B Ride
Alto Velo's B Ride peloton consists of former riders who have retired from racing, up-and-coming riders who enjoy a challenge and strong riders who enjoy camaraderie. Based on the principle of getting outdoors and seeing and doing some cool things, this ride is meant to be challenging but doable. Mostly a no-drop ride, we average 50 miles per ride.
Start: Saturdays 9:00am from Summit Bicycles at 392 California Ave in Palo Alto, rolling at 9:10am. New riders welcome!
Pace: Moderate and sometimes fast. If you're at the front early on, know the route and please look back to see that the group is together (three souls gasping for air is not considered a group). Paceline when possible, wait at the top of longer climbs
Regroups: We regroup at the top and bottom of hills and recover after every climb
Example route: https://www.strava.com/routes/4519225
The B Ride is subject to Alto Velo's Ride Rules and all participants must sign an annual waiver.
See below for details of the upcoming ride as well as past rides.
AV B is going on a Bear Hunt Nov 9 ‘24
Hello AVB-ers,
For this week’s Low-Key Hill Climb we’ll go hunt for a PR on Bear Gulch. We’ll start by climbing Page to warm up the legs, regroup at the top and make our way to Skylonda for a 2nd regroup. Heading north on Skyline will get us to Bear Gulch, a ripping downhill and a breather at the bottom, then full gas (if you want to) back up to Skyline to our next regroup at the top of Kings. From there we’ll make our way down 84 to the water temple on Canada for a final regroup then return to Backyard Brew for our reward!
Hope to see you there,
Clayton
Route https://www.strava.com/routes/3211034002819041584
Summary: 57 mi, 5800 ft
Summit Bicycles -> ▲Page -> Skyline -> ▼Bear Gulch -> ▲Bear Gulch -> ▼84 -> Canada -> Backyard
Regroups:
- Page/Skyline
- Skylonda
- Bottom of Bear Gulch
- Skyline/Kings
- Water Temple
- Backyard Brew
Start / End Location: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto
Time: Meet: 9 AM, Leave: 9:10 AM
Ride Leader: Clayton
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
AV-B Ride Nov 2 ’24 - Kings and Joa-kers
Hello AVB-ers,
For this week’s Low-Key Hill Climb we’ll tackle a local classic - Kings Mountain Rd! We’ll regroup at the top of the climb so you’re welcome to go full gas for the section from Tripp to Skyline, and then we’ll continue the route with a few shorter climbs, namely Swett, West Old La Honda, and Alpine & Joaquin.
Hope to see you there,
Louise
Route Kings and Joa-kers
Summary: 54 mi, 5,000 ft
Summit Bicycles -> ▲Kings -> ▲Swett -> Skyline -> ▼84 -> ▲WOLH -> Portola -> ▲Alpine & Joaquin -> ▼Los Trancos
Regroups:
- Portola & Alpine
- top of Kings
- top of Swett
- Sky Londa (x2, water)
- top of Joaquin
- bottom of Los Trancos
- Backyard Brew
Start / End Location: Summit Bicycles, Palo Alto
Time: Meet: 9 AM, Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader: Louise
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
AV-B Ride Oct 26 ’24 - Black Rd
Fellow AVB-ers,
Now the heat of the summer is mostly behind us, it’s a great time to fly South to sample the delights of Lexington Reservoir and the infamous Black Rd climb. The route takes us along Mt Eden Rd, Pierce Rd, Saratoga old town, Los Gatos Creek Trail, Lexington Reservoir Dam loop, Black Rd climb, Skyline, and finally we descend Page Mill Road for a well-deserved Backyard Brew.
Regroups:
Canyon Picnic Area (water/restrooms)
Saratoga Old Town (water)
Los Gatos Creek Trailhead (water)
Lexington Reservoir County Park parking lot (restrooms)
Lexington Elementary School (water)
Castle Rock park (water/restrooms)
Top of PMR (quick regroup)
Backyard Brew
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader
Henry M
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride October 19th, 2024 - Westridge/OLH/West Alpine
This weekend the B-ride will take on the classic route of Old La Honda and West Alpine (with a Egan-style warm-up in Westridge). This route gives a shorter option to those skipping/waiting for Alba LKHC while also being attainable for anyone looking to try out the B-ride.
