Cycling
/Corbett_Bill.jpg) Bill Corbett
|
/O'Neill_Frank.jpg) Frank O'Neill
|
The Sirs cycle group continues to have a great time getting together for some vigorous adventures and old standby local rides. We usually have 8-15 riders that join in the fun and fellowship on our semiweekly rides. We have grown in numbers as new younger Sir members come in with physical exercising high on their priority list. Most of our rides have been in the 20 to 50 mile range, and our easy rider members still get out for shorter rides. eBikes are welcome and we have a few regular eBike riders.
For those that would like to join us, we plan easier rides on Thursdays and more challenging rides on Mondays.
If you are interested in more information about the cycle group please contact co-leaders Bill Corbett or Frank O'Neill (contact information is available in our membership directory) to get on our email list.
2024 Cycling
October 2024
There were 9 rides in October. The rides covered a distance of 221 miles with 97 riders in attendance.
Photo taken at the end of Eden Canyon road on October 14th.
Photo taken at the end of Eden Canyon road on October 14th.
September 2024
The cycling group went on 9 rides with 88 riders in attendance for a total of 223 miles.
August 2024
This past month the cycling group went on 9 rides with 88 riders attending totaling 227 miles. The month was high-lighted with a ride in the Napa valley.
Lunch at the Vintner’s Golf club in Yountville after a 33 mile ride around the Napa Valley
July 2024
It was pretty hot this month, so, most of our rides started early to avoid the heat of the late morning and afternoon. There were 9 rides for a total of 212 miles with 74 riders attending. The routes ranged from 19 miles to 32 miles and traveled throughout the Diablo Valley.
June 2024
We had an active month of cycling. There were 8 rides that totaled 197 miles with 71 attendees. The routes included Moraga and Concord to the north. Sunol and Livermore to the South. Mt Diablo to the east. Las Trampas and Castro Valley to the west.
Jerald Cerri 1940 - 1924
SIR 128 Cycling Leader 2006-1016
May 2024
May was an active month. There were 9 rides for a total of 218 miles. Routes reaching Moraga, Mt Diablo, Eden Canyon, Collier Canyon, Las Trampas and many trails/road’s in between. There were 88 cyclists that attended the rides.
Photo taken on Ironhorse trail near the Civic Center on the “ride to anywhere day”. 5-16.
Left to right: Bill Corbett, Jerry Hale, Dan VanDeZanden, Don Daniel, Frank O’Neill
Left to right: Bill Corbett, Jerry Hale, Dan VanDeZanden, Don Daniel, Frank O’Neill
April 2024
There were 89 riders that attended 9 rides in April. The routes added up to 227 total miles in various directions in the tri-valley. One of the routes featured the American River (below) which started in Carmichael and continued along the American River Trail to the Folsom Reservoir and back.
Matt Humphreys, Frank O'Neill, Bill Clark, Tom Gergely, Dan Van Der Zaden, Jerry Hale, Steve Kolda and Bill Corbett
March 2024
The cycling group went on 7 rides this month with a combined total of 170 miles. Also, there were a total of 65 riders in attendance. Photo taken 3-14 at the Verona bridge.
Bob Turner, Jerry Hale, Steve Kolda, Steve Fuller, Jim Hughell, Chris Knaus, Ken Sterba, Frank O’Neill, Bob Maddox, Dave Stanley and Dan VanDerZaden
February 2024
There were 8 rides scheduled in February, 3 were rained out. The remaining 5 rides had 49 riders attending and covered 112 miles.
Photo taken on 2/15 at Diablo Vista Park. Left to Right: Bob Turner, Dan VanDeZanden, Stan Clarke, Bill Corbett, Frank O’Neill, Jim Suffoletta, Jerry Hale, Dave Stanley.
January 2024
Below is a map of Bill's new Cross Valley ride. The ride is short, 15 miles, but hilly; perfect for a warm January day. Starting at Starbucks we go west on Dublin Blvd to the top at Schafer Ranch on the west side of the valley. Then we take Dublin Canyon and Laurel Creek to Foothill Blvd. We cross the valley on Amador Valley and take the Alamo Creek trail over to Old Ranch Road on the east side of the Valley. Then down Alcosta and back to Starbucks.
West end of Dublin Blvd, January 29, 2024 on the new Cross Valley ride; it was a nice warm January day. Jerry Hale, Jim Suffoletta, Dan Van Der Zaden, Tom Gergely, Chris Knaus, Steve Kolda, Bill Clark and David Stanley. Bill Corbett on the camera as usual.
Photo taken at January 15th at Las Trampas. Top row: Jim Suffoletta, Chris Knaus, Tom Gergely, Frank O’Neill, Bill Corbett and Bob Maddox. Bottom row: Stan Clarke, Ken Sterba, Bill Clark, Jerry Hale and David Stanley.
