Pacific Striders Weekend Run

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun July 20, 8:45, InspirationPoint

2008-07-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Yours truly will not be at the weekend run this Sunday, so don't wait for the gray van to show up! Nonetheless, it will be a fine opportunity to run along San Pablo Ridge and enjoy our little piece of Northern California spread out below.

The run is out and back, paved trail with a runnable shoulder most of the way and 1/4 mile markings, no water, bathrooms at the start. The distance is 8 miles on asphalt, but you can continue on to Richmond if you want!

Directions:

From downtown Oakland and points West: go thru the Caldecott tunnel on Hwy 24 to the Orinda/Moraga exit. Turn left at the stoplight onto Camino Pablo, which will turn into San Pablo Dam Rd. Proceed about 2 miles to the traffic light at Wildcat Canyon and Bear Creek Roads. Turn left onto Wildcat Canyon Rd. Go uphill 2.5 miles to the parking lot at the top of the ridge.

From Walnut Creek and points east: Head East on Hwy 24 take the Orinda/Moraga exit and stay right toward Orinda Village. Once on Camino Pablo, proceed as above.

From Berkeley/Albany, Wildcat Canyon Road can be accessed from Grizzly Peak Blvd. via South Park Dr. or Shasta Rd.

Have a good weekend,

Mike

Pac Striders July 13, 8:45am - Skyline Gate

2008-07-11T16:20:00.001-07:00

It's back to Skyline Gate this Sunday, where we're pondering a visit to the French Trail. But perhaps other concerns (namely the hills) will pull us towards the Sequoia Bayview direction? We'll just start running on West Ridge, and decide from there.

DIRECTIONS: Skyline Gate is located off of Hwy. 13. This highway is accessible via I-580 and Hwy. 24. From I-580 or Oakland, take Hwy. 13 North. Exit at Park Street.Turn left at Mountain Blvd. Turn right on Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. Turn right on Skyline Blvd., and drive straight to the Skyline Gate parking lot on the left.

From Berkeley or Hwy. 24, take Hwy. 13 South. Exit at Moraga Ave/Montclair District. Moraga Ave. becomes Mountain Blvd. Turn left on Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. Turn right on Skyline Blvd., and drive straight to the Skyline Gate parking lot on the left.

Have a lovely weekend,
Amy

Pac Striders Sun. June 29, 8:45am - Smokin' Skyline Gate, Oakland

2008-06-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

What's smokin', Striders? Seriously, this air quality situation with the fires is unprecedented, we are a little concerned with running in this environment. We do want to get together, and plan to meet this Sunday at Skyline Gate, where we'll make a call on the route and distance based on the conditions. We would stress that folks please take it easy and not expect to go out blasting through the trails.

DIRECTIONS:
Skyline Gate is located off of Hwy. 13. This highway is accessible via I-580 and Hwy. 24. From I-580 or Oakland, take Hwy. 13 North. Exit at Park Street.Turn left at Mountain Blvd. Turn right on Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. Turn right on Skyline Blvd., and drive straight to the Skyline Gate parking lot on the left.

From Berkeley or Hwy. 24, take Hwy. 13 South. Exit at Moraga Ave/Montclair District. Moraga Ave. becomes Mountain Blvd. Turn left on Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. Turn right on Skyline Blvd., and drive straight to the Skyline Gate parking lot on the left.

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun June 22, 8:45, Lake Chabot Marina

2008-06-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
We're back! I decided to go on the honeymoon with Amy and Mark, what a blast!

But now it is time to run again, starting at one of our favs. It's also special because Jess, David, and I will all be running at once. So please meet us near the bathrooms and Marina. There is a charge to drive into the park, but there is on street parking at the entrance that is only a short walk to the Marina.

Directions

To reach the marina entrance from points east, take I-580 westbound to the Strobridge Avenue exit in Castro Valley. Turn right on Strobridge, right on Castro Valley Boulevard, and left on Lake Chabot Road. The Lake Chabot Marina is about two miles ahead on the right.

From I-880 take I-238 eastbound to I-580 eastbound, exit at Redwood Road in Castro Valley and go left, go left at Castro Valley Boulevard, and right at Lake Chabot Road. The Lake Chabot Marina is about two miles ahead on the right.

