The Climbing Ride,February 9th - Super Bohl(man) Sunday

Most of the U.S. will spend Sunday afternoon eating ultra-processed snacks while swilling down cheap beer while sprawled on the couch in front of a widescreen TV. If that’s your plan you can offset the damage by doing The Climbing Ride in the morning. If it’s not your plan, you can get that wonderful feeling of smug superiority that comes with real athletic accomplishment while others relax. If you want both but need to get home early, there’s a good bail-out point after we descend Bohlman.

(h/t Joshua for the ride title)

If you are not an Alto Velo member you will need to fill out your yearly waiver at https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver. And remember that 2025 is a whole new year…

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36897978
40 Miles, 5151 ft.

Climbs of note: Eden, Pierce, Bohlman/Norton/Kittridge/Quickert, Wildcat Ridge, On Orbit, Apollo Heights, Bohlman, Canyon View, Stoneridge/Bank Mill/Hayfields/Lumbertown, Back side of Eden.

Ride Safety: Don’t be stupid. For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot on semi-random Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

Why: Because you’re not like the others. You’re different.

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride, January 19th - Forget Your Troubles

The world is on fire literally and figuratively, and the best way to distract yourself is to get your legs burning as well. Let’s go climb some hills and forget our troubles this Sunday. And maybe we’ll stop for overpriced toast at Sue’s on the way back through Saratoga…

If you are not an Alto Velo member you will need to fill out your yearly waiver at https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver. And remember that 2025 is a whole new year…

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1857342

44 Miles, 4600 ft.

Climbs of note: Voss, Montebello/Peacock, Mt. Eden, Old Oak, Pike, Sarahills, Peach Hill, Lancaster/Matilija, Comer, Prospect/Rolling Hills.

Ride Safety: Don’t be stupid. For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot on semi-random Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

Why: Because you’re not like the others. You’re different.

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride, January 5th - Life in a Northern Town

Third time is hopefully a charm for this route.

It’s once again time to ride our bikes through the absurdly over-valued zip codes of the richest cities on the peninsula. This Sunday we’ll be heading north to the scenic hills of Hillsborough. As usual we meet at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce Suffering at 09:10 for an 09:15 rollout. Be there and pedal squares.

If you are not an Alto Velo member you will need to fill out your yearly waiver at https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver. And remember that 2025 is a whole new year…

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18933192

59 Miles, 5200 ft.

Climbs of note: Crestview, Alameda De Las Pulgas from Ralston, W. Hillsdale, De Anza, Ascension, Woodridge/Black Mountain, Hayne/Robinwood/Denise, Ralston, Polhemus.

Ride Safety: Don’t be stupid. For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot on semi-random Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

Why: Because you’re not like the others. You’re different.

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride,November 17th - Climbing & Coffee & Cake

This week we’ve got a “very special episode” of The Climbing Ride. Simon and I work hard to avoid conflicts between the Climbing and C & C rides, but this month events conspired against us and the 17th was the only day available for both rides. Rather than fight over it we decided to combine forces. This Sunday both rides will meet together at the Chamber of Commerce, ride parallel routes, meet up for coffee & cake in Saratoga, and take parallel routes back to Manresa for second breakfast cake. Come on down for a social and suffering extravaganza!

Note that this week the Climbing Ride will be leaving at 09:10, and the C&C ride at 09:15.

If you are not an Alto Velo member you will need to fill out your yearly waiver at https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3291272552128095722

36 miles, 4084ft

Climbs of note: Taaffe, Stonebrook, Mora, Voss, Eden, Albar, Heder, Saratoga Heights, Saratoga Hills, Comer Climbpocalypse

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot on semi-random Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride,October 27th - On the Up and Up

Time for your bi-weekly dose of vertical violence. Most of this week’s climbs are on the shorter side, so you’ll have to bring your sprint legs. Which will of course be wrecked by the one-two punch of Los Trancos & Vista Verde. Oh well, sucks to be you.

If you are not an Alto Velo member you will need to fill out your yearly waiver at https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26805966

53 Miles, 5240 ft

Climbs of note: Moody, Alexis, Los Trancos/Vista Verde, Huddart, Farm Hill/Canada College, High Rd/Woodside Dr.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot on semi-random Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride,October 13th - The Return of Your Favorite Form of Suffering

It’s officially fall, time for The Climbing Ride. It’s the answer to everybody’s burning question: “What if you take an Egan and stretch it out horizontally and vertically?”. Come on down to the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce Suffering at 09:10 this Sunday and join me in the quest for lactic acid burns.

If you are not an Alto Velo member you will need to fill out your yearly waiver at https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2036476

48 Miles, 5500 ft.

Climbs of note: Redwood Gulch, Sanborn Rd, Pennsylvania/Overlook/Sheldon, Rest of Overlook, Saratoga Hills, Rainbow, Regnart, Lindy.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot on semi-random Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride,March 17th - St. Paddy’s Sufferin’

You’re gonna earn every ounce of that green beer.

