Dam Corners and Valley road ride - Sat, May 20

[SadieKate]

To entertain any drivers and friends while some people :p are riding the Davis Double, we'll try this ride again. In keeping with tradition, this ride will be a relaxed ramble through the countryside.

Starting in Winters, we’ll climb northwest toward Lake Berryessa, up the canyon alongside Putah Creek over the Monticello Dam and Cardiac Hill to the store at Moskowite Corner. From there, one little bump and then we fly down Wooden Valley to Mankas Corners and on to Fairfield where we'll take a food break at the coffee house. We’ll turn north, climb a few short rollers and then have a couple options:

One group can have a nice smooth ride all the way north back to Lake Solano Park via Pleasants Valley Rd.
Those who want more miles and hills can head east a few miles so they climb Gibson Canyon Road and up the rolling east side of Cantelow Hill. This group will come back over the ridge rejoining everyone midway through that nice smooth ride all the way north back to Lake Solano Park.

From Lake Solano, we'll spin around the south side of Lake Solano back to Winters.

Start: the town of Winters (Rotary Park parking lot at Railroad and Main across from the Buckhorn and Steady Eddy's Coffee House)
When: TBD, but it has to be really early to beat the boat traffic
Length: 62-72?
Climbing: shorter ride 2,780 / longer ride maybe another 800-900 ft
To get to Winters: Interstate 505 goes north right into Winters from I-80 or your can take Russell Blvd east out of Davis. http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?ed=u8Nhjq160SyvQA0bpmqBMulSMUtJa6zz_Bvx9k0QKNEu6UagR4mUKkMkvI6I997NqQ--&name=The+Buckhorn+Steak+%26amp%3B+Roadhouse&desc=%28530%29+795-4503&csz=Winters+CA&country=us&cs=10&qty=9&ds=n

Map of the route where you can kind of see the route.
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/sadiekatel/detail?.dir=65dc&.dnm=fd0d.jpg&.src=ph

Food after - Pizza Factory or the Putah Creek Cafe

[bikerz]

OK - it's on the calendar - let's hope I'm in shape by then! Looking forward to seeing you then, SK!

It's hard to imagine that it won't still be raining then....

[Veronica]

Well some people have decided to not do Davis. Some people do not saddle time at this point in their training, they need to do hard climbs for TT and will be heading up to Sonoma County that weekend. :D

Have fun!

V.

[snapdragen]

Everytime you post this ride - I see Damn Corners.......and I think, gee, why is sadiekate so mad at the corners. :rolleyes:

[cindysue]

hmmmm, graduation ceremony or bike ride? Darn it! I wonder if anyone has booked their flights yet? Ahhh, well. Next time!

xxoo

[maillotpois]

Everytime you post this ride - I see Damn Corners.......and I think, gee, why is sadiekate so mad at the corners. :rolleyes:


YES!! Boy that SK sure gets mad at inanmate objects. Short fuse or something.

I'll be doing Davis - its my one double with DH and our friends. I hope to beat our time from last year now that I know I can ride a flattish double fast and not flame out (DH tends to go out fast and that worried me last year because it was our first).

Do you think there's any chance we'll see you? As I recall, Winters is relatively late in the ride - but I am going off memory and also confusing it a bit with Knoxvillle. Where are those damned corners? Should I wave at them if I go by? I'll bet they're sad that SK is so mad at them...

[slinkedog]

I would really like to do this ride with you guys. Gotta check with the hubby and see if it's doable in the schedule, and then I gotta start training my hiney off to get ready!! :)

[SadieKate]

Slinke, if it helps you to know this (w/o using Krebs) all of the climbing on the shorter route is at the beginning.

[slinkedog]

Yes, it would definitely be the shorter route for me. Do you honestly believe that I haven't looked at my Krebs? Get real, Woman. :)

[aka_kim]

Some other people need to get the their hineys on a bike, hills or flat (no Slinke, I am not referring to you - my hiney hasn't been on the bike much this year). I'll be there, corners be damned.

