The Mount Diablo Challenge is a unique and difficult contest between runners and cyclists racing to the 3,849 ft summit of Mount Diablo, located east of Walnut Creek. The 2000 race will start at 9 AM, Saturday October 28. Organized by Brad Smith, the actual route to the summit from the starting point is up to each entrant. Runners prefer the 5.5M of steep trails. Bikes travel 10.3M along the road. Mountain bikes are prohibited on some of the trails near the summit and must take the road for the last mile or two. The trail meets the road at several points and the same runners and bikers may see each other several times along the way.
The Road: The distance is approximately 10.3 miles. From the start (elev. 800) it is about 2M to the South Gate (elev. 1550), which is seen after rounding the end of Fossil Ridge. Bikes do not need to stop and pay to use the park.
Almost a mile further, the first encounter with the runner's route is found at the Rock City area (elev. 1620). The road then turns eastward again and winds up to Curry Point, (elev. 1774) 1/2M further. At that point the road again turns northwest towards the second trail/road encounter 3/4M further on. Here at Barbecue Terrace there are thick white lines crossing the asphalt near the Heliport at just over 1900 feet elev.
Another 3/4M brings you to the Park HQ building (elev. 2160), where the road forks. Follow the sharp right turn towards the summit and soon you'll see the next trail crossing.
A 600 foot climb over the next mile of twisting road brings you to the next trail crossing, where a service road can be seen on the right. The trail crosses the road and continues down the service road a short way before regaining the Summit Trail. The bikes on the road reach a 180-degree curve 1/2 mile past the crossing. After another mile, they reach the Devils Elbow (elev. 3480).
The summit looms 400 feet overhead at the Devils Elbow, where the trail brushes the outside edge of the road on a hairpin turn and cuts steeply up the mountain. The road takes a more moderate grade and traces around to the north side before reaching the point where the two routes coincide to the finish. The trail emerges onto the road at the lower parking lot just past where the road becomes a one-way loop for the final 0.1M 100 foot climb to the top (elev. 3849).
The Trail: Since the trail is a little more ambiguous than the road, remember this rule of thumb - when in doubt, go UP! The approximately 5.5M route starts out along the Dan Cook Canyon trail, (elev. 800) and initially follows the southwestern boundary of the state park lands. This route climbs 3000' over 5.5 miles for an average of 545' per mile.
The first 3/4M is rolling single track - very scenic, mostly shaded with no real net elevation gain. Then the trail turns into a dirt road and the next mile or so climbs maybe 600 feet to Rock City.
The dirt trail emerges onto asphalt for about 1/2 M through Rock City, the last 0.1M of which is the only significant downhill part of the trail, dropping about 40 feet after attaining an elevation of 1650 feet at the 2M-point. The trail meets the road for the first time after this short drop coming down out of Rock City. The trail parallels the road for 30 yards, without crossing it. The trail then starts up another dirt road on the left.
After 0.1M a tiny path jumps off the right side of the dirt road - perhaps the trickiest part of the trail. This section is less than 1/2 mile in length, but climbs another 300-400 feet and has erosion control beams across the trail on the last half. Some of these beams have developed into 8 or 10-inch steps on the path. At the top of this section we gain sight of the road and after 100 yds. or so, come to a good access point.
One could actually take a shortcut here by switching from trail to running along the road for 1/4M. This is where the first of three actual crossings occurs (elev. 1920), with the trail leading to the Heliport and the summit visible beyond. This is Barbecue Terrace, where the crossing is clearly marked with two wide, white parallel lines painted on the road. A half mile beyond the first crossing, the trail emerges into a picnic area and crosses the road again (clearly marked.) It continues along a utility road opposite the picnic area leading up to a ranger's residence.
Keep to the right past the ranger's house and follow the dirt trail (marked Summit Trail) up the hill around the back of the residence. Within 1/4M of the house, the Stage Road joins the trail. Follow the uphill Summit Trail to the right. In less than 1/2M the trail again crosses the road (elev. 2750). Interestingly, the road through Dan Cook Canyon, now called Summit Trail, was the original stagecoach road to the summit.
