Grizzly Peak Century

• Date: May 04, 2008
• Address: 300 Moraga Rd,, Moraga, California Get directions
• Country: United States
• Race type: Cycle (Century)
• Distances: Bike (100.00 miles)
• Organization: Grizzly Peak Cyclists
• Website: http://www.grizzlypeakcyclists.org/century/
• Contact email: [email protected]
• Description: Essentials
  The Grizzly Peak Century is a tour, not a race. Riders must obey the California Vehicle Code, and follow all the rules of the road. Riders may be cited for violations of the Vehicle Code.
  Riders must wear bicycle helmets at all times when on their bicycles. No helmet — no route sheet, no food, no exceptions.
  Riders are responsible to ensure that their bicycles are in superb mechanical condition, especially cables, brakes, tires and bar-end plugs.
  The Century takes place rain or shine. There are no refunds.
  Start Location and Parking
  The start location is Campolindo High School, 300 Moraga Rd, Moraga. From Highway 24 eastbound take the Central Lafayette/Oak Hill exit and go right on Oak Hill, left on Mt Diablo and right on Moraga Rd. From Highway 24 westbound take the Central Lafayette exit and go right on Deer Hill, right on First, right on Mt Diablo and left on Moraga Rd. Each of the above turns is at the first opportunity.
  
  Go South on Moraga Rd for about 2.3 miles. Turn Right on Campolindo Dr where attendants will direct you to the available parking. Google has a Map to Campolindo HS.
  
  Please CARPOOL if at all possible. Parking spaces in the parking at the high school's parking lot are limited and (new this year) are reserved for those arriving with more than one rider. Those driving alone will be asked to park on the street.
  
  Alternative Car-Free Start
  For your convenience we have a car-free check-in station at the Island rest stop in Tilden Park. If you wish, you may bike there from home. It is only for pre-registered riders who bike there. Island rest stop has no parking for riders' cars. All available parking spaces there are reserved for century workers' vehicles.
  
  Routes
  There are two routes to choose from: 73 miles (5750 ft. climb) or 112 miles (8550 ft. climb). The 112 mile route consists of two very hilly and scenic loops, one before lunch and one after.
  
  The first (or north) loop (73 miles) climbs the east side of the Oakland-Berkeley hills via Pinehurst Road, then follows the crest North into Tilden Park. (In 2008 we return to our classic route for this segment: Grizzly Peak Blvd north all the way to Spruce St, then ride the full length of Wildcat Canyon Rd.) It then drops down alongside San Pablo Reservoir heading North to the edge of the Bay and the Carquinez Strait. From there it climbs McEwen Road for a run down into Franklin Canyon and Alhambra Valley, then over Pig Farm Hill and through the hills around Briones Regional Park and Reservoir. Finally, one more climb on Rheem Blvd. takes you back to the start for lunch. Here are links to the the north loop map (PDF) and the the north loop cue sheet (PDF).
  
  The second (or south) loop (38 miles) circles Redwood and Anthony Chabot Regional Parks via Skyline and Redwood Roads. Here are links to the the south loop map (PDF) and the the south loop cue sheet (PDF).
  
  We also have a Google Earth tour of the route.
  
  Times and Time Limits
  Rider check-in is 6:30 to 8:30am at Campolindo (7:30 to 10:00am if you use the alternative car-free start). We urge slower riders to get an early morning start, and if doing the full 112 mile course to start the afternoon loop by 2:00pm — see the table below. All 112 mile riders must start the afternoon loop by 3:00pm. It is hillier than the morning loop and your average speed will be slower.
  
  Food service at the start/lunch/finish (Campolindo): Hot food is available 11am until 4pm. Cold food is available until 6pm. After 6pm, a limited amount of cold food will be available at the Radio Trailer.
  
  Overall closing time is nominally 6:00pm. That's one hour earlier than previous years. We won't try to haul you off the course at 6pm (these are public roads, you can ride all night if you want!) but at 6pm our volunteers will be packing up to go home. A limited amount of SAG and cold food will be available after 6pm for stragglers.
  
  Rest stop closing times: Island, 10:30am. Port Costa, 1:00pm. Briones, 2:30pm. Proctor/Redwood, 5:45pm. SAG support on each course segment ends correspondingly.
  
  Start early and don't linger at lunch if you want to complete the entire 112 mile course . . . especially if you want food at the end! Briones and Proctor stay open late to support people who ride only the North Loop or ride home directly from Proctor. Their closing times are too late for people attempting the full 112 mile course.
  
  Slower riders attempting the full course. It is a challenge! You need to keep moving. Here are suggested timetables if you want to finish the full route before the 6pm food cutoff. A rider who averages 11mph rolling speed between rest stops (which is midpoint of GPC's T pace) can afford only 10 minutes at check-in and rest stops and only 20 minutes at lunch, as shown in the table. That's not much! A rider who averages 12mph rolling speed can afford 15 minutes at rest stops and 30 minutes at lunch.
  
  milepoint 11mph rider 12mph rider
  Check-in 0.0 06:30-06:40 06:30-06:45
  Island 19.8 08:28-08:38 08:24-08:38
  Port Costa 44.2 10:51-11:01 10:40-10:54
  Briones 61.4 12:34-12:44 12:20-12:34
  Lunch 73.3 13:49-14:09 13:33-14:03
  Proctor 96.9 16:18-16:28 16:01-16:15
  Finish 112.3 17:52 17:32
  
  
  The table is not fully realistic. It optimistically assumes the same rolling speed for the afternoon loop, but in fact it is hillier plus you will be tired by then.
  
  Support
  Our famous Grizzly Peak Century lunch is hearty, homemade, and hot — gourmet cycling food with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. The four rest stops along the way provide fruit, homemade cookies and breads, as well as more prosaic carbs.
  
  Drinks, etc. We provide lime gatorade, water, and some sodas. We do not provide sports gels or bars, nor any other sports drinks. If you need these, bring your own.
  
  Route maps and cue sheets are provided. The routes are clearly marked where permitted.
  
  Basic mechanic service is available at most rest stops. Mechanics can make emergency fixes, but don't expect them to replace a derailer or overhaul your headset.
  
  SAG vehicles patrol the route. They will help you if they can, and they will transport you forward on the course if need be. SAG drivers carry spare cables, tubes, and tires (common sizes only). You'll be asked to pay for any supplies used; carry some cash. Outside of emergencies, the SAG drivers' first duty is to aid riders who are continuing under their own power. Keep this in mind if you accept a ride from them. SAG drivers are not mechanics, nor taxi drivers.
  
• Members who are scheduled to race: