Northern California - weekend ride reports - where'd ya ride?

Friday I did a Lake Loop with JoelS and crew. Today I did 18.5, with a CTS field test in there to check my fitness. I am officially out of shape.

It had been my intention to start off the new year on a good note by riding on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, but instead I get sick. Blah!

Saturday - Only time for a short jaunt from amy humble abode in north Berkeley up Spruce Street and Grizzly Peak, down Shasta and back home. 8+ miles, but some good climbing.

Sunday - Met up with MarkoPolo, LanceOldstrong and Midland at bigbossman's house in San Ramon, and we all headed out for a fun ride. First, up and over Norris Canyon and down Crow Canyon into Castro Valley. Then, up Redwood Road and over Pinehurst Road to Moraga and a lunch break. At that lunch break, we were spotted by a elderly local female denizen who commented on how "flamboyant" (her word, not ours) LanceOldstrong looked in his multi-hued, decidedly color-uncoordinated cycling togs. Bigbossman was his usual sensitive self - he rode Lance mercilessly for the rest of the ride. The rest of us weren't exactly sweetness and light in teasing Lance, but BBM definitely led the way.

After chowing down, down St. Mary's Road and Reliez Station Road to Olympic Blvd, and back down San Ramon. 41 miles or so, and a great ride with a great bunch of guys.

At that lunch break, we were spotted by a elderly local female denizen who commented on how "flamboyant" (her word, not ours) LanceOldstrong looked in his multi-hued, decidedly color-uncoordinated cycling togs.

"good for you - embrace your flamboyancy". I believe that was more or less the exact wording.

:D :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao2:

'Course, I had way too much repect for our little peacock to say anything about it here..... but since you let the cat out o' the bag........

"good for you - embrace your flamboyancy". I believe that was more or less the exact wording.


Pics?

Pics?

+1!!!

Pics?

You guys really don't want to see the flamboyancy pics. My eyes are still burning from LanceOldstrong's assault on the color palette! :eek:

"good for you - embrace your flamboyancy". I believe that was more or less the exact wording.

:D :roflmao: :roflmao: :roflmao2:

'Course, I had way too much repect for our little peacock to say anything about it here..... but since you let the cat out o' the bag........


Pics?


You guys really don't want to see the flamboyancy pics. My eyes are still burning from LanceOldstrong's assault on the color palette! :eek:

I am the flamboyant one in the middle. Bikingshearer is looking rather colorful himself.
Bigbossman brings up the rear, no that is not a circus bear on a bike.
131400

I am the flamboyant one in the middle. Bikingshearer is looking rather colorful himself.
Bigbossman brings up the rear, no that is not a circus bear on a bike.
131400

Now don't go lashing out at me - it was Rich that outed you.......

131550It was a fun time & a great first ride of the year. Top notch company and nice scenery. The pics will speak for themself.131549

131549

Just John's way fo saying that you're #1!

131549

Just John's way fo saying that you're #1!

NoNoNo - I just had something in my eye....errr..... I was showing off my new gloves..... yeah - that's it......

'sides - let's not overlook the important part.... I'm beating everybody up the hill. Bunch o' bloated holiday slugs that they are.

BBM once again leading the pack, at least he's using two hands this time.132205

NoNoNo - I just had something in my eye....errr..... I was showing off my new gloves..... yeah - that's it......

Incorrect.

You're merely using the approved BF NorCal greeting otherwise known as "the Ferguson salute"

Incorrect.

You're merely using the approved BF NorCal greeting otherwise known as "the Ferguson salute"

More correctly referred to as the Johnny Cash finger.

132236132235132234 132233 Johnny Cash would be proud. Riding with Bigbossman has been a pleasure from day 1.

132236132235132234 132233
Johnny Cash would be proud. Riding with Bigbossman has been a pleasure from day 1.

LOL, That's a #1 collection.

Johnny Cash would be proud. Riding with Bigbossman has been a pleasure from day 1.

If by pleasure you mean filled with a deep-seated, latent hostility for all humankind, then yes, these pictures do prove what a pleasure the man is.

'scuse me? What the hell is latent about it?

