Description

The 50 mile course has about 4,400 feet of climbing. It is the heart of the 75 mile course but skips the northern portion. It offers plenty of climbing and great views. From the start at St Mary's College it climbs the east side of the Oakland-Berkeley hills via Pinehurst Road, then follows the ridge up and over Grizzly Peak and into Tilden Park to the rest stop at Island Picnic Area. It then continues on the ridge and around the north end of the Berkeley Hills to Castro Ranch Road. Then it's on to the Three Bears with a rest stop at Briones Regional Park. Finally, relatively easy riding on Moraga Way takes you back to the start for the post-ride meal.

Alternative Car-Free Start

If you use our car-free start at Island Picnic Area, just join the regular route and you will eventually get to St Mary's College where the barbeque takes place. Enjoy your meal, then ride the 18 miles back past Island (which will be long since closed), or deviate from the course at whatever point is best for your return trip home. Use the directions on the start of the cue sheet if you need help.

Don't Start Too Early

For our 50 mile route, please do not start too early. The route is designed for people who ride 12 mph average or less and want to enjoy the scenery. If you start before 8:00 am, or hammer the route, you will arrive at our Briones rest stop before its opening 10:45 AM, and possibly at lunch before its opening at noon. Slow down, be safe, and enjoy the ride!

Map

Below is a tentative map. Note that you can click on View Full Version to see more details. Also read our information regarding Electronic Navigation.

Cue Sheet

We have a tentative cue sheet available now. You will receive a final cue sheet at registration.