January 1st, 2024, New Year's Day ride to the Verona Bridge and through Happy Valley. Frank O'Neill, Bob Maddox, Dan Van Der Zaden, Jerry Hale Chris Knaus, Bill Corbett and Jim Suffolette. That's Bob Turner's shadow taking the photo.
2023 Cycling
For the year 2023, there were: 89 rides, that traveled 2,413 miles with 951 riders attending. That averages to 27 miles per ride with 10.7 riders per ride. We now have two eBikes on most rides and sometimes a couple more. We had a great time this year and thank Bill Corbett for his tireless efforts in leading the group. During 2023 we lost Mac Simpson who moved back to his homeland in Canada and Dave Mosunich who moved to Redding. We will miss these regular riders and coffee drinkers! We had quite a few new riders join, several who are riding regularly, including Michael Wolfson, Bob Maddox, Tom Gergely, Don Daniel and Sunyo Suhaimi.
Thanks to all who participated in the cycling group this past year and we wish you a Happy and Healthy 2024. We look forward to seeing you on our first 2024 ride.
December 2023
There were 8 rides in December with one rainout. The rides traveled a total of 168 miles with 75 participants.
Above Photo taken December 21, 2023 — Candy Cane Lane, Pleasanton.
L to R: Ken Sterba, Bob Turner, Frank O’Neill, Bob Maddox, Don Daniel, Jim Hughell, Jerry Hale, Dave Mosunich, Bill Corbett
L to R: Ken Sterba, Bob Turner, Frank O’Neill, Bob Maddox, Don Daniel, Jim Hughell, Jerry Hale, Dave Mosunich, Bill Corbett
October, 2023
There were 8 rides in October, attended by 94 riders. The total distance was 198 miles and elevation gain of over 6400 feet. Our rides routed through various places in the Diablo Valley. From Concord to the north and Livermore to the south.
We ride on Monday and Thursdays. If you would like to join the group, contact Frank O'Neill or Bill Corbett. All are welcome.
July, 2023
The weather was very good during July, which made the rides even more enjoyable. There were 8 planned rides, highlighted with a ride in the Napa Valley around the vineyards on Highway 29 and the Silverado trail. The distance for the 8 rides was 191 miles, with 97 riders attending. Photo was taken at the Yountville Country club after Napa valley ride.
Clockwise from the front left: Jerry Hale, Eric Fidel, David Mosunich, Jim Hughell, Bill Buhl, Jim Suffoletta, Dave Stanley, Rich England, Frank O'Neill, Dan VanDeZanden, Bill Corbett, and Steve Kolda.
June, 2023
The cycling group went on 9 rides last month with 89 riders attending. In total we went 247 miles and climbed 7550 feet. Our routes traversed all through the Diablo Valley. Including Castro Valley, Livermore, Mount Diablo, Orinda and all cities in the middle.
On July 10th we will be riding a 35 mile loop in the Napa valley. Yountville to St Helena and return via Napa to Yountville.
Photo taken in San Ramon at the bridge between old Dougherty and new Dougherty
May, 2023
The cycling group went on 9 rides in May. There were 99 riders that attended for a total of 228 miles. The rides went throughout the east bay. South to Sunol, East to Livermore, Mt Diablo, and Concord North to Lafayette. West to Moraga & Orinda. The feature ride was a trip to Sacramento for a ride on the American river trail from Carmichael to Folsom lake and back.
Photo taken 5-8 at the American river in Carmichael. Left to right: Karen, Rich, Frank, Dave M, Steve, Cliff, Bill Clark, Bill C, Dave S, Jim H, Michael, Chris, Jim S
April, 2023
There were 8 rides in April, attended by 89 riders for a total distance of 217 miles. The rides included: Moraga, Collier Canyon, Livermore/Pleasanton Vineyards, Las Trampas, Sunol, Mt Diablo and most of the cities in between.
March, 2023
The month started off with a ride on the 3rd, then 3 consecutive rain outs. Continued with 5 rides inserted around the many rainy days. There were a total of 65 riders attending 6 rides for 135 miles.
February, 2023
We conducted six of eight planned rides this month. Two were rained out. Our routes went into various areas of the valley. including: Castro Valley, Livermore, Concord, Collier Canyon, Eden Canyon and many of the communities in between. The six rides covered 145 miles, climbed over 6,400 feet and were attended by 65 riders.
A ride on the American river trail is being planned for April. It starts east of Sacramento and routes toward Folsom Dam and back. Contact Bill Corbett or Frank O'Neill for more information
January, 2023:
Was a very wet month, thankfully. So, we only had four rides this month. We kept the rides shorter, because it was pretty cold. There were a total of 41 riders for 89 miles. Photo taken on 1-21 at the Verona bridge in Pleasanton.
Left to right: Jim Hughell, Chris Knaus, Jerry Hale, Dave Stanley, Bob Turner, Rich England, Bill Clark, Bill Corbett, Dan VanDeZanden, Dave Mosunich
2022 Cycling
THE YEAR 2022
94 rides
2376 miles
50,656 feet of climbing
an average of 10 riders per ride.