132236132235132234 132233 Johnny Cash would be proud. Riding with Bigbossman has been a pleasure from day 1.

nice :innocent:

Cold hilly ride from Wallace to Martell and back; http://www.livestrong.com/loops/wallace_wallace__martell-S5OLU7dsDE/

nice :innocent:

You gotta understand.... that little spider monkey is all the time buzzing around me taking pictures. Worse than paparazzi, I tell ya.....

You gotta understand.... that little spider monkey is all the time buzzing around me taking pictures. Worse than paparazzi, I tell ya.....

well I suspect we should expect those darned paparazzi to follow you around though ;)

:p

We did 36-ish flat, foggy miles through the empty orchards and fallow fields between Vacaville, Dixon, Davis and Winters. Just had to get in some miles and time was of the essence. First tandem ride since 1/1/10.

well I suspect we should expect those darned paparazzi to follow you around though ;)

:p

It is a cross I have to bear. :D

Today, Bikingsheareer and I did a min-epic ride (for me, anyway). ~45 miles and ~4000' of climbing. Orinda BART, down San Pablo Dam road, up and over the little bear to Alhambra Road, then down though Pinole, Hercules - coming to rest at Crockett for lunch. After a delightful repast, we went up Crockett Blvd to Cummings Skyway, down Franklin Cyn and then up and over reverse pig-farm and momma/papa bear back to Orinda.

Wheeeeeeee.

We did essentially the same ride as yesterday but it was more of a Winters Loop. Weather conditions if anything were worse -- the fog was lower and very drippy-wet. But it sure beat the trainer.

32 miles & 5300' of Diablo MTB'ing. Lot's of pain, for it was a hammerfest of a ride with friends Chuck and Andy. Crap, those two do not settle down!! Chuck showed us some new single track off Oyster Point. Originally, this was going to be an way mellow velo, but enthusiasm got the better of us. Today's ride was a easy 25 miler to get the lactic build up out of the legs. Ouch, I'm sore.

BR

Today's ride was cloudy, foggy, wet, and cold. But still fun. I'm liking the new Garmin 500. Even the calories burned estimate seems better. Here's the data: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/22103250

Got out for a short 22 mile solo loop today. Quito Rd to Hwy 9; the two little climbs up Pierce Rd and Mt. Eden (short, but knee-strainingly steep); around Stevens Creek Reservoir and then back home through the suburbian landscape of Cupertino and Saratoga.

Almost got taken out by a woman on a cruiser whose dog was leashed to her bike. She came around a corner on the wrong side of the rode and almost rode dog and bike right into me! I love dogs, but sometimes I wonder about the complete lack of common sense in some people.

The good news for the day - for at least 4 or 5 minutes, I actually felt some sun on my face... :D

Today i went biking around Los Altos (less than 40miles), went up Elena Rd and Taaffe Rd, then i went back to MtEden. http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=sygothwrnquespbx
Yesterday (about 47 miles) I did MtEden both sides, Pierce, Peach, Canon, Kennedy and Shannon http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=egflccyncwptmylv

BTW, anybody notice the no biking sign on Canon drive ? I just noticed it yesterday.

Sierra Road Climb as part of a 55 mile loop out of Pleasanton with Midland.
2nd time up Sierra for me, the 1st for Midland. We both had a ball. That is one tough nut but I was better prepared this time.

My Garmin Edge 500 says I hit 57.1 mph on one descent.
I was moving, I don't know if it was that fast but I have been over 50 a few times before, so maybe.

Hadn't really planned to do this until BlastRadius talked me into it recently, but did my first crit at the Early Bird's in Fremont today. I also dragged Brentley down with me, and met up with OffTheBack briefly. I only had 2 goals today - try to hang on and stay out of trouble. For reasons of timing, I snuck into the Cat5 "Under 30" race :innocent:

For those who haven't done these before, they are training races. The first 45mins are a mentored skills clinic taught in groups by experienced racers. This was excellent - I learned how to ride over "bott dots" in the road, practice double and single pace lines, take corners quickly while riding 3 abreast etc. The mentors then also do the race along side the groups, motivating you to close a gap, or offering encouragement when you take a good line.