Cross to the service road opposite and continue around the low traffic barrier 50 yards to where the service road curves right. Here the Summit Trail takes off on the left side of the road, twisting through high shrubs and emerging t a water tank 1/4M further on. Port-a-Potties are located here.
Stay on the trail to the left of the toilets which curves up and around behind them (if you're not going up, you're going the wrong way!) A half-mile beyond the toilets the road appears suddenly. Do not cross the road, but stay on the right side for 3 or 4 yards then take the dirt road, which drops down a few feet off to the right.
Enjoy the relatively level going for the next 100 yds., but watch for the single track trail leading up off to the left as the dirt road continues straight a little further.
To this point the trail has covered about 5M and climbed over 2500 feet! Only 1/2M more (and another 500 feet of climb) to go. Less than 0.1M after taking the trail from the level dirt road the trail brushes the Devils Elbow - a hairpin turn in the road. The trail traces the outer edge of the road around the Elbow and climbs steeply upward and to the left without crossing the road. In spite of the temptation, do not turn right and follow the downward trail to the Devils Pulpit.
Looking up at about a 45-degree angle you can see the summit looming over you 1/4 mile away! Mercifully the trail cuts to the west and takes this slope on the bias rather than going straight up.
The trail emerges into the lower parking lot. Turn right and continue up along the road 0.1M to the summit. The last hundred feet of climb is along the road so that both riders and runners share the same finishing stretch.
Tips:
Watch for poison oak and use insect repellent sunscreen. Also, spray your visor and your Camelbak with repellent.
On weekends, Mt. Diablo auto traffic is light before 11 AM.
Climbing
statistics for Mt. Diablo. One of the "Triple Crown" climbs,
along with Mt. Tam and Mt. Hamilton.
The Mount Diablo Information Page.
2000
Update:
Mark your calendars! The 2000 Mount Diablo Challenge
is planned for 9AM PDT) Saturday
October 28. This informal timed race up to the summit can be tackled on
foot, road bike, mountain bike, pogo stick, or whatever means of unassisted self-propelled
locomotion you prefer, along any legal route from the start to the
summit. There are no aid stations except limited aid at the start and
finish.
I have checked the race calendar for conflicts and this appears to be a good
weekend. I hope to keep the race fee the same as always (FREE!), but let
me know if you think we should have t-shirts this year (for which there would
be a charge). (A small contribution of $5.00 is suggested to help Brad cover
expenses.)
This year will be much tougher for much tougher for
runners unfamiliar with the trails. To avoid conflicts with the State
Park there will be NO TRAIL MARKINGS!!! Maps will be available as always,
so sharpen up those orienteering skills. This will make for an interesting event
for runners, and add a new element of strategy and challenge. Road bikes
may gain a slight edge since their course is easier to follow. Let me
know in advance if you want to participate so I can plan for enough
refreshments and goodies at the summit.
Let your biker friends know - each year we never seem to have enough bikes in
the race. In 1997, Lars Ericsson won on a bike in 57:07, but since
then runners have prevailed, with Brian Purcell smashing the course record last
year with an amazing 54:46! But late last year I received an email
message from Mauricio Prado who in 1991 rode the course in 46:28, INCLUDING an
EXTRA mile at the start! So the runners could face some really tough
competition from elite bike racers.
Stevens Creek Software has graciously offered to
supply *sophisticated*
timing hardware and software for the event. This will be in the form of a Palm
handheld computer with one of Stevens Creek Software's palmtop products called
RaceBase (TM) http://www.stevenscreek.com/palm/index.shtml
for more details on this and other Palm Computing solutions.
To make this even easier, Steve has set up a web registration page. Just
go to http://www.sportcentral.com/diablo.html
and enter your name, email,
gender, age and method of ascent (currently Run, Road Bike, or Mountain
Bike, but let me know if you need another option). Please preregister at
the above URL. If you have trouble, you can call me at (707) 434-9012 or
email me the 5 pieces of information. Mount
Diablo Challenge 2000 pictures.
One last plea - if you would like to volunteer, or know someone who can help
out at the start or finish, please let me know. I could use an extra
person or two to help out on race day.
