San Jose, CA: Patterson Overnighter (Day 1)

On day one of an overnight journey between Milpitas and Patterson, you’ll climb the awe-inspiring Mount Hamilton before descending into California’s arid Central Valley.

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Author:	Russ Stevens
Date:	1 Mar 2008 8:07:32 AM
Source:	on my Nextel phone
Activity:	Bicycling ActivitySearchBicycling
State:	California (CA)
Distance:	68.16 mi (Change units)
Survey Elevation:	Total Gain: 5851 ft Total Loss: 5745 ft Net Change: 106 ft
Difficulty:	5 / 10
Tags:	California, Milpitas, Patterson, Mount Hamilton
Rating:	Unrated Rate it

Note: This ride constitutes the first leg of a two-day overnight trip between Milpitas and Patterson. For the second leg, click here.

Climb the challenging and scenic Mount Hamilton while pedaling from the busy Bay Area into the wide-open Central Valley on day one of this tour between Milpitas and Patterson. This ride ends at the Best Western Villa Del Lago in Patterson: make reservations before heading out. To get started, cruise from Murphy Park through the residential neighborhoods of Milpitas before heading out of town on Piedmont Road.

The climb toward Mount Hamilton, which begins just past mile 6 near the outskirts of Milpitas, takes place largely on Mount Hamilton Road (CA 130). Local roadies revere the road for its light traffic, challenging climbing and continuously astounding views. Upon picking up Mount Hamilton Road, you’ll climb for nearly 19 miles before reaching Hamilton’s peak. The climb, broken up by two quick descents (about 1-2 miles each), culminates with a winding 7-mile section averaging a steady 5.4 percent grade While heading uphill, you’ll be treated to increasingly revealing views of Hamilton’s pine-dotted green slopes and the expansive countryside below.

After peaking the climb, coast downhill for five miles before spinning over a predominantly flat 14-mile stretch. Near mile 43, stop for lunch at the Junction Bar and Grill – a favorite among local bikers and cyclists – before bidding adieu to CA 130 and picking up Del Puerto Canyon Road. This thoroughfare carries light traffic, but, compared to Mount Hamilton Road, snakes through more barren mountain terrain before finally culminating in the arid flatlands surrounding Patterson. There are plenty of places for post-ride food and drink around the Villa Del Lago, and downtown Patterson is just a few miles to the east.

-Mapped by Russ Stevens

TO TRAILHEAD: From I 880 N, take the Montague Expy. E exit and follow the Montague Expy. for 1.8 miles. Continue onto Landess Ave. and follow for 0.3 miles. Turn left at Park Victoria Dr. and follow for 0.5 miles. Turn right at Yellowstone Ave. Park is on left in 0.2 mile.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

San Jose, CA: Patterson Overnighter (Day 1)

Distance: 68.16 mi	Points: 2022	Calories: none
Total Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

#	Distance	Instruction	Distance to next
1	0.69 mi	Turn left at Landess Ave	Then go 0.41 mi
2	1.10 mi	Turn right at Piedmont Rd	Then go 0.40 mi
3	1.50 mi	Slight right to stay on Piedmont Rd	Then go 0.85 mi
4	2.35 mi	Slight right to stay on Piedmont Rd	Then go 0.41 mi
5	2.76 mi	Slight left to stay on Piedmont Rd	Then go 0.77 mi
6	3.53 mi	Turn left at Penitencia Creek Rd	Then go 1.04 mi
7	4.56 mi	Slight right to stay on Penitencia Creek Rd	Then go 0.82 mi
8	5.38 mi	Turn left at Creek Trail	Then go 0.26 mi
9	5.64 mi	Turn right at Alum Rock Falls Rd	Then go 0.02 mi
10	5.66 mi	Continue onto Alum Rock Ave	Then go 0.88 mi
11	6.54 mi	Continue onto Miguelita Rd	Then go 0.95 mi
12	7.49 mi	Turn left at CA-130 E/Mt Hamilton Rd	Then go 3.93 mi
13	11.42 mi	Turn left to stay on CA-130 E/Mt Hamilton Rd	Then go 0.13 mi
14	11.55 mi	Turn left to stay on CA-130 E/Mt Hamilton Rd	Then go 0.42 mi
15	11.96 mi	Turn left to stay on CA-130 E/Mt Hamilton Rd	Then go 31.17 mi
16	43.13 mi	Turn right at Del Puerto Canyon Rd	Then go 24.43 mi
17	67.56 mi	Turn left at Diablo Grande Pkwy	Then go 0.08 mi
18	67.64 mi	Continue onto Del Puerto Canyon Rd	Then go 0.38 mi
19	68.02 mi	Turn left at Rogers Rd	Then go 0.10 mi
20	68.12 mi	Turn right at Speno Dr

