Mount Hamilton / Sunday, June 8, 2008
Sarah: We began by taking Hwy 9 from Santa Cruz to Saratoga (we avoid the 17 at all costs… as of yet, we haven’t ridden the motorcycles on it – Why would you when there are so many beautiful roads through the mountains?) We stopped in Saratoga for some oil for Chris’s bike which was strangely empty! Luckily he caught it and filled up before our ride.
We wanted to save time so we briefly took the I-280/680, exiting Alum Rock Road then headed towards Mt. Hamilton on the 130.
Initially, the 130 was incredibly bumpy and on-coming traffic was backed-up for miles. The turns were tight as oncoming traffic consisted of cars, school buses, SUVs, and huge trucks that couldn’t keep in their own lane. But, eventually the road became very secluded and very windy (and HOT!). Heading counter clockwise in this loop avoided tons of traffic.
We took a lunch break at the Junction Cafe near Del Puerto Canyon and Mines Rd. Here tons of bike stop for a break before they hit the windy road again. This cafe is the only thing on this road (other than the observatory) and you definitely need to refuel before getting on the 130 loop.
After the cafe, the roads were a little less windy towards Livermore and we didn’t see other vehicles in our direction (plenty of bikes going in the opposite direction though). Although a long and hot trip, it was tons of fun and good to practice your throttle control and tight switchbacks.
On the drive back we took an extra side road off the 9 towards Bonny Doon which is one of our favorite places to ride. It was almost dark and the forest was refreshingly cool compared to inland.
Christopher: We actually scouted this out last year in a car, and just now got around to riding it on the motos. It was good fun. Some parts reminded me of the tight switchbacks in Switzerland near the Alps. The main difference was the heat. It was really hot that day at Mt. Hamilton. I really like my BMW City Pants, but they can get warm, as they are textile. I need some mesh pants. If I complain enough, maybe Sarah will let me buy a pair…or maybe I’ll just find the City pants with a bunch of holes punched through them the next time I go riding…Sarah is really creative like that.
Mileage: 210 mi round trip – about 6 hours 31 mins: June 8, 08