Train hard. Climb fast.
Brad Smith, Organizer and Provider of
Prizes and Goodies.
Directions:
Please allow at least 1/2 hour to get from the
Athenian School Staff
parking lot to the start area and sign the waiver. Parking is about a mile
from the start of the race so allow plenty of time to get to the start by
8:45AM warmed up, but not overtired. Park at the Athenian School on the
right soon after the turn onto Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd. We have
permission to use the Staff Parking Lot on the side of the building.
Better yet, have someone drop you off and meet you at the top to drive you and
a few friends down. The park opens at 8AM so don't plan on getting in before
then. Sometimes the gates have been open, sometimes locked up until after 8AM.
There are NO RESTROOMS at the start area. Find
a place somewhere along the way before you get to the park. There are
restrooms at the summit, at Rock City about 2 miles into the race, and at the
water tank at about 4.5M.
Carry water if you think you'll need it. There will be bottled water at
the start and there are a couple of places along the way - Rock City (2M), the
water tank (4.5M, but may not be potable), and at the summit – but there will
be NO AID STATIONS.
Trail markings: In order not to violate the park regulations (in lieu of
permission to mark the trails) there will be no trail markings this year.
Everyone is encouraged to familiarize themselves with the route. Remember
– any route which does not violate state park rules is legal (no trailblazing).
If you are familiar with the trail, please help those near you not to get lost.
Rule of Thumb: If you are in doubt - go up. Eventually you should be able
to see the summit light tower and head towards it. [NOTE: there are two
exceptions to this rule. At the Rock City parking area about 2 miles from
the start, after about 1/3M climb on asphalt, the service road summits at the
parking area. Follow the asphalt drive bearing to the left about 0.1M
down to the main roadway (South Gate Rd). The second exception is where
the trail CROSSES the road for the third time about 4 miles into the
race. Follow the trail across the road, do NOT turn left and follow the
road. Remember all road crossings are marked with white lines painted
across the road] Road crossings:
The trail meets the road several times but crosses only 3 times. Last
year each of the three road crossings was marked by two parallel white line
painted on the roadway - look for the lines. In 1998, the two lead runners
turned and followed the road at one of the crossings, adding about a mile to
their race. This has become known as Black's Turn. Maps will be available
at the start.
Bicycles are allowed only on paved roads, fire roads
and designated trails. The last 1.5M of the Summit Trail are closed to
bicycles, which must follow Summit Road at the third trail crossing.
The weather on the summit can be very cold and windy. There is an
automated weather reporting system and you can get current conditions by calling
(925) 838-9225. I will have some extra sweatshirts and blankets available
at the top. The Visitors Center inside the summit tower usually opens at
11AM. At least one van will be driven up from the start. If you want to
have sweats, dry clothes or other personal items transported to the summit, we
will be able to take them. There will be blankets and sweatshirts
available to borrow at the summit in case it gets cold or windy. We will
also have room for a few riders back down the mountain. We will do our
best to accommodate those wishing not to run/hike back down, but cannot take
everybody. If you need to count on a ride back to the start, please make arrangements for
someone to meet you at the top drive you.
From the South Bay: Take 680N through Pleasanton and Dublin to Danville.
Take the Diablo Rd exit and turn right (east) at the end of the off ramp. Follow Diablo Rd three miles to Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd. on the left. Be aware that Diablo Rd does some radical changes of direction - 1/4M after the off ramp bear left as Diablo Rd curves to the north (at Tassajara Rd), then 1/2M further keep right as it curves back eastward (where El Cerro Blvd. merges in), and avoid Alameda Diablo on the left just past the country club.
Once on Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd., a (long) mile brings you to the starting area just inside the State Park boundary (where the fences and No Parking signs end) at the Dan Cook Canyon trailhead. There is parking on the shoulder for 3 or 4 cars, otherwise you must backtrack at least 1/2M down Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd. Park near the Athenian School.
From San Francisco and the East Bay: Take 24 to the Walnut Creek interchange and then 680S to Diablo Rd.
Turn left at the end of the off ramp and follow Diablo Rd to Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd. as described above.
Tri
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