Morgan Territory

The Green Hills of Morgan Territory

Rarely do I get to ride on east side of Mt Diablo, often way toooo hot for my tastes and requires a car drive to Clayton. However on this cool spring day in March (03-13-05) the hills were alive and green thus making a visit to one of the East bay's finest roads well worthwhile. The ride crew today was Stef, Jason and Adam.

We started in old historic Clayton, plenty of parking in this sleepy little town. This area is very unlike the shopping centers and housing developments that rule the far East Bay. The climb up Morgan Territory is moderate and mostly shaded with views supreme. The road is mostly 1 lane and feels more like something you'd experience high in the Alps. Few cars and lots of twisty switchbacks are the norm. Very Tasty! However, after a wonderful descent through amazing green hillsides to Tassajara Canyon the grim reality of the far East Bay returns. Hugh SUVs, endless developments and fast food restaurants again dominate the scenery. We then road pass the town of Danville (Andronicos super market rules!), then south to Walnut Creek. From there a nice little bike path back to Clayton Road. The total mileage is 54 miles with 3200ft of climbing. An alternative to this would be to ride up over the Mt Diablo South Gate Rd then descending on the North Gate road. This however would add atleast another ~1500 feet of climbing, so your total would be somewhere 5k, a full day but you'd be able to replace the sprawl for some more fine climbs and more memorable views! If we get another cool day this spring we hope to try this variation.

2 very short movies -

one movie

two movie

Ride ON!