I rode Mines Road (south of Livermore) today with two other guys.  It was my first time.  I've seen it on the map, but never ventured there until today.  Wow!  That's fun!

Yeah it is a great road although some times people shy away due to the winter water crossings, and seems like the never ending chip seal oh and the people cutting off cows head on the side of the road (cow was already dead).

Quote from: TCK! on November 21, 2008, 03:23:21 PMoh and the people cutting off cows head on the side of the road (cow was already dead).

where's the challenge in that?   

now, cutting the head off  of a LIVE cow ... that's a challenge. 

Yeah cow tipping is so passe...

Later

Quote from: TCK! on November 21, 2008, 03:23:21 PM
Yeah it is a great road although some times people shy away due to the winter water crossings, and seems like the never ending chip seal oh and the people cutting off cows head on the side of the road (cow was already dead).

Never saw any of that today.  Clear skies, warm weather.  There was just enough gravel in some turns to keep you on your toes, but wow!  Later, I'll have to take it all the way to Mt. Hamilton.

Ahh, Livermore. I used to commute there to work from SF, but after 8 yrs I got a job in Oakland/Richmond. Since you're out that way, make a pit stop at Wente's and enjoy a glass of wine.  [wine]If you're going to dine there, I recommend the smoked double cut pork chop. Yum!

Quote from: r_ciao on November 21, 2008, 11:08:45 PM
Never saw any of that today.  Clear skies, warm weather.  There was just enough gravel in some turns to keep you on your toes, but wow!  Later, I'll have to take it all the way to Mt. Hamilton.

you have to ride mines road when tck! is around with his triple-clamp mounted chainsaw.   

So how far did you go?  All the way to The Junction then turn around, or what?

One of the best parts of riding Mines Road is taking Del Puerto Canyon 26 miles down to Patterson.  Get gas there, then go back and head up Mt. Hamilton.

Be aware that a lot of people have crashed on those road, including me.  I've been on two other rides up there where people went down as well.  Mines Road and the roads connected to it are not forgiving of mistakes, so adjust your pace accordingly.

We ate lunch at The Junction, then turned around.  It took us about an hour from Dublin then turned around b/c we had things to do.  How much longer to Mt. Hamilton?  Hard to tell by looking at a map.  Thanks for the advice.  Since it was my first time, I took it slow, but can definitely see the opportunities to drop the bike.

Nice!
On Friday I did a loop up Hamilton from SJ, up to Del Puerto,  out to Patterson, back to Mines, and up to Livermore.

The SJ side of Hamilton was fogged in and pretty slick, but for the most part the roads were clear of debris.  Once you got above the clouds, whooo weee! It was gorgeous! Not much gravel, dry road, and fun!

The backside of Ham was sunny, but the roads were abit wetter and far more crap.  Kinda sketchy until you got down into the Valley.  Then it was really really nice all the way to Del Puerto.

Friday was the first time I had actually ridden Del Puerto.  Fun road, but between the cows, gravel in the road for a good 7 outta the 25 miles, and all the trucks pulling big trailers to the dirtbike park it's definitely a good place to stay on your toes!

Then the last bit of Mine's up to Livermore was pretty clear as well.  Typical Mine's bit of gravel here and there, but nothing too scary. Great ride!   

Really is some great riding out there.    

That is one of my favorite rides on a bicycle.  I have yet to do it on a motorcycle....  Someday....