[SadieKate]

Do you honestly believe that I haven't looked at my Krebs? Get real, Woman. :)No, but just in case . . . :p

MP, using the 2001 DD map, Winters is between RS#1 (Plainfield) and RS#2 Markley Cove. Markley Cove is after you've climbed the Dam and are on your way to Moskowite Corner, where our group will turn south down Wooden Valley to Mankas Corner. The map I have is a very poor repro so I can't tell how many miles you wander around the fields of Davis and Plainfield before getting to Winters. It looks like the top of Cardiac is at mile 50 for you and probably mile 8 or 10 for us. If you've ever done the 100 mile Foxy Fall, is almost the same but we've cut out the boring stuff between Winters and Davis (and we do it in reverse).

[maillotpois]

MP, using the 2001 DD map, Winters is between RS#1 (Plainfield) and RS#2 Markley Cove. Markley Cove is after you've climbed the Dam and are on your way to Moskowite Corner, where our group will turn south down Wooden Valley to Mankas Corner. The map I have is a very poor repro so I can't tell how many miles you wander around the fields of Davis and Plainfield before getting to Winters. It looks like the top of Cardiac is at mile 50 for you and probably mile 8 or 10 for us. If you've ever done the 100 mile Foxy Fall, is almost the same but we've cut out the boring stuff between Winters and Davis (and we do it in reverse).


Okay- it is all coming back to me now. Well, its possible we see you at the beginning point or at Cardiac. We will most likely be starting before you guys, though. I expect a 5:30 - 6 am start so we get on the road and maybe home before Em's bedtime. I'd still love to get a jamba or something with you the night before so I can meet you, though!

Hey, guess what? It's raining here! Shocking, I know.

[Bike Goddess]

Nice ride- did this one with you all last year. I'll be working this time so no go for me!

I suggest you swing through Gordon Valley on the way to Mankas Corner. Less traffic and beautiful scenery. At the rate we are going, it should be green and beautiful for the whole dam ride!

[DrBadger]

Pencil me in as a maybe.... would love to do the ride and meet a few more of you, but I fly back from Wyoming on Friday, and Sat is a roommate's graduation and friend's birthday, and I don't know if they are making plans or not. If not, I am there!

[SadieKate]

Tell them you have a priority appt.:D

[SadieKate]

Just sent to me by Ms Snap:


To Local Bicycle Clubs:
I wanted to let you know that Cantelow Road in Solano County is closed about half a mile east of Pleasants Valley Road due to a slippage in the hillside. Because of the severity of the damage it is likely to remain closed for several months.

Although it is posted as Road Closed, many bicyclists are cutting through the closed part of the road. Can you spread the word to your bike club about this problem, and ask your members not to use that part of Cantelow Road? I know that this is a popular route with bicyclists, and I ask for your patience and cooperation until the problem has been fixed.

Thank you for your help.
Paul Wiese
Engineering Manager
Solano County Public Works Engineering

Hm, not even sure if those of who want to do the longer option can do hill repeats on it. The west side has about 600 ft of climbing in 3/4 mile and is the only genuine hill anywhere near us (at 20 miles away). Bubba and I are riding this route today and will explore.

[Emerald]

How will your Winter's ride compare w/ the Mildflower (2000 ft of climb over 65 mi) I'm trying to get 4 rides a week in to get reay for LRRH
Friend of yellow

[SadieKate]

Cindy? Welcome!

The ride will be
* Length: 62-72 miles
* Climbing: shorter ride 2,780 / longer ride maybe another 800-900 ft.

All the climbing for the 62 mile route is at the beginning with a couple of long but very reasonable climbs as long we get on the road before it gets too hot.

Highway 21 just before Wooden Valley had road construction on it yesterday and was reduced to one lane. That should obviously be fixed by the 20th, but hillsides are slumping all over the place due to all the rain. We're going to have to keep an eye on the route. There was a lot of rock debris on the road going up to Moskowite also. Those hills have a lot of water in them.

[SadieKate]

That's cool. There's the route with elevation profile (except we'll be starting in Winters)

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=76863

[slinkedog]

Oh, this is awesome! I'll be in Krebs heaven momentarily. :cool:

[SadieKate]

Are you coming along?

