My friend Alexandra spent the weekend at my place. After a great dinner, some clubs, good music and dancing last night we did one of my favorite rides into the Santa Monica Mountains today. Rode the beach bike path to its end then PCH to Las Flores Canyon Rd to Piuma Rd to Malibu Canyon Rd and back down to PCH and then the last miles again on the beach bike path to home. The bike path keeps us away from some of the busier PCH traffic coming into Santa Monica. Ended with 54 miles, high 60’s most of the ride with some clouding towards the top of the Las Flores climb and part of Piuma.

Las Flores is one solid hard climb. The beginning is a 8+% climb and there is a one mile 13% section. The last 2.5 miles averages 11+% with a couple 20% sections that we were down to a barely moving mph on and had Alex questioning our sanity. Most of Piuma was a descent but the first section was a 7+% climb that seemed flat after Las Flores. Piuma has some incredible views towards the eastern part of the mountains, which makes it a beautiful descent. May wildflower blooms also made for a delicate counterpoint to the mountain landscape. Good climbing, great views and good company made for a great ride/day.

….…and more importantly on the way home after the great descent on PCH from Pepperdine University was a stop at the Sunday Malibu farmers market for peach green tea boba and chocolate croissants made with unicorn butter and rainbows and whatever's closest to the purist form of happiness one can find….when we got back and showered we spent time relaxing in the Jacuzzi on my buildings pool deck. Alex didn’t want to leave and I didn’t want her to.

I’ve known Alex for 8 months now (I’m not a u-haul type girl…for those who know what that is) and we have so much in common and what isn’t still compliments/improves our relationship….thinking I’ve fallen in love







The view from our stretching/fluid/nutrient break.