Today’s weather was wonderful for a change. I’ve been harping a lot about the weather and how it’s been rough out there, but today was a great reminder for me that better weather is on its way. I look forward to doing longer rides again, and without being soaking wet, or chilled to the bone.
I rode with dozens of riders today, and they all seemed to be in a great mood and happy as can be to be outside with the sun soaking into their bodies. I’ve heard person after person say that they’ve been yearning for the sun. I heard one young woman today say that she was literally thinking about moving south of Marin where the sun shines more regularly. Whenever I, or anyone else, complain about our weather I’m always reminded of my in-laws that live in Kalamazoo, MI. Ouch! That sort of cold weather must be really hard to endure. It’s no wonder that my mother-in-law tries to cram as many outdoor activities in during the summer months. Like I said, it seemed as though everyone on the mountain was happy today. People were talking to each other and one guy even yelled exuberantly at me as I passed him just above Hoo Koo E Koo. At about the same point a rider passed me, which doesn’t happen often these days, but he was clearly on a mission. I decided to track him a bit by upping my speed. I was already perplexed by a guy that was riding pretty fast in front of me, because he looked way out of shape. It was really weird. Anyway, I decided to now track the new guy, and that meant dusting the other guy… Yahoo, I sure felt good today, and there’s no doubt that’s it was due to the sun.
For about a mile I could only stay in contact with the rider, but then I noticed that he was slipping back. I had changed nothing in terms of my effort, and my heart rate and legs were feeling completely in check. As I finally approached him, and passed, I said that he should use WTB NanoRaptor tires on his 29er, and that they’d make him faster. ;-) He laughed, and then agreed. I moved onward knowing that this young racer had blown up on the hill and was trying to do his own form of recovery now. He ended up showing me the torn casing on his tubeless and now "tubed" tire.He came over to me once that we were up at the inn. There were dozens of people there on their bikes. Hikers were everywhere too. Anyway, he came up and said, “John, right?” As it turned out I had met this guy some time ago, and when I was riding my OX Brand Bike. He’s a real 29er fan, and he was riding a two-season old SuperFly, with a tubeless wheelset (One was tubeless, see the photo). We talked for a while. He rides for a really cool vegan cycling team, and I may consider going back to being a vegan IF I can get my act together. Cooking solo is hard enough. Add going vegan to the mix and it’s almost cruel. I’ll ask “F” how he does it. He mentioned brown rice, beans, kale, etc., so maybe he can remind me of what it’s like to cook vegan.
“F” invited me to join him on a trip down to Muir Beach via the Coastal Trail, but I had planned to head to the very top of Mount Tam today, and I wanted to make good on doing more climbing. So we parted ways there, and I continued up to the top where I was greeted by another dozen or so cyclists, as well as the imposing Sheriff’s truck that was parked prominently where cars aren’t supposed to be parked. Was that on purpose? Maybe.
I rode over to where I know that there’s almost always a great view on a sunny day. I made a point of taking a photo of the grand view, and I did so for my neighbor “J.” She’s been reading my blog, and has mentioned that the photos with big skies are inspiring. Well this one is for you “J.” The view across Mount Tam to the lakes, and beyond to West Marin, are breathtaking and I never get tired of them, which is why I live here.
Distance: 17.20 miles
Calories burned: 2,511
Time: 1:49:40 hours
Elevation gain: 4,720 ft
Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23681892
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