Share the road: Anderson Dam Tunnel Project construction and public safety
Construction is underway at Anderson Dam and Reservoir, bringing increased traffic on Cochrane Road in Morgan Hill. This is also a popular route with local cyclists and Valley Water encourages everyone to share the road. To reduce the potential for traffic accidents, Valley Water has directed its contractors to remind their construction vehicle drivers to follow posted speed limits and watch for cyclists and pedestrians. It also plans to increase the number of warning signs along Cochrane Road to inform cyclists to be aware of project trucks. These signs will remain in place throughout the life of the project. Cyclists can help stay safe by wearing bright reflective clothing, using blinking bicycle lights, staying alert while on Cochrane Road and obeying all traffic laws and signage. And if possible, avoid using Cochrane Road. If you see a project construction vehicle speeding on Cochrane Road, please contact Public Information Representative Tony Mercado at 408-630-2342 or via email at tmercado@valleywater.org to share incident details and the project truck's cab logo if it was identifiable. As a reminder, please stay out of the closed areas at Anderson Reservoir. The work there is centered on building a new tunnel over the next three years that will allow the reservoir to release more water into Coyote Creek during significant storms. The reservoir's water levels were lowered in 2020 at the directive of federal regulators to expedite the retrofit of Anderson Dam.
Public safety is Valley Water's priority. Please help keep the Anderson Dam and Reservoir construction site and surrounding areas safe.
Saturday Ride
Departures:
A Group: departs at 9:00am from the first Saturday in October until the last Saturday in May. Starting with the first Saturday in June and until the last Saturday in September, the ride departs at 8:00am. Ride starts at the
Alamaden Via Valiente Plaza.
Download the A ride route to your Garmin here.
B Group: departs at 9:00a from the Santa Teresa Village Shopping Center parking lot on the corner of Santa Teresa Blvd and Bernal Rd.
Download the B ride route to your Garmin here.
A Group
Departure: 9:00am from the first Saturday in October until the last Saturday in May. Starting with the first Saturday in June and until the last Saturday in September, the ride departs at 8:00am.
The A group rides at a brisk pace and is meant as a training ride for the more race oriented rider. Typical average speed over the 48 miles is 21-23 MPH depending on the group.
There are KOM's at the top of Cinnabar Hill (south bound) and the Sycamore wall (these are also regroup spots), at the Uvas Dam (north bound, shortly before parking lot), at the top of the 'Solar Panel' climb, and finally Cinnabar Hill once again heading north bound. There is a Sprint point on Day Rd at the flashing yellow over-hanging light shortly before you reach the stoplight intersection, and at the 'Challenger High School' sign shortly before you reach Harry Rd. A short stop is made at the Gilroy public course for water refills and restroom use (they also sell snacks and drinks) about halfway through the ride.
Each rider should be comfortable with riding in tight pacelines. This is a fast paced competitive ride. No aerobars and no headphones please!
Note: These is not an organized ride. It's simply a way to get some fast fun training in and to also meet members of the San Jose Bicycle Club as well as other clubs. All riders ride at their own risk.
B Group
Departure: 9:00a
The B group rides at a more tempo oriented pace with longer pauses (if needed) at KOM and sprint points to allow full regroups.
Designed for those who are getting comfortable riding in pacelines and groups or are new to the club.
Note: This is not an organized ride. It's simply a way to get some training and to also meet members of the San Jose Bicycle Club.
General Safety Rules
Helmets are Mandatory.
No earbuds.
For safety during pacelining - Road Bikes Only.
All bikes must be fitted with drop handlebars.
No TT/Aerobars
No flat bars
No three wheelers
No Recumbents
No Tandems
E-bikes are allowed but must be pedal assist models.
There are usually 3 regroups (Cinnabar, Sycamore, and Golf Course). But it's up to the group that day.
'A group' route
View the route or download to your Garmin using ridewithgps.com (Click 'EXPORT' to download). Link: Saturday Blue Train.
Turn by turn directions from Via Valiente Plaza:
Left onto Alamden Expressway
Right onto McKean/Harry Road
Left at stop sign onto McKean Road
(regroup at the top of Cinnabar)
McKean Road turns into Uvas Road
Left at Oak Glen Road
Right at stop sign
Right at Sycamore Road
(regroup at the top of the Sycamore wall)
Right at Watsonville Road
Left Day Road
Right Santa Teresa Blvd
Right at Hecker Pass Road (h152)
Gilroy Golf Course (regroup and water)
Back onto Hecker Pass Road
Right at Burchell Road
Right at Watsonville Road
Left at Uvas Road
Uvas Road turns into McKean Road
Right at McKean Road
Left at Alamden Expressway
Right on Via Valiente
Left into parking lot
Bay Area Rides
» The local rides listed below are not associated with the San Jose Bicycle Club.
Spectrum Ride
when: Saturdays @ 9 am
The Spectrum Ride officially starts at the Starbucks at the corner of Hollenbeck and Homestead in Sunnyvale, but often picks up additional riders as it motors along Foothill expressway toward Palo Alto. The route has changed somewhat over the years, and now winds its way through Portola Valley, and out Canada road through Woodside. Riders typically contest hot spot sprints at the Woodside town line, and the end of Canada road.
Valley Ride
367 State Street - Los Altos
when: Wednesday @ 6:00pm
Spring & Summer
route: generally 30 miles
Noon Ride in Palo Alto
Noon every weekday.
Page Mill & Old Page Mill Road.
22 mile loop, with a longer option on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Alto Velo A Ride
367 State Street - Los Altos
when: Sunday @ 9:00a
Alto Velo B Ride
367 State Street - Los Altos
when: Saturday @ 9:00a