From I-580 in Oakland, proceed east and exit at 150th Ave. / Fairmont Drive. Go straight at the first stoplight at the end of the off-ramp and turn left at the second stoplight to proceed east on Fairmont (uphill). Keep going straight where Fairmont merges into Lake Chabot Rd. and the Marina entrance will be on your left.

Enjoy your weekend,
Mike

Pacific Striders Weekend Run, Sun June 1, 8:45, Skyline Gate and Wedding Bells

2008-05-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Sorry I missed a week, the stomach bug got me and I slept instead of e-mailed. But who cares about last week!! THIS week, Amy and Mark will become wife and man (you know who's side of the isle I'm on)! I have had only one job in my life that lasted longer than Amy and I have been co-coordinators, and we're closing in on that one. So, I'm happier than an Olympic Gold Medalist for both of them.

We'll meet at Skyline this week, the trail will be runner's choice.

DIRECTIONS: Skyline Gate can be reached from the Park Ave. exit off Highway 13 in Oakland. Heading north on 13, turn left at the stop sign at the end of the ramp onto Mountain Blvd. Turn right at the third light onto Snake Rd. Heading south on 13, take a left at the stoplight at the end of the ramp onto Park Ave., a left at the light onto Mountain Blvd., and a right onto Snake Rd. Proceed on Snake Rd. and go straight onto Shepherd Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepherd Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.
Have a good weekend,
Mike

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun May 18, 8:45, West Ridge/Bayview

2008-05-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
We have no idea how hot it will be; but a well shaded, relatively flat out and back with water and bathroom in the middle sounded good to us! So, see you at our favorite gathering spot.

DIRECTIONS: Skyline Gate can be reached from the Park Ave. exit off Highway 13 in Oakland. Heading north on 13, turn left at the stop sign at the end of the ramp onto Mountain Blvd. Turn right at the third light onto Snake Rd. Heading south on 13, take a left at the stoplight at the end of the ramp onto Park Ave., a left at the light onto Mountain Blvd., and a right onto Snake Rd. Proceed on Snake Rd. and go straight onto Shepherd Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepherd Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.
Have a good weekend,
Mike

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun May 11, 8:45, Lone Oak Loop

2008-05-09T23:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,I can't decide which way to do this loop, so we can make our minds up Sunday. There is water and bathrooms at the start, and hills on the way. There are many possibilities for shorter or longer loops in this run.

Directions to Lone Oak:

Lone Oak is on Central Park Dr. near the Nature Center at the Canon Dr. entrance to Tilden, near the intersection of Spruce St. and Grizzly Peak Blvd. in Berkeley.

From all points except Highway 24 heading west, take Interstate 80 to Albany. From Intersate 80 east take the Buchanan exit in Albany and turn right at the light at the top of the ramp onto Buchanan. From Interstate 80 west, take the Buchanan exit and turn left at the stop sign at the end of the ramp. Follow this street as it curves left, then right, and it we lead you onto Buchanan.Proceed on Buchanan and after you cross San Pablo Ave., it will become Marin. Proceed up Marin toward the hills. When you hit a traffic circle, proceed halfway around and continue up the steep hill on Marin. The next stop sign is Spruce St., turn left. Follow Spruce to Grizzly Peak. Cross Grizzly Peak and take an immediate left onto Canon Dr. Take a right at the bottom onto Central Park Dr., then a left onto Lone Oak in about .25 miles. Park near the Lone Oak picnic area.

From Highway 24 west, take the Fish Ranch Road exit and turn right to go up the hill at the stop sign. Turn right onto Grizzley Peak and stay on it a LONG ways until the Spruce St. intersection. Right on Spruce, then take an immediate left onto Canon Dr. Take a right at the bottom onto Central Park Dr., then a left onto Lone Oak in about .25 miles. Park near the Lone Oak picnic area.

Have a good weekend,
Mike

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun Apr 27, 8:45, Grass Valley and BZ's Class

2008-04-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
We're pulling out one of favorites that we haven't gotten to in a while. We're visiting Grass Valley to see if the cascade is flowing. The staging area doesn't have water or a restroom, but you are rewarded with both after the big hill. The distance of the runs lately depend largely on who shows up.