If you are not an Alto Velo member you will need to fill out your yearly waiver at https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1974596

49 Miles, 5190 ft.

Climbs of note: Jefferson, Edgewood, Canada College, Raymundo, Patrol, Summit Springs, Hayfields, Wayside, Alpine/Joaquin.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot on semi-random Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride,February 25 - The Bohlman and the On Orbit

The time has come,' the Ride Leader said,
      To ride up many things.
With shoes — and cleats — and sealant leaks —
      With cups — and KOMs.
Ask why my legs are boiling hot —
      And whether Bohlman is worse than On Orbit.'

But wait a bit,' the Riders cried,
      Before we have our climb;
For some of us are out of breath,
      And all of us are fat!'

If you are not an Alto Velo member you will need to fill out your yearly waiver at https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36897978

40 Miles, 5151 ft.

Climbs of note: Eden, Pierce, Bohlman/Norton/Kittridge/Quickert, Wildcat Ridge, On Orbit, Apollo Heights, Bohlman, Canyon View, Stoneridge/Bank Mill/Hayfields/Lumbertown, Back side of Eden.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot alternate Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride, January 28 - Questionable Decisions in the North

The weatherman says it’s going to be a beautiful day. My legs say otherwise; between illness and winter doldrums I’m way out of shape. This week is your chance to say “I beat Dirk up all the hills”. Come on out and watch me whine, complain, and suffer through the rich neighborhoods of San Carlos, Belmont and San Mateo.

If you are not an Alto Velo member you will need to fill out your yearly waiver at https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18933192

59 Miles, 5200 ft.

Climbs of note: Crestview, Alameda De Las Pulgas from Ralston, W. Hillsdale, De Anza, Ascension, Woodridge/Black Mountain, Hayne/Robinwood/Denise, Ralston, Polhemus.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot alternate Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride, January 7 - Return of Bad Life Choices

We’re halfway between the end of Egan and the start of Egan, and I’m sure you’re jonesing for some horrible steep climbs. Well it’s your lucky week, because The Climbing Ride is back! It’s like an Egan, but twice as high and twice as long and maybe steeper. Good clean fun for your legs.

If you are not an Alto Velo member you will need to fill out your yearly waiver at https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/1857342

44 Miles, 4600 ft.

Climbs of note: Voss, Montebello/Peacock, Mt. Eden, Old Oak, Pike, Sarahills, Peach Hill, Lancaster/Matilija, Comer, Prospect/Rolling Hills.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot alternate Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride, March 26 - Climate Change Sucks

Well will you look at that, a Sunday where the forecast doesn’t look like Seattle in December. If we were sensible people we’d go to the park with our loved ones and bask in the sunshine. But we’re not sensible. We’re idiots who enjoy self flagellation. So we’re going to haul our bikes up the dumbest hill in the South Bay, and we’re going to take the long way up.

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36897978

40 Miles, 5151 ft.

Climbs of note: Eden, Pierce, Bohlman/Norton/Kittridge/Quickert, Wildcat Ridge, On Orbit, Apollo Heights, Bohlman, Canyon View, Stoneridge/Bank Mill/Hayfields/Lumbertown, Back side of Eden.

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot alternate Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

Non-Members

Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Because of COVID, there are now multiple forms that must be completed. Blank forms may be found on our website at: https://www.bikereg.com/alto-velo-guest-waiver

Filling out the waiver is only required one time per year.

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

The Climbing Ride, February 19 - Poor Life Choices

It’s a new year, I’m fully recovered from surgery, and the weather looks beautiful. Let’s go make some poor life choices and climb steep hills! I’m sure nobody will complain during the ride.

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1974596

49 Miles, 5190 ft.

Climbs of note: Jefferson, Edgewood, Canada College, Raymundo, Patrol, Summit Springs, Hayfields, Wayside, Alpine/Joaquin.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot alternate Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride, December 11 - Questionable Decisions

The forecast for Sunday is extremely dicey, but this will be my last chance to lead a Climbing Ride until mid-January, so I’m at least going to schedule it. If it’s actively raining at 08:30 I’ll stay home; descending 15% grades in the wet is a fool’s game. I’m also going for the most conservative and close-to-home route, in case we get caught in the rain. So, uhh, with all that optimism in the air it’s sure to be a fun-fest.

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1748276

39 Miles, 4700 ft.

Climbs of note: Arastradero, Westridge, Pinon/La Sandra, Mapache, Golden Hills/Fawn, Golden Oak, Hillbrook, Corte Madera, Los Trancos/Buck Meadow, Los Trancos (eastern spur), La Mesa.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot alternate Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride, November 27 - Regrettable Choices

I had an unfortunate encounter with a slippery root on an MTB trail in Henry Cowell last week and thus was in no condition to lead a ride on the 20th. We’ll try again this weekend, on the assumption that I’ll refrain from pitching myself bodily onto the dirt between now and Sunday morning. Come on down and laugh at your own and other’s regrettable choices in recreation. Hauling your carcass up half a dozen absurd walls is a great way to work off excess turkey & stuffing.

