ahhh the wind!

[Veronica]

We we're thinking about mountain biking up Mont Diablo today to see the snow.

V.

[Bike Goddess]

We we're thinking about mountain biking up Mont Diablo today to see the snow.

V.

When I went past it was covered with clouds. Hmmmm. Did you really go????

[Veronica]

Not yet - I've been cleaning the frig and Thom's making meatloaf. It's kind of nice to get caught up on some of the household chores. But the sun seems to be peeking out and I can hear my bikes callling to me...

V.

[Bike Goddess]

Ring, Ring, Ring....... Veronica, Veronica......Take me out for a ride with your DH. Ring,Ring, Ring.....

[jobob]

So we're sitting around drinking coffee this morning and it dawned on us - hey, it's not raining ! And what's that odd glow coming from the windows, could it be ... sunshine ???

So we threw on the cold-weather cycling togs (don't you just love that word, it's so quaint) and headed on out towards Mission Coffee, our usual "want to go for a ride but don't really have a destination in mind" destination.

And lord-a-mercy it was spectacular out. Clear and crisp and sunny, and the tops of the hills to the east and south of us were blanketed with snow. It was an incredibly beautiful sight. And it just kept getting better as we headed toward those hills. I was kicking myself for not bringing my camera along, it's hard to put into words how beautiful the contrast was between the bright green hillsides and the pure white hilltops against the clear bright blue sky and the puffy white clouds.

We couldn't see Mt. Diablo or Mt. Hamilton - although we usually can see them from our home, they were both under clouds today. I'll bet they both had plenty of snow.

When we reached Mission Coffee, about 12 miles from home, we decided we were enjoying the day so much we'd continue on to Cafe Romeo in Milpitas, along another stretch of awe-inspiring scenery. Here & there we passed by people who had pulled their cars along the side of the road to marvel at the sight, or to get out and take pictures (did I mention I wish I had my camera ?? ).

We continued on for about another 10 miles and wound up at Cafe Romeo for our usual coffee & a bagel (yum). At that point we were only a few miles away from Calaveras Road and Sierra Road, and we toyed with heading out there to see if we could get up close and personal with some of the snow. But we decided that, even though the nice weather seemed to be holding up, that could change quickly since there were a lot of clouds around us and we didn't want to be caught far from home if the weather turned. Plus, the wind seemed to be picking up and you know how I loves my wind So instead we headed for home which is just as well, since although it stayed clear and sunny the wind was whipping up at a good clip and the last seven miles or so we were heading straight into it.

But wow, what a grand day out, all the more so since we expected to be rained in today.

[Veronica]

Yep, I too got out, but mine was a hammerfest. Didn't stop to smell the roses or look at the views much. That's what Saturdays are supposed to be - keeping the heart rate up. It's the first time I've actually done a Saturday ride according to the training plan.

I wish you had had your camera Jo so I could live vicariously through you. By the time we could see Diablo, it didn't have too much snow on it. So Thom went for a motorcycle ride and Fluffy, the triplets and I went out.

V.

[carimail]

I got out, too. I was ready to go on the Cindy training ride when they cancelled it at about 7. I figured I was dressed and fed and things were looking o.k. around here (South Bay), so I went. It was cold, cold, cold, but it was great. There was snow along Watsonville Road! I got 25 miles in (including the dreaded "steps" I weenied out on last weekend) before I couldn't feel my feet anymore (I know, I know - I'm going shopping soon for booties). It's been beautiful here just about all day. I'm sorry I missed a ride with Slinkedog and Mtn Puddles, though (you guys got to get up earlier! ) I'm so glad I rode - it's been way too long!!

[Melody]

And lord-a-mercy it was spectacular out. Clear and crisp and sunny, and the tops of the hills to the east and south of us were blanketed with snow. It was an incredibly beautiful sight. And it just kept getting better as we headed toward those hills. I was kicking myself for not bringing my camera along, it's hard to put into words how beautiful the contrast was between the bright green hillsides and the pure white hilltops against the clear bright blue sky and the puffy white clouds.

Jo, I know what you mean. My husband had to go into work today and he decided to ride in instead of taking the car so I went with him for a little over half of his trip before I turned around. At one point we just had to stop and look at the mountains.

Neil mentioned that he felt that we weren't in California. The air was cold and crisp, the mountains frosted and tipped with white. It was really really beautiful.

Mel

[slinkedog]

Blaine and I ended up riding about 15 miles... we had a short time window. But it was great. Cold, but great! The descents were incredibly chilly, as a matter of fact. Thank God my husband used to ride in Chicago, or we probably wouldn't have all the cold weather gear we do. He was a sweetie and let me wear his wool tights.

But I'm very happy because I had some chances to try getting out of the saddle on climbs and it felt REALLY good!! Also, we went to Los Gatos and came back on the LG side of Shannon Road and I made it all the way up with only one stop! WOO HOO! A few weeks ago with Becky I had to walk the last bit. Now I just have to tackle the Almaden side.

Mountain Puddles and I are going to try to get in another short ride tomorrow afternoon. We'll see how the weather holds up!

[withm]

I managed to get a good ride too. But I got hoodwinked by the weather. It was a reall bait and switch. First 20 miles were fine but then the wind shifted, picked up a bit, and the sun went away. Can you say BRRRRR cold? There should be a law against east winds. When I got home it was straight to the shower and I stood there till the hot water started getting un-hot. The funny thing is when I started out, I thought, "Hmm should go back home and get another layer," but then I came to a sunny stretch and figured naaah. Someday I'll learn how to dress for this time of year.


Martha