Points of Interest

Murphy Park

Location: 37.424520, -121.874321
This ride begins at Murphy Park. Have a friend to drop you off here if you don't want to leave your car on the street over night. Head east through Milipitas' residential neighborhoods to get started. © Russ Stevens

Piedmont Road

Location: 37.421503, -121.860824
Stick to the shoulder on the busy Piedmont Road, which you'll follow through Milipitas' residential neighborhoods for the next 2.5 miles.

Begin Climbing

Location: 37.386731, -121.814218
From the intersection of Alum Rock Avenue and Miguelita Road, you'll begin climbing toward Mount Hamilton. In total, the ascent features over 3,600 feet of vertical spanning 18.8 miles. The climb kicks off with a 5.8-mile section averaging a 4.6 percent grade.

Mount Hamilton Road (CA 130)

Location: 37.377217, -121.802201
Merge onto Mount Hamilton Road, which you'll follow until mile 43. The winding mountain road provides minimal shoulders but carries light traffic and serves up constant mind-blowing views.

Downhill

Location: 37.355081, -121.741219
Earn a brief downhill after completing the first section of climbing.

Second Section Of Climbing

Location: 37.341912, -121.718044
Pedaling through Grant Ranch Park, begin the ride's second section of climbing just past mile 14. This 3.2-mile stretch averages a 4.4 percent grade.

Downhill

Location: 37.328843, -121.682897
Earn a one-mile descent after cresting the second section of climbing and descending out of Grant Ranch Park.

Final Section Of Climbing

Location: 37.323485, -121.669164
After exiting Grant Ranch Park, hit the final section of climbing toward Mount Hamilton. Spanning 7 miles, this especially windy stretch averages a nearly constant 5.4 percent grade.

Aerial Views

Location: 37.336316, -121.657405
The climb up Mount Hamilton Road affords continuous panoramas of the countryside below. © Russ Stevens

Mount Hamilton Road

Location: 37.340035, -121.655002
The snake-like Mount Hamilton Road rolls through green hills dotted with evergreen stands. © Russ Stevens

Mount Hamilton Road

Location: 37.338875, -121.653521
Cyclists love Mount Hamilton's combination of low traffic, challenging climbing and eye-opening scenery. © Russ Stevens

Switchbacks

Location: 37.342458, -121.647534
Intestine-like switchbacks comprise this section of climbing along Mount Hamilton. © Russ Stevens

Mount Hamilton: Peak

Location: 37.345460, -121.631956
Catch your breath while savoring magnificent vistas from the top of the Mount Hamilton climb. Then continue heading east on Mount Hamilton Road to begin a 5-mile ascent. © Russ Stevens

Flat Stretch

Location: 37.357878, -121.571102
Just before mile 32, begin a 14-mile section of mainly level riding. Mount Hamilton Road is now San Antonio Valley Road.

Junction Bar and Grill

Location: 37.391573, -121.490250
Grab lunch at the Junction Bar and Grill, a favorite among bikers and cyclists. Then head north on Del Puerto Canyon Road. Like Mount Hamilton Road, Del Puerto Canyon Road offers miniscule shoulders but boasts light traffic and spectacular scenery. © Russ Stevens

All Downhill From Here

Location: 37.394710, -121.449051
The ride's remaining 22 miles are all downhill.

Best Western Villa Del Lago Inn

Location: 37.466002, -121.175251
The first day of riding culminates at the Best Western Villa Del Lago Inn on the outskirts of Patterson. Call (209) 892-5300 to make a reservation. © Russ Stevens