Lola, my 2010 gts300 was the only scooter on this fun trip up and over three of the San Francisco Bay area's many spectacular peaks (Mount Tamalpais (2579 ft), Mount Diablo, (3849 ft) and Mount Hamilton (4265 ft). As a lifelong northern Californian bicyclist I've ascended and descended each via all routes for the past 54 of my 64 years, but getting to combine all three in one day, from the comfortable saddle of my gts, along with a fun group of experienced motorcyclists like this made it an unforgettable ride.
I'm aware that VCLG has a long tradition of organizing similar 3 Peaks rides, but I haven't seen notice of one in the five years that I've had a scooter to ride, so I'm glad this group was ok with a scooter joining. The next smallest bike was my friend John's Triumph Scrambler 400.
The 7:30 riders' meeting at Tam Junction, preceded the ride up Mt. Tamalpais. I got a quick lesson on overtaking cars, by seeing all twenty or so riders disappear ahead. In order to catch up, I opted to take the most direct route, rather than the official line which included a leg along highway 1, to Stinson Beach, and up Pantoll Rd. We regrouped at the east peak parking lot, then back down, and across the bay to snake through the Berkeley hills, to Orinda, and then Walnut Creek to climb Mount Diablo via North Gate Rd. Everyone took pictures, before descending and out the South Gate road, to meet for lunch in Livermore.
Next, another spectacular leg along Mines Road, through the strikingly desolate canyon formed by Arroyo Mocho, on the eastern side of 4200-foot Mt. Hamilton. Part of the way up, a huge elk cleared one wire fence, galloped across the road ahead of me, then the other fence. Strutting in the open field on the other side it seemed proud of itself. At the summit is Lick Observatory, and the official end of the group ride. Another fun 17-mile descent to the bottom, and then a bunch of goodbyes to the group. Since riders came from many directions, groups split off to return to their preferred destinations. My friends John, Gil, and a new friend endured my poor route finding across San Jose, where I've forgotten the tricks of accessing the freeways even though I used to work at KRON's SJ news bureau. We eventually made it onto interstate 280, northbound to Marin County.
Back at home after dark, doing the math from Lola's odometer, she'd brought me 263 miles. There were many stops, but total time out and about was just under 10 hours.
"Spoiled" with beautiful weather, dry roads, and excellent company, I know how lucky I am, with my puny 5 years of motorbike experience, to be along with this group.
From the summit of Mt. Diablo, the snow on the Sierra Nevada mountains 118 miles away, was clearly visible. And my burrito at El Chaparrito Taqueria was amazing (thanks for buying lunch John!).
Pre-ride meetup.
Lola surrounded by Africa Twins, big KTMs and BMWs.
Rider meeting presided by ride leader Josh Prentiss.
Lunchtime at El Chaparrito.
Lola at Lick Observatory on top of Mt. Hamilton.
⚠️ Last edited by centersmith on UTC; edited 7 times
