AVRT Women’s Ride 10/25: Gravel-ish Peninsula Loop

Please note this is a gravel/dirt ride. It could technically be done on a road bike, but I personally wouldn’t … because… well… it seems not fun. I’m sure Robin Betz has done all these gravel sections on her road bike though :)

Usually my threshold for a gravel route is that the unpaved to paved ratio must be over 50%. This one is 25% unpaved to 75% paved. But hey I wanted to get out on my trusty (and extremely neglected) gravel bike, and I wanted to have a relatively chill ride after being off my bike for the past two weeks. And I also wanted to make the ride friendly for others who want to get out. I have been told my gravel routes are sometimes a bit….. er… mentally taxing….

Anyways onto the ride: We’ll meet up at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce, and head towards Portola. We’ll hop on a short gravel section at Arastradero, then do the dirt alpine climb up to the top end of Paige Mill. Regroup. From there, we’ll cross the street, ride on White Oak Trail and come out to Paige Mill again. Optional bathroom stop if anyone needs it. We’ll descend down Paige Mill slightly, quick water stop at the spigot on the side, then take the right turn onto Montebello road. Climb up, regroup at the top, then descend Montebello (paved section), and head back to the start. Pace is: I have not ridden my bike in 2 weeks. It’ll be chill.

I am not sure on a coffee stop yet. I will think on it. Possibly we can just go somewhere in Los Altos after the ride. I will be accepting recommendations from anyone at the beginning of the ride.

Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3548858128742107848
Start: Los Altos Chamber of Commerce
Time: Meet at 9am. Leave at 9:10am
Ride Leader: Katarina Zgraja
Summary: 31 miles, 3500 feet, 75% paved / 25% unpaved
Ride etiquette: https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules