Past Ride Reports – VeloRaptors

Two Rides – Two Bridges and Soup!

VeloRaptors were out and about over the weekend January 28-29, in spite of the weather!

Saturday, VeloRaptors and Oakland Rotarians once again did the Martinez-Benicia Two Bridge ride. We rode in and out of foggy patches, and it so happened that the Carquinez Bridge was in fog. But, we found the sun, hot coffee and fabulous pastries at the One House Bakery in Benecia!

On Sunday, Dale put on his annual Soup Kitchen. Moreover, the 49rs were playing for the NFC championship vs the (Philadelphia) Eagles.

Seven ‘raptors rode from Montclair out to Alamo, despite the cold and rain. Several others took the more ‘sensible’ method and drove out to Dale’s. All were rewarded with a plethora of hot soups waiting to be consumed. Thank you Dale for helping us survive the weather and the Niners shellacking.

Dale’s soup kitchen – Five soups this year including Chicken Tortilla, Beef Chili, Salmon Chowder, Minestrone, and a Moroccan style entry.

VeloRaptors Still Need Coffee

Our Wednesday ride was cancelled due to the incessant rain. Many of the Wednesday riders still needed their hit of caffeine, pastry and great socializing.

The 7 Riders that fought the cold – and won!

Seven hardy riders braved the initial cool temperatures today and had a very nice ride. We actually had 8 total participants, as Rob did a short ride, but Mike M. came along to take his place. Chris S. gets honorable mention for showing up at L’Cajou to cheer us on.

We encountered a light sprinkle as we left Orinda and enjoyed sunshine all the way back.

Great start to November!

Tour of Alameda – Saturday, Oct 29

Join us for a ride around Alameda Island on Saturday – Oct, 29, in conjunction with Oakland Rotary. This ride is designed for those who may want a bit of exercise followed by a good beer. If that is you, then come along on Saturday.

Two options are planned

A 13 mile ride starting at Faction Brewery at 10:30. This will be a loop that gets back to Faction about noon when there will be a food truck there https://www.factionbrewing.com/visit#food-trucksHere is the route; https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41286192
For those wanting a longer ride, meet at the Lake Merritt Library at 9:30, we will then rendezvous with those at Faction at 10:30. That will make a 40 mile ride. Email Veloraptors@gmail.com if you plan to ride.

VeloRaptors Ride the Bay Bridge to Dedicate Vista Point on Yerba Buena Island

Tuesday, May 2, 6 VeloRaptors took the fabulous ride on the Bay Bridge bike path out to the opening ceremony for the Vista Point rest stop on Yerba Buena Island.

At the start of the trip we got a look at the newly renovated ‘event center’ (a converted maintenance bldg)

and then were treated to a nice lunch at Vista Point – after a few speeches.
We even got a picture with Mayor Schaff!
Overall, this rest-stop is a great addition to the trail, complete with rest rooms and a water station!

Ride to Glory!

Twelve VeloRaptors took a beautiful ride from Vacaville to Lake Berryessa to view the Glory Hole. It was a beautiful ride up Pleasants Valley Road, then out Route 128 to the dam. Temperature was mild, and we had lots of sun, and a fine lunch at Steady Eddie’s in Winters. Basically, it was 44 miles of bliss.

VeloRaptors Invade Treasure Island

On Sunday, November 13, over 30 VeloRaptors pedaled their way through the fog and along the new bike lane on the Eastern span of the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island. For many riders this was their first time on the island, despite living here for many years.

We circumnavigated the island constantly wondering what sights we were being hidden by the fog, and before long ended up at the Aracely Café where we enjoyed coffee and pastries. The café includes a sizeable event center, and they were setting up for a luncheon for 300 people. However, they have an outdoor area, complete with couches, that easily handled our group.

The sun froke through as we headed back to Oakland, and we did enjoy some lovely views.

Paul L. and I took a few photos.

All in all, a nice 25 mile ride.

Colorado Canyons, Mountains, Ruins, bikes, ice cream and bakeries.

In early August I had the pleasure of cycling in Southwest Colorado with a group of VeloRaptors. We started in Grand Junction…..

I put up a blog post about the trip, Bay-Bikes-Bakery Blog post

-Steelrider

Woodside Tunitas Ride

9 riders rode the Woodside-Old La Honda-Pescadero-Tunitas Creek loop on Sunday (7/10) . We stopped at the bike hut on Tunitas Creek Rd to rest up for the climb.

Too much fun riding 2 Bridges Loop

Thanks to the 25 Riders that made the 2 Bridges ride on June 12 great fun. Special thanks to Jon R. for leading us on the Pinole Waterfront Adventure.