[slinkedog]

Still not sure. I have to spend the day in Granite Bay and Sacramento on Sunday, so it's doubtful.

What is the "Glory Hole?"

[Dianyla]

What is the "Glory Hole?"
**spitting drink on monitor** :p

[slinkedog]

Yeah, I pretty much had the same reaction when I saw it listed on the map. :o It's some natural attraction at the Monticello Dam.

[SadieKate]

I didn't look but it is either the outtake for the dam producing an effect like a toilet bowl flushing or it is at the bottom where all the fish congregate for the particles of food that have been flushed through the dam. Yellow, can you provide a clearer or more accurate explanation?

Glory Hole is usually used for the latter because of the fish, but I have heard it for the drainage swoosh also. I may need to go look for it now.

BTW, I think you two have your minds in the gutter.:p

[yellow]

Sheesh! Don't you Kalifornians know your history?

"Glory Hole" is a generic term that was used to described surface exploration for gold during the Cali Gold Rush. Most Glory Holes are (were) 10-20 feet deep either in the ground or in a hillside. Productive Glory Holes became actual mines.

[slinkedog]

Thanks you for that information. Being a California transplant, I don't feel as bad as a probably should. Now ask me stuff about Nevada (where I spent most of my growing up) and I can fill your head with useless information. :)

Well, I guess I need a photo or something if I can't get out there with you. And, according to Krebs, there are some hills that I can't do. Just so you know. ;)

[maillotpois]

Productive Glory Holes became actual mines.


Seriously? You expect us to leave that alone?? "Productive glory holes"???? C'mon!!

[Dianyla]

BTW, I think you two have your minds in the gutter.:p
What do you mean, you think? I know damn well that my mind's in the gutter. :p

The Onion ran an article on Glory Holes (http://www.theonion.com/content/node/33792/print/), once. :rolleyes:

[slinkedog]

Seriously? You expect us to leave that alone?? "Productive glory holes"???? C'mon!!

Just itching to go there, but I won't. ;)

[SadieKate]

And, according to Krebs, there are some hills that I can't do. Just so you know. ;)How will you know until you try? What chainring and cassette combo do you have now?

On the subject of glory holes: I knew yellow would have a better explanation. I just thought piscatorial pursuits would be involved. And, I was born in New Mexico, so that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

[bikerz]

word of the day: piscatorial

I love it!

[maillotpois]

word of the day: piscatorial

I love it!

And I would have thought it should have been "pescatorial", but it turns out I'm totally wrong.

Thanks SK for making me open a dictionary for the first time in a long time....

[SadieKate]

We'll have to turn to our Latin expert, Veronica, for the explanation but my assumption is that "piscator" is the Latin and "pescator" is the Spanish.

Piscator is the main character in Izaak Walton's The Compleat Angler. Now you know the source of the Wonder Poodle's name.

My, we're getting awfully erudite today.

[slinkedog]

Without looking it up, I'm assuming it has something to do with fish, given that my extensive knowledge of Italian tells me that "pesca" is the word for fish.

[slinkedog]

How will you know until you try? What chainring and cassette combo do you have now?


Oh, SK, I'm just playing with you. ;) I still have the same chainring/cassette configuration as before. No time or money for changing at the moment. However, Monday IS my birthday, so we'll see what I get!! :)

[cindysue]

I'm seriously considering skipping out on my graduation and coming to this instead. I just don't see the value in hanging out for several hours on a Saturday with 1000's of engineering students whom I don't know so somone can briefly call my name and give me a blank piece of paper.

I'm completely stressed and just dont give a hoot anymore..........

[SadieKate]

Do you think you'll regret it if you don't go?

I'd be glad to say something high falutin' sounding if you choose to honor us with your highly 'larned presence.

[cindysue]

I'd be glad to say something high falutin' sounding if you choose to honor us with your highly 'larned presence.

on second thought, I won't bore you with my presence. Have fun!

