I didn’t expect to be riding at China Camp two days in a row. My original plan was to be riding out to Serenity Knolls for Partners in Recovery, but there was a little snafu with the dates that they published on their Web site. Fortunately my friend “J” clued me in on the error, so I didn’t ride all the way out there to find that there was no meeting. In the end it uncomplicated my schedule, so I was able to ride with my friends from the East Bay. So the revised plan was to meet at China Camp for another day of riding on fun single track trails. We met at 8:00 am, and the temps were still in the 40’s, and I was as prepared as possible for the cold, but I was still chilled to the bone and ready to warm up by riding uphill.
I was riding with two old and dear friends, and two others that I’ve just met, and they’re all from the East Bay. We rolled up the main trail to the top of China Camp. No matter how good of shape I get into, that quarter mile climb on the asphalt, where the dirt trail ends, is simply not fun. I’m obviously willing to do it in order to get to the wonderful single track that's on the other side, but its 15-20% grades are simply atrocious. ;-) 
At the top we all reconvened and rested while enjoying the views from the top. We sat on the precise location of a former Nike Missile silo. They’re everywhere, and they used to be closely guarded secrets. This one was decommissioned decades ago, and now has a picnic bench on top of it. As always, the view of Mount Tam was beautiful, especially while taking a nature break. 
From there we headed down to J. T. Howell where we enjoyed a wonderful section of single track that runs through Manzanita, Oak trees, Scotch Broom, and then through a Redwood grove. The trail includes fun rock drop offs, narrow bridges, and narrow tree passages. It’s wonderful. We rode back to the top from there, and then proceeded to descend back to the trails that are on the front side of the park. After leading the group up and over the summit, I decided to go last on the descent since I’m trying to nurse my broken rib/s (It feels like one). Banging around on a mountain bike isn’t the best way to heal. In fact, I may spend the rest of the week on my road bike. Anyway, we rolled down to the lower trail system where we had a blast. The bike that I rode today was so far superior to the one that I rode yesterday. I felt as though I was on rails as I pedaled through corner to corner. Ah, the benefits of technology.
On today’s ride there was one rider that was fighting gravity due to his weight. I’d say that he weighs in at about 240 lbs. He was a trooper, and did really well in keeping up. My friend “C” who weighs about 150 lbs., told him about my daily rides. “C” then asked how much weight I’ve lost. I don’t have a current nor accurate tally as I didn’t get my precise weight back in December of 2008, but I was somewhere in the 220 lbs range, and I’m now hovering around 175 lbs., and I eat like a horse in order to keep my weight loss slow and methodical. That oversized burrito last night was a good example. So I'd guess that I've lost at least 40 lbs. off of my mid-sized frame. I’m going to take off another 10-15 lbs. before I call it a day. So my new friend “S” was incredibly motivated about getting out on his bike more often. Go “S.”
My body is a bit sore from yesterday’s crash, and well, I’ve already told you about my ribs. I’m going to be good to myself and ride on the road more this week, as long as the rains stay away. I need to heal these ribs because it’s a constant dull pain right now that’s getting me a bit down.
“M,” “C,” “D,” and “S,” thanks for joining me on a fun ride today. Come back out here soon for some more fun…
Distance: 17.46 miles
Calories burned: 1,881
Time: 1:44:31 hours
Elevation gain: 3,271
Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/18840630
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