Amici Veloci found on Ink Grade!
Today was the Tour of the Napa Valley. Our club- The Benicia Bike Club- had about 42 people show up for the ride. (We have a photo of most of the riders which I'll try to post here when I get it). It was pretty impressive to see all of us leave the start at the same time (6:45AM).
6 of us did the metric together. 3 had never ridden that far. For them, this would be a first.
Contrary to the Holstein ride, we had a slight NW breeze as we rode towards St Helena where we met up with Hwy 128. We then followed the route past Lake Hennessy and on to Pope Valley. It was a pleasant ride- cool and NO wind. I've done this ride several times before but usually after I've ridden Mt Veeder (part of the 100 miler). The climb felt so much easier for which I was grateful as I knew what was coming later.
After a pleasant lunch stop at Aetna Springs we headed over to the Ink Grade. (The last time I did it was 2 years ago. I ended up with a broken spoke so had to SAG back to the start. :( )
About 3/4 of the way up the grade lo and behold on the pavement in bright white letters was "Amici Veloci" with a heart above the "i" in Veloci. I was so tickled to see that someone had managed to put it there! It was like getting a little boost from behind as I continued up the hill. (I eventually caught and passed 2 of the riders in our group who had left the last rest stop about 10 minutes before the rest of us -not a good tactic as I was toast by the time we got to the top!)
As soon as I got down to the Silverado Trail, I had the good fortune of a tailwind all the way back to the Yountville crossing. It was delicious! I made it back to the start at noon which was my original goal.
Now, whoever put that great slogan on the road gets a big THANK YOU!!!!
I know I can do 66 miles. However, I need to work on my enduranceas I am quite tired. Century will come one of these days. But first some zzzzz are in order!:D :D :D :D
