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Mt Hamilton

Mt Hamilton is the highest peak in bay area. It is also a very popular climbing challenge for cyclists. I did Mt Diablo ride last year. This year (2004) Mt Hamilton will be my significant climb test.

I parked my car at the first parking lot in Joseph D Grant Park (this is about 7 miles into Mt Hamilton road from Mt Hamilton x Alum Rock road intersection). The average grade is about 6-8%. The car park was at 1600 feet. The summit is about 11 miles and at 4200 feet from the car park. There is no water along the route, so take plenty of water/food.

The ride is a long climb. In the middle of the ride you have to go down hill for crossing a creek and re-gain that altitude (about 300 feet). Except for this it is a steady climb. I'd say this ride is pretty cool because of minimal car traffic / plenty of shade / plenty of pull overs to enjoy the view. You can see the white half-dome of Lick Observatory while you are clibming. Use it as your marker and to give you a little bit of hope :-)

Photos

Lick at distance

closer

even closer

there!

on top

Lick observatory at top, is a pretty cool place, even if you are not a die hard astronomy fan. Join one of highly informative talks given by staff. (remove cleats before entering!)

After touring the observatory, just enjoy at the amazing vista and scenary from the top.

winding roads

The descend is so much fun. Navigating the switch backs without spinning the pedals even once, definitly is enjoyable. There are some pot holes on the road but they are marked clearly by red paint. So pay attention to those - specially while decending!

all photos from the ride

How to Get there : from Mt Hamilton x Alum Rock intersection go about 7 miles on Hamilton road for the park entrance.
Distance : 11 m oneway
Difficulty : Difficult
Ride Type : paved trail (road bikes)
References :

A nice ride description with photos from Chain Reaction Bicycles
Mt Hamilton Challenge
Northern California Biking by Ann Marie Brown 1st edition, page 135

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