December, 2022
Generally a cold and wet month. We had 6 rides this month for a total of 141 miles with 62 attending. There were some unique mechanical problems this month. Broken frame, broken cassette and a broken chain.
Generally a cold and wet month. We had 6 rides this month for a total of 141 miles with 62 attending. There were some unique mechanical problems this month. Broken frame, broken cassette and a broken chain.
We have many photos from 2022, here are a few:
December - Broken frame
December broken chain in Happy Valley.
October: End of the road - Eden Canyon
August: Napa Valley
July: Danville - Morninghome Road
April: Collier Canyon
February: Cull Canyon, Castro Valley
October, 2022
We had a good turnout for rides this month, It was helpful that we had some good October weather. There were 8 rides that went south through Livermore and Pleasanton, north through Danville, & Alamo, east to Collier canyon with many roads, hills, & bike paths in between. We had 88 riders and covered 233 miles.
Photo taken at Las Trampas Regional Park . L to R Back row - Ed Martin, Michael Wolfson, Frank O'Neill, Dan VanDeZanden, Bill Clark, Dave Stanley. Middle - Dave Mosunich, Ken Sterba, Mac Simpson, Jerry Hale, Stan Clarke. Front - Bill Buhl, Jim Hughell, Bill Corbett
September 2022
The weather was unique in September. Of the 9 rides planned, 3 were called off. Two due to heat and one due to rain in the following week. We went a total of 141 miles for the 6 rides with 47 attending.
August 2022
The cycling group got together for 9 rides this month. The routes included the Livermore vineyards, Mt Diablo, Napa valley vineyards and many others. There were 93 riders attending the 9 rides for a total of 241 miles.
Photo taken on August 25th at Diablo Vista park in Danville
Top L-R Jim Suffoletta, Jerry Hale, Frank O'Neill, Chris Knaus, David Mosunich, Dan VanDeZanden
Bottom L-R Steve Kolda, Dave Stanley,Michael Wolfson, Mac Simpson
July, 2022
July was an active month for us. There were 8 rides that went a total of 216 miles and included 76 riders. The rides traversed all over the tri valley. From Concord to Mt Diablo, to Livermore, Pleasanton, Castro Valley and many roads in the middle. Photo taken on July 21st relaxing in the shade at Starbucks after a warm ride.
L to R:Steve Kolda, Frank O'Neill, Michael Wolfson, Jerry Hale, Dave Lowry, Dave Mosunich, Mac Simpson, Ken Sterba, Dan VanDeZanden
February, 2022
There were 8 planned rides in the month. The attendance was up (86 riders). We traveled 214 miles within the tri-valley area. From Orinda to Mt. Diablo, Altamont Pass, and Sunol. Many roads & trails in between.
Photo taken prior to the ride over the Altamont Pass on February 17th. The photo is at the start/end point of the ride at the Livermore Water Plant on East Jack London Blvd.
L to R Jim Suffoletta, Dave Stanley, Ken Sterba, Chris Knaus, Jerry Hale, Frank O'Neill, Rich England, Mac Simpson (Bill Corbett on camera)
January, 2022
There were 8 rides in January that covered 214 miles ranging from Orinda, Sunol, Castro Valley and Livermore including many roads and trails in between. There were a total of 81 riders that participated.
2021 Cycling
November, 2021
November was a busy month for cycling. We had one rain out and no ride on Thanksgiving. We did go on 7 rides totaling 178 miles and 61 riders. Photo taken in Kalthoff Common (Southern Livermore/Pleasanton vineyard area)
Left to Right: Steve Kolda, Bob Turner, Chris Knaus, Rich England, Ken Sterba, Stan Clark, Mac Simpson, Jim Suffoletta, Bill Buhl, Jerry Hale (Bill Corbett on camera)
August, 2021
In August we went on 9 rides for a total of 233 miles. The participation was from 6 to 14 riders for a total of 86. We joined with SIR146 (WNCR) in the middle of the month for joint rides. We are inviting 146 to all of our rides and they are inviting us to their rides. On 8-23 we rode up Mt. Diablo to Curry point to celebrate the procurement of 1.5 million dollars to build 23 more turnouts to make it safer for bikers and cars ascending the mountain.
Photo taken at Diablo Vista park on August 16th. We had a lot of visiting cyclist from Branch 146.
Photo taken at Curry point on Mt. Diablo August 23rd.
L to R - Chris Knaus, Dave Mosunich, Bill Corbett, Frank O'Neill, Jim Suffoletta, Dan VanDeZanden, Stan Clarke
July, 2021
During the month of July we went on 9 organized rides for a total of 223 Miles. The rides ranged in distance from 19 miles to 34 miles. There was a total attendance of 75. Some of the destinations were, Collier Canyon, Moraga Commons, Las Trampas, Mt. Diablo, and Sunol railroad station.