[winddance]

Count me as a maybe. I have to see how well I do on some hills this weekend... :eek:

plus I will be recovering from my Vegas trip the week before...

[bikerz]

Winddance and I are going to ride Old Tunnel Rd and some of Skyline Sunday morning! (nice and slow - BikerZ-style!) She's got herself some new hill-climbing gears! Woo Hoo!

[slinkedog]

Oh, that's great! I hope you guys have fun!

[bikerz]

Slinke - what does your krebs say about Tunnel Rd?

I have to find that post that explains what "Krebs" is...

[winddance]

Oh, I'm curious too. For all I know, Krebs is some wise old mapmaker that you keep in your closet!

[snapdragen]

Map maker indeed: http://www.krebscycleproducts.com/

[DirtDiva]

It's also a fairly major bit of metabolism involved in the production of ATP (energy). Knew that biochem degree would come in handy one day... :p

[slinkedog]

Slinke - what does your krebs say about Tunnel Rd?

I have to find that post that explains what "Krebs" is...

*Looking for Tunnel Rd. on map* Is it the same as Hwy. 24?
If so, it's monstrous and I could never do it, according to the map. It's 9% grade or more for a good portion of the climb. There be arrows all over the place on that section of the country. (Arrows denote climbs)

[bikerz]

Old Tunnel Rd runs sort of parallel to 24, then keeps going up when 24 goes through the Caldecott tunnel - and finally meets Grizzly Peak at Skyline. Hmmm - 9% seems very steep - if it's that steep, what the heck am I doing climbing it! :eek:

[slinkedog]

It's that 34 in the bad, I tell you!

[winddance]

Old Tunnel Rd runs sort of parallel to 24, then keeps going up when 24 goes through the Caldecott tunnel - and finally meets Grizzly Peak at Skyline. Hmmm - 9% seems very steep - if it's that steep, what the heck am I doing climbing it! :eek:

Climbing it very well, indeed! With the added bonus that you managed to complete the ride without any parts falling off of your bike... :rolleyes:

[SadieKate]

I think it is more of an accomplishment if no parts fall off your body. :D

[winddance]

I was pretty proud of myself for keeping myself in one piece, definitely!

Unfortunately, I *did* have something fall off of my bike...but I was all for the fact that when my chain broke, it broke after we had completed the ride safely, and within coasting distance of my car!

[bikerz]

Yeah - that was something - I've never seen a chain break like that!

So Winddance did great on Tunnel Rd - there were several times when she was so far ahead of me that I coudn't see her on any of the curves ahead, and wondered if she had accidentally fallen off the side of the road! :D m (Luckily not!)

With her new rear cassette, she'll be blasting up those East Bay hills in no time, and the new brakes will help with the downhills!

[SadieKate]

There's been a lot of hijacking here but I'll try to get us (at least me) re-focused a bit. The "when" was TBD, but I've now had a look at the Davis Double map and rest stop hours (at least on the 2001 map). I think to get us up over the Dam and to the first Corner (Moskowite) before the really horrendous heat sets in and before the idjit boat trailers show up, we need to be on our bikes at 7 am.

The DD has a rest stop at Markeley Cove (after the Dam at the base of Cardiac Hill) from 6 to 9 so we might see a few of the riders. Might even be able to provide some company for Veronica.

Start: Parking lot next to Steady Eddy's Coffee House in Winters
When: On bikes at 7 am
Length: 62-72
Climbing: shorter ride 2,780 / longer ride maybe another 800-900 ft

If anyone is interested in a shorter option, let me know. You could ride the course backwards until you find us. That would reduce the climbing significantly and still be a pretty ride (with no idjit boat trailers). You would have the option of climbing Cantelow on the way back to give you a little climbing.

PS - I know boat trailers don't have any brains, so don't any of you grammar grinches be sassing me about calling them idjits.

[maillotpois]

I believe that's the second rest stop for DD there at the dam. There'll be water there, and I am sure they won't mind sharing. Most riders will hit that pretty early, though. Even though it may be as much as 50 - 60 miles into the ride, the first part goes by very quickly.

[jobob]

What time does Steady Eddy's open ?

