Updated! The draft route for the April ride has been posted! We’re headed to Los Gatos via Bascom, returning up Winchester to visit Santana Row!
Note that this ride is a loop that will return to Dick’s Center, and those wishing to continue to SJSU can do that after, or just keep going on San Carlos Street when the rest of us turn.
Scott Lane
April 10, 2009
Justin and I scheduled a “test ride” for Monday evening, April 13. Justin and crew and I will meet at Cambrian Village (Camden and Union) at 6pm. Look for the Trailhead Cyclery store sign.
A few extra volunteers will help optimize the ride route and ensure we have the best stops available.
Let us know if you can join us.
Gabe
April 12, 2009
Can’t meet up for the test ride…but from what I can see…. that stretch of Blossom Hill is pretty treacherous even in broad daylight. Theres a couple of issues with it. 1. It’s really dark 2. There is no way for cars to pass when the road drops to two lanes 3. It would take forever to get 500+ bikes (half of them big heavy cruisers) over that Hill. Thanks for all your hard work ..just giving my .02
016
April 13, 2009
I have to agree with Gabe. It’s pretty treacherous up there. Could end up being bad.
watani
April 13, 2009
maybe we can jump on the los gatos creek trail and take that back to dick’s?
Scott Lane
April 13, 2009
The road in question is Blossom Hill from Union heading west toward Los Gatos Blvd. I share your concerns… Stop #2 could serve as a rest stop with an option. Those that want to go up Union to BH vs. those that will take Los Gatos Almaden Road to Los Gatos Blvd. OR we go “all in” and all take BH Road or abandon that Blossom Hill segment and all go LGAR. This is why the route was published (to get your thoughts) and a test ride suggested. Your thoughts?
Thanks!
Holly
April 14, 2009
I don’t think the light rail runs late enough to take it back from the end point. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get home, for us downtown dwellers?
Gabe
April 14, 2009
My vote if we are voting would be for everyone to take LGAR. Or simply go to LG via Bascom and return Via Winchester that way maybe we could include Santana Row. Never ridden on the LG side of Winchester so I can’t attest. – Peace
James
April 14, 2009
I vote for winchester all the way to Downtown LG to main Street, out to los gatos blvd/bascom to union then cut down camden past cambrain bowl and the cardinal lounge to meridian or something back to Dick’s.
James
April 14, 2009
Also these bike parties have WAY TOO MANY stops. It’s already a slow ride as it is. Just keep it rolling like the Mass in SF. could use like half as many stops.
James
April 14, 2009
Another suggestion, About HALF the amount of stops. There are WAY TOO MANY stops on these rides. It’s more fun to keep riding your bike then stop every 10 minutes.
Gabe
April 15, 2009
That Would be sweet Watani. I think they lock that bizznitch down after sunset though. Here’s something I whipped up. http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ca/san%20jose/174123981637074691
I can test ride it this afternoon if anyone is interested. I’m a fat bastard though so you’ll have to bear with me.
John
April 15, 2009
I like this latest revision. No left turns, which is a BIG thing in my book. Right turn at an intersection? You just turn right from the bike lane. Straight through an intersection? No problem, you just wait for the light. But a left turn? You have to cross lanes of traffic and take up the whole (usually one) left turn lane. Not comfortable.
And I agree with James: lessen the number of stops. Two is plenty. Point out to people that if they want/need to shorten the ride, they can cut over at Blossom Hill or Lark and meet the group a bit later.
Hrag
April 15, 2009
In response to #8, I don’t think going to LG via Winchester works, that a big ol’ hill getting up there. I think it might turn a lot of people off and take too long because people would wind up hiking their bikes up it = \
watani
April 16, 2009
gabe – there’s a portion of the los gatos creek trail that is accessible (@ lark ave) after hours. we can save that for another month/ride.
Gabe
April 16, 2009
Word
Amber
April 16, 2009
Hi Guys,
Some of these suggestions are great, but if you really want to have significant impact on how we ride you should attend our meetings.
For example, reducing the number of stops/ meet up points is something to discuss in a meeting, not on the website forum. We set up these stops to keep the ride together instead of getting spread out and losing riders.
In addition, after we return to Dick’s, those that live in the downtown area tend to organize themselves to ride home.
I hope this helps.
nick
April 16, 2009
sweet…finalized, i’m printing around 300 routesheets now.
Scott
April 17, 2009
Gabe, John, etc. Thanks for your input. Jazzed about how this came together. Something for everyone. For those wanting a longer, harder ride you can make a loop (or two) in dt LG by circling around on University Ave. OR blast thru cloverleafs on winchester and san tomas.
Scott
April 17, 2009
I’m sure we’re gonna need some help during the ride, with getting out of each stop in the best way, making the correct turns, policing our own, etc. Groups of friends to help with these would be great.
Gabe
April 17, 2009
Looks Great, Thanks for all the hard work! Bike Party!!!!