Calaveras Loop (With my new Clem!)

[Justin Lai]

Hello, all. Long time lurker, first time poster. 

I picked up a new complete Clem H a few weeks ago from Blue Heron Bikes in Berkeley, and took it on its first proper ride this Sunday on the Calaveras Loop in Northern California. I fortunately live on the route, so was able to enjoy the beautiful ride up Niles Canyon in Fremont, back down along the freshly paved Calaveras Road down to Milpitas (Without ever getting into a car!) 

My buddy and I (Fellow Clem H owner who introduced me to Rivendell and had me read "Just Ride" last year) stopped at Devout Coffee in Niles Canyon for some takeout, before making a leisurely pace up Niles Canyon. It was a perfectly sunny and breezy 70 degrees, and we could not have asked for better weather. We made plenty of stops for snacks and photos, and took in the views of the Calaveras Reservoir. After making our descent back down from the Calaveras hills, we stopped by Taqueria Las Vegas for some burritos, tacos, and horchata. 

I couldn't have asked for a better "maiden voyage". I'm in love with this bike, and am feeling especially fortunate to live in Northern California. 

We're putting together a list of rides to do next. Would love to hear your recommendations! 

You can find more of my photos on Instagram at @jdlclem. 

Thanks for reading! 

[Justin Lai]

[ted]

recommended variation on that route:

Make a left on Welch Creek (slightly before the bridge near the bottom of the climb on calaveras).

Go most of the way up and hang a right into Sunol Wilderness on the Eagle View (?) trail at the 2.7 mile marker parking pull out (parking on left).

Proceed down through the park and out on Geary road.

Rejoin Calaveras right at the bottom of the climb.

If you're ambitious, take Cave Rocks road up to where it hits Cerro Este road. Great views from up there, but rather a climb.

A nice all pavement variation is to go left after descending "the wall" at the end of Calaveras and take Felter all the way to the top of the climb on Siera. Then descend that down into Milpetas, or reverse back the way you came.

You can also ride into Pleasanton Ridge from Sunol, There is a road that looks like a driveway (identifiable by the presence of a stop sign) that comes off Foothill just just right of where you cross if you go up Kilkare. Take that road up a short steep incline to the end and there is a gate for entering the park at is southernmost end. It's possible (though perhaps not legal) to go north through the park then east and down to hit Palameres road right at the top of that climb.

On Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 9:34:34 AM UTC-7, Justin Lai wrote:

[aeroperf]

Justin—

Up Calaveras to Felter, up Felter to Sierra, Up Sierra to Sierra Gunnwood Canyon Rd, then Alum Rock Falls Rd, and finally Mt. Hamilton Rd down into the valley.  I took Piedmont Rd back to Milpitas.

I only did this once, 30 years ago - it is a long day with a lot of verticality - but you get to see some really pretty sights on both sides of the hills.
I also admit that I called for a ride back up from Milpitas - my Mom lived on Felter Rd and my legs were shot.

Enjoy!

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

#Clemsaregems, Justin! I’ve been following you on Instagram and admiring your new bike; I hope you enjoy every darn mile. I love the grilver - one of Rivendell’s best colors ever.

Fellow Clem rider,
Leah

[Justin Lai]

Ted, these recommendations are great-- thanks. I'll report back with some photos once I try these. 

[Justin Lai]

Whew, my legs are tensing up just reading your route! I'll have to work up to a climb like this-- enjoying the longer rides with more gradual climbs for now. Thanks! 

[Justin Lai]

Thanks, Leah! The Clem has been an absolute blast; it feels like I'm in a totally different class of vehicle, unlike any bike I've ever ridden. Loving your IG posts with your decked out Clem family as well! Cheers. 

Justin