Hope to see you then,
Nick
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
44 mi, 4776 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader
Nick
Regoups:
- Top of Westridge
- Skylonda (water)
- La Honda
- Top of West Alpine
- Bottom of Page Mill
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride October 12th - Up Page, down Alpine, WOLH and Skyline
It’s been a while since the B ride has gone up Page Mill, so with the weather a little cooler this week it seems like a good time to return to it. We’ll head up Page, regroup at the top, and then carefully descend Alpine before heading back up to Sky Londa for water and continuing on Skyline.
Note that the Day of the Horse will be happening in Woodside this weekend - I’ve tried to avoid it with the route, but just be mindful of horses as we’re coming back on Cañada.
Hope to see you there!
- Louise
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
Up Page, down Alpine, WOLH and Skyline
61 mi, 6,200 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader
Louise
Regoups:
- top of Page Mill
- bottom of Alpine
- Sky Londa (water)
- top of Tunitas
- the water temple (water)
- Godetia and Jefferson
- Backyard Brew
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride October 5th, 2024 - The Steve Esswein Classic
With temperatures in the 90’s and people saving their legs for Diablo on Sunday, we’re going to keep it a bit shorter than usual by revisiting a timeless favorite: the Steve Esswin classic! Hope to see you there.
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
The Steve Esswein Classic
44 mi, 3,500 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader
Clayton
Regoups:
- Portola and Alpine
- Sky Londa (x2)
- Woodside old store
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
Redwood Gulch + Portola Redwood State Park September 28 2024
Hi AV-Bers,
This week we’ll take a climbing tour through the redwoods. First up will be Redwood Gulch (via Foothill). We’ll then make our way along Skyline and drop down Alpine to get to Portola Redwood State Park, before climbing all the way back up again and descending Page Mill. We’ll regroup at the top and bottom of climbs (see below) and head to Backyard Brew after for coffee.
Fingers crossed it’ll be a bit cooler than last weekend.
Hope to see you there,
Clayton
The AV B Ride is subject to Alto Velo's Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
Redwood Gulch and Portola Redwood State Park
54 miles, 6151 feet
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:10 AM
Ride Leader
Clayton
Regroups:
Regroups:
- Stevens Canyon Picnic Area
- fire station on Skyline
- top of Page Mill
- Portola Redwood State Park
- Alpine and Skyline
- bottom of Page Mill
- Backyard Brew
AV-B Ride September 21st, 2024 - Mt Eden — Bear Creek — Pagemill
Hi Folks, its good to be back to the B-ride and ride leading. Today we will make it out to Lexington Reservoir and then climb Bear Creek road to Skyline before descending Pagemill to come home. We have a few water stops along the way as listed below. Also, we will ride up the los gatos creek trail to the reservoir which is a bit of gravel, but easily doable on road tires. I’m going to take the Pagemill descent nice and slow for obvious reasons. I encourage you to join me and not be dumb.
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
https://www.strava.com/routes/3272034473193379468
~63 mi & ~6,500 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:12 AM
Ride LeaderHannon
Planned Regoups:
- Top of Pierce
- Saratoga (water)
- Lexington Middle School (water)
- Top of Bear Creek
-Castle Rock
- Top of Pagemill
- Backyard Brew
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride September 14th, 2024 - (W)OLH and Native Sons Rd
This Saturday the B-ride will go up to Skylonda via Old La Honda and take in the climbs of West Old La Honda and Native Sons Rd before heading along Skyline to 92.
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
https://www.strava.com/routes/3269526550395053210
~61 mi & ~6,000 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:12 AM
Ride Leader
Simon
Planned Regoups:
- Alpine and Portola
- Skylonda (water)
- Skylonda again (water)
- Kings and Skyline
- Bottom Of Native Sons
- Top of Swett
- Water Temple (water)
- Sand Hill and Sharon Park Drive
- Backyard Brew
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride September 7th, 2024 - Coastal Classic
Weather is looking great this weekend! It’s a perfect chance to head back out to the coast after we’ve had some time away from Tunitas after the Bike Hut Classic fun.
Route will be the standard AV Coastal Classic.
Hope to see you then,
Nick
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
55 mi, 5100 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader
Nick
Regoups:
- Alpine/Portola (water)
- Skylonda (water)
- La Honda
- The Bike Hut (water)
- Top of Tunitas
- Woodside Store
- Sharon Park Drive (skip if group is already all together)
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride 08/31 ‘24 - Hills..hills..hills..
The route
For the climb lovers, this week’s route features Westridge, Old La Honda, Haskin (back and forth), and West Alpine, for a total of 88km and almost 2000+m of elevation.