Just curious, for coffee consumption planning purposes ...

[SadieKate]

Just called them. 6:30 am on Saturday.

http://www.wintersca.org/steadyeddy.htm

I have no problem setting the start time back even earlier if'ns everyone wants.

[jobob]

Ah, perfect. Gives me a half hour window of caffeination.

[SadieKate]

I've got this little list going. I have no idea of it's accuracy.

Yes
Kim
Jo
Lee
Sarah
Bubba
Patric

Maybe
BikerZ
PABadger
Emerald
Winddance
Ed

If anyone wants a shorter ride than the 62 miles, they could ride the route backward. You could start with us to get pointed in the right direction and use a marked Solano BikeLinks map for the route (I'll provide). You could ride all the way into Fairfield, but a ride into old town Vacaville would prolly be nicer and easy to find on the map. It would be about 38 miles for this option and you could still join us for the short climb over Cantelow. BikerZ may be looking for company on this option.

[snapdragen]

Is Cantelow open yet? The guys on "the other forum" are still talking like it's closed.

[SadieKate]

Oh yeah, I was gonna report in. Oops.

Saturday the Bubbameister and I did a little tootle over it. The road is just fine until half way down the west (and steep) side. There is a cement barricade, then 75 ft of a pavement/gravel section which is about 2 ft lower than when installed, about 50 feet of intact pavement, then around the corner (where you can't see it) another cement barricade. The barricades are just those standard cement divider barricades you see on the highway during construction. You can lift a bike over them. Lots of other cyclists were out doing the same. As long as you are expecting it, it's not that big a deal.

Now that it is dry, it is easy to walk through. We're just treating it as a cyclocross section and since we're riding east to west, stopping and walking is easy. I would not want to stop, walk and try to remount going uphill on the steep side.

I imagine that back in April that it was a mess and it was not appropriate to walk through. They obviously got some equipment in there to dig some drainage and install a drain hose.

I find it very interesting that I can't find anything on local club web sites or on Solano County's site about the closure.

[maillotpois]

Those damn corners....



sorry, I just think that EVERY time I see this darned thread.

[bikerz]

I'm wavering on joining you guys - The saddle situation is not good - I'm still sore from the <30 mile rides I did Saturday and Sunday. :( All the other fit stuff is great, but the new position seems even worse with respect to my previous saddle problems.

My plan is to put back on the saddle I tried a few weeks ago (Slinkedog's "winner" saddle) and ride 25 miles or so tomorrow afternoon to see if it is any better, leaving myself lots of time to make adjustments as I ride. There were some good suggestions on one of the saddle threads here on how best to adjust that saddle, so I'll give it another go.

If that goes well and I can get past the 20+ mile mark without hurting, then I'll do a longer ride Saturday to make sure. I just don't feel very hopeful. I'm bummed - this saddle thing is really a literal pain. I just want a saddle I can sit on long enough for the rest of me to get really tired!

[slinkedog]

Z, I'm so sorry you're going through this! I hope you find the right saddle soon. I wish I could go with you on Saturday!

[bikerz]

I know! I want that "ahhhhh" experience, not an "arrrggghh" experience!

Maybe I'll just get strong enough that I can ride standing up!

[snapdragen]

That's OK - every time I see Cantelow I read cantaloupe! :rolleyes:



Those damn corners....



sorry, I just think that EVERY time I see this darned thread.

[SadieKate]

BTW, PayDays courtesy of Miss Kim.

[maillotpois]

Rain??!!

http://search.weather.yahoo.com/forecast/USCA0284.html

http://search.weather.yahoo.com/storm/USCA0284.html

[snapdragen]

Rain??!!

Shhhh! Maybe the weather gods don't look at internet weather sites.

I'm supposed to go to a cajun festival this weekend....don't wanna dance in the rain!

[Bike Goddess]

"SLOW MOVING FRONT"- hmmmmm- don't think you'll have to worry about rain on Saturday - clouds= good. Temps= good. Chance of rain= 10% during the day and 60% in the evening.

