Three Bears Loop
Route Review:
Three Bears Loop is a road cycle route that is moderately challenging with three climbs that gives it its name.
I started on the corner of Bear Creek Road and San Palo Dam Road and went clockwise. I felt that this was a great decision, given that the view of the San Pablo Reservoir on the northbound side of San Pablo Dam Road was great. The road itself had mild traffic and plenty of room for cyclists.
I then turned right on to Castro Ranch Road, which quickly introduced me to the beautiful rolling hills of El Sobrante. While the shoulder was non-existant in parts, because the road had almost no traffic, it wasn’t a big deal. The cars that passed me gave me lots of room, which I appreciated.
I then came to a T, turned right, and started on Alhambra Valley Road. Instead of the teasing introduction on Castro Ranch Road, all I saw was rolling hills. It was very pretty. Both Alhambra Valley Road and Castro Ranch Road had lots of shade, that I really appreciated.
After a few miles, I then turned right on Bear Creek Road, and started riding the road that gave this route its name. After a few miles, I came to the first 1/2 mile climb (around 7% grade) that is the “Mama Bear” of this climb. This straight was tough. I think I averaged about 4-5mph. There is almost no shade on this climb, so that was a bummer.
Then the road has a big, fun downhill U section, and it’s “Papa Bear”. This section was tough for me as I was slow and literally everyone seemed to pass me. It was all like 50-60 year old men too (some were on electric bikes, but most were not). Again no shade, and again I averaged about 4-5mph.
Then road then has this steep downhill that seemed to go on forever. It was so much fun and I just loved it. I mean, this is why we bike uphill right? For the inevitable downhill sections? As I approached the end, the “Baby Bear” section of the loop reared its head, but it’s so short, it wasn’t too bad.
What I Learned:
I forgot my AirPods at home, so I didn’t have an audio distraction to help me. Unlike the last time I had forgotten my AirPods (I think at Castle Crags), I didn’t have many negative thoughts at all. I was confident in myself and while I would have preferred to listen to an audiobook, it wasn’t too bad at all.
Although I got passed by all these people older than me, I felt great. I mean, it’s probably the fastest I’ve ever ridden on a route with this much elevation gain.
Although I carried 1.5 liters of water, I only drank .75 liters.
What Happened?
18.4 miles, 1 hr 44 min, 2401 ft of ascent
As I recover from my leg injuries, I wanted to hit a moderate ride before I attempt to bike up one of the peaks of the bay area. So, Three Bears Loop it was. I bought myself an East By Municipal Utility District Permit (but then I didn’t need to buy it, since I didn’t end up hiking at all) and headed over to the parking lot on the intersection of Bear Creek Road and San Pablo Dam Road.
Even though I had hiked the day before, I felt great from the start to the end of the ride. I took many pictures, and just really enjoyed the ride. What I love about road cycling routes is that even if the uphills are hard, it’s easy to see past it, since I know I will enjoy the downhill portions where I try to hit the magical 30mph mark.
When I finished, I was hungry so I headed over to the local Thai place, called Baan Thai Restaurant. I found the food delicious, and probably overate, given that I wanted to bike some more after lunch!