An Uneventful Ride

I know I rode Thursday, but I really can't remember anything about the ride. I suppose everything from Thursday morning to Saturday at 3:00 am is pretty much a blur. I hope I had fun on the bike - I usually do, so I suppose it was a good ride.

Ok, the Hooters' photo exists merely because John keeps giving me a hard time about how the wings made me sick last time we went there -- why I think that is funny is beyond me.

Sunday Series #2

We finally had that second 'Sunday Series' ride and it was a blast. The turnout was excellent as well. The following riders took part from left to right in the bottom right photo: Steve Z, Fredsky, Sheila, Sabrina, Brett, Doug, Jeff, David Z, and John B (taking the picture).

The ride took us from San Ramon to Castro Valley, up Redwood Road, through Moraga, and ultimately back to San Ramon. The ride also featured a stop at the Si Si's coffee shop where we all got something to eat and I enjoyed a double espresso (the ride sure was easier after that).

We totalled about 50 miles and ended the ride on my driveway eating watermelon, grapes, and drinking soda. All and all it was a pretty great time, thanks everyone!

The Last Challenge

Well, the Wednesday "Mentor Group" ride was the last one of consequence before the Death Ride. As a result, John, Lili, Paul, and I headed out to Kilkare.

The weather was great and we all took turns leading the paceline out to Kilkare. It was really great to head out for a ride. Once we got to Sunol both Lili and Paul headed back as they had appointments at around 7pm. After they left, John and I took on Kilkare. As John had only just returned from the Ukraine he was taking it easy. I decided to put a bit of an effort in to build some confidence in prior to Saturday's alpine challenge. By the end of the ride, we had traveled just under 40 miles and I had gone up Kilkare 1 1/2 times.... maybe Death Ride is doable with no real hill training.

Today's photo is off my friend and 2009 TNT Tucson mentor, John Corden.

Rest Day

The sheer bliss of doing nothing and really not caring.

Welcome Back C2K!

Today was the day to welcome John back to the local ride circuit. This past weekend, he measured Kaiser's 155 miles and ceaseless, steep climbs and then got the job done. His return had us taking a 40 mile recovery ride from San Ramon up to Lafayette and back.

Of course, a recovery ride for John is still enough to beat me up. Of course, I did my best to keep up (in combination with begging him to slow down). Thankfully, I chose a flat course. We averaged about 16 mph and had our usual good time.

We also began talking about what we are going to do for Death Ride. My choice, of course, would be to wait until Monitor and Ebbetts open to vehicle traffic and then just drive all the passes with the bike in the back. Of course, I doubt that John is going to allow me this out. I suppose I will have to attempt some of the passes under my own power. We will have to see how it goes. My guess is that I have 3 passes in me; however, life is funny so I am not discounting any possible outcome. I mean how can you when the day is going to start at 4:30 am!

http://www.deathride.com/

The "snap" is the logo from this years Death Ride.

Moab/Marin Mentor Ride #2

Well, we had our second Moab/Marin Wednesday "Mentor Ride". Both Lili and Ray came to the ride and we rode for about 90 minutes at between 12-13 mph. The ride was Lili's second and Ray's first. The weather was absolutely perfect and we did a loop within San Ramon and Danville. It is really good to have the season underway and fun to see people starting to come out for the rides. I guess I am going to have to get the Blackberry camera out and start taking some pictures.

The tour is coming so a picture of George and Lance seems right. I hope they both kick ass in the 2009 TdF.

Sunday Roasting

Ok, I don't know what I was thinking (go figure). The temps were in the triple digits and I still got on the bike and rode. Of course, at least I had the sense after 15 miles to call it a day. I will testify to only this - riding was not fun. Usually the shower and cool-down are mere afterthoughts/necessities; however, with this ride they were the best part of the day by far.