Remember to bring with you plenty of water, electrolytes, carbs and good legs
Rest Stops/Regroups:
Skylonda (water + bathroom)
La Honda (quick regroup)
Memorial county park (water + bathroom)
Top of Alpine (Water)
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader
Marco
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride August 24th, 2024 - Kings via Huddart, Swett, WOLH
This week the B ride will take on a slightly shorter route than usual due to the 2024 Alto Velo Picnic taking place at 3pm that afternoon! Picnic details:
“The 2024 AV Picnic will take place on Saturday 08/24 from 3-8pm at Shoup Park at 400 University Avenue, Los Altos.
We are welcoming all-comers to this INCLUSIVE event and we expect this event to sell out. Please register early to avoid incurring late registration fees.
AV member cost is $5 per person.
Non-AV member cost is $15 per person. AV member spouses, family and friends, and other cyclists are welcome to join us!
If the cost of the picnic is a financial burden for you, we still want you to come! Please select the $0 option when registering
We are excited to invite all of you to the upcoming Inclusive AV Annual Picnic. Everyone is welcome to attend, and we want this picnic to be INCLUSIVE. There will be a taco truck on site with vegetarian options. Beverages will be provided. Bring your family and friends to join us.”
As for the B ride route, there will be one main climb; Kings Mtn via Huddart as well as two shorter additional climbs in Star Hill/Swett and WOLH.
Hope to see you then,
Nick
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
Kings via Huddart, Swett, WOLH
45 mi, 4077 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader
Nick
Regoups:
- Alpine/Portola
- Top of Kings
- Skylonda 1 (water)
- Skylonda 2 (water)
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride August 17th, 2024 - Joaquin/OLH/West Alpine
This week the B-ride will take on one of (if not my favorite) loops in the area with an Egan-esq warmup.
We will begin with the normal roll out towards Old La Honda, but continue straight on Alpine Rd past Portola to the peak. Then we will make our way up the short but very steep Joaquin, before descending Los Trancos and continuing towards and climbing Old La Honda.
After a waterstop at Skylonda, we will descend 84 before turning left onto Pescadero Creek Rd, then continue straight up West Alpine. After a regroup at the top, we will descend Page Mill and roll into Backyard Brew for coffee.
Hope to see you then,
Nick
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
50 mi, 5490 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader
Nick
Regoups:
- Top of Alpine (pre-Joaquin)
- Top of Joaquin
- Skylonda (water)
- La Honda
- Top of Page Mill
- Bottom of Page Mill
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride August 10th, 2024 - RWG, 9 & WOLH
This Saturday the B-ride will head up to Skyline via RWG and the 9 before heading over to West Old La Honda.
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
https://www.strava.com/routes/3256532091603471204
~55 mi & ~5,000 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:12 AM
Ride Leader
Simon
Planned Regoups:
- Stevens Canyon Road and Mt Eden Road (water)
- Cal Firestation 21, Skyline (water)
- Page Mill and Skyline
- Skylonda (water)
- Skylonda again (water)
- Portola Road and, Alpine Road
- Backyard Brew
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride Aug 3 ’24 - Black Rd
Fellow AVB-ers
After multiple weeks of delightful coastal rides, this week your dear leader will take you on an inland ride, heading southeast towards Lexington Reservoir to enjoy the pleasure of a leg-breaker Black Rd climb. The highlights of the day will include: Mt Eden Rd, Pierce Rd, Saratoga old town, Los Gatos Creek Trail, Lexington Reservoir Dam loop, Black Rd climb, Skyline, Page Mill Road.
Regroups:
Canyon Picnic Area (water/restrooms)
Saratoga Old Town (water)
Los Gatos Creek Trailhead (water)
Lexington Reservoir County Park parking lot (restrooms)
Lexington Elementary School (water)
Castle Rock park (water/restrooms)
Top of PMR (quick regroup)
Backyard Brew
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader
Marco M
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride July 27th, 2024 - The Bike Hut Ride Reception
This week we will once again make our way towards Tunitas for the Bike Hut Classic Ride reception. Details from their website;
“Stop by the farm behind the Bike Hut between 10am and 1pm to pick up your T-shirt; see the fastest times in each category; enjoy ice cream sundaes and live music; collect prizes for all raffle winners; and meet the staff at Abundant Grace Coastside Worker.”
I do recognize there has been a lot of Tunitas time in the last few weeks on the B-ride, yet I feel it’s a good call to show support for those that gave it their all for the Bike Hut Classic and the great organization that put it all together (and for ice cream).
