top of page

Mount Diablo Challenge 2024
Rules and Information- UPDATED READ THIS CAREFULLY

​

Welcome to the 2024 Mount Diablo Challenge! The Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Club (VSBC) began this ride 41 years ago to honor Joan Walt and two years ago in honor Joe Shami. We continue to hold this iconic event in their honor. Once again, the State Park has agreed to a fast turn-around at the summit which allows participants to return to an awards ceremony, vendor expo, music, and a great barbeque. To accomplish this, we have riders ascending and descending Mount Diablo at the same time and the State Park has strict rules that everyone must follow to ensure rider safety. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the event rules and information below.

Pre-Event Details:

  • Waiver: Review the waiver you agreed to during online registration here.

  • Packet Pickup (Pre-Event): October 5th, 2-6 PM at Trek store, Alamo (180 Alamo Plaza, Alamo). If you have friends and families that did not register yet, they can do so at the Trek Store while you pick up your packet.If you have picked up your registration packet on Saturday, you do not need to check in at registration on Sunday. You must park at Monte Vista HS (see below) and ride to Athenian School directly.

  • Packet Pickup (Event Day): October 6th, 7 AM at Montevista High School, Danville (3131 Stone Valley Road, Danville)

  • Packet Contents: Bib number, wave assignment, timing chip, t-shirt size, meal selection.

  • Bib Reminder: HOLD ONTO YOUR BIB after the ride as it will be used to claim your t-shirt, BBQ meal, and one beer (if you are age 21 or older).

Event Day Information:

  • Location: Monte Vista High School (MVHS), 3131 Stone Valley Rd., Danville.

  • Parking: North side of Stone Valley Rd. at MVHS.

  • Rider Check-In: Opens at 7:00 AM at MVHS.

Starting Line and Wave Details:

  • Parking: On event day you must park at MVHS on the north side of Stone Valley Road. No parking at the Athenian start line location and no parking on Diablo Road.

  • Starting Line: after checking in at the MVHS (or having picked up your packet on Saturday), ride to Athenian School, 2100 Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd., Danville (approximately 2.9 miles from MVHS).

  • Wave Starts: 1st wave at 8:15 AM; 2nd wave 8:25 AM, and subsequent waves, 3-minute intervals.

  • Elite Waves: Waves 1-5 have the full road. Later waves are restricted to the right lane; do not cross the center line.

  • Elite Sweep Vehicle: Riders that start in the first 5 waves but fall behind their estimated finish time may be passed by the “elite sweep” vehicle. If you are passed by the elite sweep car you are required to adhere to the center line rule and ride in the right lane.

  • Safety: Follow center line rule; descending riders share the road. Non elite riders must ride to the right of the right lane, unless you are passing another rider. Call out when you are passing "On your left!"

  • Course Closure: 12:15 PM; follow descent escort if unable to finish by then.

  • No Event traffic (vehicle or bicycle) is allowed in the Community of Diablo. This applies for both ascending before the start and descending after riding the mountain.  There is no participant parking at the Athenian School.

After the Ride:

  • Finish Line: After crossing the finish line, move quickly down from the summit to the lower summit parking lot where you will find snacks and porta potties. Do not linger at the finish line.

  • Descending: Stay in your lane and DO NOT PASS THE DOWNHILL ESCORT VEHICLE. Unescorted descents are strictly prohibited. You can pass the escort vehicle once you reach Athenian School. Continue to MVHS.

  • Enjoy the after-ride party! BBQ, prizes and vendor/sponsor fair at MVHS.

Additional Information:

  • Porta Potties: Available near Athenian School at the starting line. Please use Porta Potties at the MVHS to avoid lines. DO NOT USE BUSHES AS YOUR TOILET; this may lead to disqualification.

  • Water: be sure to bring full water bottles.  There will be limited water before the ride, along the route (at three stations) and at the Lower Summit parking lot.

  • Ride with GPS: Route Link from MVHS to Athenian School.

Thank you for joining us. Have a fantastic ride at the Mt. Diablo Challenge!

Raghu C. Venkata

Director, Mount Diablo Challenge 2024

bottom of page