Did my first real group ride on Tuesday morning. Five of us set out for a long Headlands loop. There was a crash and a flat tire, but other than that it was good times all around. Nothing like riding with others to make you work a little harder on the climbs while carrying on conversation.
Worth Every Gram
I put this brass bell by Public on over the weekend. Imagine that, a full-suspension carbon race bike with a heavy bell like that, but let me tell you, it's worth every gram. I bet it weights close to a 1/4 pound, but that's beside the point. After riding across the Golden Gate Bridge a few times I've learned that yelling at people isn't the best thing to do, it's stressful for both sides and bad karma, not to mention all the hikers and trail users I come across in the Headlands, especially on the weekends. At least it's painted black to match.
Sea Otter Photo
Just downloaded a few photos from the Sea Otter Classic a few weeks ago. Zazoosh was on-site taking pictures of everyone. I look pretty descent here despite shaking off a nasty crash just minutes before this was taken.
Nove Mesto World Cup
Spent my Sunday recovering from my monster ride on Saturday hanging out and watching the World Cup in Nove Mesto. It was a thrilling race between Nino Schurter, Jaroslav Kulhavy and Burry Stander all the way to the finish. The course looked like a lot of fun, and the live coverage from Red Bull TV was well done. Looking forward to watching this weekends battle in France.
Exploration
On Saturday I ventured out into the Headlands in search of the Coastal View descent. I ended up riding down Dias Ridge instead, which was some of the best single-track I've ridden out here so far, but it also dropped me at the bottom of the trail I wanted to go down. Doh!
The ride up the Coastal View trail was spectacular, fog rolling in and out of the hills and along the coastline. By this point I had run out of water and failed, yet again, to bring any food with me. Double doh!
At the very top of Coastal View I dropped into the Muir Woods national forest. It's quite incredible how diverse the landscape and terrain can change in such a short distance. It went from coastal shrubs, to lush valleys into dense woods.
At this point I'm really hurting for food. Luckily I ran into a group of riders at the top of Mill Valley, and thank god for George, who hooked me up with a Hammer Gel. Funny enough, not 200 yards from running into them I came across a dried fruit stand, and bought as much trail mix as $4 can afford.
I spent the remainder of the ride at a slow tempo, dreaming about sandwiches and water. 50 miles and four and a half hours later I make it home, legs covered in dust and sweat, deflated, but what a ride.
Top of the Mornin To Ya
Good morning everyone! Check out the amazing view from my ride this morning. Clear skies, no fog or wind. A perfect spring morning. I've been tired all week, but I amazed myself in the effort I put in on my climb to the top of Miwok, besting my previous time, and everyone else's. It was no easy feat. I rarely use my lowest gear, which is really low, but the climb is just so long and steep. The reward goes without saying.
In the Dark
I worked pretty late last night, and rode home in the dark. I thought I'd be fine through the Presidio, and I was, but it was DARK. Being in the middle of the woods, knowing there's a wild coyote on the loose didn't put my mind at ease. However, concentrating on keeping my speed and cadence up as I floated to the top helped in that respect. The rest of my commute was pleasant. Without cars or noise it somewhat felt safer to be out on the road.
I love to ride in the dark. I used to go mountain biking at night with a full Night Cat light setup. I've even done a 24 hour race, where most of the fun was in the wee hours of the night. Your sense of speed diminishes as objects fly faster towards you, making you hyper aware of handling.
Morning Commute
I've been working in the Presidio for the past few weeks or so. I've been driving to and from the area, but this morning was my first morning commute by bike. It was also the first ride on my Independent Fabrication since the move. We live in Inner Sunset, so I get to cut through Golden Gate Park and through the beautiful Presidio. My only regret is that I wish my commute was longer. It took me 12 minutes to get to work.
The Fog
Finally, my first ride from the new apartment. I hit the road at 6am, and was welcomed to a blanket of fog. I made my way through Golden Gate Park, taking a few wrong turns before finding my way back on route. The fog was so intense. I couldn't see the ocean.
