I woke up Saturday morning, trying to think up any excuse not to get out and ride my bike. I finally gave up, got dressed and loaded up my bike. A quick stop at the Breakfast Bar in the hotel, and I hit the road, bagel and coffee in hand.
It was very foggy out, so much so that I had to use my wipers. Ah Hah! An excuse! I decided to drive to the ride start and see how things went from there. I got checked in, and looked the route over. I was doing the shortest – 35 miles. I was pretty familiar with most of the roads, so I thought, what the heck. I can always SAG back if I want.
The first hill was on Tomales-Petaluma Road. This hill and I are well acquainted, I wrecked my knee the first year I rode it. Did a whole 4 miles back then. I’ve ridden it since, but usually when I’m in better shape. With one stop halfway up, I made it to the top. Exhausted, and feeling beaten I thought I SAG at the first rest stop. On Chileno Valley Road I ran across this guy and his friends, having quite the feast on a dead possum. I wondered if it was an omen.
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Riding along I was reminded why I love this ride so much. It’s very pretty country.
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I got to the first rest stop, refilled my water bottle and ate a little potato and a cookie. I wasn’t especially hungry. I wandered around for a bit, then decided it was silly to quit now, let’s go to the next stop. Chatted with all the animals I saw along the way. This very dignified Llama.
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And this small group of cattle, I dubbed the “Ghost Cattle”
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Then came the fun. I had forgotten what a b!tch Spring Hill Road could be when you are not in optimal shape. This is, I think, about halfway up.
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I made it to the top! It took a while, with a stop or two, but I did it. I must’ve picked a good resting place, I was joined by about six other people! We all joked about our poor physical conditions – but we were there, and we were riding. One woman even remarked “I’ve got to quit smoking” Wha!?!?!?!
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For the Riv girls – there was a couple at our party each riding Rivs. She on a Rambo, he on a Rom. Both loving their bikes – him making plans for a 650B.
After I left the party, I came upon a couple of women looking very forlorn. “You OK?” Standard bike greeting, expecting the usual, “Yes fine” Instead I hear “No. My chain fell off” Oops. Hmm, I wonder if I know what I’m doing…. I did manage to get the chain unstuck from between front crank wheel and bike frame, and get it back on the proper rings/cogs. My good karma points for the day.
More chatting with cows – I think these might actually be Holsteins. Who knows, I grew up in the city. Milk comes in bottles, right?
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I loved the name of this ranch, Twister Hill Ranch.
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The name was a hint of what was coming – nasty headwinds for the last 8 miles. I hunkered down and pedaled at a blinding speed of 8 mph all the way back to Tomales.
At lunch, Polenta and marinara sauce, with a salad. Afterwords I ran into aka_kim, she had done the 60 miler. We were both pretty tired, and agreed it was a tough ride.
I can’t wait for next year……
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