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May 3 Saturday DSSF Event
Wine Country Century

This is another club favorite, and a great first century for new long distance riders. Depending on your route, you’ll cross the beautiful Russian River as many as six times.
Remember to wear your club jersey!
35 Miles
This easy circuit heads across the Laguna de Santa Rosa almost to Sebastopol, then turns north and drops into the village of Graton, and north to the town of Windsor and then heads back to LBC.
100 K
This route avoids the early, hilly portions of the 100-mile and 200-K routes and takes an 8 mile shortcut to the main course. After the routes merge, the forested hills give way to the vineyards of the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valleys. Aside from the fairly substantial climb on Chalk Hill near the end, the remainder of the route is flat or rolling.
100 Miles
Heads west across the valley floor before climbing into the wooded hills around Graton and Occidental. After descending to the Russian River at Monte Rio, the route meanders along the sides of the river valley. At about mile 44, the route rejoins the 100-K route.
200 K
Follows the 100-mile course, except for the coastal loop picks up Coleman Valley Road in Occidental on its way to the sea. It then travels north along the coastline, turns inland, and follows the Russian River back to Monte Rio, where it rejoins the 100-mile course. The second extra loop after lunch—over the hill on Dutcher Creek Road—insures that this route is a full 200 K.
NOTE: Rider limit set at 2500, no day of ride registration.
Yes, our banner (should) will be up near the registration/meal area before and after as a point for all of us to hook up.
Rain cancels: no
Ride start:
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts (formerly called Luther Burbank Center)
50 Mark West Springs Road
Santa Rosa 95403
Map:
http://www.srcc.com/lbc_map.html
DSSF Contact:
David Gaus
dgaus@charter.net
May 3 Saturday
Tour de Lincoln

May 4 Sunday
Delta Century

May 4 Sunday
Grizzle Peak Century

May 4 Sunday
Jamboree Century

May 10 - 9:00AM Saturday
Jersey Ride
| Distance: | 27/47/59 miles |
| Pace: | A |
| Terrain: | 3 |
 This is the official monthly club ride for all members (guests are always welcome). The ride offers different distance and level options where once a month all DSSF club members can get out, ride and socialize with the club. The ride starts from Peet's in the Castro. There are three options so you can go at your own pace and distance so please pick the appropriate option to your level of ability, we want to make sure you enjoy the day. The rides split and regroup in Tiburon where we have lunch together as a group. This ride is usually on the second Saturday of each month; however there are a couple of exceptions for special events (see the calendar).
| Distance: | 27 Miles |
| Pace: | A/C |
| Terrain: | 3 |
Turn off at the end of the Sausalito bike path and go directly into Tiburon where the other riders will join you for lunch. You can ride back to San Francisco (or take the ferry to avoid climbing the Sausalito hill). This option is recommended for those who are newer to road cycling.
| Distance: | 47 Miles |
| Pace: | B/C |
| Terrain: | 3 |
This is a real fun loop with spectacular views! From Sausalito you have a small climb over Camino Alto before you head out and around the Tiburon Peninsula. This ride is recommended for the intermediate rider or for those who don't feel like the more strenuous third option.
| Distance: | 59 Miles |
| Pace: | C |
| Terrain: | 3 |
Split off from the group and make the climb up Conzelman in the Marin Headlands then climb up that small canyon, McCullough Road before heading back out to Sausalito to ride the Tiburon Loop. This is the faster paced, more advanced option with extra hills and mileage. Meet At: Peet's Coffee in the Castro (16th and Market Streets). Please arrive between 8:30am and 8:45am for ride sign-up. Ride leaves at 9:00am.
You can find a route sheet at:
http://www.dssf.org/dssf_html/pdf_documents/club_jersey_ride.pdf
RSVP Required
- Rain cancels: call

- Ride start:
- Peet's in the Castro
(please let us know if you want to join us along the route)
- Ride Leader:
- DSSF
rides@dssf.org

May 10 Saturday
Central Coast Double

May 10 Saturday
Fresno Cycling Festival

May 10 Saturday
Tour of the Unknown Coast

May 10 Saturday
Tour de Lincoln

May 11 - 9:00AM Sunday
Climbing & Descending clinic
| Distance: | 0 |
| Pace: | B |
| Terrain: | 3 |
 * * * SPECIAL BIKE SKILLS CLINIC * * *
What goes up must come down, right?
Come join in this Different Spokes special bike skills clinic, presented by Lorri Lee Lown of Bay Area Velo Girls Cycling Club, by special arrangement.
In this 4-hour clinic, she will teach us how to climb like a pro - seated climbs, standing climbs, short climbs, steep climbs, extended climbs. And then, She will teach us how to come back down again, focusing on a fast straight descent, and then a technical switchbacky descent.
NOTE: We must have a minimum of six (6) riders (members or guests) for this event to happen.
FEE: $75/person (check or cash)
- Rain cancels: call

