From the eastern slope of the Oakland Hills to the side of imposing Mount Diablo, this loop begins only a few miles beyond the dense urban centers of the East Bay. These back roads cut through canyons and skim along creeks on the way up to the region's highest peak.
| Start | Pleasant Hill Rd. @ SR-24, Lafayette, CA | |
| South | Pleasant Hill Rd. | 0.6 |
| Left | Olympic Blvd. (in Walnut Creek) | 2.0 |
| Left | California Blvd. | 0.7 |
| Right | Ygnacio Valley Rd. | 2.1 |
| Right | Walnut Ave. | 1.5 |
| Right | Oak Grove | 0.1 |
| Immediate Left | N. Gate Rd. | 7.9 |
| Bear right | Summit Rd. > Mt. Diablo Scenic Blvd. | 6.6 |
| Left | Blackhawk Rd. > Crow Canyon Rd. | 15.9 |
| Right | Castro Valley Blvd. | < 0.1 |
| Right | Redwood Rd. | 9.8 |
| Right | Pinehurst Rd. | 6.7 |
| Straight | Skyline Blvd. (in Oakland) | 1.6 |
| Bear right | Grizzly Peak Blvd. | 3.9 |
| Right | S. Park Dr. | 1.5 |
| Bear right | Wildcat Canyon Rd. > Bear Creek Rd. (in Berkeley) | 12.1 |
| Right | Alhambra Valley Rd. | 4.9 |
| Straight | Reliez Valley Rd. | 3.1 |
| Left | Withers Ave. | 0.5 |
| Right | Taylor Blvd. > Pleasant Hill Rd. | 2.9 |
| Finish | SR-24 @ Pleasant Hill Rd., Layfayette, CA |
Warnings: The 25 mph speed limit is not negotiable in Orinda, and is taken even more seriously in Mount Diablo State Park (our trusty MAD Maps scout was let off with a warning for promising to print this fact.) The road quality is rough and hairpin turns are plentiful on Pinehurst Road. In Walnut Creek, we're convinced that 75% of the town's street names contain the word "walnut", so carefully read street signs.
Suggested Stops: Check out the funk shops along Telegraph Avenue while strolling in the liberal college town of Berkeley. Let your nose lead you to the Gourmet Ghetto, where renowned chef Alice Waters' organic restaurant Chez Panisse is a must-stop for any foodie. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Definitely. While in town, take a tour of Berkeley's Scharffen Berger Chocolate Factory, where delicious artisan treats will surely tempt even the most calorie-conscious customer.
If you go over the Bay Bridge to get to this loop, you may see some strangely recognizable and imposing figures in Oakland Harbor. These large cranes were George Lucas' inspiration for the Stormtroopers' four-legged attack vehicles in the original Star Wars.
Suggested Restaurants:
Heinhold's First and Last Chance Saloon
Historic saloon - Jack London Square
48 Webster Street, Oakland, CA
(510) 839-6761
Zachary's Pizza
Chicago deep dish at its finest
3116 Crow Canyon Pl., San Ramon, CA
(925) 244-1222
Click Here to See the Ride on the H-D Ride Planner.
Click here to download the GPX file.
This ride route was a great suggestion created with a company called MadMaps. Stop by Oakland Harley-Davidson and pick up a MADMAP today.
Need more ideas on where to go riding in the Bay Area? Click here.