The route will be slightly different this week, starting by climbing Page Mill, turning right on Skyline and rolling downhill towards 84 (for a less bumpy/twisty descent than West Alpine). After a water stop at Skylonda we will resume the normal Coastal Classic route and descend towards the coast, turning right on Stage and doing a slightly longer stop at the Bike Hut for the festivities. We will finally make our way back up Tunitas, and descend back down Kings Mountain before taking Whiskey Hill/Sand Hill to Backyard Brew.
Hope to see you then,
Nick F
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
60 mi, 5787 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:15 AM
Ride Leader
Nick F
Regoups:
- Top of Page Mill (water)
- Skylonda (water)
- La Honda
- The Bike Hut (water/ice cream)
- Top of Tunitas
- Woodside Store (water)
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride July 20th, 2024 - Last Week of Bike Hut Classic
Last chance to go for a Tunitas PR for a good cause! Registration for the Bike Hut Classic ends this Sunday, July 21st at 11:59pm. For more information on the event and to sign up check out the Bike Hut’s Website.
The route will again be the standard Coastal Classic; up Old La Honda, descending 84, right on Stage, a strong effort up Tunitas, and finally descending back down Kings Mountain.
Hope to see you then,
Nick
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
55 mi, 5094 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:12 AM
Ride Leader
Nick
Regoups:
- Alpine and Portola (water)
- Skylonda (water)
- La Honda
- The Bike Hut (water)
- Top of Tunitas
- Woodside Store (water)
- Sharon Park Drive
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride July 13th, 2024 - Bike Hut (Coastal) Classic
This weekend we will have another opportunity for a Bike Hut Classic effort on Tunitas Creek. There’s two weeks left of the event, plenty of time to sign up and support a great cause (and maybe win some cool prizes). This week is a great chance to set a new PR and/or one up your time from last week! For more information about the event and to sign up check out the Bike Hut’s Website.
The route will be the standard AV Coastal Classic; up Old La Honda, descending 84, right on Stage, a strong effort up Tunitas, and finally descending back down Kings Mountain.
Hope to see you then,
Nick
The AV-B Ride is subject to Alto Velo’s Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
55 mi, 5094 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:12 AM
Ride Leader
Nick
Regoups:
- Alpine and Portola (water)
- Skylonda (water)
- La Honda
- The Bike Hut (water)
- Top of Tunitas
- Woodside Store (water)
- Sharon Park Drive
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette: www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B & C Ride July 6, 2024 - Coastal Classic
We are still working out the leadership for both rides this weekend. I am positive we will work it out, but we are both doing the same ride. Coastal Classic.
This Saturday starts our annual participation in the Bike Hut Classic. Please check your emails or Google Groups for information about how to register. This is our biggest contribution to our community along with the Pesky RR so please look at joining the fundraiser.
The AV B Ride is subject to Alto Velo's Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40102681
~56 miles and 5,100 ft
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:12 AM
Ride Leader
Ed Stewart and other(s)
Planned Regroups:
Portola Road and Alpine Road (water)
Skylonda (water)
La Honda
Bike Hut (water)
Woodside Stores Park (water)
Sharon Park Drive
Non-Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is only required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
AV-B Ride June 29, 2024 - Redwood Gulch + Portola Redwood State Park
Hi AV-Bers,
This week we’ll take a climbing tour through the redwoods. First up will be Redwood Gulch (via Foothill). We’ll then make our way along Skyline and drop down Alpine to get to Portola Redwood State Park, before climbing all the way back up again and descending Page Mill. We’ll regroup at the top and bottom of climbs (see below) and head to Backyard Brew after for coffee.
Fingers crossed it’ll be a bit cooler than last weekend.
Hope to see you there,
Louise
The AV B Ride is subject to Alto Velo's Ride Rules (read them!)
Start / End Location
Summit Bicycles, California Ave
Route
Redwood Gulch and Portola Redwood State Park
54 miles, 6151 feet
Start Time
Meet: 9 AM
Leave: 9:10 AM
Ride Leader
Louise
Regroups:
Regroups:
- Stevens Canyon Picnic Area
- fire station on Skyline
- top of Page Mill
- Portola Redwood State Park
- Alpine and Skyline
- bottom of Page Mill
- Backyard Brew
Non - Members:
Alto Velo welcomes non-members to join us on our rides. However, non-members must have a Waiver on file with the club. Filling out the waiver is only required one time per year.
Ride Etiquette https://www.altovelo.org/ride-rules
Mt Umunhum, June 2021
Bike Hut, July 2021
Native Sons Rd, April 2022
Christmas Coffee Ride, December 2022