Photo at the Mt Diablo Ranger Station
L to R: Jim Suffoletta, Mac Simpson, Dan VanDeZanden, Ken Sterba, Jerry Hale, Chris Knaus
Not in picture: Bob Turner, Dave Stanley, Bill Corbett
June, 2021
We organized 8 rides in June, riding to Cull Canyon in Castro Valley, Collier Canyon in Livermore, Foothill and Happy Valley in Pleasanton, and American River in Sacramento to Folsom Lake. Four other loop routes that included San Ramon, Livermore, Pleasanton and Danville. There were a total of 67 riders and 218 miles for the 8 rides.
Photo: At the American River in Carmichael
L to R: Back Row: Frank, Steve, Jim, Rich, Chris, Front Row: Dave, Ken
April, 2021
In April, we went on 8 rides for a total of 206 miles. A total of 69 riders attended the rides (average about 9-10 per ride). The longest ride was 35 miles, the shortest was 19 miles. In May we will be planning to ride the American River Trail in Sacramento, open to all riders and abilities. Most of the cyclists are now vaccinated, which will allow us to carpool safely. Dates and times will be announced by the end of the 2nd week in May.
Photo on a trail near Bernal in Pleasanton. L to R: Dave Stanley, Steve Kolda, Jim Hughell, Jerry Hale, Chris Knaus, Dave Mosunich
Photo at the top of Eden Canyon. L to R Stan Clarke, Jerry Hale, Chris Knaus, Bill Clark
March, 2021
We planned 9 rides, one was rained out. Our 8 rides went north to Concord, south to Livermore and passed through all communities in the middle. Our total distance for 8 rides was 214 miles, and 74 riders attended. The ride attendance ranged from 6 to 13 riders, which is great considering how cold it has been this month. As it warms up and more people receive their vaccinations, we expect the attendance to increase.
January, 2021
Since we are not currently riding under the SIR's flag and not sending a monthly report to the Rooster; I put together a review of 2020. Due to Covid we were unable to go on our yearly rides out of the area. Car pooling was not an option. Hopefully, later this year.
2020 Cycling
2020 December
Since we are not currently riding under the SIR's flag and not sending a monthly report to the Rooster; I put together a review of 2020. Due to Covid we were unable to go on our yearly rides out of the area as car pooling was not an option. Hopefully, in 2021 we will get back to normal.
Rides - 91 planned rides.
Distance - 2451 miles
Ave distance - 26.93 miles
Ascent - 53,803 feet
Flat tires, don't know, At least 20????
Try to identify all the riders. It gets harder, with masks on.
Also try to figure out the locations that didn't tag.
Remembering Tom Cathcart
Altamont Pass
Verona bridge
2020 November
Old Dougherty Road Pedestrian Bridge
Sunol Train Station
2020 October
We have had 8 rides during October, with one scheduled on the 29th. We have traveled 226 miles in all directions in the Diablo valley. There have been 68 riders attend the rides. For the last two weeks, we have been planning 2 rides each Monday. A challenging ride led by Bill Corbett and a moderate ride led by Jerald Cerri.
Cubby's Dog Park on Bernal in Pleasanton
Bridge near Iron Horse Train and Sycamore Valley Road in Danville
Cull Canyon
2020 July
'Hole in the wall' on Mt. Diablo Oct. 9th
L to R Frank O'Neill, Jerry Hale, Bill Buhl, Bob Turner, Bill Corbett, Dennis Goodman, Chris Knaus , Steve Kolda, Dave Stanley,Jerald Cerri
2020 September
We planned 10 rides in September. Two were canceled due to poor air quality. The rides that we did have were attended by a total of 66 riders, traveling a total of 195 miles. Photo taken in front of Pete's coffee on Main St in Pleasanton, September 28, 2020
Smile Everyone!
Left to Right Back row: Dennis Goodman, Frank O'Neill, Jerry Hale, Dave Stanley, Jim Hughell
Front row: Bob Turner, Bill Corbett, Steve Kolda, Jerald Cerri
September
Main Street Pleasanton
Hole in the wall
2020 August
August Going up to Calavaras Reservoir
Collier Canyon Music Fest!
Verona Bridge
We have had an active schedule in July. There have been 7 rides to various places in the tri-valley. With one more week, there are 2 more rides scheduled on the 27th and 30th. The 7 rides were attended by 62 riders. The total distance traveled was 226 miles. Our monthly total will be over 280 miles. With the pandemic, many of our regular riders are either riding on their own or are not participating at this time.
