Day 246: A Ride to the Tea Palace Turns into a Coffee Break

I was hoping to loan a friend of mine a full suspension bike to try out today, but as I found out pretty quickly, the bike was in no shape for loaning it to a friend. As with most of the bikes that I’m riding these days, they all need parts, and they all require work. Today I rode the one that has the least worn drive train, but even so, it was clicking away as I pedaled up the hill today.

So I had to retract my offer to loan out the bike for a ride up to the West Point Inn. Fortunately we were still able to get out for a ride at our agreed upon time.

We’ve ridden up to the Inn before in order to have tea on the porch. A long time ago I wrote about the idea of doing “civilized” rides, during which you actually stop and enjoy a cup of tea, or a coffee. Long before Riding to Recovery I had forgotten about that idea. Over the past couple of decades, there had been a few birthday rides during which we’d stop at places like the Pelican Inn and such, but we’d never stop for tea, or to take a coffee break. Today’s plan was to ride up to the West Point Inn for a cup of tea. ;-)

After a enjoying nicely paced ride up the hill, we reached the Inn. There were dozens of people up there doing volunteer maintenance, and of course hikers and mountain bikers. We walked upstairs to the Inn’s foyer where we found a dozen people warming themselves inside. It was windy and cold up there at noontime. On the table where they normally sell tea and cider, there were thermoses filled with coffee, and a sign that said “real coffee.” So after a rather cold trip up to the inn, we decided to opt for the coffee instead of tea.

We sat on the inn's amazing wraparound porch and talked while warming up over our coffees and good conversation. For some reason I was colder than I should have been given the layers that I had on. I was happy to head back down as soon as we'd finished our coffees.

We rode down the same that we’d ascended, and I played around on the way down. There are many little jumps, and fun obstacles on the way down, and I used most of them today. I know that trail so well that it feels like an extension of myself at this point.

It was a nice mellow ride and a good one before I head out on a longer and harder ride tomorrow. Thanks for the ride “C.”

Day 245: A Quicky on the Paradise Loop

It’s been a long day of meetings, so I’m a bit beat tonight. I had to get up and out the door on my bike by 7:00 am in order to get my ride done, and also to stay on schedule during the rest of the day. I had to be in the East Bay for what equated to an all day gathering between the two hours of travel time, and then the two and a half hour tutorial that I gave my friends at Pegasus. From there I came back to just barely make another afternoon meeting in Marin. Phew! I haven’t had that long of a day in a while, but here I am, writing again while tires. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I’m doing, but some days are a bit harder than others, and for one reason or another.

I did a quick lap of the infamous Paradise Drive this morning. The clouds were on their way in before the next storm, but there was still some sun poking through here and there while I was riding. Along the way I caught up with a group of riders that were in their sixties, or early seventies, so I looked for my buddy “S.” He rides with a cool group of riders that are older than me, so I took a close look, and then pedaled onward.

Riders, beware that there are two corners, both on the inside while headed towards Corte Madera, where there are a lot of sand and pebbles that have accumulated in the road, and directly in the path where riders travel in order to hit the apex of the corner. I of course had just pumped my tires up to 130 lbs, so I was holding on for dear life. There’s nothing like skating on marble sized pebbles when you’re going 23 mph on 23 milimeter wide tires!

So all in all, I had a good day of work, and nice and familiar ride around Tiburon.

Sunday should be a great ride for me as I ride with the high school youngsters, and also two of the greatest legends in mountain bike racing. Both are World Champions, and one is an Olympic Gold Medalist! I hope that I don’t embarrass myself!

Day 244: Fun in a Box

Today was a very exciting day for my young friend “El.” His brand new bicycle frame arrived today, along with a whole box full of really light bicycle parts. The grin on his face was ear to ear. I remember having that ecstatic sort of feeling over things like bike parts, but that as a long, long time ago.