We also wanted to let everyone know that our own BZ has started a new class. Please take a look at the attached flyer. A free sample of BZ's energy comes with each class.

Directions:
From the Dublin/Castro Valley area, take I-580W towards Oakland and exit at 98th Avenue/Golf Links Road. Turn right onto Golf Links Road. Continue on Golf Links until you hit the Y intersection and stay to the left to proceed on Grass Valley Road. Continue straight through a row of eucalyptus trees and park at the staging area where Grass Valley and Skyline Blvd. intersect.From the Berkeley/Oakland area, take I-580E towards Hayward/Stockton and exit at 98th Avenue/Golf Links Road. Turn left on Golf Links Road. Continue on Golf Links until you hit the Y intersection and stay to the left to proceed on Grass Valley Road. Continue straight through a row of eucalyptus trees and park at the staging area where Grass Valley and Skyline Blvd. intersect.

From the south take 80 North to the 98th Ave. exit in Oakland. Take 98th Ave east toward the hills. 98th Ave. will become Golf Links Rd. as you go straight past the zoo. Continue on Golf Links until you hit the Y intersection and stay to the left to proceed on Grass Valley Road. Continue straight through a row of eucalyptus trees and park at the staging area where Grass Valley and Skyline Blvd. intersect.

From the Orinda/Walnut Creek area take Hwy 24 west. After the Caldecott Tunnel, take Hwy 13 south. Hwy 13 will merge into I-580E. Follow the Berkeley Oakland directions above.
Have a great weekend,
Mike

Pac Striders Apr 20, 8:45am - Skyline Gate

2008-04-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

It's back to our old favorite spot at Skyline Gate. We'll take a poll for which route to take. Ask us for suggestions if you have a distance you're shooting for!

DIRECTIONS: Skyline Gate is located off of Hwy. 13. This highway is accessible via I-580 and Hwy. 24. From I-580 or Oakland, take Hwy. 13 North. Exit at Park Street.Turn left at Mountain Blvd. Turn right on Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. Turn right on Skyline Blvd., and drive straight to the Skyline Gate parking lot on the left.  From Berkeley or Hwy. 24, take Hwy. 13 South. Exit at Moraga Ave/Montclair District. Moraga Ave. becomes Mountain Blvd. Turn left on Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. Turn right on Skyline Blvd., and drive straight to the Skyline Gate parking lot on the left.

Pac Striders Wekend Run, Sunday Apr 13, 8:45, Strawberry Canyon

2008-04-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Since Jessica and I are spending the night before at the Claremont in celebration of our 18 year anniversary and a birthday that will remain anonymous, we selfishly selected Strawberry to minimize our commute. The connector will certainly undue the nice massage of the day before,but the views will be worth it!

Directions

From I-80, exit at University Avenue. Proceed east on University Avenue then turn left on Oxford. Turn right on Hearst and go up the hill, then turn right on Gayley. Turn left at the stop sign onto Stadium Way. and left again on Centennial Dr., which proceeds eastward up the hill from the back side of the stadium. Shortly, you'll see the Haas Pool/Clubhouse parking lot on your right.
From Hwy. 24 take Hwy 13 North, follow 13 North all the way into Berkeley, where it eventually becomes Ashby Ave. Proceed on Ashby, then turn right on College. Turn right onto Dwight Way, go up the hill and turn left onto Prospect. Proceed around the stadium (keeping it to your left) to the first stop sign. Turn right onto Centennial Drive. Shortly, you'll see the Haas Pool/Clubhouse parking lot on your right.
Have a good weekend,
Mike

Pac Striders Apr. 6, 8:45am - Wildcat Canyon

2008-04-05T00:04:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, we'll do a little out and back through Wildcat Canyon, and maybe pay a visit to the Little Farm animals afterwards. The full route to Richmond is 4 mi, for a possible 8 miles total. We'll start from the Lone Oak picnic area.

DIRECTIONS: To reach the start, take the Albany/Buchanan Ave. exit from I-80. From the east, turn left at the stop sign which will put you on a road that you follow for about .25 miles where it curves around a bit and puts you on Buchanan. From the west, a right at the stop light puts you on Buchanan. Once on Buchanan, your head toward the hills. After crossing San Pablo, Buchanan becomes Marin Ave. Stay on Marin. At one point you will hit a traffic circle. Go half way around and turn up the hill to stay on Marin. Turn left on Spruce and continue until the stop sign at the intersection with Grizzley Peak Rd. Go straight through the intersection and take an immediate left onto Canon Dr. Right a the stop sign onto Central Park Dr. then left onto Lone Oak.

