill > Bella Vista Trail > Monte Bello Rd > Page Mill > Arastradero > Alpine Inn

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 AM, Leave 9:10 AM

Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Peter Ambiel

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

AV A Ride - 12.24.23 OLH

As the holiday spirit fills the air, let's pedal into Christmas Eve with joy and camaraderie! 🎅🚲 Join us for a merry and endurance bicycle ride on Sunday, December 24th, as we embrace the festive vibes and create unforgettable memories together. This is a shorter ride than normal so we can return to our families but includes a stop at village bakery for some treats.

This will be an endurance ride. Riders are welcome to go as hard as they wish on the climb where we will regroup at the top. But we expect to stay together on shorter climbs, flats and rollers.  We will also regroup after long descents.

  • Check your bike and make sure it is in good condition.

  • Please respect the pace set by the ride leader.

  • Please be careful on the descents. Many corners are wet.

  • We aim to keep a steady pace,  moving and avoid long stops.

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3173091836874210040

Summary: 30 miles/ 2400 feet: Summit Bicycles > old page > arastradero > OLH > Woodside Rd > Village Bakery >  Summit Bicycles

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 AM, Leave 9:10 AM

Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Brian Shreeve

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

AV A Ride- 12.17.23 Big Basin

With the forecast improving for Sunday, I am optimistic we can make it to Big Basin. I will check the forecast again Saturday night and send an update if necessary.

This will be an endurance ride. The pace will be ~ 3-3.5 w/kg on flats/rollers. Riders are welcome to go as hard as they wish on the two longer climbs (Pagemill and Bear Creek) where we will regroup at the top. But we expect to stay together on shorter climbs, flats and rollers. We will also regroup after long descents.

  • Check your bike and make sure it is in good condition.

  • Please respect the pace set by the ride leader.

  • Please be careful on the descents. Many corners are wet.

  • We aim to keep a steady pace, moving and avoid long stops.

We will have 2 stops for food and water:

20 min stop in Boulder Creek (mile 42)

5 min stop in Castle rock for water (mile 59)

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3170802281162320464

Summary: 80 miles/ 8200 feet: Summit Bicycles > old page > page > skyline > 9 > 236> Boulder Creek > Bear creek>skyline > 9 > RWG > Stevens Canyon> Foothill

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 AM, Leave 9:10 AM

Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Hoss Hayati

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

A Ride - 12.10.23 - Montebello, RWG, WOLH

Dear Alto Velo Members,

Get ready to saddle up and conquer some iconic climbs this Sunday in our highly anticipated inclusive group ride! We're excited to announce a challenging yet thrilling route that promises breathtaking views and a shared sense of accomplishment.

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45125021

Summary: 65 mi / 7200 ft

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride Leader: Flo Costa

Ride Etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Route Highlights:

  1. Montebello

  2. Redwood Gulch and Hwy 9

  3. 84 and West Old La Honda

Description:

This ride is designed to accommodate cyclists of all levels, so whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, there's a place for you in this adventure. We understand that everyone has their own pace on the climbs, and that's absolutely okay. Expect a fast pace, but ride at a speed that's comfortable for you. We'll regroup at the top of each climb to ensure no one gets left behind.

While the climbs will test our fortitude, the flats will provide a steady pace for some well-deserved recovery. It's all about enjoying the ride together and fostering a sense of community.

We've planned a crucial water stop at the top of Page Mill to keep everyone hydrated and fueled for the journey ahead. Please ensure you have enough water bottles for the ride.

This is more than just a ride; it's an opportunity to come together, challenge ourselves, and revel in the camaraderie of our fantastic bike community.

So, mark your calendars, check your gear, and join us for a memorable ride this Sunday. Let's conquer those climbs and create lasting memories on two wheels!

See you on the road!

Best regards,

Flo

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

AV A Ride 12/03/23 - Endurance Century-Eureka Canyon

This week’s A Ride will take us to Eureka Canyon through RWG/Hwy 9 to explore another beautiful corner of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

This will be a long endurance ride. The pace will be ~ 3 w/kg on flats/rollers. Riders are welcome to hammer the climbs where we will regroup at the top. We will also regroup after long descents.

  • Check your bike and make sure it is in good shape. Not pleasant to be abandoned on the other side of mountains on a short December day.

  • Please respect the pace set by the ride leader.

  • Please be careful on the descents. There is already gravel on the road from recent rains.

We will aim to stay together in flats and rollers. We want to keep a steady pace, moving and avoid long stops.

We will have 3 stops for food and water:

  • 5 min stop in Castle Rock (Mile 22)

  • 20 min stop in Soquel (Mile 51)

  • 10 min stop in Summit Store (mile 78, too short to order a sandwich)

Route:  https://www.strava.com/routes/3164843744338425698

Summary: 110 miles/ 9300 feet: Summit Bicycles > Foothill > Stevens Canyon > RWG > 9 > 35> Black Rd > Lexington>Old Santa Cruz Hyw >Summit > Soquel San Jose rd > Soquel Dr > Trout Gulch> Valencia > Day Valley Rd > Hames > Eureka Canyon Rd > Highland Hyw > Old Sanat Cruz > Alma Bridge rd > Los Gatos Bike Trail > Saratoga > Foothill

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 AM, Leave 9:10 AM

Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Hoss Hayati

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

A Ride 11/26/23 - To Pacifica, Hwy1, Tunitas

This week A ride, we'll enjoy some speed and working on the paceline up to Pacifica (canada Road - Skyline Road), down the coast Hwy 1 to finish with Tunitas climb where people can have fun with the energy left.  Paceline on the flat at 4-4.5W/kg at the front (just the guy at the front, behind will be way easier and enjoyable), Tunitas climb at your liking. The more we are, the less we work!
Water/coffee stops at Kizler coffee, Pacifica (mile 33). And Bike Hut (mile 57) before climbing Tunitas and rolling back down Palo Alto!