He came down to the shop where he opened up the box that contained his new Niner frame. Its Kermit green, and WOW, it sure is light! The look on his face was priceless, but of course not for viewing here. ;-)

In celebration of the newest bike on the block, a group of us went out for a lunch ride with "El." We rode out to Warner Canyon, which encircles the golf course in Mill Valley. There were four of us, and we had a great time. As usual we talked shop along the way. Today's rider age range was 15-47. This is such an amazing sport in that it can span one's lifetime. Someday I'll write about my very first bike ride at five or six years of age. I remember it clearly, and perhaps that's why I still ride?

The ride today was fairly short. In fact it was one of my shortest rides since starting R2R, but don’t be fooled by the low mileage. The climbing that we did in order to reach the top of Blithedale Ridge was quite steep at times, and we were riding at an honorable pace.

I’m going to keep it brief tonight. Thanks for the ride guys!

Day 243: Wearing out my Bikes

I’ve written a lot about how difficult it’s been for me to ride daily throughout the winter months, but what I haven’t written about is the damage that I’ve done to perfectly good bikes. It’s been an even worse winter for my bikes, than for me.

I’ve tried very hard to keep my bikes in good working order, however riding in the rain is simply punishing to them. The water that inevitably gets into the bearings, as well as the sand and mud that enters into the drive train, wears out parts faster than you can sneeze.

I tried to prepare my Superheavy for today’s ride with a buddy from WTB, and things were really not looking good for the bike. First of all, the headset is worn to the point that it needs to be replaced (That's number two). Then there’s the rear wheel that has bearings so far worn out that they can no longer be adjusted. My friend “F” tried his best to get the wheel back into adjustment, but there was no way to bring it back to spec. He looked at me and then said that riding on the wheel was dangerous at best. Today was it's last hoorah with me.

The drive train is also making that noises that no one likes to hear, because it means one thing, that it needs replacement! That’s a repair that costs hundreds of dollars that I really don’t want to spend right now. Uugh.

The bottom line is this, if I’m going to ride my bikes every day, I’m going to wear out parts at a very high rate of speed. I can’t do anything about that. It’s simply a part of R2R. Bicycles really aren’t meant to be ridden in the rain, extreme mud, and also the sand that’s found around here. They’re an extremely bad combination for moving parts. So this is just a part of my new program.

I rode with a new friend today, and we had a great ride, albeit a bit short in length due to work time constraints. Even so, we were able to get in a good climb, and then some beautiful single track. He’s been riding mountain bikes longer than I have, and that’s not usual. 1983 for him, and back then he had a custom Fat Chance (NICE!), and for me it was 1988, and I was riding a GT. Thanks for the ride “C,” let’s do it again soon.

Day 242: What a Gorgeous Day!

It’s been such a wild and yet welcome turn in the weather. I went from doing ride after ride in the rain and cold, to riding the past few days in the weather that I’ve been dreaming about. It's been warm and sunny simply perfect riding conditions.The winter took a toll on me in many different ways, but riding in weather like today's is absolutely rejuvenating me quickly.

I met up with some friends at the WTB world headquarters. The ride preparations had aready begun by the time that I arrived. “F” was getting his ride ready for fun with the help of one of the founders of the company. Those of us that have been there for years just jump in when help is needed, especially when it comes to getting a bike ready for a ride.

We rolled down the driveway, and out onto Miller as we headed off to do one of our regular lunchtime rides. We turned up Evergreen St. and for some reason today I asked the guys to keep going up the street instead of turning onto Ethel Ave. I’m happy that I did, because otherwise we would have missed bumping into a new acquaintance of mine.

As we rode up the street we found another mountain biker riding towards us. It was another "F."We stopped, and I made some quick introductions, and an invitation to come ride with us. Within seconds we were all headed up the road together. God, I love this so much. The inclusion of friends and the instant ability to share experiences with each other is amazing to me. We all love riding, but we often have other shared traits. Things like dogs, food, politics, and the list goes on.

We rode up a combination of fire roads, streets, and trails while on our way to the Marin Headlands.

