It’s been getting colder each day as we head towards next week’s “storm door” opening. The weathermen call it that because the jet stream lowers from the north and the storms begin to swing straight into the Bay Area. I should find myself cold and wet on more than one of my rides next week.Today’s temps while in the sun were in the low 50’s, and they felt even colder than that given that there was a lot of moisture in the air. It’s funny how moisture can make any given day seem some ten degrees colder. It’s akin to wind chill in Chicago.
Today I had the pleasure to ride with my friend “C” who was willing to brave the cold day while riding. We left Mill Valley at around 1:00 pm, and after the temps had finally reached slightly a bit over 50 degrees. I was bundled up in some pretty heavy duty winter gear, but still not the warmest stuff that I have. I’ll wait until next week before I break that clothing out, and I'll definitely need by then.
We planned on riding up to the West Point Inn via Railroad Grade, that has greatafternoon exposure to the sun, and I had hoped that would keep us warm as we rode. As we rode along there was quite a chilly bite to the air. As I type this posting, some two hours later, my fingers and toes are still numb.
We talked as we rode up thehill. We quickly reached what is a little known landmark these days. The “McKinley Cut,” that is hand painted on the side of a large rock formation. It’s just off to the side of the trail on Railroad Grade. The “Cut” refers to the human effort that it took cut through the mountain by hand in order to lay down the railroad tracks that wound their way all of the way to Mount Tamalpais’ East Peak. On May 8th 1901, William McKinley was scheduled to ride the railroad, and in anticipation, the rock was painted and named for that portion of the railway in our President's honor. The photo shows you what it looks like today.
“C” and I stopped a bit further up the trail for some food, and a quick reheating in the sun, before heading back up the trail. There were a lot of people on the mountain, although most of them were hikers. As we rode up the hill I said hello to everyone that we passed, or that passed us, and I’m still surprised by how many people don’t respond to a simple and friendly hello. Why is that?
“C” and I stopped a bit further up the trail for some food, and a quick reheating in the sun, before heading back up the trail. There were a lot of people on the mountain, although most of them were hikers. As we rode up the hill I said hello to everyone that we passed, or that passed us, and I’m still surprised by how many people don’t respond to a simple and friendly hello. Why is that?
We stopped at the West Point Inn for a cup of apple cider and a rest on the porch. It’s so lovely up there, even when it’s cold to the bone. There was a family having a children's birthday party on the picnic benches, and also many mountain bikers resting before heading off to their next stop. There were of course hikers coming and going too. It was a lovely day until we had to ride back down. You see, riding downhill when it’s cold, can chill you to the bone in a matter of minutes. Today was no different. By the time that we made it back to Mill Valley, we were chilled through and through. My toes and fingertips are still cold in spite of having my heater cranked. I’m cold…“C,” thanks for all of the fun today!
Distance: 11.39 miles
Calories burned: 873
Time: 1:09:31 hours
Elevation gain: 1,197 ft
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