Number Seven and a Little Redemption

[jobob]

This section was new for me as Jo changed the route. It is a good change. The new road has more shade and less traffic. It feels like the climbs on it are shorter as well - at least until you get to the last one. The last climb on a road is always the worst.

Oh, that last climb on Reliez Valley Road is simply hideous. I spit in it's general direction. Ack, ptooey!! All it has going for it is that it's in the shade. And that it's the last freakin' climb. But apart from that, it sux.

[dachshund]

Veronica, I'm totally impressed that you did this ride!

I thought that was you, but I was still blinking and thinking "is that Veronica??" when you had already whizzed past. Well it was nice to see your smiling face for 2 seconds. Congratulations!

[melissam]

Veronica,

Congratulations on completing being 7/12 of the way to the R12!!

It was great seeing you as I was inching my way up the north side of Palomares. My thought process went as follows:

- Pant, pant, pant -- almost to the top of this booger
- Look over there -- a cyclist just beginning their descent -- lucky dog!!
- Hey, that looks like Veronica
- It IS Veronica!!
- Hmmmm, I wonder if she's doing the Permanent.... (The answer to that question is ... YUP!!)


Jobob,

Good job!!! You're 2/12 of the way there!!!!!

dachshund and I were enjoying a post-ride celebratory beer and thought of calling you, but I thought you might be in the middle of your permanent and didn't want you to succumb to temptation. You'll be happy to know that we were able to finish the pitcher....

- Mel

[jobob]

I prefer 1/6, it sounds better.

Glad you were able to finish the pitcher. Standards Must Be Maintained.

[Bike Goddess]

Great reports from the two of you! Yes, PF back side (as we call it) is a tough little climb. And the last part of Reliez Valley after Withers is also a doozy. I do those roads pretty regularly if I'm out to get a metric in. Of course I'm tackling the east side of PF (U Turn) and then to the top of Reliez valley so I'm usually at about mile 36 or so. Hats off to both of you getting up there with the miles behind you.

My bike club goes to the Martinez Starbucks every Sunday Morning. Nice farmer's market on Sundays too.

Hey V- how's school this year? Are you 6th grade by chance?

[Veronica]

I'm still 5th grade. I keep getting held back.

My kids are sweet, extremely chatty though. And whatever happened to knowing your math facts?

Veronica