Happy Valley Road
Check out all the smiling faces! Picture is in Concord, near the Ygnacio tube. Photo from July 16th
L to R - Stan Clarke, Frank O'Neill, Jim Hughell, Dave Stanley, Steve Kolda, Tim Peterson (Bill Corbett on camera)
L to R - Stan Clarke, Frank O'Neill, Jim Hughell, Dave Stanley, Steve Kolda, Tim Peterson (Bill Corbett on camera)
More smiling faces. Photo taken 7-20 on the Verona bridge about 2mi north of Sunol
L to R Dennis Goodman, Jerald Cerri, Bill Corbett, Dave Stanley, Bill Buhl, Steve Kolda, Stan Clarke, Chris Knaus
Photo is in SW Pleasanton on Happy Valley road
L to R Stan Clarke, Steve Kolda, Bill Corbett, Bill Buhl, Frank O'Neill
Neighborhood across the road from Blackhawk east gate
2020 June
We resumed riding on Monday June 1st. Then canceled due to civil unrest. We had 9 planned rides in June, with one cancellation due to protests in the area. Our rides included routes through: Sunol, Castro Valley, Livermore vineyards, Mt Diablo, Moraga, Port Costa, Vallejo to name a few. In total we had 73 riders attend 8 rides. A combined distance of 214 miles and climbed over 6500 ft on the rides.
Picture at Verona bridge, 2 mi north of Sunol L to R: Standing: Tom Mullican, Tim Peterson, Jim Hughell
Kneeling: Steve Kolda, Jerald Cerri, Bill Buhl
Two bridges
Picture is at the north end of the Alfred Zampa bridge Left to right: Frank O'Neill, Stan Clarke, Jim Hughell, Steve Kolda, Tim Peterson, Tom Mullican Kneeling: Jerald Cerri
Diablo Vista Park
April and May - no pictures due to Covid
2020 March
We had 4 organized rides during March. Then on Monday the 16th, we finally had our first rainout of the year! We were kind of happy, because we really need the water. Well, as it turned out, our last ride was the prior Thursday. We all know the rest of the story. We did have some good turnouts, we averaged 11 riders on our 4 rides. Went a total of 98 miles.
Park above Dougherty High school
2020 February
The weather was an unexpected dry month. So, no rainouts in February!!
For the month there were 9 planned rides. Traveled 241 miles in all directions within the tri-valley. We had 83 riders attend, with a high of 14 and a low of 6.
For the month there were 9 planned rides. Traveled 241 miles in all directions within the tri-valley. We had 83 riders attend, with a high of 14 and a low of 6.
Sycamore Park in Livermore
2020 January
In January, we went on eight rides for a total of 202 miles, with an average of 9 riders per ride. We rode in all directions in the Diablo valley. (Concord, Livermore, Pleasanton, & Castro Valley.
Verona Bridge
Picture at the Verona bridge, about a mile south of the Castlewood golf course.
L to R: Jim Hughell, Tom Mullican, Jerald Cerri, Chris Knaus, Dan VanDeZanden, Steve Kolda, Mac Simpson, Bill Clark, Dave Stanley
With great sadness one of our more dedicated riders passed this month.
TOM CATHCART
A few pictures in memory of Tom
Pre 2020
2019 September
We had a busy riding month in September. There were 10 organized rides for 268 miles. In the past two months we have added 7 members to the cycling group, bringing our total to 43 on our contact list. On September 21st, We took part in the V3 September Fest fundraiser ride for disabled veterans put on by the San Ramon Rotary Club. We had 8 participants from our group.
Seated - Left to right Bill Buhl, Bill Corbett, Frank O'Neill, Dan VanDerZanden, Dave Miller, Steve Kolda, Jim Suffoletta.
Behind the camera - John Yates.
2019 July
July was a busy month. We went on 11 rides for a total of 288 miles with 77 participants. Three of rides were led by Jerald Cerri. Thank you Jerald!
August will also be a very full month. The highlight will be a ride in the Napa valley on August 5th.
We had 12 rides in June. Thanks to Jerald Cerri for leading 4 moderate rides when we had challenging rides scheduled on the same day. In all, we traveled 316 miles and there were 87 participants. Our rides this month included, Redwood Road, Mt Diablo, Altimont Pass, Dublin Canyon, Collier Canyon and more. Traveled through various communities: Sunol, Livermore, Castro Valley, Orinda, Moraga, Concord, and everything in between.
A group picture at the Verona bridge.
2019 July
We organized 8 rides this month attended by 79 cyclists. We also had one rainout attended by 7 of us.
Our rides traveled a total of 247 miles.
The May highlights were:
- Cycled the American river from Sacramento toward Folsom dam and back.
- Participated in the ride to work day. Picked up some goodies on the ride.
- Cycled to Tesla and Mines road in Livermore. Watched the Tour of California go by.
SIRs ride on American River
Left to Right: Wing Tse, Dan VanDeZanden, Steve Kolda, Frank O'Neill, Tom Cathcart, Dennis Wygal, Jerry Hale, Jim Hughell, Mac Simpson, Bill Corbett
2019 April
For April, we had fairly good weather. We have had 7 rides so far and 2 more scheduled before the end of the month. We have cycled loops to various places, such as: Las Trampas, Sunol, Altamont Pass, Cull Canyon, Collier Canyon and more. So far we have had 71 attendees on 7 rides totaling 207 miles.
