Close Encounters of the Bovine Kind
MP, you weren't kidding about the cows on Coleman Valley. We were a ways up the climb and we turned a corner and lo & behold, there's a cow standing partway into the road munching on some roadside grass. I tried to get a photo but it was getting steep at that point (getting, har har) and it behooved me to have full control as I was passing the cow's backside in case I needed to take Cow Evasive Manuevers.

Then, a little ways farther up, more cows along the road! One particularly large cow (a Guernsey, I do believe) stared me down as I was zooming up the road (zooming, har har) and as I approached she started walking out onto the road directly in front of me. "After you, ma'am" says I as I come to a rather abrupt halt and let her pass - I didn't want to entitle my ride report "Cow 1, Me 0"

The Rest Stop at Walker Ranch
The folks there were a hoot. Probably comes from hanging out there for about 8 hours. Walker Ranch at the base of the last climb up Marshal (at mile 90) was the last rest stop on the route. We were the ninth thru the sixth last riders remaining on the course, and as the riders trickled in the volunteers gave us a very loud cheer (as much out of relief that they'd be leaving soon as much as anything). They were really fun to talk to.

"Amici Veloci my Azz !"
The absolute funniest moment of the ride for me happened in the last mile or so. I'm plodding along Hiway 1, wondering where the hell is the turnoff for Tomales already(!), when a small white car suddenly toots it horn as it approaches me from behind.

I'm thinking to myself "Oh #$%!, I'm as far over as I can be, so shaddup already!", when the car pulls up next to me and the guy driving yells out "Amici Veloci my Azz!" Yes, it was Hot Rod !!!!!

So I grin and naturally, give him the Amici Veloci Sekret Hand Signal. We chatted for a little and he took off heading up Hiway 1 (with an attractive blonde in the passenger seat) and I reached my turnoff for Tomales High School. So I had a good chuckle to carry me for the half-mile or so remaining.