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun Mar 30, 8:45, Skyline Gate

2008-03-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
We are back to Skyline Gate, I think we will just poll the runners and pick a route. Hopefully, it will go somewhat quicker than the Democratic primaries.

DIRECTIONS: Skyline Gate can be reached from the Park Ave. exit off Highway 13 in Oakland. Heading north on 13, turn left at the stop sign at the end of the ramp onto Mountain Blvd. Turn right at the third light onto Snake Rd. Heading south on 13, take a left at the stoplight at the end of the ramp onto Park Ave., a left at the light onto Mountain Blvd., and a right onto Snake Rd. Proceed on Snake Rd. and go straight onto Shepherd Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepherd Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.
Have a good weekend,
Mike

Pac Striders Mar 23, 8:45am - Lone Oak in Tilden Park

2008-03-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

It's back to Tilden Park for this Sunday's run. We thought we'd mix it up by doing our Lone Oak route backwards (that is, going along Wildcat Canyon, then up Conlon Trail to Inspiration Point and back). The full route is 8.5 miles, but it'll probably feel like more! Afterwards, you can check out some real Easter bunnies at the nearby Tilden Nature Center.

DIRECTIONS: To reach the start, take the Albany/Buchanan Ave. exit from I-80. From the east, turn left at the stop sign which will put you on a road that you follow for about .25 miles where it curves around a bit and puts you on Buchanan. From the west, a right at the stop light puts you on Buchanan. Once on Buchanan, your head toward the hills. After crossing San Pablo, Buchanan becomes Marin Ave. Stay on Marin. At one point you will hit a traffic circle. Go half way around and turn up the hill to stay on Marin. Turn left on Spruce and continue until the stop sign at the intersection with Grizzley Peak Rd. Go straight through the intersection and take an immediate left onto Canon Dr. Right at the stop sign onto Central Park Dr. then left onto Lone Oak.

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun March 16, 8:45, West Ridge/Bayview

2008-03-14T00:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,
Its late, so I'll be brief. Note the start time is 8:45, a little closer to the truth! We will meet at Skyline Gate, which will give us the Bayview option if trails are wet.

DIRECTIONS: Skyline Gate can be reached from the Park Ave. exit off Highway 13 in Oakland. Heading north on 13, turn left at the stop sign at the end of the ramp onto Mountain Blvd. Turn right at the third light onto Snake Rd. Heading south on 13, take a left at the stoplight at the end of the ramp onto Park Ave., a left at the light onto Mountain Blvd., and a right onto Snake Rd. Proceed on Snake Rd. and go straight onto Shepherd Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepherd Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.Have a good weekend,Mike

Pac Striders Mar. 9, 8:30am - Lake Chabot Marina (& Daylight Savings)

2008-03-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

We've had some special requests to revisit Lake Chabot, so we're taking the opportunity on what should be a lovely day at the park. The full lake loop is 9 miles, with the option to do shorter out-and-backs.

This Sunday also happens to be Daylight Savings Time, so don't forget to set your clocks one hour forward (or show up one hour "early").

DIRECTIONS:
*I-580 East (Oakland/Berkeley) Exit Fairmont Avenue. Drive East to park entrance on the left.
*I-580 West (Livermore/Dublin) Exit Strobridge Avenue. Turn right on Strobridge. Turn right on Castro Valley Blvd. Turn left on Lake Chabot Road to park entrance on right.
*I-680 South (Walnut Creek) Take I-680 South to I-580 West. Follow directions above for 1-580 West.
*1-880 North (Fremont/San Jose) I-880 North to Hwy. 238 East. Exit Castro Valley. Left on Castro Valley Blvd. Left on Lake Chabot Road to park entrance on right.

There is a fee to park in the lot, but you can park along Lake Chabot Road outside the entrance for free.

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun March 2, 8:30, Skyline Gate

2008-02-29T18:55:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,
We are returning to Skyline Gate, hoping to take advantage of the dry spell to run something other than Bayview. We were thinking Stream, but are open to lobbying. I may lobby to run Sibley!