As we reached the entrance to the Coyote Ridge Trail there was a large abandoned suitcase on the trail, and of course “Fast F” decided to ride right over it! He was showing off, but then again, he should. He’s one of the very best technical riders in Marin County! He was riding on a fully rigid single speed. That's right, no suspension! I told another of our crew today, that the only way that I’ll ever beat “Fast F” down a hill is if I bust a lung getting to the top before him, and that alone will be quite a chore. ;-)

So we all had a good ride today. The Marin Headlands were as beautiful as usual, and I’m enjoying them more and more as I get deeper into R2R. I had somehow forgotten about riding there over the years, and ended up riding primarily on Mount Tamalpais. I’m glad to be riding here regularly again. It’s some amazing countryside that we're so fortunate to have.

“B, F, and Fast F,” thanks for the fun ride today!

Day 241: Hawk Hill at Speed

It was another outstanding day of weather today, and I was once again feeling really happy to be alive, and to be out riding my bike with one of my friends. It seems like people are coming out of the woodwork now that the sun is out, and the temperatures have turned towards the 60’s. I even heard from several friends today that want to start riding regularly again. Bring it on! I've been pretty lonely out there during this winter, and that's been incredibly tough. So I welcome anyone to come ride with me. I can ride fast, slow, and everything in between. I'm interested in spending time with people, and especially those that want to share their stories as we ride.

I got to ride with my friend “F” today. He was able to break away from work at lunch, so I met him down at WTB. We decided to go for a road bike ride today, and that was definitely a good choice for me after doing a series of consecutive mountain bike rides. A “break” from my heavy (27-28 lbs.) mountain bikes was a relief, but little did I know that we’d be heading off to do some good climbing. ;-)

At the point where we reached the bike path in Mill Valley, we discussed turning left, and then riding the Paradise Loop, or turning right and heading over to Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands. e decided to turn right.

It was such a nice day that I was all for heading into the Marin Headlands where I suspected that there were some amazing views today. There were indeed some amazing views!

So we turned right and began the long and flat ride towards the Marin Headlands which is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. We live here for many reasons, and this park is definitely one of them. We rode through Sausalito where there were tourists everywhere, and the sidewalks were crowded with people enjoying the beautiful day.

At the end of the small and notorious coastal town, the climbing began as we rode up Alexander Ave. I was climbing well, and feeling strong at first, but then my badly worn left cleat popped out of my pedal (I've had new cleats for two weeks now, but have had no time to do the work. ;-} ), and that took the wind out of my sails for the rest of the first portion of the climb. “F” zoomed away from me before I could get my rhythm back. So it goes in cycling. He waited for me at the top of the first climb, before pushing onward together to the next section of real climbing, but now my cleat was popping out regularly, so I couldn't pull up very hard with my left leg. That being as frustrating as can be I didn’t care, because it was so darn beautiful out there today. The fog was low on the deck, as you can see in the photo of the Golden Gate Bridge.  It exposed the upper section of the bridge in all of its beauty, and that was really cool.

We reached the top of Hawk Hill where there were amazingly stunning views in all directions, and it was the only place that I took photos today, so you can see just how wonderful of a day it was up there.

“F” and I plummeted down the one-lane section of Cozumel Road at lightning speed. We had to pass several vehicles as we descended at speeds over 40 mph. “F” descends faster and better than I do, and my top speed today was 42.6 mph! This is not a road wherein you want to make a mistake, especially on the cliff side. “Rubber side down” has a whole new meaning when riding in Lycra while on a 15.8 lbs bicycle. If you go off of the left side of the road, you are dead. There’s no question about that, just look at the drop off in the photo below.

I was feeling quite in tune with my bike today, so running down there at speed felt fine to me. Passing cars is always sketchy since these drivers are typically tourists, and they’re checking out the views, and quite understandably so, they’re not looking after those of us cyclists that are rolling down that road at top speed.