Davis Double folks might even have to wear knickers and arm warmers. Cooler temps all around. I'd take that to heat any day!

[bikerz]

Sorry gang - I'll not be joining you on this ride :(

Last night's 20 mile ride was miserable (partly the insane winds coming off the bay - parasailers were having a blast, me, not so much!). I fussed with the saddle, kept repeating "patience, Grasshopper" as SK suggested, but by the end of the ride I was not a happy cyclist. I'll keep trying this weekend to see if I can get the Selle SMP in a better position. Then it's back to the Aero and the saddle drawing board.

I also might need some new (smaller) shorts - I felt like I was slipping around, and after reading the cycling shorts article, the "fit you like a second skin" part did not seem to be holding true... But needing smaller shorts is a good thing, right?

So I'll be thinking of you all - have a great time! I really hope the weather cooperates for you!

Biker-trying-not-to-be-discouraged-by-the-endless saddle-search-Z

[tprevost]

...just wanted to wish you all a fun ride tomorrow!

Tracy

[slinkedog]

Sorry gang - I'll not be joining you on this ride :(

Last night's 20 mile ride was miserable (partly the insane winds coming off the bay - parasailers were having a blast, me, not so much!). I fussed with the saddle, kept repeating "patience, Grasshopper" as SK suggested, but by the end of the ride I was not a happy cyclist. I'll keep trying this weekend to see if I can get the Selle SMP in a better position. Then it's back to the Aero and the saddle drawing board.

I also might need some new (smaller) shorts - I felt like I was slipping around, and after reading the cycling shorts article, the "fit you like a second skin" part did not seem to be holding true... But needing smaller shorts is a good thing, right?

So I'll be thinking of you all - have a great time! I really hope the weather cooperates for you!

Biker-trying-not-to-be-discouraged-by-the-endless saddle-search-Z

Sorry about the saddle. Glad about the shorts! WOO HOO! Wish my shorts were too big!! :)

Hope you get it all sorted soon, my friend!

[SadieKate]

Local weather forecast looks pretty good. I'm taking the gang to the Davis Double about 5 am. Those that need to leave early can call me on my cell for a weather update. Otherwise I'll post when I get back about 5:30 am.

http://www.kcra.com/weather/index.html

Discussion: Clouds are here, temps are dropping and we will see some rain over the next few days. One area af rain will move through tonight. Behind it things will settle down for a pretty good day Saturday... I don't think there will be much rain in the area but it will still be cooler than it has been lately. Sunday looks like a wetter day. Rain and myabe some thunderstorms in the afternoon will make for a cool day. We will still see some showers on Monday. Mark

Looks like Robb (Jo's TopHat beer drinking buddy and a friend will be joining us)

[jobob]

That's great that Robb's coming !

LeeBob and I will be on the road by 5:30. See you at Steady Eddy's.

If the weather stinks, we'll have a coffee and figure out what to do from there. :cool:

[SadieKate]

Fabulous. I've got Veronica, Roborider and his SO here. We'll be getting up at 4:15 AM if you want to call even earlier.

PS - The Princess has the foldout sofa. The rest are on the living room floor. Hey, it's dry there.:D

[snapdragen]

PS - The Princess has the foldout sofa.
As is only proper! ;)

[DrBadger]

Hello all-
Sorry, but I will not be able to make it today... got back this evening from a week in Wyoming for school, and am absolutely beat....the thought of getting up at 4 is not appealing! Have a great ride, and I hope the weather holds out for you.

E.

[SadieKate]

4:30 am and KCRA's triple doppler is showing clear skies. Looks like it could be one great day!

[jobob]

Tell them The Bobs wish them a great ride !

[jobob]

Hi Ellen, welcome back. Can't understand why you would not want to get up at 4 am :rolleyes: :p :D but we'll see you again soon !

[SadieKate]

Tell them The Bobs wish them a great ride !Will do! See you soon.

[Bike Goddess]

So..... how did it go? Sunny over here today in San Francisco. Hope you all had a great time!:) :) :)

How's Veronica doing? and MP? and RoboRider?

