This year, time was tight, and the Low Key Hill Climb Series is no longer..., and so it was decided that I'd drive myself, get a start at 7:30am, and meet Rick Ferrell and Scott Martin at Lick Observatory at the top, then we could ride down together, get some post-ride eats, and continue on to our respective Thanksgiving celebrations. Weather was perfect; clear and no wind and cool, suitable for the many miles of hard climbing.
At the foot of Mt Hamilton Road and Alum Rock - the traditional starting point of the 19 mile climb to the summit |
San Jose haze below |
Oaks were in full fall color glory. I tried snapping some shots as I pedalled hard |
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It's a popular ride, especially on Thanksgiving morning |
Now almost halfway up the 3rd and final climb, the domes come into view |
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Looking south, towards Loma Prieta Peak, tallest in the Santa Cruz Mtns at 3800 ft |
On the straight-away, with all telescope domes along the ridgetop now visible; the 120" Shane telescope is at right |
The turnoff to the 36" and 40" main building |
ye olde Dining Hall for the astronomers |
Great morning, great view! |
10 minutes later, Rick and Scott arrive and we get our trio shot |
Can't head down without getting my selfie with "Lick Observatory" inscribed on the background |
Scott and Rick, with the 40" Nickel Telescope in the background |
Antsy to head down now... |
42 miles and 5,000 ft of climbing - re-fueling at the local Subway is serious business, as you can tell by our expressions! |
