Alpine Dirt on Gravel

Carmel River SP walk

Carmel Jane Powers walkway loop 1

LAH + FHP + Arastradero

Huddart Loop New

Wanted to ride up to Skyline, lots of ideas but the day got away and daylight is so short.
Decided to ride up dirt Alpine with options for Russian Ridge.
Wanted to see how me the Diverge would handle the climbs.
After I warmed up I pushed a little harder than before, let my HR and breathing go up and stay at a higher rate.
Skipped riding through Arastradero Reserve, I could do that on the return.
Normally I'd do this ride on my MTB but the Diverge is much faster on the road.
I made it to Portola road and Alpine gate in very good times. I did push hard on the last Alpine road climb.
At the gate I was concerned about the amount of daylight left. I didn't want to turn around just yet. I decided to climb for 30 minutes and see how close I was to the top. I could turn around any time.
I was surprised by how hard it was to climb Alpine. I was in my second gear most of the time with occasional dips to lowest gear. It forced me to ride hard, I would like lower gears.
The new single track is nice on the way up too.
At my 30 minute time check I was just about to the top, so I continued to the top. There was no time for continuing to Russian Ridge.
At the top I thought about descending Page Mill, the pavement would be safe and faster, except for the cars.
I was at the top of dirt Alpine and it would be an excellent descent, why go any other way? I descended Alpine Dirt. 
The sun had set interms of the trail being on the shady side of the ridge in the forest. The light was pretty low. I put on my windbreaker and extra gloves.
Right now Alpine dirt is very nice for the Diverge. It was a blast.
Alpine pavement along the creek was very cold, it got much nicer past the lower Alpine parking lot.
Just before Los Trancos road there were two police cars stopped and officers tackeling someone, decided not to stop.
The rest of the ride was uneventful and the sky was turning colors.I got home just before sunset.

Top Sports

E Jones

Alpine Dirt on Gravel

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Alpine Dirt on Gravel

Carmel River SP walk

Carmel Jane Powers walkway loop 1

LAH + FHP + Arastradero

Huddart Loop New

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