Day 227: Lunch Time Riding to Muir Beach

Today’s ride was a bit unexpected, and it came to be within minutes of beginning the plan. I had been up really early, 4:15 am, working with my team of developers in India, and by 10:00 am i had decided that it was time for a nap (I'm 45 years old, give me a break!). It’s hard to balance sleep patterns when working with other countries overnight, and with the rest of the crap that I've had going on in my life, a nap felt great! I deserved one. ;~)

Almost as soon as I woke from my nap, I got an Instant Message from “F” stating that he was ready to ride. I scurried around the house gathering my cycling clothing and grabbing coffee when I could. I had twenty minutes to get to our agreed upon starting point. Yahoo! I like riding with "F" so sucking it up was fine by me in order to get there on time.

We met at WTB and then made our way out on our road bikes. “F” had mentioned heading over to Muir Beach, and I was game for that route. We took the back roads over to Highway One and then used it to get over Diaz Ridge and on to Muir Beach. We did a pretty fast descent into Muir Beach, and I think that we both overcooked at least one corner, but we came out unscathed anyway. Skinny tires, during winter conditions, can be sketchy at times.

We rode on through Franks Valley before turning upwards after reaching the gates to Muir Woods. We stayed together on the climb and I was surprised once again that I could do so without feeling pressed in any way. I remember the last time that I did the same route with “F,” and not only did I fall off the back on that day, but I was really hurting. Tonight, and as I sit here writing, I feel like I did medium sort of ride in terms of pace and distance. What a radical change. While the distance is actually pretty low, it's still great for a lunch ride.

So thanks to “F.” I had a good ride, and we were able to catch up on work related issues, etc. It’s great to be working with a bicycle company since they understand doing things like Riding to Recovery. They’ve been very supportive, although I’m not certain that the entire company knows precisely what I’m doing. They do know that I’m riding every day, and they can all get behind that idea.

Thanks for the ride today “F,” and for your ongoing support of my efforts. Testing my fitness, while doing the Chicken Ride, sounds like a great spring time plan. I’m in, and will lead you out anytime that I’m able.

Taking photos while riding with friends that are, a) fast riders, and b) time constrained, is tough. I don’t get to stop in order to leisurely take photos, so todays were taken while I walked Tugboat back and forth to Whole Foods. Seeing the mountain every day while I walk Tugs warms my heart. It’s our “backyard” and it’s beautiful.

Distance: 15.87 miles
Calories burned: 1,102
Time: 1:15:41 hours
Elevation gain: 1,454 ft
Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/23755654