DIRECTIONS: Skyline Gate can be reached from the Park Ave. exit off Highway 13 in Oakland. Heading north on 13, turn left at the stop sign at the end of the ramp onto Mountain Blvd. Turn right at the third light onto Snake Rd. Heading south on 13, take a left at the stoplight at the end of the ramp onto Park Ave., a left at the light onto Mountain Blvd., and a right onto Snake Rd. Proceed on Snake Rd. and go straight onto Shepherd Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepherd Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.Have a good weekend,Mike

Pac Striders Feb. 24 - Couples Relay, 9am start

2008-02-22T12:48:00.001-08:00

This Sunday we're going to the 30th Annual Couples Relay race at Lake Merritt in Oakland! This is an annual tradition for us, and we're paired up and ready to go, rain or shine! There are still some spots left, so don't be shy, ask a friend or partner and sign up at http://www.lmjs.org!

If you don't feel like hooking up at the race, we've designated Inspiration Point in Berkeley as the alternate run. Wherever you go, don't forget your rain gear!

DIRECTIONS TO THE COUPLE'S RELAY: These directions are to Children's Fairyland in Oakland. The start location is further down at the Sailboat House, at 568 Bellevue Ave.

From Berkeley/Oakland, take 580 east. Take the Harrison Street exit in Oakland and turn right onto Harrison. Turn left at Grand Avenue. Fairyland is one block away, at the intersection of Grand and Bellevue. Turn to the right and park.

If you are coming from the San Leandro direction, take 580 west to the MacArthur/Harrison exit in Oakland. Turn left on Harrison and left on Grand Avenue. Fairyland is one block away on the right, at the intersection of Grand and Bellevue.

DIRECTIONS TO INSPIRATION POINT: From Oakland/Berkeley, go thru the Caldecott Tunnel on Hwy 24 to the Orinda/Moraga exit. Turn left (north) onto Camino Pablo, and go 2 miles to the traffic light at Wildcat Canyon Rd. Turn left and go uphill 2.5 miles to the parking lot at the top of the ridge.

Pac Striders Wekend Run, Sun Feb 17, 8:30, Wildcat Canyon

2008-02-15T23:25:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
After last weeks hilly, but beautiful, French Trail; we opted for the relatively flat Wildcat Canyon trail from Lone Oak. This ten mile out and back leaves options for any distance and there is a watering spot about half way out. The only bathrooms are at and near the beginning. Don't forget, we are on PST (Pacific Strider Time), so be patient if no one is there at 8:30. Usually, some one will show up.

Directions to Lone Oak: Lone Oak is on Central Park Dr. near the Nature Center at the Canon Dr. entrance to Tilden, near the intersection of Spruce St. and Grizzly Peak Blvd. in Berkeley.

From all points except Highway 24 heading west, take Interstate 80 to Albany. From Intersate 80 east take the Buchanan exit in Albany and turn right at the light at the top of the ramp onto Buchanan. From Interstate 80 west, take the Buchanan exit and turn left at the stop sign at the end of the ramp. Follow this street as it curves left, then right, and it we lead you onto Buchanan.Proceed on Buchanan and after you cross San Pablo Ave., it will become Marin. Proceed up Marin toward the hills. When you hit a traffic circle, proceed halfway around and continue up the steep hill on Marin. The next stop sign is Spruce St., turn left. Follow Spruce to Grizzly Peak. Cross Grizzly Peak and take an immediate left onto Canon Dr. Take a right at the bottom onto Central Park Dr., then a left onto Lone Oak in about .25 miles. Park near the Lone Oak picnic area.

From Highway 24 west, take the Fish Ranch Road exit and turn right to go up the hill at the stop sign. Turn right onto Grizzley Peak and stay on it a LONG ways until the Spruce St. intersection. Right on Spruce, then take an immediate left onto Canon Dr. Take a right at the bottom onto Central Park Dr., then a left onto Lone Oak in about .25 miles. Park near the Lone Oak picnic area.
Have a good weekend,
Mike

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun Feb 10, 8:30, French Trail

2008-02-06T23:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
I saw some hikers after last Sunday's run trying to decide which trail to try. I encouraged them to try French, which actually holds up pretty well in wet weather. I hope they made it back. That got me to thinking that we haven't been on French in a while. Mainly because your intrepid coordinators didn't want to do those hills!