We made it down the hill and into the valley where we were able to begin talking again. We talked for the rest of the climb back out of the valley, and then back up to the junction of Cozumel Rd. and McCullough Rd. As we ascended we talked about things that seem so easy to discuss for me while riding. I remember someone that I respect saying, “I don’t trust people that don’t drink.” I would counter that by saying, “I don’t trust people that don’t ride while conversing, or better stated, converse while riding.” You can quote me on that. ;-} To me cycling eliminates a layer of filtering that’s not necessary, and often one that creates ambiguity. When riding, as “F” and I were today, the communication, and keep in mind, between deep and full lung scorching breaths, is as clear as can be. It’s really wonderful, and is precisely why I like riding while with friends.

We rounded out our ride by blasting downhill into Sausalito before we returned to Mill Valley. I can do rides like this one every day for the rest of eternity, if the weather is like today’s, and if the riding is as spirited as today's. Thanks for the great ride, and conversation today “F.” I look forward to the next one. How about tomorrow!?!

Day 240: Happy Valentine's Day

Wow, what a beautiful day it was today. It was a perfect day for those interested in celebrating Valentine’s Day. The skies were clear, and the temperatures were near perfect as they approached sixty degrees. Did I say “wow” already? I’m so happy that spring is approaching. I was dangerously close to a winter meltdown in terms of making it through R2R.

I had a very slow start to the morning after waking up feeling like I might possibly have a cold coming on. I had hoped that it was simply allergies. During the past ten years or so I’ve developed a few seasonal allergies. They started for me when I entered my early thirties. I’ve isolated most of them to a few of the local flora, and this year they’re starting early. The Acacia in particular tend to hit me the hardest and they’re out in their full and glorious bloom right now, so I think that’s what hit me this morning. I rode through a whole grove of them yesterday... Uugh.

After sloughing off my morning allergy attack, and after taking a Zyrtec, I suited up and rode down my driveway towards an unknown destination. I had planned on attending my favorite meeting at the Knolls today, but that was now out, so I was now on a new path on this beautiful day.

I chose to ride on the mountain since it was such a fantastic day. I decided to begin my ascent by riding up the Tender Foot Trail. I’d not been up that route in a while. There’s a new tree down on the trail, and I’m not sure if it should be cleared, or left as a "fun" trail feature. I’ll confer with my riding buddies. Us mountain bikers do a lot of trail maintenance that goes unacknowledged.

As I reached the Mountain Home Inn I could immediately tell that Mount Tamalpais was really busy with visitors today. The parking area across the street was packed and all of the overflow parking was already filled. I should have known this given the great weather, and the fact that today is Valentine’s Day.

From there I rode up the Gravity Car trail. Along the way I bumped into some of my favorite people, “H” and “D.” They were out on their bikes doing a little celebrating of their own on Valentine’s Day. It was great to run into them, and to catch up with them briefly while we were all on our bikes. After our visit I rode up to the inn. During my ascent I passed dozens of couples that we spending some quality time together. I must say, I sure was envious of those that have partners, but the envy aside, I’m also inspired to see so many happy couples.

I spent the late afternoon with a good friend. We walked Tugboat around one of his favorite places, Fort Mason. We walked all around the Center’s grounds, and then checked out the International Youth Hostel where they have a great semi-hidden café. The views from there are amazing. The military obviously had good taste when they acquired the land on which Fort Mason sits. We bumped into this amazing pink Cadillac that was playing a role in a wedding. Elvis anyone?!?

As I write tonight, and I feel like I’ve already said enough for today, I’m amazed to think that I have 135 rides to go before completing my year-long commitment to R2R. I set off on this journey as a way to heal, but it’s now become a part of my daily life. That said, the really weird part for me is that thinking about doing another 135 rides, especially with good weather on its way, really doesn’t sound so bad! When I started this project I thought that making it to 60 consecutive rides sounded pretty difficult, so here I am after completing 230 consecutive rides. I've always believed in myself, even as a child, but when I took this on I never knew just how hard it would be. It's all about the journey, and not so much about the destination.

Tonight will be my second Valentine’s Day that I’ll spend solo. Maybe that will change, and then again, maybe it won’t. Tugboat is looking forward to what I’m about to put on the grill. He’s such a lover, as long as you have food!