RBW Group New Year’s Day Ride

[Ray]

This is a preliminary poll to feel out list members who might be
interested in an unofficial group ride. This is not yet a commitment
to unofficially host the event (Unofficially, ala RBW’s Unofficial Mt.
Diablo rides). I’m only testing the waters to gauge the overall
interest of list members.

Background: Every year since my retirement, I have welcomed in the New
Year with a symbolic ride from my home in San Francisco to the top of
Mt. Tamalpais. Not really a tradition, but 2011 will be my 8th such
ride. It’s not a particularly challenging ride, as most NorCal
members already know, but it’s the closest and most accessible real
“mountain” from my home. So, for me, Mt. Tam it will be again in 2011.

I normally depart my home about 0700 hours and arrive on the top
around 0930 or 1000. This year, I sort of have it in my mind to greet
the New Year on top at actual sunrise, which is 0725 for San
Francisco. I don’t know why, only that I just want to do it that
way. That means, of course, that I will need to do most of the ride
up the mountain in darkness using appropriate lighting and reflective
gear. Traffic should be all but non-existent once past Mill Valley,
and certainly once past Pan Toll Station. Yes, I am quite aware of the
risk of late reveling drunk drivers, but I do think that as the dawn
approaches, that risk significantly diminishes.

I have developed three possible routes, and am curious which, if any,
list members would be most likely to join for a New years Ride up Mt.
Tam.

Scenario 1 - Participants gather at Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza
parking lot at 0400. Departure between 0400-0430. Planned arrival on
top of Mt. Tam 0700. Toast to the New Year at 0725 sunrise. Route:
Over GG Bridge, Sausalito, mud flats, Mill Valley, Edgewood,
Panoramic, Pan Toll, East Ridgecrest, summit. Distance 19.4 miles (As
per MapMyRide). Total elevation gain 2749 feet.

Scenario 2 - Participants depart from Sausalito Mud Flats parking lot
(the one under US 101 overpass) at 0445. Planned arrival on top of
Mt. Tam 0700. Toast to the New Year at 0725 sunrise. Same route to top
excluding GG Bridge and Sausalito. Plenty of available parking here.
Distance 12.8 miles. Total elevation gain 2749 feet.

Scenario 3 - Participants unofficially gather at two separate start
points to accommodate north and south residing members. One group
gathers at Parking lot near Sports Basement at Crissey Field,
Presidio, in SF (Good parking availability) at 0400, depart 0415.
Follow same route as Scenario #1. Planned arrival on top of Mt. Tam
0700. Toast to the New Year at 0725 sunrise. Distance 20.4 miles.
Elevation 2749 feet.
Second group gathers at Ross Commons, Town of Ross, Marin County, at
0400, depart 0415. Route is usual through Ross, San Anselmo, Fairfax,
Bolinas Road, Alpine Dam, Ridgecrest to summit. Distance 20.7 miles.
Elevation 2743.
Both groups are likely to join and mingle at the “Y” where Ridgecrest
intersects with road up from Pan Toll. All participants on the same
route last 3 miles from the “Y” to the summit. Everyone on top by
0700. Toast the New Year at 0725 sunrise.

From the summit, there are a variety of neat and interesting return
options, including fire roads and other dirt trails on Tam (the cradle
of mountain biking). There are also many cafes and coffee houses that
will open in the towns by the time of our return.

I will be toasting the New Year with some cheap but chilled bubbly
and will no doubt have enough to share with all.

This, of course, is not a race. Indeed, in the true spirit of all
things Rivendell, I might even have a special surprise for he or she
who arrives LAST at the top of the mountain (but before 0700. More
details later).

Weather is always a consideration in January. Heavy, consistent
rain, or heavy ground fog might be spoilers, particularly for a ride
in darkness on roads prone to landslides and rock slides. Many areas
on the road can easily develop black-ice in the early morn,
particularly areas on Panoramic and along Alpine Lake. The very
occasional snow or sleet event can close the roads entirely.

There is not likely to be a support or sag vehicle of any kind. Some
areas on the mountain do not have reliable cell coverage. There will
be no conveniences or services beyond the various town limits and,
considering the time, maybe not even in the towns proper on the ride
up.

There are a number of potentially symbolic aspects to this ride,
depending upon one’s own perspective, place, and Karma. Among those
things are:

Mt. Tam is among the few western-most true mountains in the lower 48,
and literally sits on the very edge of the continent. (I know; more
apropos for a sunset event, but…)

Mt. Tam is widely considered the birthplace of mountain biking, and
this might have particular meaning to those of you fortunate enough to
be riding a Bombadil, Hunq, or other trail-rigged RBW frame.

From the top of Tam on a clear morning, the sun will rise from behind
Mt. Diablo, some 30 miles to the east. RBW headquarters sits at the
western base of this mountain.

2011 marks the first year of a new decade.

There are currently 11 bicycle models available from RBW, if one
counts the custom frame and the new Amos.



Any member interested in this ride, respond off list. If there is
enough interest -- and a majority consensus on a route -- I will
unofficially post more details, including a roster. (Unofficial, ala
RBW’s Unofficial Mt. Diablo rides.)

[James Warren]

I'm in if we promise to make a lot of Spinal Tap references.

On Nov 6, 2010, at 1:17 PM, Ray wrote:

>
>
> 2011 marks the first year of a new decade.
>
> There are currently 11 bicycle models available from RBW, if one
> counts the custom frame and the new Amos.
>
>
>
> Any member interested in this ride, respond off list. If there is
> enough interest -- and a majority consensus on a route -- I will
> unofficially post more details, including a roster. (Unofficial, ala
> RBW’s Unofficial Mt. Diablo rides.)
>

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