Possibility for people from SF to join the ride near Pacifica where we’ll U turn back to Highway 1.

We will have 2 stops for food and water:

  • 10 min stop in Pacifica, Kizler coffee (Mile 33)

  • 5-10 min stop at Bike Hut (Mile 57)

https://www.strava.com/routes/3161803380969343142

Summary: 84 miles/ 6500 feet: Summit Bicycles > Canada Road > Skyline > Pacifica > Hwy 1 > Bike Hut> Tunitas > Summit Bicycles

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 AM, Leave 9:10 AM

Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Andrea Cloarec

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

A Ride 11/19/23 - OLH + Alpine Rd + Hwy 9

Join us for the weekly A ride! This week we will go up Old La Honda, grab water at the Trading Post, head down Hwy 84 to Pescadero Rd, climb up West Alpine Rd, go south on Skyline to Hwy 9, turn on Pierce Rd, and make our way back to Summit in Palo Alto.

Start: Sunday 11/19 9:00am from Summit Bicycles at 392 California Ave in Palo Alto, rolling at 9:10am

Pace: 3 w/kg on flats, 3.5-4 w/kg on climbs. Fast. Expect to climb Old La Honda in 21 minutes or less

Route: See the Strava route here.

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

A Ride 11/12/23 - Page Mill LKHC + Big Basin

Route: 83.36 miles, 7,976ft climbing: https://www.strava.com/routes/3157159332906479950

This week’s A-Ride will start off with a bang as we take on the Low-Key Hill Climb for the week of Page Mill. As with any A-Ride, riders are free to go at their own pace on the climb and we will do a full regroup at the top. Cam is looking lonely on the leaderboards so it’s time to add some more AV riders to the top 10. If you haven’t experienced it before, this will be a great opportunity to see what it’s like to take on a big climb with a fast group of riders. We guarantee you will set your PR or your club fees are refunded (pending board approval).

After getting that out of the way, we will continue at an endurance pace (if you can’t talk to the person next to you you’re going too hard) for the rest of the ride as we take in Big Basin, Bear Creek, a freshly paved Summit Road, and a ripping descent down Black Road.

Water stops at Jamison Creek Fire Station (Mile 40) and Los Gatos (Mile 63).

Please make sure your equipment (esp TIRES and brakes) are in excellent condition. This is not the best time to be testing whether that last wear bar is really worn out, especially since we will be riding a bit of gravel. If you have tubeless, make sure your sealant is topped off.

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Alto Velo Alto Velo

AV A Ride 11/05/23 - Endurance Century-Bonny Doon & Zayante

This week’s A Ride will take us to small coastal town of Daven Port through Pescadero and returns through some of the most scenic roads in Santa Cruz Mountains.

This will be a long endurance ride (to give you an idea expect the page mill climb will take 45 to 48 min). The pace will be ~ 3 w/kg on flats/rollers. Riders are welcome to hammer the climbs where we will regroup at the top.

Please respect the pace set by ride leader. If you like a faster pace, you are welcome to leave 5 minutes earlier, but if you start with ride leader, I advice not to create chaos.

We will aim to stay together in flats and rollers. This route include great sections to practice pace lining. At the same time, this is a long route for a short fall day, so we want to be keep moving and avoid unnecessary delays.

We will have 3 stops for food and water:

  • 10 min stop in Pescadero (Mile 31)

  • 20 min stop in Felton (Mile 67)

  • 10 min stop in Los Gatos (mile 84)

Route:  https://www.strava.com/routes/3154831385120810708

Summary: 105 miles/ 9600 feet: Summit Bicycles > Page > West Alpine > Haskins > Pescadero > Cloverdale> Gazod Creek > Bonny Doon> Icecream garde > Felton > Zayante > Bear Creek > Los Gatos trail > Saratoga > Prospect > Foothill

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 AM, Leave 9:10 AM

Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Hoss Hayati

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Michael Fryar Michael Fryar

A Ride 2023-10-22 - Low-Key West Alpine

This Sunday’s A Ride will head up Kings then descend via Skyline and 84 to West Alpine, this week’s Low-Key Hillclimbs segment. Riders will then have the option to descend Page Mill or add on extra miles by heading back via Skyline, 9, Pierce, Mt. Eden, Stevens Canyon, and Foothill Expressway. We’ll regroup at the top of Kings, the bottom of 84, and the top of West Alpine, where we’ll get water at the nature center. If needed, we can stop again for water on Stevens Canyon. It should be a great way to spend a fall Sunday.

Route: AVA Ride: 2023-10-22

Summary: 64 miles / 6,500 feet: Summit Bicycles > Sand Hill > Whiskey Hill > Kings > Skyline > 84 > West Alpine > Water > Skyline > 9 > Pierce > Mt. Eden > Stevens Canyon > Foothill > Summit Bicycles

Start: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto

Time: Meet 9 a.m., Leave 9:10 a.m.

Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules

Ride Leader: Michael Fryar

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