[cindysue]

alright girls. We're waiting. Don't make me worry!

[SadieKate]

Everybody is in safe and sound and (mostly happy).

We had Veronica overnight plus added roborider and his SO Kathy when we found out that they didn't have a hotel room. Fortunately, they were happy with the double-wide double-thick thermarest on the living room floor. Got up at 4:15 to get the gang moving. Delivered robo and V to the Davis Double about 5:20 where they met up with MP and Mr. MP (would that be petitepois' papapois?). Anyway, I hadn't driven more than a mile toward home when robo called with a broken chain and spoke. Picked him up where he got out his spare frt wheel and Bubba (aka WrenchBoy) slapped on a new chain he'd dug out while we drove home. We threw the 3 of us in the car and smoked for Winters where we got robo back on course so he could at least ride most of the DD (he then got off course near the end somewhere and added 10 miles so he was probably close to the full distance).

We had 8 show up (include jo, her 2 beer buddies and Mr.Bob, the designated driver). Day was beautiful and cool to begin with. Good climb up the canyon with the DD riders. Found the "jo zone" again smoking down Wooden Valley (she made us work to keep up!). Headed up the Pleasants Valley where we split into 2 groups, some going up the east side of Cantelow, but joined back up for the wonderful smooth and fast cruise home. 5 hrs and 68 miles later, found the pizza and beer.

Bubba and I headed for home and a nap, then headed over to the finish. Got there just before Les Pois followed by roborider a little while later. Hunger then set in and we headed for dinner. Got home just a few minutes before the door bell ran and there was Veronia with her second double completed. The Ben&Jerry's Chocolate Nirvana I had in the freezer for her disappeared really fast.

I would say a successful and satisfying day for all.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/DSCF0029.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/DSCF0031.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/DSCF0038.jpg

[jobob]

SK pushin' the PayDays:

http://i4.tinypic.com/108eb8w.jpg

The road heading out from Winters :

http://i4.tinypic.com/108ejw7.jpg

I thought this vineyard was very pretty:

http://i4.tinypic.com/108ekah.jpg

[yellow]

Arm and knee warmers?????? Vests??????? Wha???? :p

Oh, by the way, nice pictures, Jo!

[maillotpois]

Great pictures, except I was right - I was fat yesterday!! DH and I were talking about how much we'd eaten and drunk, and it's not like it "processed", so we both felt super bloated last night! I weight exactly the same as before the double, though, so I'm not dehydrated, which is good!

Love Jo's pictures. Great scenery!

[Veronica]

The highest temp. I have for yesterdy is 74 degrees. And that was after my bike had been sitting in the "sun" for 17 minutes. It was mostly cloudy.

V.

[jobob]

It was superb riding weather. I was so glad that the DD was this weekend, and not last weekend which was so darn hot ! :p

[Bike Goddess]

Thanks everyone for all the updates! Loved the pics!

CONGRATULATIONS VERONICA- #2 JUST ONE TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Veronica]

Patric posted this to our Delta pedalers Yahoo group - thought I'd share. :)

I would like to build up to doing a double
next year. I thank you , and Tom for the inspiration and the group
you interduced me to a couple a weeks ago.. I enjoyed the company and
the inspiration they gave me up cardiac hill last saturday while you
had a easy 205 ride!!??
Would enjoy training and riding with you and the group on future
rides.
.... So to SADIE KATE,BUBBA, AKA KIM,
LEE,JOANN,MOUNTAIN EDD, the gentleman from sacramento which I can't
remember his name ,, Thank you all for a fantastic time Saturday, and
I hope to ride more miles wtih you all.. God bless and may the wind
be at your back!!! RIDE SAFE AND BE HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

V.

[SadieKate]

Thanks, Veronica for sharing the nice note and for encouraging him to go with us. Patric is welcome anytime. He won't be on Diablo with us Saturday because the and his wife are having a spa weekend. Sounds like a good hubby.

[aka_kim]

Patric is a funny guy (in a good way). He sings and makes odd noises (in a good way) while riding, so is always entertaining. How does he know our forum names?