Just got in from a grooling 2hr+ drive. Being that I live in San Ramon and like to frequent the roads from time to time, I decided to head out onto another journey for this evening.
I stopped off in Livermore to grab some Taco Bell around 10:30pm then I was on my way. Now I've went out through Tesla Rd in Livermore more then a few times, and while its fun and all, I wanted something new. Wasn't looking for anything to drive hard or fast on. Just a nice cruise. I start to head down Tesla road but suddenly turn off onto Mines Rd. And so the journey begins...
I got behind a Chevy Silverado at first. I wasn't ridin him or anything, but apparently he had other plans in mind cause as soon as there was a dirt turn-out, he pulled off and wanted me to pass. So I proceeded. Again, wasn't looking for any hard or fast driving, on top of the fact that I've never been on this road before and I know that "fine line" with my car, so had no intentions of pushing it.
I see the posted signs saying that it'll be curvey for the next 18 miles. Figured ok, that will be enough for me to "see" the road, then I can turn around and come back. I only wish that was the case. So I continued on my way in 3rd gear at speeds between 25-40mph. There were so many switch-backs, banked turns, blind turns, etc. At a few points the road narrowed to only about a car length wide [my car is 168" long] so it was defiently tight at times.
I'm just cruisin along to my music, just taking in the road and surroundings and whatnot. Being that it was past 11pm, its not like I was looking at the scenery or anything. Haha. So finally I pull up to a sign/intersection that says "Patterson 20mi" [left] or "San Jose 38mi" [straight]. I continued on my way, bearing straight ahead. Figured I wanted to see what was ahead of me.
By now, the road changes from Mines Road to San Antonio Valley Road and I've now crossed into the Santa Clara County Line. At this point, I already think the road is VERY intense, especially since I've only been averaging around 30-35mph the entire time. I thought to myself; 'cool, just about any moment, I'll run into the freeway and can just cruise on home'. I kept waiting! haha.
So I continue onto San Antonio Valley Road, counting the wildlife I'm passing, flashing my lights at or honking my horn at. Wasn't trying to have any reason to be forced into getting an S3 front end just yet. Continuing on my drive, the turns become more blind, even sharper and to add to the challenge, there are now drastic elevation changes in the switch-back/hair-pins. Feels like I'm almost turning blindly.
At one point, I notice I'm going through more forest and a rockier terrain. Signs showing Deer and Rock slides, gives you that warm comforting feeling, huh?! lol. The road is going back and forth between dedicated 2-lanes to 1-1.5 lanes wide. And not knowing who'd be trying to attempt a 'Tokyo Drift-Style' run, coming from the other side, it kept me in check and my speeds regulated to the low and conservative pace. On top of which, I wasnt out to prove anything or be 'daring' [a.k.a. stupid] and had no time schedule, so I just continued to take my time.
Finally San Antonio Valley Road turns into Mt. Hamilton Road as I drive through Mt. Hamilton / Joseph D Grant County Park. I see this HUGE observatory type building. Thought it was pretty cool. Especially being so high up [4200 ft.]. Not to mention being blown away at the fact that people actually live up there. Crazy! The building looked like it belonged in "House on Haunted Hill" or somethin like that. So figuring that I had finally reached some sort of 'civilization', I thought it wouldnt be long until I reached the city and/or freeway.
I'm already over an hour and thirty into this drive and by now I'm kinda just over it. Its been challenging thus far, but I'm growing tired and I'm beginning to get motion-sickness with all the abrupt turns and trying to plot out my series of turns and whatnot before they actually take place. My eyes were constantly going back and forth, left to right. Now thinking to myself 'Taco Bell wasn't such a great idea.' But still, I pressed on. I wasnt going to just give in and turn around. I wanted to see where this would take me. Finally at one point, I could see well off into North San Jose/Milpitas on one side of the 'mountain' and South San Jose on the other. Was a totally kick ass view. I almost had wished it was day time to take the view in. I'm sure its unbelieveable!
Now making my way down the mountain, I start to pass by homes and such, figuring 'ok, I've gotta be somewhat close, as people seemingly live out here'. I guess at some point, I started noticing signs that said "130" on them, denoting a highway. Whatever, thought nothing of it. Now after over an hour and forty-five minutes being COMPLETLY alone in the dark driving, I finally see a ricer Del-Sol come up out of one of the blind turns and head in the opposite direction, back towards the top of the mountain.
As I start to head down the remainder of the mountain and back to 'civilization', I'm in complete awe of what I just went through. I just kept saying "wow!". I finally make my way to Alum Rock Avenue, but not having seen any street signs of what street I'm on, I'm still trying to figure out just where and the hell I am. I FINALLY hit 680N and just set the cruise and make my way back home, feeling exhausted, drained, and somewhat accomplished.
It was DEFINETLY the most physically demanding road I've ever driven and even moreso for being at such a low speed. Should you make this drive out, PLEASE, I cant stress this enough, dont try and drive fast through it. It is a road that requires a lot of skill, patience, ones FULL attention, and good amount of endurance. If you're planning on doing it at night, be weary that there IS wildlife everywhere. In my journey, I had numerous accounts of animals crossing the road, sitting on the side of the road, or actually being ON the road. Another reason I wasn't trying to dart through the roads. One other thing I'll leave you with, is to have good pedal control and know how often you are using your brakes. I didnt have any problems with elevation and brake lines, however, I rarely used the brakes. A simple 'Lift' will provide you with enough of a slower speed to put you safely through the turns.
Google Maps says its over 65+ miles and just over 2hours and 20+mins drive time. It was definetly a kick ass drive, but nothing I had expected. Very long, unique and I'm sure during the day, would be even more visually appealing.
Wildlife Missed:
1 - Bat
2 - Cattle [dont ask how]
3 - Deer
4 - Field Mice
10+ - Jack Rabbits
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