Pac Striders Weekend Run, Sun Mar 12, 8:30, Inspiration Point

Hello Everybody,

We chose Inspiration Point because it is ideal for a leaderless weekend run and pretty much weather proof. That being said, I have to tell you the last time I ran it, high winds were coming off the Bay and it was hard to breathe when the wind was off your shoulder.

I'm running the Senior 8K this weekend and Amy is jetting away, so the run may even start closer to on time! The Nimitz trail is asphalt with shoulder running options most of the time (depending on mud, too). It is marked in 1/2 mile increments and 8 miles out to the end of the asphalt and back. You can extend the mileage by continuing out on the San Pablo Ridge Trail, which stands up to weather fairly well. The Nimitz trail is easy to follow, there is one intersection a little over two miles out where you turn right. On the way back, you will be happy to turn left at this intersection and avoid the climb. If you make a wrong turn, you will quickly lose the asphalt and know you are astray. No water and bathrooms only at the start.

Directions:

From downtown Oakland and points West: go thru the Caldecott tunnel on Hwy 24 to the Orinda/Moraga exit. Turn left at the stoplight onto Camino Pablo, which will turn into San Pablo Dam Rd. Proceed about 2 miles to the traffic light at Wildcat Canyon and Bear Creek Roads. Turn left onto Wildcat Canyon Rd. Go uphill 2.5 miles to the parking lot at the top of the ridge.From Walnut Creek and points east: Head East on Hwy 24 take the Orinda/Moraga exit and stay right toward Orinda Village. Once on Camino Pablo, proceed as above.From Berkeley/Albany, Wildcat Canyon Road can be accessed from Grizzly Peak Blvd. via South Park Dr. or Shasta Rd.Have a good weekend,

Mike