I thought we would give it try this week. There are loops of varying distance that come back on west ridge trail. Of course, if you want to talk me into something else, I'm known to be flexible.

DIRECTIONS TO SKYLINE GATE: Skyline Gate is located off of Hwy. 13. This highway is accessible via I-580 and Hwy. 24. From 580 West toward Oakland, take Hwy. 13 North. Exit at Park Blvd.and at the end of the ramp turn left onto Mountain Blvd. At the third light turn right onto Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepard Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.From Berkeley or Hwy 24 (use the right bore heading west), take Hwy. 13 South to the Park Blvd. exit. Take a left at the stoplight at the end of the ramp onto Park Ave., a left at the light onto Mountain Blvd., and a right at the 2nd light onto Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepard Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.
Hope to see you Sunday,
Mike

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun Feb 3, 8:30, Skyline Gate

2008-01-31T23:05:00.000-08:00

Hello Everybody,
Well, this weekend I will be OK with West Ridge/Bayview, since it is our old standby "wet" trail. We may slosh occasionally, but it should be OK.

Best of luck to all of our San Francisco Halfers, especially Amy, of course. Speaking of races, the LMJS Couples Relay is February 24th. This is a reminder to pair up and get ready to run!

DIRECTIONS TO SKYLINE GATE: Skyline Gate is located off of Hwy. 13. This highway is accessible via I-580 and Hwy. 24. From 580 West toward Oakland, take Hwy. 13 North. Exit at Park Blvd.and at the end of the ramp turn left onto Mountain Blvd. At the third light turn right onto Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepard Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.From Berkeley or Hwy 24 (use the right bore heading west), take Hwy. 13 South to the Park Blvd. exit. Take a left at the stoplight at the end of the ramp onto Park Ave., a left at the light onto Mountain Blvd., and a right at the 2nd light onto Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepard Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.
Hope to see you Sunday,
Mike

Pac Striders Jan. 27, 8:30am - Inspiration Point

2008-01-25T17:03:00.000-08:00

Even with a weekend of wild weather, we're still going out running! For the sake of good footing, we're going to Inspiration Point in Berkeley. The out and back on the asphalt-covered Nimitz Trail will give us a good workout (up to 8 miles total, or more if you want to get dirty). Bring an extra set of clothes for afterwards, and take it easy on the roads.

DIRECTIONS:
From Oakland/Berkeley, go thru the Caldecott Tunnel on Hwy 24 to the Orinda/Moraga exit. Turn left (north) onto Camino Pablo, and go 2 miles to the traffic light at Wildcat Canyon Rd. Turn left and go uphill 2.5 miles to the parking lot at the top of the ridge.

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun Jan 20, 8:30, Stream Trail and Brunch Again

2008-01-17T23:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
Thanks to Mika we have another opportunity to mingle and eat after our run. First, we can enjoy the scenery up on the ridge, unless everyone rebels again and decides to run another trail (but I'm not bitter)! After, we we'll have a potluck right down the hill, so please bring fare to share. We volunteer to bring the coffee.

Directions to the Run

Skyline Gate is located off of Hwy. 13. This highway is accessible via I-580 and Hwy. 24. From 580 West toward Oakland, take Hwy. 13 North. Exit at Park Blvd.and at the end of the ramp turn left onto Mountain Blvd. At the third light turn right onto Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepard Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.From Berkeley or Hwy 24 (use the right bore heading west), take Hwy. 13 South to the Park Blvd. exit. Take a left at the stoplight at the end of the ramp onto Park Ave., a left at the light onto Mountain Blvd., and a right at the 2nd light onto Snake Rd. Continue straight onto Shepard Canyon Rd. where Snake takes a sharp left. Proceed up Shepard Canyon (watch for the sharp hairpin right) until you reach a five way intersection at which you have a stop sign. Turn right onto Skyline Blvd. and look for the Skyline Gate parking lot 0.5 miles on your left.

