Alternative Saturday Rides

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.

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.

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.

List of 3rd Saturday Rides

R4R Ride for a Reason – Oakland to Sacramento (110 mi)

Oakland to Mt. Diablo – Out and Back (70 mi)

San Raphael – Tomales – Pt Reyes loop

Livermore Valley loop

San Jose – Mt. Hamilton

Third Saturday Rides

Third Saturday Ride series.

The purpose of the Third Saturday Ride series is to expand the uniquely VeloRaptor ride experience to include some of the many fabulous Bay Area routes. Rides are generally 40-60 miles and of varying difficulty, but usually include a lunch/coffee stop. Moreover, as the routes may not be well known to all the riders, there is a ride leader. Our ‘no drop’ policy will be in effect. The specific route for a given Third Saturday will be announced a couple of weeks in advance (or more).

Our July ride was in Marin and around 20 riders rode a loop from Nicasio to Tomales and back. In August, a group of 10 did the Two Bridges ride. In September nearly 20 riders met again in Marin for the Ride and Plunge, and in October, 9 riders ventured from Orinda to the BearClaw in Pinole, returning via the Bears.

Future rides:

Nov 15 – Larry DiCostanzo will lead a ride in Marin over the Marshall Wall

Dec 20 – Sally Goodman will lead a ride

Jan 17 – Tom Willging will lead a ride from San Jose to Mt. Hamilton (and back)

Feb 21 – TBD

Mar 21 – Kevin M. Will guide a Tour of Tri-Valley area on new bike friendly roads

If you have a favorite loop you want to include, or want to lead a ride please contact Steve Blair, Robin Brumell, Sally Goodman or Larry DiCostanzo regarding a route and a possible date.

The next ‘Third Saturday Ride’ will be November 15. Details to be announced.

-Steve Blair