Meet at 8:40 am for a 8:45 am start
Pre-registration
Want to ride Mt Diablo, but only half of it? This week's Low-Key Hill Climb is South Gate to Junction. We'll meet at Pleasant Hill BART (the first train from Berkeley/Oakland arrives 8:38a), stop at Heather Farms Park for water and bathrooms, then warm up on the quiet streets through Walnut Creek and Danville. We'll regroup at the Athenian School just before the timed climb begins. (If you'd like to meet us at Heather Farms Park instead of Pleasant Hill BART, please note that in your registration so we know where to find you!)

The South Gate to Junction segment is about 5.7 miles with 1,439 feet of climbing. It has three parts: steady climbing to the park gate, a faster flatter section through Rock City, then sustained climbing to Junction. Ride leaders (and likely most riders) will be doing the segment as a max effort — feel free to ride it as hard or as easy as you like! We'll regroup at Junction (water and bathrooms) and wait for everyone.

After we catch our breath from the climb, we'll descend North Gate (carefully — some rough pavement) and return to Heather Farms Park for water and bathrooms. (This is also a convenient bailout point for anyone who wants to head back to Pleasant Hill BART.)

For those continuing, we'll wind our way down the Iron Horse Trail and through Lafayette and Moraga before hitting Pinehurst for one more short climb to reawaken our legs. Then we'll go up Skyline, stop at Sibley for water and bathrooms, descend Claremont (carefully), and roll down gently to finish at Rockridge BART.

(Remember to register for Low-Key Hill Climbs before the ride if you want to show up on the official leaderboard!)

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56898770