Mount Diablo Challenge
The East Bay's "Best Uphill Bike Ride"
Sunday, October 7, 2012

The Mount Diablo Challenge is a 11.2 mile timed bike ride, starting at Athenian School in Danville and climbing up Southgate Road 3,249 feet to the summit of Mount Diablo.  1,000 cycling enthusiasts compete and prizes are awarded for several categories in a ceremony at the summit with food and beverages for all.  All proceeds benefit Save Mount Diablo’s land conservation efforts.

Thanks to all of our generous sponsors, volunteers,
park rangers, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff's department. Without them we could not host this event.

Date/Time/Place 2012       
Sunday, October 7, 2012 - Start gun fired at 8:30 am. 
The waves will start 5 minutes apart with the 'faster' cyclists in the first wave. Participants can request a wave based on their expected finish time, and on a first signed up-first served basis. Wave assignment is at the full discretion of Save Mount Diablo. Start, Registration/Bib pick up all at the Athenian School, 2100 Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard. Parking only at Monte Vista High School.

Registration - NO DAY OF REGISTRATION and NO BIB TRANSFERS
Fee is $75 (includes electronic timing) when registering before September 17th at noon.  Starting September 17th at noon fee increases to $90. Heavy rain may cancel. No refunds issued – proceeds from your registration fee will benefit Save Mount Diablo’s land preservation work.
Be the first to know when registration opens - join our Facebook page.

T-Shirts
YOU MUST BE REGISTERED BY NOON ON 9/17/2012 TO QUALIFY FOR A SHIRT. T-shirts will only be available for donations of $20 or more to Save Mount Diablo's land preservation programs. Eliminating sales allows more money to go directly to the cause.

Participants      
Riders of all ages are welcome.  Riders under 18 must be accompanied by an adult rider.  Underage riders cannot register online.  Please use the registration form on this website and mail payment to Save Mount Diablo. Riders can compete on any type of non-motorized bicycle, including tandems, uni-cycles and hand powered vehicles.

Course           
11.2 mile bicycle road ride, elevation gain 3,249 feet. Start is at Athenian School in Danville, finish at the Summit of Mount Diablo. Mount Diablo State Park will be closed to all outside traffic for the duration of the event.  Riders will be assisted by State Park escorts during descent.

Rise to the Challenge and get a chance to win!
Learn more and access tips and tools to Rise to the Challenge!

Prizes & Awards
All riders reaching the summit in less than 1 hour receive a special “One Hour” T-Shirt.  Awards given to top finishers, male and female, in several categories.  Also awards available for fastest team and for individuals and team that raises the most funds for Save Mount Diablo.

Directions & Parking: Parking is available at Monte Vista High School only. Please do not park in the neighborhood.  We can host this event only if we keep our neighbors happy! 

From San Francisco or Oakland:  Take Highway 24 East to Highway 680 South.  Take 680 to Danville Exit on Stone Valley Rd., head east, then follow the signs.

From San Jose (South Bay):  Follow Highway 680 to Danville.  Exit on Stone Valley Rd., head east, then follow the signs.

Thanks
Thanks to all cyclist for riding safely, all volunteers for helping to give cyclists a splendid time, thanks to sponsors for making the ride possible, and the State Park Rangers, CoCo Sheriff's Search and Rescue volunteers and Reserves, and the Mount Diablo Amatuer Radio Club volunteers for their support!

Reviews

Read an article from the very first Mount Diablo Challenge.

"Thank you Mount Diablo Challenge for putting on a great event. The event helped me attain a goal I thought I would never reach."

I did the challenge for my first time in 2009 and I was happy with my results (1:21:51) since I was cycling for 3 months and was overweight. After the first event, I made a goal for the following ...year to lose a lot of weight, get "fit" and shoot for a sub 1hr finish. I trained hard for a whole year and I lost 30 lbs in the process. I was so excited to get under an hour (according to my cycle computer and the ride timer at the summit); I shaved off almost 22 minutes off last year's time. I was relieved and in a world of hurt. I had no idea my accomplishment would inspire family and friends to make positive changes in their lives. Some plan to sign up for the 30th anniversary Mount Diablo Challenge. See you next year!" - Francis Ilao

"Thank you for an awesome experience" - Northsiders Cycling

"I was the oxygen-depleted maniac screaming 'T-shirt! T-shirt! T-shirt!' Thanks so much for an awesome event again." - Chris Dawson

"Thank you Save Mount Diablo for hosting this great bike ride. A classy event, as always." - Lance Larsen

"What a great first time experience for my son! 1:00:45! He really enjoyed meeting some of the other riders and I really enjoyed being at the summit to greet all of you! So many smiles! See you next year!" - Karen Shackleton