Dan & Kathryn's on our new DaVinci Joint Venture 700 Tandem Bicycle to the top of Mt. Diablo
After test riding tandems one day at the local Tandem Bike shop (Crank-2 in Pleasanton, CA), we decided to get the DaVinci because of it's very comfortable and stable riding characteristics. Also, it's independent drive train make it very easy to start and stop. Our very first official ride was from our house in Dublin, CA. to the top of a local mountain, Mt. Diablo, a fifty mile round trip. The climb up to the mountain is a nine mile climb from approximately 400' to 3900' with an average gradient of 6-8% to the very top ramp of 16-19%. It was also Kathryn's very first ride to the top.
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Our new tandem bicycle, the DaVinci. On the way to the Mountain, we stopped for a "nature break"
Kathryn and Dan at the ranger station at 2100' up the mountain. Another "nature break" and fuel stop.
Kahtryn and Dan at Juniper Point at 3000' enjoying the incredible view
Kathryn at the parking lot below the main ramp up to the top. I suggested we stop here to rest before making the final assault to the top.
Dan and Kathryn at the summit of Mt. Diablo. I was so proud of her. The only whimpering on the ride was coming from me. Other cyclists applauded as we made it to the top without walking!