Mt. Diablo Ascent from Southern Gate
C.H. Luu
I'm planning on climbing Mt Diablo from the Southern Gate on
Saturday. This will be my first ascent of this mountain. Any have
any tips, recommendations on this climb? I wen't up Mt. Hamilton a
month ago and had a wonderful time. Did run out of steam the last two
miles up to the observatory. Is the climb similar in gradient and
length?
Also is there anything I for which I should be observent during the
descent? I will heading down the North Gate side. I'm actually more
worried about the descent, since I don't descend well (okay, I'm
rather pathetic at it).
Claude
Mike Jacoubowsky
news:1c43048b-ca18-4ecd...@22g2000prx.googlegroups.com...
Claude: Mt Diablo is a pretty even grade, nothing steep until the goat
path at the very top. It can be windy because it's rather exposed.
Probably the main thing to watch out for are the rangers with radar
guns, nailing people for "speeding" at 25mph. Yes, they have a
ridiculously-low speed limit through the park, and it's hard to descend
without exceeding it. I haven't heard horror stories lately, but they've
certainly targeted cyclists in the past.
Obviously, there's a write-up on our website-
http://www.chainreaction.com/diablo.htm. Almost exactly 10 years ago!!!
Wow. I need to go back and ride it again with my son.
Looking at the weather, it should be a pretty nice day. Have a great
ride!
--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com
C.H. Luu
Thanks for the advice and the write up on your website. Managed to
make it up there in about an hour and twenty/twenty five minutes.
I must say, the beginning and middle sections are deceiving,
especially since the gradient gets harder at the top. Also, the cow
path
as you described it was nothing short of agony. I was quite tired by
the time I arrived there and actually took a small breather, before
proceeding. My only thought running was "please do not let the legs
cramp." My Garmin read 16%.
It was actually a clearly sky and I could see well into the north bay
and the Martinez Bridge. Shockingly, hordes of cyclists assaulted
the climb as well. My only mishap occured during the descent when a
car crossed the road divider and almost hit the person
with whom I was riding. Fortunately, his handling skills were top
notch and he managed to avoid the car.
Although, I felt more tired after climbing Diablo than I did after
climbing Mt. Hamilton, I rather enjoyed it immensely. I'll definitely
be
back before the weather turns to ardent heat. It wouldn't be much fun
climbing that road under 90 degree heat.
Claude