It was Deborah's first time on any of these roads. I split my riding time between Debbie, Deborah, and Patti. Patti was riding with Paul Vlasveld, going up the steep front side of Morgan Territory. Deborah started up with Art. I started at the back with Debbie. Then I bridged up to Deborah, then on up to Patti. Towards the top, Deborah was able to catch and pass Patti, so she was riding strong. Going into Concord, I rode towards the back with Debbie. We had lunch at a little restaurant - good food but very slow service.
People started heading out one by one to get a head start on Mt.Diablo. Deborah, Debbie, and I hung out until our last two - Paul and Grete, were ready to roll. Then we all went over Ygnacio Valley Rd together and started up the hill. Deborah was strongest, so I went off the front with her, and together we climbed all of the way to the top, about a 3800 ft climb all in one shot with no reststops. It got warm enough, so I was in my tanktop and Deb was in her sleeveless jersey for the climb. We kept looking for Art on the climb, thinking we might be able to catch him, even though he had a half hour head start. I don't think he was up too long before we got there, maybe just 5 minutes or so.
There was still a bit of snow in the shady sections at the top. It was a very clear day, so we were able to see all of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east and see San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge to the west. Debbie and Deborah were both sufficiently tired by the end of the ride. It was a good workout for everyone.
-Donny