New rider/new owner of M696/new to East Bay. Been doing runs along Skyline/Grizzly Peak and will continue (still just scratching the surface) but looking for suggestions for other places to ride. Recognize my limitations so no flaming please! Just trying to get to know the area and my bike better. Thanks! 

Nick

Have you ventured down to Redwood yet? Some have issues with a few of the turns so keep it slow, but it's pretty basic and one of my favorites

*EDIT*Where in the East Bay are you?

You're not far from Marin either:
http://tinyurl.com/2gw9n6

The Local Resources thread also has some good ride routes linked.

ANd hey, post up and propose a ride! We're happy to show you the roads  And we won't flame you here...this isn't BARF 

Quote from: desmoquattro on August 22, 2008, 02:43:46 PMAnd we won't flame you here...this isn't BARF 

I can't make this promise.  [moto] 

Quote from: TCK! on August 22, 2008, 02:32:28 PM
Have you ventured down to Redwood yet? Some have issues with a few of the turns so keep it slow, but it's pretty basic and one of my favorites

*EDIT*Where in the East Bay are you?

Yes, have gone down Redwood a couple times.  Enjoyed it, although blind turns probably will be a challenge for awhile.

I live near the Thornhill Rd exit off 13. Basically, I've been heading up into the hills then cruising up to Berkeley, turning around and heading back south.  If you see a dark 696 and a red helmet, that's me!  [moto]

Thanks for the response.

Nick

Quote from: desmoquattro on August 22, 2008, 02:43:46 PM
You're not far from Marin either:
http://tinyurl.com/2gw9n6

The Local Resources thread also has some good ride routes linked.

ANd hey, post up and propose a ride! We're happy to show you the roads  And we won't flame you here...this isn't BARF 

I'll check out these links then give you a shout. Really appreciate the info. Thanks!

Nick

if blind corners/turns are an issue, then suggest you NOT ride calaveras ... otherwise, and awesome road for a monster.

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en&q=calaveras+road,+milpitas&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&resnum=1&ct=title

Yeah,  Calaveras has lots of sketchy corners, and it is frequently gravely, but it is one hell of a ride.

Hi Nick, a fun little loop from where you live would be to go through the tunnel and go down San Pablo Dam Rd. to Appian Wy. then hop on the 80 EB and get off @ Pinole Valley Rd. and go through the hills to Bear Creek Rd. and ride that back into Orinda and head home.  It isn't a long loop, but you'd get a lot of turns for the time spent. 

Calaveras is way more fun on a bicycle

Palomares is a nice beginner-friendly fun twisty road, just wish it were longer.

Calaveras at midnight in a modified Mini Cooper S w/ 20 other knuckleheads who love single lane roads 
Done it and it is a blast.     I'd think that road is a wee bit sketchy to play around on during the daytime since you can't
see around some of those corners too well and it's very tight in some spots.

My and my partner's regular route is Wildcat Canyon Road to San Pablo Dam Road to Castro Ranch Road to Alhambra Valley Road to Bear Creek Road back to Wildcat Canyon.

http://tinyurl.com/684kgo

When I did Calaveras I kept waiting for the road to begin then it was over... I need to do it again so I can remember all these blind turns everyone always talks about.

Quote from: Remy on August 23, 2008, 12:50:22 AM
My and my partner's regular route is Wildcat Canyon Road to San Pablo Dam Road to Castro Ranch Road to Alhambra Valley Road to Bear Creek Road back to Wildcat Canyon.

http://tinyurl.com/684kgo

I don't really like wildcat but in the same area, if you want a longer alternate:
Take Bear Creek from SPDR.
Turn right on Alhambra Valley. Take it to Alhambra.
Left on Alhambra.
Left on Franklin Canyon.
Right on McEwen. Be careful.
Left on Carquinez Scenic. Enjoy the views.
Left on Crockett Blvd. Watch the S turn.
Go either way on Cummings Skyway, to either 4 west or 80 west. Take 80 W to Pinole Valley.
Exit Pinole Valley. Take until it turns into Alhambra Valley again.
Right on Castro Ranch.
Back to SPDR. Left.
That's my hour-to-kill loop.

Thanks everyone for the comments/suggestions. Ended up meeting up with a Newbies group ride in Castro Valley and heading north to the Wall on Sat. (made for a nice roundtrip for me from home  ). Met some cool people and had zero issues on the ride. Spent time riding on my own on Redwood and Pinehurst Sunday morning. At this point, can't get enough  [moto] so any other ideas for great rides in this area, let me know!
Nick