Above is a photo at the Verona bridge: Near Foothill, about 3 mi north of Sunol . L to R Frank Wnuk, Tom McMillen, Frank O'Neill, Jerry Hale, Rich England, Steve Kolda, Tom Cathcart, Dan VanDeZanden, Jim Hughell, Dennis Goodman. Bill Corbett behind the camera.
2019 January
In January we had 5 group rides for 137 miles, We also had 4 rain outs.
For those that are interested in joining the cycling group, we ride twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays
We are also planning out of area rides
1 - River ride (Sacramento to Folsom reservoir) paved trail, open to all abilities (April)
2 - Wine country ride (Yountville to Calistoga) Multiple routes - open to all abilities (July)
We participated in 9 rides in October, cycling all around the east bay for a total of 246 miles. We had 73 SIRs participate and averaged about 8 per ride.
2018 September
In September we had 10 rides. Ranging from easy (about 20-24 miles with few hills) to very challenging (30 to 62 miles with long and some steep climbs)
There were 84 participants, with a low of 4 to high of 13. We planed rides all over the tri-valley Concord to the north, Castro Valley, Orinda to the west, Livermore to the south and Altamont pass to the east.
Our signature ride was on 9/15, when six of our SIRs entered the Hopfest, which was hosted by the San Ramon rotary club to raise $$ for the children of military families. Beer was served at the conclusion of the ride, We were a little dehydrated and a couple of beers....You can figure out the rest.
2018 July
We had 77 riders participate in 8 rides for a total of 221 miles in July. Our most difficult ride was San Ramon to Redwood road through Moraga and return via Alamo and Danville for 49 miles and 2400 feet of climbing.
Image above (Bill C on the camera) Top: Mac, Neil Middle: Dan V, Bill B, Tom C, Howard, Jim, Dennis, Frank W, Frank O Bottom: Jerald
2018 September
On September 15th, we are riding the HopFest. Some are riding 30 miles and some are riding 60. The money collected goes to the rotary club to help out military children. There are about 15 micro brewery's that will be serving their beer to the registered riders at the completion of the ride. The Hop Fest is from Noon to 5P and can be attended by anyone for a $35 fee. (Not required to be a rider) The start and finish is in the ATT parking lot on Camino Ramon (North East lot). Link to see more detail: http://www.v3hopfest.com/index.html
2018 July
The cycle group went on 9 rides this month. We traveled 234 miles with a total 78 participants. Some highlights of the month were:
- Mount Diablo -30mi
- Yountville to Calistoga loop - 46mi
- Loop around San Francisco - 26mi
- Eden Canyon - 22mi
- Collier Canyon - 34mi
Pictures of our July 26th run into San Francisco
Here is a shot of us having lunch in Calistoga on July 16th
Clockwise from the far left ; Dennis Goodman, Dan VanDeZanden, Bill Buhl, Jim Hughell, Dennis Wygal, John Kimes, Steve Kolda, Malcom Simpson, Bill Corbett behind the camera
2016 November
We did not ride Thanksgiving week and had a couple of rain outs; we still managed to ride 6 times for 175 miles. For the year to date, we have exceeded 3000 miles of cycling. Some riders have participated in almost all of the rides. Many have logged over 2000 miles this year. (This is not including any rides on their own) For the year, we have cycled as a group 89 times with an average of about 35 miles per ride. The rides range from 25 to 55 miles. From short and as flat as possible to long and hilly.
2016 August
In August, 2016, we had 9 rides totaling 297 miles. They ranged from 23 to 49 miles. Our most difficult rides included Mt. Diablo on one ride, then from San Ramon to Castro Valley and north via the east bay hills to Moraga and return to San Ramon.
2016 July
In honor of the Tour De France in July. The SIR cycling group held its own July tour. We will call it the "Tour de Tri-Valley". There were 8 stages that totaled 279 miles (450 kilometers) for an average of 35 miles per ride.
Stage 1 - San Ramon to Sunol loop. 29.2 m
Stage 2 - San Ramon to Kilkare road loop. 34 mi
Stage 3 - San Ramon to Livermore 34.1 mi
Stage 4 - San Ramon to Danville via Blackhawk loop. 29.1 mi
Stage 5 - Yountville to Calistoga loop. 45.8 mi
Stage 6 - San Ramon to Orinda loop. 50.7 mi
Stage 7 - San Ramon to Las Trampas & Dublin Canyon. 26.7 mi
Stage 8 - Danville to Walnut Creek via Alamo loop. 31.3 mi
L to R Dan Mahoney, Jim Hughell, Howard Stoddard, Steve Kolda, Bill Corbett, Frank Wnuk, Frank O'Neill, Dennis Good- man, Bill Buhl
2016 June
We had an active month in June, 2016. There were 9 planned rides ranging from 23 to 42 miles in length. We rode in various directions from San Ramon or Danville to Castro Valley, Sunol, Livermore, Moraga, Orinda, Walnut Creek, Concord, Alamo and many other locations for a total of over 280 miles.
