Bay Area ride Sunday - 30-35 miles?

[melissam]

Whew, what a fun ride! It'd been years since I'd been on Calaveras, and it didn't disappoint. Let's see, as Jobob mentioned, we saw the Eagle. Between the four of us, we also saw: a bobcat (Leebob & BikerZ almost crossed paths with it as they were descending one of the rolling hills), a family of quail, a couple of hawks, some lizards, and a snake carcass.

We had a casualty: bikerz's lovely Seven's handlebar tape got a bit scratched after a chain drop/clipless pedal catastrophe. Her ankle and front wheel also bear evidence of the fall. On the brighter side, the racer boys coming up the hill gave her a perfect 10 on the dive. Frankly, sports fans, I gave her a strong 9 on the fall -- to get a 10 you have to do something extraordinary, like land right side up on the wheels. But then again, I am a little critical.

Jobob and I rode back to the parking lot, so I could come back to get BikerZ and her wounded Seven. Wait, strike that. Jobob towed me back to the parking lot. I got to drive Ann's TT (hee hee!) to SAG her in. Meanwhile, Leebob escorted BikerZ, who was descending Calaveras with no front brake, one foot unclipped, and a wobbly front wheel.

Let's just say that Leebob is the epitome of chivalry & kindness, encouraging BikerZ up Calaveras and its rolling hills, as well as hanging with her during the nailbiting descent. If you ever want a thrill, put your wheel out of true (so much so that it rubs against the brakes), and descend a few miles.

Ahem, anyway, after we were all safe & sound back at the parking lot, we decided to get something to eat. We ended up at Bosco's Bones & Brew in Sunol. If you're ever there, be sure to go to the bar and order Bosco's ale, just so you can watch them pour the beer. I won't say anything more, as I don't want to spoil the surprise.

We had a lovely set of appetizers, but I think we all enjoyed the stuffed Portabello mushrooms the most. Wow. And the sauce went really well with the garlic bread we'd ordered.

And, if that weren't fun enough, Jobob & I got to stay for another beer while BikerZ took Leebob back to get their car. Tough choice -- ride 15 miles into the headwind, or stay & have another beer while they get the car.

I think it's safe to say that a good time was had by all, and BikerZ's Seven will be patched up & as good as new in no time.

[jobob]

Tough choice -- ride 15 miles into the headwind, or stay & have another beer while they get the car.

Avert your eyes, coach!!

Ack, bus-ted...

[Veronica]

What a fun day. Can you plan this ride again - like next weekend?

V.

[jobob]

Sure !!

I gather Thom will want to bring his camera?

[bikerz]

Seeing the eagle and bobcat was SO amazing! I've never seen either in the wild - that was a real treat!

There are several good vantage points along the road to see the eagle, and with a good telephoto lens you could get some amazing shots.

[Veronica]

I haven't talked to him about it. I just thought it sounded fun and not too hard!

V.

[cindysue]

oh goodness!

Glad you were in good company for the bike's inaugural crash. Sorry I missed the after ride portabellos. I passed by the area about 12:30 but figured you all were still on course since I didn't get through to either Jobob or Bikerz's phone. Jobob did ring back to let me know what happened. Thanks for the voicemail Jo!

Hope to see y'all next time. And a speedy recovery to Bikerz and Ms. Seven.