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/2036476

48 Miles, 5500 ft.

Climbs of note: Redwood Gulch, Sanborn Rd, Pennsylvania/Overlook/Sheldon, Rest of Overlook, Saratoga Hills, Rainbow, Regnart, Lindy.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot alternate Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride,November 6 - Type 2 Fun

What? It’s time for another Climbing Ride? Didn’t I suffer enough last time? I’m getting too old for this, gonna have to take it easy this week.

You know the drill, 09:10 at the LAH CoC, be there and ready to swear.

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/7253576

57 Miles, 6200ft

Climbs of note: Bear Gulch, Oak Kill, Kings, Star Hill, Native Sons, Swett, Bear Gulch.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot alternate Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The Climbing Ride, October 23 - More Pointless Suffering

Ride up a dead end road, gasp, squint at the view, do it again. And again. Lather, rinse, repeat, go home, swear at your legs, swear at the damn ride leader, question your sanity, pencil the next ride into your calendar. Ours is not to ask why.

Short route this week, so you’re expected to hit the hills hard from the start. The next day is a work day so it’s not like you’re saving your legs for anything.

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1857342

44 Miles, 4600 ft.

Climbs of note: Voss, Montebello/Peacock, Mt. Eden, Old Oak, Pike, Sarahills, Peach Hill, Lancaster/Matilija, Comer, Prospect/Rolling Hills.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot alternate Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

The First Climbing Ride of 2022, October 9th

Laddies and Gentlewomen, it’s time to start your off-season suffering and cursing! The Climbing Ride is here to fill your legs with lactic acid and your mind with horrible regret.

To paraphrase Winston Churchill, "If you are going up hill, keep going".

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1971658

59 Miles, 5300 ft.

Climbs of note: Crestview, Alameda De Las Pulgas from Ralston, W. Hillsdale, De Anza, Ascension, Woodridge/Black Mountain, Hayne/Robinwood/Denise, Chateau, Polhemus.

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Climbing Ride meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot alternate Sundays at 09:10 and leaves at 09:15. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Rides are 40-60 miles with 5000-7000 feet of climbing. The emphasis is on little-traveled hills with grades of ten to twenty percent. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly colored socks, and discouraged from vomiting in people’s driveways.

Egan 2022.27 - Top Performers

Big turnout this week, maybe the largest of the year. I’m sure they all came to hear me bloviate; certainly not because it was the last chance for an Egan Ride in 2022. Seems like every fast rider in the AV orbit showed up to throw down — you know the competition was fierce when George & Steven don’t even make the top ten!

Rider of the Day was Cam O’Reilly with 7 PRs, 2 Top 10s, and 2 KOMs. Dude looks fast standing still and I couldn’t even see him once he got moving.

https://route-viewer.vercel.app/results/egan-2022-27

Photo credit: That Dirk guy.

Egan 2022.27 - Last Rites with Dirk

Weep ye bitter tears, for the season of Eganing is coming to an end. To mark this solemn occasion the Leadership Cabal has asked me, a priest of the Elder Gods, to perform the last rites. This Tuesday I will be leading the traditional First and Last Route. It’s short, but that just means you can go harder on each segment; I expect to see many PRs and cups, and hopefully a few crowns. Come on down and get in one last fling before cold and darkness cover the land.

Do not despair, for there will be regular doses of gravity-assisted suffering in the off-season. I’ll be leading the bi-weekly Climbing Ride on alternate Sundays. Imagine an Egan route, but horribly stretched out; climbs several minutes long and comically steep. First ride will probably be October 2nd.

And don’t free up that Tuesday evening slot on your calendar just yet! Next week will be the traditional end-of-season banquet; details to follow.

Leader: That Dirk Guy

Route: https://route-viewer.vercel.app/route?r=2874856572963175602&s=4243560,610571,21036783,10534914,3687553,686220,863594

Segments:

1. La Paloma from Westwind: https://www.strava.com/segments/4243560 - (57s / 1:05)

2. La Barranca Rd: https://www.strava.com/segments/610571 - (25s / 31s)

3. Taaffe from Dezahara (Egan Official): https://www.strava.com/segments/21036783 - (56s / 1:07)

4. Stonebrook from Priscilla: https://www.strava.com/segments/10534914 - (49s / 59s)

5. Dirk's super short hill sprint: https://www.strava.com/segments/3687553 - (14s / 17s)

6. Quinnhill from Summerhill: https://www.strava.com/segments/686220 - (33s / 40s)

7. Madonna Way: https://www.strava.com/segments/863594 - (44s / 58s)

Ride Safety:

Riders must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19.

For additional ride safety rules, please visit https://www.altovelo.org/riding-etiquette

What: The Egan Ride used to meet at the Jr. High School, but now meets at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce parking lot every Tuesday at 6:00pm and leaves at 6:05. We regroup and recover after every climb; if you can do OLH in under 25 minutes you should have no problem keeping up.

Where: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. 321 University Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022

How: Remember, pace yourself appropriately, there's lots of hills to climb! Pay attention to traffic and don't hog the road. Riders are encouraged to wear garishly covered socks on the Egan Ride, and riders are discouraged from riding Egan if they wear conservative socks.

Egansite: https://altovelo.org/egan
Egangram: www.instagram.com/eganrideclub
Strava: https://www.strava.com/eganride