Holstein Hundred - Done!

**snapdragen** · 08-20-2006, 08:50 PM

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.

Riding along I was reminded why I love this ride so much. It’s very pretty country.

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.

And this small group of cattle, I dubbed the “Ghost Cattle”

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.

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!?!?!?!

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?

I loved the name of this ranch, Twister Hill Ranch.

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……

**bikerz** · 08-20-2006, 10:34 PM

Hey Janet - great pictures! Sounds like you had a good time, when all was said and done! I'd like to do that ride next time. Was it hot after the fog burned off?

**salsabike** · 08-20-2006, 10:46 PM

Good Lord, a weekend of major rides for people! Glad it went well, Snap. And thanks for the pics.

**tprevost** · 08-21-2006, 06:30 AM

Great Job Janet!!!!

I LOVE the pictures, I did this ride once a long time ago and just remember the hills getting the best of me!

Well done!

Tracy

**mimitabby** · 08-21-2006, 06:40 AM

what a bunch of great photos! thanks for sharing your ride with us.
I started our ride saturday with intentions of taking a bunch of pix, and got two, one being the stink bug.

**Trekhawk** · 08-21-2006, 09:07 AM

Thanks - what a great ride report and beautiful pictures. All these ride reports with lots of hills aahhh makes me feel tired just reading about it.

Love the big bird. Is that a Turkey Vulture??

Trek - trying to learn her American birdies- Hawk

**Deanna** · 08-21-2006, 09:24 AM

Great pictures - makes me stop taking this area for granted!

**chickwhorips** · 08-21-2006, 09:45 AM

good job, but one question.... pictures? where are the pictures? i know i'm slow and its monday, but what am i missing?

**Trekhawk** · 08-21-2006, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by chickwhorips

good job, but one question.... pictures? where are the pictures? i know i'm slow and its monday, but what am i missing?

Oh No you cant see the pics and they are so pretty. Plus you need to tell me what the bird is.

**chickwhorips** · 08-21-2006, 09:58 AM

ahhh... its gotta be because i'm at work and they are blocking just about everything.

i'll recheck this when i go home for lunch.

**Deanna** · 08-21-2006, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by Trekhawk

Oh No you cant see the pics and they are so pretty. Plus you need to tell me what the bird is.

It is a turkey vulture.

**maillotpois** · 08-21-2006, 11:11 AM

Great report!! I love the photos. It all looks so familiar! I love that ride - wish I could have done it this year. Good job on the ride.

**SadieKate** · 08-21-2006, 11:46 AM

Hey, you have Naked Ladies in that last photo. I love those.

**chickwhorips** · 08-21-2006, 12:41 PM

i'm at home and got to see the pictures (yup work computer wouldn't let me).

i love the pictures also! thanks for sharing.

**snapdragen** · 08-21-2006, 04:12 PM

It never got really hot, thankfully. I think maybe in the low 70's.

Lot's of Naked Ladies all over, they must be growing wild now. If I had stopped for every pretty flower I saw, I'd never have finished.

Yep - Turkey Vulture. I shoulda taken a pic of the "snack"

Tracy - I went back to Preston Vineyards - left with sixbottles of wine this time, including a jug! I think it has become my favorite winery.

All those within shouting distance should join me next year - I love this ride!

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