- Ride start:
- Gunn High School
780 Araastradero Road
Palo Alto, CA
From 280
# Take the PAGE MILL RD/ARASTRADERO RD exit toward ARASTRADERO ROAD EAST/PALO ALTO - go 0.4 mi
# Turn Left on PAGE MILL RD(CR-G3 N) - go 1.4 mi
# Turn Right on FOOTHILL EXPY(CR-G5 E) - go 1.3 mi
# Bear Left on ARASTRADERO RD - go 0.1 mi
# Arrive at 780 ARASTRADERO RD, PALO ALTO, on the Left
- Ride Leader:
- David Gaus
408-857-9106 mobile
dgaus@charter.net

May 11 - 10:00AM Sunday
Tour of San Francisco
| Distance: | 40 |
| Pace: | B |
| Terrain: | 2 |
 The Tour of SF set for May 4th didn't take place as planned, so I've rescheduled for May 11th.
Maxed out on Marin? Peeved about the Peninsula? But you still want to ride your bike? What you need is a relaxing tour of San Francisco!
Come join your fellow DSSFers on a bike tour around the circumference of SF. We'll explore the city on a moderately-paced, non-hammer ride. We will make a coffee stop or two and will stop for lunch somewhere.
DISCLAIMER: I've never ridden this route before, so we'll discover it together. I don't have an official DSSF route sheet, but you could help me put one together on this ride. What I do have is the cue sheet from the Gay & Lesbian Sierrans which seems to have the streets pretty well marked.
If you are looking for a relaxing urban ride and understand that we won't be using a detailed map, please join us!
Since we'll be riding in some urban areas, be sure to bring a spare tube and/or patch kit.
RSVPs are always appreciated for DSSF rides as it helps the ride leader plan and have enough route sheets.
- Rain cancels: call

- Ride start:
- Ferry Building
Back of the building along the water, outside Peet's
(Walk your bike through from the main entrance or ride around either side of the building)
Meet at 9:30 for a 10:00 rideout.
- Ride Leader:
- Patrick Heryford
415-613-2864
PJHeryford@yahoo.com

May 15 - 6:00AM Thursday
Hi Ho, Hi Ho it is off to work we go (...Ride to Work Day)
| Distance: | ~45 |
| Pace: | D |
| Terrain: | 3 |
 It's Bike to Work Day and I work in Palo Alto.
I'll be leaving the Castro around 6 a.m. I usually ride west through the panhandle and Golden Gate park till I get to Ocean Beach and then turn south and follow Skyline down to Canada into Woodside (I prefer taking Sawyer Camp Trail). From Woodside I take Mountain Home over to Portola Valley and either take Sand Hill Road or round-about Alpine into Palo Alto. If you work anywhere on the Peninsula (San Mateo, San Carlos, Redwood City) there are plenty of places to cut off early and be on your merry way. If you are further down the Peninsula please join in but I only go as far as Palo Alto. When I leave my apartment in the Castro at 6 am I'm usually into work about 9-ish. After work I take Caltrain home (no headwind!!)
- Rain cancels: yes

- Ride start:
- Peet's Coffee in the Castro (Market and 15th)
- Ride Leader:
- Larry L'Italien
415-786-1259
llitalien2@yahoo.com

May 16 Friday
The Lung Ride (5/16-18)