Left to right: Bill Collins, Rich England, Frank Wnuk, Tom Mullican, Russ Teves, Steve Kolda, Bill Corbett, Susan, Frank O'Neill
2016 MAY
The Cycle Group rode 8 times in May 2016. The rides totaled over 240 miles of uphills, downhills, road hazards, and most of all; Lots of enjoyment while getting a little exercise. We rode through just about every city/town in the tri-valley. At the end of each ride we stop for refreshments and discuss multiple topics. We now believe that we have solved world hunger, poverty, and politics. We are planning to send a representative to the next G20 conference to give our recommendations.
Left to right:Bill Buhl, Chuck McCormick, Jim Hughell, Tom Mullican, Bill Corbett, Rich England, and Tom Cathcart.
Also, Frank Wnuk behind the camera and Frank O'Neill not in the picture
 L to R : Howard Stoddard, Tom Mullican, Dennis Wygal, Dave Miller, Frank O'Neill, Tom Cathcart, Bill Buhl,
Neil Rollins, Russ Teves and Rich England preparing for our February 25th ride to Palomares Canyon.
We encourage riders of all levels to join us. Rides are posted weekly and members receive e-mails regarding upcoming rides about a week in advance. Contact Tom Mullican, Bill Corbett or Frank O'Neill for more information.
|
|
|
2015 August
The month of August has improved the bottom line of any company producing bicycle tire tubes. Our Sir #128 Cycle Group has encountered more flats this month, including our bread and butter ride to Sunol, where we had 8 flats within a three hour period. What has been interesting to see is the reaction of the group to the cyclist with the flat. We have all stopped and many have chipped in with tubes, tools, advise, and help. There is a great feeling to be out with a bunch of guys that are willing to help others in need for the sake of the group rather than the individual. A great example of what makes Sirs #128 so special. |
|
 |
 |
| Frank O'Neill helping Rich England with his flat, and Jim Hughell adding his humor | Bill Corbett and Dennis Goodman helping Frank Wnuk fix his flat |
 |
|
| Bill Corbett fixing his first of four flats for the day | |
There were 6 SIRs who rode in the Tour de Peninsula this year on August 2.
This annual ride attracting several thousand riders each year starts in Coyote Park just south of the San Francisco Airport. The ride climbs up to Crystal Springs Reservoir and from there climbs up to La Honda for the long ride or returns from there back to the starting point. This year It was a rather cool day, but nice for climbing the hills. Neal, Bill & Dennis W did the 56 mile ride and the King Mountain seemed much longer and higher this year. Age could be a factor. Surprisingly the road seemed much smoother on the downhill making the riders feel much more comfortable with the speed. Dennis G. Tom and Chuck did the 33 mile ride and said it was challenging but doable. They waited for the long riders and we enjoyed a drink together following the race.
Posed before a local Sunol Ride from left to right: Jerald Cerri, Howard Stoddard, Bill Buhl, Frank O'Neill, Russ Teves, Chuck McCormick, Keith Wilson, Dennis Wygal, Tom Cathcart, Frank Wnuk, Steve Kolda, and Bill Corbett.
Â
Neal Rollins changing a flat in Crockett with Dennis Goodman and Steve Kolda discussing how to avoid flats. Â Neal is said to be able to change a flat in under two minutes.
Keith Wilson the most improved cyclist summer award, just after crossing the Al Zampa Bridge from Crockett to Vallejo.
Group resting in Port Costa getting ready to climb up and on to Crockett. Left to right: Dennis Goodman, Steve Kolda, Tom Cathcart, Keith Wilson, Frank O'Neill,Tom Mullican, , Dennis Wygal, and Chuck McCormick.
Â
Frank O'Neill, our newest member, enjoying an open face crab/artichoke sandwich at The First Street Cafe in Benicia.
On February 19th, 14 SIRS gathered near the Starbucks on Alcosta Blvd for a bike ride to Sunol and back. Eight riders did a moderate ride down San Ramon Valley Blvd to Sunol. Six riders added a bit of a challenge by riding up the grade on Dublin Blvd returning to San Ramon Valley Blvd then proceeding to Sunol. From Sunol both groups gathered at Tulley's in downtown Pleasanton to enjoy a coffee or tea and trade theories on the solution to world hunger.
