Day 213: Storm Number Two

I’ve monitored the storms closely as they’ve moved in and out of the area. Today I woke to pounding rain and the feeling of dread that I’d be out in the heavy rains and whipping cold winds. I anxiously watched the morning news so that I could get a better idea of what I was facing on today’s ride.

There appeared to be a break appearing in the storm during which there could be showers and thunderstorms, so I opted to chance riding with lightening rather than getting soaking wet and cold again. As it turned out, I made the right decision because I was given a huge break!

I was lucky today to be joined by “El.” He’s the young man that I’ve been helping with his aspiring mountain bike racing career. He’s so amazingly enthusiastic about the sport. It warms my heart to see, and to ride with, such an inspired young person. He was riding on a bike that I loaned him, and he seems to really enjoy the OS Bicycles 29er. It’s a single speed, so he’s getting to know what it’s like to ride a simple and incredibly well designed bike. Anyway, it was great to have a buddy along for today’s ride

We decided to head up to the West Point Inn. He must have reached it a full minute ahead of me, but that’s just a guess. Kids these days, I tell you, no respect for their elders. ;-) That’s actually not true in “El’s” case; in his case he’s a vry respectful young man with a very bright future.

We road down to the Pantoll Station, where we hopped onto the Panoramic Highway, that seemed absolutely deserted. I think that we were only passed by one car during the whole stretch over to the Mountain Home Inn. We had planned to ride over to Coyote Ridge and beyond to the Coastal fire road in the Headlands, but timing wasn’t working in our favor, so we decided to head back via Gravity Car and Railroad Grade.

By the time that we reached the bottom of Blithedale Canyon we were covered in mud and ready for the ride to be done, well at least I was. We parted ways at my house, but first we talked about his next bike. You see, “El” wants to go retro-racing and that means building a hardtail mountain bike. So many options, and so little time, but I’ll help him get it done. ;-)

Distance: 16.53 miles
Calories burned: 1,270
Time: 1:34:04 hours
Elevation gain: 1,967 ft
Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/22692531