26% grade on Orbit Rd. - Notice the jogger on the right having to lean forward on the climb...Go Benjie! Sunday 10/25 This will be an easy 66 mile R/T ride to Saratoga town and back unless you plan on tackling the climbs. Meet: 7:30 and Roll: 8:00 at Don Edward Marshlands Rd. cross over Dumbarton Bridge to Stanford Mall up Sand Hill Rd., South on Foothill continuing on to Stevens Canyon Rd where the group will split in two.
Alfred will lead the climbers up Redwood Gulch, while Martin will lead the other group on a short moderate climb over Mt. Eden and Pierce Rd down Hwy 9 into Saratoga town to regroup at the foot of Bohlman Rd. Those not wishing to climb up Bohlman-Orbit Rd can enjoy brunch in town while they wait for the other riders to return. Return trip after brunch will be a short climb over Mt. Eden again and down to Los Altos on Foothill.
Note: Those wishing to take on Bohlman-Orbit Rd should read the information on this link: http://graphics.stanford.edu/~lucasp/grade/bohlmanonorbit.html
Here is the link for the pics on the climbs: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28179537@N08/sets/72157622690718908/
After the first climb in bugarin (probably equal to palomares) our group dwindled down to 11 riders headed by, Mr. Tour of Luzon champ, Victor Espiritu. A quick stop at the foot for some pop cola and skyflakes, then it's on to the flats. About 20 miles with a pace of 24 mph, it wasn't that bad with a little teamwork and good rotation (like drafting behind JohnV, John S, Jack, Rolly, Gonzalo, and Cesar - ey sounds like a Time Trial Team). We got to Pagsanjan and that's where the magic happened. Lumpia, pancit, sinigang, rice and ice cream c/o el presidente. Ahhh... yum, yum... Victor (4th from left) was very happy. It was his birthday! But did i mention we had to go back?
I felt like taking the bus on the way back or riding with the 2 in the middle that rode their SAG and went back to the comforts of home. But it's never say die! We trecked on... same flat road and same friggin' mountain. It was every man for himself. 3 of us broke away up the mountain then the rain started pouring. California rain is nothing! These rain drops hurt like hell (Ouch!!!). All made it to shelter, had some hot bulalo (bone marrow) soup and Coke (this is probably the Gu of the Philippines), waited for the rain to die down a little and trekked again. One more climb in Teresa (what??? another palomares that switched back and forth like mt. hamilton). Oh, and there's the added difficulty of dodging jeeps, trucks, motorcyles and people. Then it's down the home stretch. Whew! What a day. I'm sure Rodge can relate. He's done this before and will be doing the same thing again in Feb '10 when he comes here. Anyone interested in joining him? Let's dawn our Siclista Jerseys in PI!!!