May 17 - 6:00AM Saturday
Mountain View Double Metric
| Distance: | 127 |
| Pace: | C |
| Terrain: | 2 |
 * * AIDS LifeCycle Training Ride CROSS-POST * *
Come join (some of) your DSSF ALC7 Training Ride Leaders (Chris Thomas and David Gaus) for AIDS/LifeCycle CAT-3 Distance Training Ride #10: Mountain View Double Metric.
Here it is: a double metric century. But unlike many of the double metrics that are offered elsewhere, this one does not go overboard on the climbing. From downtown Mountain View, we will head north to cross the Dumbarton Bridge and then go through Fremont and Niles Canyon to Sunol. After that, its into new territory as we head east through Pleasanton and Livermore and to the top of the Altamont Pass and beyond before a big descent back into Livermore. (105-mile riders will skip the Altamont Pass climb.) After that, we will head northwest toward Blackhawk (headwinds are possible) and into San Ramon before our last climb of the day up Norris Canyon Road. After that, the final 35 miles are mostly downhill or flat as we return through Hayward and Fremont on our way back to the Dumbarton Bridge. We celebrate with a flat return through downtown Palo Alto on the Bryant Street bike boulevard, and we will arrive back in Mountain View just in time for a hearty dinner at any of the many restaurants within a couple of blocks. Congratulations ... you have earned it!
Total climbing on this ride is about 3,400 feet. You can see a preview of the route here:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/ALC-Cat-3-Double-Metric
In addition to our ride leaders, we will also have limited SAG vehicle support on this ride.
This is a challenging ride. It is longer than any single day of the ride in June and is designed for intermediate and advanced riders who want additional experience in rides of 10 hours and longer. You do not have to do this ride to be ready for June, but the challenge may help make June easier for you.
You do not need to be a super-fast rider to participate in these rides! And it is perfectly OK if you are at the lower end of the Cat-3 range; you do not need to be a 15-mph rider.
You also do not need to be an AIDS/LifeCycle rider to join ALC training rides, but you do need to be there for the Safety Speech.
This is not a DSSF event, you will be required to sign the AIDS/LifeCycle ride waiver.
Meet at 6:00am, Safety Speech at 6:20am, Ride Out at 6:30am.
RSVP here please:
http://www.aidslifecycle.org/rsvp.cfm?id=3895
(Please mention you are a Different Spokes member)
- Rain cancels: call

- Ride start:
- Evelyn Ave. at Franklin St.
Mountain View, CA
Three blocks west of the Mountain View CalTrain and VTA station, in the overflow parking lot at the corner of Evelyn Avenue and Franklin Street.
- Ride Leader:
- DSSF ALC7 TRLs
408-857-9106 mobile
rides@dssf.org

May 17 - 11:00AM Saturday
Family Fun Rolling on the Alameda Creek Trail
| Distance: | 24 +/- |
| Pace: | A |
| Terrain: | 1 |
 The Alameda Creek Trail is a dedicated paved biking/walking trail that runs along the creek from Niles Canyon to the Bay -- no cars allowed! We'll meet at the eastern starting point in Niles Canyon, and then roll along as far as the group wishes, hopefully all 12 miles to where the creek meets the bay, and then back again. This is an excellent ride for beginners, and for younger riders who are not yet used to riding in traffic. We'll start a bit later than usual, and plan on having a picnic somewhere along the route. Bring helmets, tubes, pumps, water, etc. just as on any ride, as well as a picnic lunch (we won't be riding by any fastfood outlets or mini-marts, so bring what you need). Younger riders are welcome: the leader will hopefully have her nephews with her, and might be pulling a trailer as well. No drop: the pace will be easy so as to enjoy the scenery and the company. Be prepared for other riders and walkers on the trail: we'll have a pre-ride safety talk on hand signals and safe passing practices. Riders can turn around at any point if the distance becomes a bit much for them. Meet at 11:00 a.m. at the Niles Staging Area for roll-out. Everyone welcome!
- Rain cancels: yes

- Ride start:
- Meet at 11:00 a.m. at the Niles Canyon Staging Area in Fremont. Take 880 south to Alvarado Niles Rd East exit. Alvarado Niles Rd. becomes Niles Blvd. From Niles Blvd., turn Right onto Old Canyon Rd to the Niles Staging Area.
Alternate BART option: Take any Fremont train from the East Bay to Union City BART station, ride south on Decoto Rd to where it intersects the trail and then head East to the Niles Staging Area. From the City, take a Dublin-Pleasanton train and transfer at Bayfair to a Fremont train to Union City station.
Rider leader will meet riders at 10:15 at Union City BART station to ride together to the Niles Staging Area. PLEASE RSVP if you want to meet at Union City BART so leader knows who to expect. Riders from the City should allow extra time due to the schedule problems on the Dublin-Pleasanton line.
- Ride Leader:
- Stephanie Clarke
510-558-9614
stephclarke@mindspring.com

