Primavera FAQ

What if I want to do one of the other routes?

Already registered for one route and want to change to a different route? No problem, other than switching from the Family Fun ride to one of the other routes. If you are switching from Family Fun to a distance ride, please email us and we will get you on a list to upgrade your entrance fee at sign in.

All of the distance rides are the same price and you may change from one route to another, either at the start, or at various points along the routes. If you know you will be switching at time of sign in, please tell the nice people at registration. You may also switch along the way. We will have some extra route sheets at the Sunol Rest stop. If you are changing to the 70K, it is straight down Niles Canyon from Sunol and then follow the 100K or 100 mile sheets as they turn onto Niles Canyon. From Sunol, there is only one turn, and that is into the High School. If you want to change to the 100 mile route, please grab a route sheet. Changing from the 100 mile route to the 100 K route is simply a matter of going straight on Foothill instead of turning and following the same directions as on the 100 mile sheet for the turn onto Dublin Canyon. There is also an 85 mile option. Instead of going left out of Rest Stop 3, turn right. Rest Stops 3 and 4 are the same location, Cedar Mountain Winery. In between is the Altamont Loop with a good climb. If you are not feeling up to it, or time is an issue, please consider this option. There are two decent climbs before that post ride meal.

What if it rains?

Hopefully, with the event taking place later in the year, rain will not be an issue. However, the ride is rain or shine and will not be rescheduled. If you think it will rain and don't want to do it, you may transfer your registration to someone else, free of charge. It is up to you to find a transferee and for you to sign the transfer form. Any reimbursement from the transferee is up to you. The other option is to switch routes. In 2009, we had a cold and windy rain storm in the afternoon. A large number of 100 milers switched to the 100K route, had a nice ride and enjoyed lunch back at Logan HS. Some of the fast riders made the 100 miles without a drop. There were a number of people who wished they had done the shorter route. That was an unusually cold day.

What if my jersey doesn't fit?

We are making an order of jerseys and shorts based on the pre-orders plus what we believe will sell at Registration. We are mailing the clothes to those who pre-ordered early in time for them to get the clothes the week before the ride. If something does not fit, notify us and we will set aside the right size for an exchange at Registration. We only ask that you make an effort to get there early to do the exchange.

Is there public transportation to the start?

The Union City BART station is less than a mile from the Primavera start at James Logan High School. Unfortunately, the first southbound BART train does not arrive until almost 9 am that morning. That is early enough for the Family Fun Ride, but will not work for distance rides. AC Transit also provides limited bus service on Sundays. You may find the Primavera facebook page helpful in finding a carpool buddy. If you belong to a bike club, you might consider trying to find someone within your club. If you do take BART and/or AC Transit on Saturday, perhaps you could stay at a local hotel/motel.

What if I have mechanical issues?

The ride has SAG vehilcles and professional mechanics at each of the rest stops. Your bike should be in top mechanical shape before attempting this ride. Even though we try to have all the routes swept and the SAG vehicles carry brooms, there will always be a few riders who get flats. You should carry a spare tube and a pump. If not, the SAG vehicles carry spare tubes and a floor pump. For more major issues, you may be transported to the nearest rest stop where there is a mechanic. There is an emergency number on your route sheet to call the SAG coordinator. Each SAG vehicle has a phone and HAM radio coverage. If it is a medical emergency, call 911 first, then call the SAG coordinator.

When can I start?

Sign-in and same-day registration are from 6:30 to 8:00 AM for the 70K through 100 mile routes on the day of ride. You may start at any time after you check in and attach your number to the bicycle. Family Fun ride check-in and start is any time between 8 and 11.

When does the course close?

5:00 pm.

I did not pre-order a jersey or shorts, but they look nice. How can I order one?

We ordered some extras and they will be available at registration. First come, first served. If you are a family fun rider, you may want to get there at 6:30 just to get a jersey and then kick back until 8.

Have another question?

Email the Primavera coordinators.