Standing from left to right: Chuck McCormick, Wendell Jeong, Keith Wilson, Frank Wnuk, Bob Turner, Jerald Cerri, Tom Mullican, Howard Stoddard and Russ Teves. Kneeling from left to right: Bill Corbett and Neal Rollins. Photograph taken by Bill Buhl.
 |
 |
 |
| Tom Mullican - our Easy Rider Leader | Dave Miller | Bill Buhl one of our longest standing cycle members |
 |
||
| Eleven members had a great day of riding included are: Keith Wilson, Tom Cathcart, Jim Hughell, Rich England, Dennis Wygal, Bill Corbett, Bob Turner, Jerald Cerri, Russ Teves, and Tom Mullican (taking the picture was Bill Buhl). | ||
SIR128 Cycling History
Jerry Fried and I were big into skiing and one day in 2003 he suggested that we start a biking group to get our legs in shape for skiing. I ran the group for a number of years but it was not as structured as it is today. If someone suggested a ride we would do it. For example Jerry Fried and especially Jerald Cerri would suggest rides in San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge, The Three bears and 2 pigs, up Mt Diablo, the Training Ride, to Moraga, to Berkeley and many others. Either I would coordinate the rides or they would do it themselves. At that time we had a smaller group of riders. Many of the rides were real challenging and that led to a splinter group that Tom Mullican would lead with more comfortable rides.
In 2016 I was getting tired of doing the biking, hiking and helping with the ski group. I asked Bill Corbett and Frank O'Neill to take over the biking group and they agreed. Before 2016 we were kind of a rag tag group with not a large turnout for the rides. Bill Corbett and Frank O'Neill really got it organized with a lot more structure and it has really taken off with much more participation.
When we first got started we had some crummy bikes and as the group progressed the bikes got much better and the rides more challenging. Many of us did the Mountain Challenge up Mt Diablo and the Tour de Peninsula with rides up to 65 miles. There are a lot of stories that could be told about our rides like Jerald Cerri getting a flat tire coming down Mount Diablo, etc. etc.
This is how I remember it but as my wife always says "you got it all wrong."
Bill Buhl
SIR 128 Cycling Pioneers at the Original Peet's Coffee in Berkeley
Also check out our Archive for more info & photos of some of our past rides!
The SIR128 Cycling group has standardized our rides to Monday (moderate-difficult) and Thursdays (easy-modderate) in order that members can plan there schedule around the rides. We are mostly fair weather riders. When it rains we meet for coffee (usually at Pete's in Danville) instead of riding. We also do not ride if there are any other unsafe events, like smokey air. Many of our rides have short-cuts and turn back points if riders are having difficulty going the full distance. We don't let anyone take these short-cuts alone, someone always volunteers to go along. We are after all, a bunch of old guys with nothing else to do!
Email messages are sent out detailing upcoming rides 2-3 days before each ride. Our start times vary from 9:30 am in the winter (to avoid the cold) to 8:30 am in the summer (to avoid the heat). Riders going on the ride are encouraged to reply to the group with their RSVP so we won't leave you behind if you are late. Most of our rides start/end in San Ramon at the Starbucks on Alcosta and Village Parkway or in Danville on Railroad Ave. at North End of the Lunardie's Parking Lot (behind the San Ramon Valley Museum). Sometimes we meet at other locations for special rides.
Two or three times a year we go on special rides. In recent years we have been going to NAPA and ridding a loop starting in Yountville and riding north to (or towards) Calistoga. We also have been going to Sacramento and riding the American River Trail to (or towards) Folsom Lake. These are all day trips, carpooling, and having lunch before returning in the early afternoon.
RIDE CLASSIFICATIONS
Our rides include easy rides which last for about an hour or so and are on mostly level terrain, usually stopping for refreshments at a local coffee shop, and covering about ten miles.
Our more moderate rides last around two hours and include some short hill work often right here in the San Ramon Valley and will cover about 15-20 miles.
Our moderate/difficult rides are from two to three hours with a bit more hill work and usually covering about 25-30 miles or so.
Our difficult rides are usually from 30-50 miles lasting about four to five hours with more challenging hill work and often include a stop for lunch.
Most of our members have road bikes but we do have some regular riders on eBikes and sometimes mountain bikes join. We all wear helmets, carry cell phones, plenty of liquids, observe traffic laws, and are courteous to walkers, joggers, automobiles, and other cyclists. Most of our bikes are equipped with rear view mirrors and bright blinking tail lights and some have headlights. The pace for each ride is set at a speed that allows all cyclist to stay together and we stop to regroup, drink and rest quite often. Most rides have a restroom break.
Some riders participate separately or as SIR cyclists in some of the bay are cycling events such as:
Some riders participate separately or as SIR cyclists in some of the bay are cycling events such as:
TOUR DE PENINSULA
One of the challenging organized rides that our group has participated in pretty regularly is the Tour de Peninsula. This ride which starts at Coyote Point Park south of SFO offers four routes: 20 miles, 31 miles, 56 miles and the metric century 63 miles.
MOUNT DIABLO CHALLENGE
Another challenging organized ride is the locally sponsored Mount Diablo Challenge which is usually held in October. Traditionally, the Mount Diablo Challenge is an 11.2 mile timed bike ride, starting at Athenian School in Danville and climbing up Southgate Road 3,249 feet to the summit of Mount Diablo. 1,000 cycling enthusiasts compete and prizes are awarded for several categories in a ceremony at the summit with food. For more information go to www.savemountdiablo.org
BIKE TO WORK DAY
MS150