May 17 Saturday
I Care Classic Bicycle Tour

May 17 Saturday
Lodi Sunrise Century

May 17 Saturday
Davis Double

May 18 Sunday
Monticello Solano Century

May 18 Sunday DSSF Event
Strawberry Fields Forever

Strawberry Fields Forever (SFF) is one of the best cycling events in California. It features three routes 25 miles, 100 kilometers and 100 miles, which traverse some of the most beautiful regions of Santa Cruz County.
Remember to wear your club jersey!
25 miles
This is a nice loop from Watsonville out to Corralitos and back, through some beautiful coastal redwoods and apple orchards. Two short climbs. This is a great one for those just venturing forth on their first organized ride, or those with children in tow.
100 kilometers
A beautiful ride through southern Santa Cruz County. Includes approximately 4000 feet of climbing. Espressos and lattes at the levee, lunch at Royal Oaks, pie at Gizdich Ranch and perogi in Corralitos. A good ride for the accomplished weekend warrior.
100 Miles
This route starts with a climb to the Summit and then joins the 100K route. You need to be in mid season form for this ride. There are approximately 6000 feet of climbing. In addition to the Summit there are climbs in Prunedale and Corralitos. Be there or be square. Bring your granny and we dont mean your grandmother!!
Strawberries, chocolate, whipped cream, and our end of the ride meal.
Yes, our banner will be up at near the registration area before as a point for all of us to hook up.
Rain cancels: no
Ride start:
Pajaro Valley High School
500 Harkins Slough Road
Watsonville, CA 95076
DSSF CONTACT:
David Gaus
dgaus@charter.net
408-857-9106 mobile
May 18 Sunday
Foothill Century

May 23 Friday DSSF Event
Great Western Bike Rally (5/23-26)

Don’t miss out on a really fun weekend of cycling, running from Thursday (if you wish) thru Monday of Memorial weekend.
The event is held at the fairgrounds in Paso Robles where we camp and play for three days at “Camp DSSF”.
The Great Western Bicycle Rally is a large, friendly, family-oriented bike event extravaganza dedicated to recreational cycling that transforms the Paso Robles fairgrounds and the surrounding countryside into a pedalers paradise.
Talk about great bike riding! They provide the routes and you can choose from 25 scenic bike rides of varying distances and difficulty through farmland, vineyards, native oaks and even ocean scenery.
Each morning we gather to see who wants to do what. On one of the nights we will all go into town for dinner together at a restaurant.
Want to get in a great one-day and not spend the entire weekend? Enjoy the incredible scenery that surrounds Paso Robles by bicycle. You can get a taste of what the Rally is all about without being away from home the entire weekend. Check out the Great Western Bicycle Rally Century and Metric Century Ride for Sunday only option!
Rain cancels: no
Ride start:
Paso Robles Mid-State Fairgrounds
2198 Riverside Ave
Paso Robles 93446
DSSF Contact:
Dave Fales
bigmrdave@yahoo.com
408-431-4485 mobile
May 24 - 8:00AM Saturday
Return to Hollister Hills: Aromas, Freedom, Corralitos loop
| Distance: | 74 |
| Pace: | B |
| Terrain: | 3 |
 * * AIDS LifeCycle Training Ride CROSS-POST * *
Come join one of your DSSF ALC7 Training Ride Leaders (David Gaus) for AIDS/LifeCycle Return to Hollister Hills. This ride series finishes in May with another twist, we are again skipping the Hollister Hills in favor of another new ride through two neighboring counties: Monterey and Santa Cruz!
We will head towards the backside of San Juan Bautista via back roads (can you name the produce?) and then head up and over Carr Avenue to our first stop, Aromas. From there we will head on to Freedom for lunch. Our return will take us through Corralitos and up and over Hazel Dell Road. From there, head on to Aromas again, but approaching from a different angle. And then to keep the return from being entirely the same, after climbing over Carr Avenue, we will take a slight diversion giving us a great view over the quarry off Riverside Road-Hwy 129 and 101 heading towards Salinas. From there, we finish retracing our path back to Hollister.
Total climbing for this ride is about 3,100 feet.
You can see a preview of the route here:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/113567
Faster riders are also welcome, just be aware that official Ride Leaders may not be out front with you, so make sure you get a route sheet!
You do not need to be an AIDS/LifeCycle rider to join ALC training rides, but you do need to be there for the Safety Speech.
This is not a DSSF event, you will be required to sign the AIDS/LifeCycle ride waiver.
Meet at 8:30am, Safety Speech at 8:50am, Ride Out at 9:00am.
There will be a post-ride potluck, complete with Bill's famous cheesy garlic bread.
If you bring something that needs to be refrigerated, Bill will be at the ride start to transport it home before we ride out.
If you want to purchase an appetizer, side dish, dessert or beverage after the ride, there is a Safeway on the way to the house.
RSVP here please:
http://www.aidslifecycle.org/rsvp.cfm?id=4226
- Rain cancels: call

