I.N.C.H.

Intrepid Northern California Hikers

"Less talk, more walk!"

Frequently Asked Questions

What's INCH?
We are the Intrepid Northern California Hikers. Most of us live in the south San Francisco Bay area (Silicon Valley), and we like to hike!

How often does INCH hike?
We hike at a different location in the Bay Area every Saturday, rain or shine. We only cancel a hike if most of the regulars plan to be out of town, such as for Christmas week, so we typically do 50+ hikes a year. Once or twice a year, we'll plan a long weekend at Lake Tahoe or at one of the national parks, such as Yosemite, to do some "real hiking".

Who chooses the hikes?
Peter, Russ, and Steve take turns organizing the hike. We're always looking for suggestions and recommendations for new places to hike.

How do I get notified about the hike?
The hike organizer sends out a notice to the mailing list and posts the hike details on the schedule page, typically on Wednesday or Thursday of each week.

OK, then how do I get on the mailing list?
To be added to the mailing list, just drop Peter, Russ, or Steve (pick your favorite from the pictures two questions up). Only mailing-list members can read the hike notices posted on schedule page, so if you want to get the details, be sure to sign up for the mailing list.

Where do we meet?
We usually have two meeting places: (1) the Intel parking lot for carpooling, and (2) the trailhead for that week's hike. Since many of us live fairly close to Intel, we meet there and then carpool to the hike. Depending on the location of the hike, it may be easier for some people to just directly go to the trailhead. Directions to the trailhead are provided in each week's hike notice.

How do I get to Intel (for the carpool)?
Here's the map (the address is fake). From the intersection of 101 and Montague Expwy in Santa Clara, go east on Montague, towards Milpitas. At the first light, make a left onto Mission College Blvd. At the second light after that, make a left onto Juliette. Go about 100 yards, and the entrance to Intel will be on your left (just after you pass the ivy-shrouded sand volleyball court). Turn into Intel and park near the front of the parking garage. Look for hikers loitering around the parking structure (usually in the structure).

Note: Although there is also public transportation (VTA bus and light rail, as well as CalTrain), the service may be limited on the weekend and the train stations are a few miles away, so it's not that convenient. If you are interested, check out the CalTrain and VTA schedules.

When do we meet?
Details are sent out in the weekly notice, but the meeting time is almost always 9:00 Saturday morning at Intel, or 10:00 at the trailhead (10:30 if it's a long drive). For some longer hikes, such as in Henry Coe, we may start a couple of hours earlier.

What should I bring?
Food, water, sunscreen (summer), rain gear (winter), and most importantly, hiking boots. For a long hike in the back country, a first-aid kit and flashlight are also a good idea. In the old days, we used to stop for food somewhere along the way to the hike, but these days we bring our own food in order to save time for hiking. If you're catching a ride with someone, it's good to bring a change of shoes and fresh t-shirt to change into after the hike so that you don't stink up their car!

How much water should I bring?
A good rule of thumb is 1 liter every 4 miles (or one 12-16 oz. bottle every 2 miles), but as they say, your mileage may vary. Some folks hike all day with just a small bottle of water, but it's best to hydrate frequently, especially in hot weather. Yeah, it's a pain to carry gallons of water, but it's better than getting heat stroke. Plus, we don't want to drag you back.

Are there membership fees?
Nope ... just show up and hike! Bring a few bucks for park entrance fees.

What is the typical length and difficulty of the hike?
An average hike is around 15 miles, moderate-to-strenuous difficulty, at a 3 mph pace (i.e. around 5 hours). We schedule a few 30+ mile day-hikes a year, which are balanced with some easy sub-10-mile hikes. You can get an idea about the hikes by reading the diary of previous hikes. Hike statistics, like average lengths and difficulties, can be found on the statistics page.

Will the hike be canceled due to rain/snow/100°F heat?
No way! Otherwise, we would be just be NCH.

What is the typical mix of people on the hike?
We get all kinds--from age 7 to 70. On average, about 16 or so people show up each week, declining as the hike difficulty increases or the weather worsens. The regulars are mostly in their 30's and 40's. Most INCHers are single, some are married, and we have about an equal number of men and women. You can see pictures of some of the gang on the hike write-ups (look for the ones with a in the picture column), or just look at some random pictures. If you hike with us, you get a prestigious INCH leaf and will be immortalized on the INCH Leaf Page.

What does INCH provide?
Nothing! Check our disclaimer. We schedule the hikes; you are responsible for yourself.

I can't read the hike details on the schedule page and/or I deleted the original mail. Now what?
The hike details are visible on the schedule page if the page knows who you are. This happens the first time you sign up for a hike. However, if you are on a different computer or otherwise lost the information, and deleted every hike mail we've ever sent, fear not! We can send you a temporary link to re-establish your identity, which will allow you to see the hike details on the schedule page.

How do I get off the list?
OK, no one has actually asked this question, but at the bottom of every hike notice is a link to sign up for the hike. Click it, and you will see the option to remove yourself from the list at the bottom of the subsequent web page. No worries--keep on hiking!

Who is Savitz?
He's the semi-official INCH historian! Read all about him. Here is an artist's rendition.

We hope to see you on an INCH hike soon!

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