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HomeCalendarCarquinez Loop Clockwise w/ lunch stop in Martinez 30mi/+2,100' (Frank)

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Carquinez Loop Clockwise w/ lunch stop in Martinez 30mi/+2,100' (Frank)

About this event





Time:  Meet 9:45AM/Roll 10:00AM
Location: Pinole Valley Park X Simas Avenue, ball field parking lot, Pinole CA 94564 Map  **Make a right to the parking lot after you pass the Pinole Valley Park signage.  Bathroom structure is under the bleachers towards the playground side.

Pace: 
Social Pace 12.5-13.5 mph including all climbs   Legend & Pace Rating  This is intended to be a social pace shorter distance ride.  Other paces welcome but should be prepared to have navigation if riding way faster or slower than the overall group pace

Route: Route Map  


Description:
 Come explore the Contra Costa area with us starting from Pinole Valley Park.  We'll make our way north in a clockwise direction following the Carquinez Shoreline past the town of Crockett and Port Costa.  We'll make a mid ride lunch stop in downtown Martinez and meet up with our beloved Marin Cyclists member and historian, Melissa Jacobson. Places to eat include Luigi's Deli 537 Main Street, States Coffee 609 Ward Street, Starbucks 700 Main Street, plus dozens of other options in the area.  Then we continue south into the verdant Alhambra Valley and climb Alhambra Valley Rd aka. Pig Farm Hill*, a 7 mile long stretch +800 ft steady ascent with a 200 ft kicker, 7-9% gradient average for the final 1/2 mile.  You'll know it when you are climbing it.  We'll be rewarded with a sweet descent as we drop down to Pinole and back to Pinole Valley Park.

*Why is it called Pig Farm Hill?  It was local cycling lore that ages ago a very pungent and smelly Pig Farm used to be situated at the summit of Alhambra Valley Rd.  Cyclists would climb the hill and be greeted with the stench of the farm at the very top.  The farm has long moved on but the name stuck with the town residents.

NOT A NO DROP RIDE.  Not a beginner's ride. 

Other pace riders welcome but should be prepared to provide their own navigation.  
If you ride way slower or faster than the main group you will be separated and will likely be riding on your own.  Try to find a small pod who knows the way and stick together.  Please review the route well in advance of the ride.  Download it to your bike computer or print out a cue sheet.  

Date and Time

Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9:45 AM until 1:30 PM

Location

Pinole Valley Park ***Meet at Ballfield parking area near Simas Avenue***
Pinole Valley Park X Simas Avenue
Pinole Valley Road X Simas Avenue Parking Lot
Pinole, CA  94564
USA

Additional Info

Contact(s)

Frank Valentini
Ride Leader
415 902 6840 (p)


Helen Kwong
Admin
4152979845 (p)

Category

AB

Registration Info

Registration is required
-All riders must register to ride, members and non-members
-20% or more chance of rain at noon cancels the ride
-Must wear a helmet
-Please make sure your bike is in good maintenance
-Bring spare tube(s), mini pump/C02, or tubeless repair kit as necessary
-Day time running lights are highly recommended
-Please obey all traffic rules
-Share the road, ride as far to the right as practicable
-Please download the route to your bike computer or print out a route sheet
-Respect the ride leader
Registration cancellations will be accepted

Number of People Who Will Attend

Non-Member *
(No Fee)
* This can be your primary registrant type. Only one primary registrant type is allowed per registration.
Register Now