- Ride start:
- Off The Chain Bikes
341 Tres Pinos Road
Hollister, CA 95023
- Ride Leader:
- DSSF ALC7 TRLs
408-857-9106 mobile
rides@dssf.org

May 24 Saturday
Indian Valley Century Rides

May 25 - 9:30AM Sunday
Muir Woods - Centennial
| Distance: | 45 |
| Pace: | B |
| Terrain: | 3 |
 2008 marks the 100th birthday of this National Monument.
We'll ride over to Mill Valley and take the bike route up Molino Ave to Panoramic Highway, down Muir Woods Rd., will make a stop at Muir Woods. Head west to Highway 1 South, back to Mill Valley for a cafe stop before heading home. 2,400 feet of climbing. Bring plenty of food, water, sunscreen and money.
- Rain cancels: yes

- Ride start:
- Velo Rouge Cafe
http://www.velorougecafe.com
798 Arguello Blvd (at McAllister)
San Francisco
Meet around 9:15 for 9:30 AM departure!
- Ride Leader:
- Rico Nappa
415-624-7464
ricosf@myway.com

May 25 Sunday
Great Western Bike Rally Metric & Century

May 26 - 9:30AM Monday
Memorial Day Rollin to Rosie
| Distance: | 22 |
| Pace: | B |
| Terrain: | 1 |
 Celebrate Memorial Day with a ride out to the Rosie the Riveter memorial in Richmond. We will roll from Lake Merritt BART station, through some urban streets, and then along the East Bay Shoreline trail out to Richmond and Rosie. Bring water, snacks and money for lunch. Helmets are required, and you should have what you need to patch a flat or change a tube. Meet the leader outside the Lake Merritt BART station at 9:35. This ride is suitable for everyone -- rolling along the water is a great way to spend a holiday.
- Rain cancels: yes

- Ride start:
- Lake Merritt BART station at 9:35 a.m. Look for the leader outside the entrance-way to the station. He will have his bike, aka The Red Rocker.
- Ride Leader:
- Alfred Santiago
510-586-3836
tishesdad95@yahoo.com

May 31 - 9:45AM Saturday
Relaxing Ride
| Distance: | 14/19+ |
| Pace: | A |
| Terrain: | 1 |
 Welcome to the Relaxing Ride where endurance is set aside for talk, enjoying the scenery, and the wildlife along the path through the Marin marsh lands.
This is a fabulous ride with two segments to choose from, SF/Sausalito or SF/Tiburon. Returns to the City by Ferry from either location. This is an excellent way to start biking and to ride with newcomers in an un-intimidating atmosphere!
This relaxing ride is designed especially for (but certainly not limited to) new riders or riders who are not yet sure of their capabilities. Strong riders who want to have an easy morning ride are also very welcome!
We will go at a slow and relaxing pace so that the views can be taken in and appreciated.
There will be some hills; however, if they are too much of a challenge for some people, the leader is patient and will wait for any rider wanting to walk up the hills. The adrenalin payoff, however, is the long downhill ride into Sausalito. But don't worry! If you are concerned about racing downhill (there are many people who are), we'll go at a slower pace or wait for you at the bottom of the hill.
Upon arriving in Sausalito the group will ride to the northern end of town ending up at Mike's Bikes and then on to explore a little section of the Sausalito boathouse area.
For those interested in continuing on to Tiburon, we will ride from Sausalito to Tiburon, and consider two options; either the short direct route, or the Camino Alto-Paradise loop.
Then lunch, optional. After lunch we will take the Ferry back to San Francisco. From SF you can cycle home or get on BART or Muni.
For fares and schedules, go to:
www.blueandgoldfleet.com/
Don't forget your ferry money! And, of course, a helmet is essential.
For any folks coming from the East Bay, if you are running late, call the Ride Leader.
- Rain cancels: call

- Ride start:
- Peets Coffee
2257 Market Street at 16th Street
San Francisco
- Ride Leader:
- Aaron Almendares-Berman
415.515.0910 mobile
aarondssf@gmail.com

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