I headed for the Marin Headlands, like I always do, but by the time I hit the trail my glasses were so fogged up I had to ride most of the descent virtually blind. Not safe. I turned back knowing I lost time in the park, but on my way back I caught the tail end of a massive early morning ride by MC AM Riders. 30 cyclist or so came flying out of the fog. I rode with them back over the bridge before heading home. I'm always amazed at how many serious cyclists there are in this city.
Unpacking Days Are Numbered
Day off from the bike. Unpacking is in full effect. Our apartment is a complete mess, boxes everywhere. Unearthed my bike tools and stand, along with the remainder of my cycling kit. Nice to have a new rotation of clothing, too. Slowly but surely I'll get my life back in order.
I'm Back
Fully recovered from my cold. I spent a glorious Sunday in the Marin Headlands. The weather has been perfect. Is it always like this in San Francisco?
Came across this wild turkey on the trail. The photo doesn't do its size justice. It was HUGE! I've never seen wild turkey in the wild before.
Giro d'Italia
The Giro d'Italia starts today. Great run by Taylor Phinney in the opening stage. Coming out of my illness. Gonna hit the trails on Sunday. It feels like forever since I've been on a bike. Gotta take it easy. In the meantime I'll live my racing dreams vicariously through the Giro riders.
Recovery
Starting to feel way better today. No more aches and pains. Got a solid 10 hours of sleep last night, but I won't jump on the bike till tomorrow. It's important I feel fully recovered and to not push myself on the bike, otherwise I risk going downward into a worse state of health. It's been frustrating not feeling on top of things, but I've managed a cross-country move, a pseudo new job or sorts and overall different lifestyle. Lots of changes to say the least. The stress of the move coupled with the amount of riding I've been doing finally caught up to me.
Inner Sunset
Still sick, however can't complain with this view. It's from our new apartment in Inner Sunset. To the left you can see the sun setting and the Pacific Ocean. Directly in the middle is the edge of Golden Gate Park. To the left and beyond are the Marin Headlands. You can even see part of the peaks I ride. Glad to be here.
Out Sick
Caught a cold. No riding for me again. Can't catch a break this week.
Finally
Riding is like a drug, and today I got my fix. We finished painting half of our apartment, and got our stuff delivered. More importantly this means I have my road bike and trainer back. No more excuses for me other than our place is in complete disarray.
We're still in temporary housing by the waterfront, and we still have to work out our respective morning commutes. I've officially become a morning person because of this.
Back to the afternoon ride. I fought a nasty headwind all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge. What I love about the Marin Headlands is that once you're across the bridge and at the halfway point of Hawk Hill the wind dies down considerably. Once you're in the Headlands itself it's virtually wind free, not to mention sunny and perfect riding weather.
3 Days in a Row
Three days of no riding makes Andrio an unhappy boy. I've also fallen off the regimented workout horse. I'm lucky enough to get in any riding whatsoever. I just keep telling myself its temporary and things will be back to normal soon.
This Weather is Killing Me
Man, its gorgeous outside, and I can't go riding because we've been painting our apartment all weekend long. Are stuff is arriving on Tuesday so it was the only time we had. It's worth it, though. However, the sun has been shining and I've been seeing so many riders out and enjoying the sun. I can't wait to get fully settled so I can concentrate more on my training. In the meantime I have the Marin Headlands to keep me happy.
Painting Day
No riding for me today. Gotta paint the apartment. Good news is that my thighs and calves are getting a serious workout.
Another Morning
Another great morning ride today. I did my normal loop in reverse. I thought I was the only one crazy enough to be out on the trail at 6:00am, but apparently not. I ran into another rider doing the same loop but in the opposite direction. In fact I came across at least 20 other riders, but on road bikes. This city is serious. I keep remarking on how different my lifestyle has become.