Directions to Mika's

1575 Mountain Blvd. off Thornhill Exit on HWY 13. If you take Hwy 13 west, take the Thornhill exit and go straight through the first stoplight. Take the next left at Mountain Blvd. 1575 is the 6th house on the left. Lots of parking in the drive way as well as in front of the house! Coming from the run, turn right out of the parking lot onto Skyline Blvd. Take a left at the stop sign onto Shepard Canyon Rd, down the hill towards Montclair. At the second light, turn right onto Moraga Ave (west) and continue past the park on your right until the stoplight at Thornhill. Turn right on Thornhill and left on Mountain Blvd.
Hope to see you Sunday,
Mike

Pac Striders Jan 13, 8:30am - Briones Reservoir (EBMUD side)

2008-01-11T13:57:00.000-08:00

We decided to hook up with the Dirt Dog folks this Sunday, who are heading out to the Briones Reservoir in EBMUD territory. You can choose-your-own-adventure/distance, as this is an out and back run along the Bear Creek Trail.

Note: EBMUD permits are required, which can accommodate up to 4 people (Mike will bring his, but if you have a permit of your own, please share!). They'll be leaving at 8:30 on the dot (unlike your fellow coordinators!), so be sure to get here a little early to get signed in.

Also, save the following Sunday for another post-weekend run get-together with the Striders! More info to follow.

DIRECTIONS: From the 680/24 intersection take 24 West towards Oakland. Exit at the Orinda exit and turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto San Pablo Dam road towards Richmond. Turn right on Bear Creek Road. The staging area is about a mile from the turn near the top of a hill on your left. It's easy to miss so keep a sharp lookout.

Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun Jan 6, 9:00 AM, Winter Trail Challenge

2008-01-03T22:06:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,
I'm running this one if I have to do it underwater! The Winter Challenge has been made by the Golden Bay Runners! Note it starts at 9:00 AM, a couple of minutes later than we usually do :)

This run has a lot of nice people running many different distances at different paces, so you have to work pretty hard not to run with someone. The run begins at the Lake Chabot Marina. The group usually gathers at the Willow picnic area on the left side of the East Shore Trail (this is the trail that goes around the right of the lake as you face it from the parking lot). There are likely to be runners doing distances from 3 miles up to the 13.1 miles of the Lake Chabot Trail Challenge course.

After the run, there is a potluck breakfast, so bring some fare to share and be there.

Directions

To reach the marina entrance from points east, take I-580 westbound to the Strobridge Avenue exit in Castro Valley. Turn right on Strobridge, right on Castro Valley Boulevard, and left on Lake Chabot Road. The Lake Chabot Marina is about two miles ahead on the right.From I-880 take I-238 eastbound to I-580 eastbound, exit at Redwood Road in Castro Valley and go left, go left at Castro Valley Boulevard, and right at Lake Chabot Road. The Lake Chabot Marina is about two miles ahead on the right. From I-580 in Oakland, proceed east and exit at 150th Ave. / Fairmont Drive. Go straight at the first stoplight at the end of the off-ramp and turn left at the second stoplight to proceed east on Fairmont (uphill). Keep going straight where Fairmont merges into Lake Chabot Rd. and the Marina entrance will be on your left.

Enjoy your weekend.
Mike

Pac Striders Dec. 30, 8:30am - Inspiration Point (& New Years Run)

2007-12-29T00:04:00.000-08:00

We're ending 2007 on a wet note with an all-weather run along the Nimitz Trail at Inspiration Point in Berkeley. The out-and-back run stretches for a total of 8 miles on pavement (10 miles+ if you tack on some dirt running at the end). Be sure to pack the windbreaker and hat in case of inclement weather.

New Year's Day Run: Looking for a fast start for those New Year's resolutions? A group of runners and hikers are heading out to Mt. Tam at 10am, starting at the Central Parking lot at Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax. Email Eric Ellisen (ellisen@berkeley.edu) or George Forman (george@gformanlaw.com) for more info.

DIRECTIONS TO INSPIRATION POINT: From Oakland/Berkeley, go thru the Caldecott Tunnel on Hwy 24 to the Orinda/Moraga exit. Turn left (north) onto Camino Pablo, and go 2 miles to the traffic light at Wildcat Canyon Rd. Turn left and go uphill 2.5 miles to the parking lot at the top of the ridge.