The race was a great experience. The first few laps were hang on for dear life and remember to look down the road while trying not to loose the wheel in front. People were starting to get tired after 8 or 9 laps and some riders were getting a little ragged in the corners; consequently a bunch of riders went down in the 2nd corner. I saw it play out a few rows ahead of me, and was able to pull up to a stop without hitting anyone or getting hit. Then the race took a different turn as I started off again solo - I lost 2.5mph from my average speed from here on. I was able to catch up with another racer in a Hammer jersey and we started working together trading pulls, eventually bringing in a 3rd rider. We then did the remaining 4 1/2 laps taking turns to pull - I was so stoked just to be able to hang in and do my bit. That last part was hard, but it felt fantastic to cross the line with my 2 newfound team mates.

A great day, hope everyone who went down in turn 2 heals up well. Big kudos to the mentors and leaders (including our own Pizzaman and velogirl) for a great learning experience and a first class work out.

It is a cross I have to bear. :D

Today, Bikingsheareer and I did a min-epic ride (for me, anyway). ~45 miles and ~4000' of climbing. Orinda BART, down San Pablo Dam road, up and over the little bear to Alhambra Road, then down though Pinole, Hercules - coming to rest at Crockett for lunch. After a delightful repast, we went up Crockett Blvd to Cummings Skyway, down Franklin Cyn and then up and over reverse pig-farm and momma/papa bear back to Orinda.

Wheeeeeeee.

BBM is being too modest - he did fine. It was a fun ride, although a bit more climbng than either of us intended. It got very foggy up on Cummings Skyway (I was very glad both for my blinky and the wide paved shoulders), but ranged between hazy sunshine and overcast the rest of the time. It was a tad chilly, though. The repast of which BBM spoke was made even nicer by my fiance meeting us for lunch. A good day.

Today, I headed out on my own from the Democratic Peoples Republic along the Arlington through Kensington, El Ceritto and Richmond, thence to San Pablo Dam Road to Wilcat adn up and over to home. 24.75 mile, 2100 feet of climbing - after yesterday, I felt it towards the end, but it's another good ride in the books. More hazy sunshine alternating with overcast - no fog, though. Turning onto the Dam Road into El Sobrante (motto: "Fewer meth lab houses blowing up than before") brought on a head wind that I could have done without, but nothing too bad.

Yesterday (about 47 miles) I did MtEden both sides, Pierce, Peach, Canon, Kennedy and Shannon http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=egflccyncwptmylv

BTW, anybody notice the no biking sign on Canon drive ? I just noticed it yesterday.

That looks like an interesting route from Saratoga to Los Gatos. I will have to try it sometime.

My night riding thread kind of died out a month or so ago but I thought you might be interested in joining since those rides take a lot of meandering neighborhood roads.

Was a fun ride with LanceOldstrong and all new roads for me. Also one big ass hill.132605132604132603132602132601132600132599

Hadn't really planned to do this until BlastRadius talked me into it recently, but did my first crit at the Early Bird's in Fremont today. I also dragged Brentley down with me, and met up with OffTheBack briefly. I only had 2 goals today - try to hang on and stay out of trouble. For reasons of timing, I snuck into the Cat5 "Under 30" race :innocent:

For those who haven't done these before, they are training races. The first 45mins are a mentored skills clinic taught in groups by experienced racers. This was excellent - I learned how to ride over "bott dots" in the road, practice double and single pace lines, take corners quickly while riding 3 abreast etc. The mentors then also do the race along side the groups, motivating you to close a gap, or offering encouragement when you take a good line.

The race was a great experience. The first few laps were hang on for dear life and remember to look down the road while trying not to loose the wheel in front. People were starting to get tired after 8 or 9 laps and some riders were getting a little ragged in the corners; consequently a bunch of riders went down in the 2nd corner. I saw it play out a few rows ahead of me, and was able to pull up to a stop without hitting anyone or getting hit. Then the race took a different turn as I started off again solo - I lost 2.5mph from my average speed from here on. I was able to catch up with another racer in a Hammer jersey and we started working together trading pulls, eventually bringing in a 3rd rider. We then did the remaining 4 1/2 laps taking turns to pull - I was so stoked just to be able to hang in and do my bit. That last part was hard, but it felt fantastic to cross the line with my 2 newfound team mates.

A great day, hope everyone who went down in turn 2 heals up well. Big kudos to the mentors and leaders (including our own Pizzaman and velogirl) for a great learning experience and a first class work out.

Good job staying alert and avoiding the crash. I'm glad you had a good time. I suspect your fitness is pretty good to complete the race after losing the main group.

It is a cross I have to bear. :D

Today, Bikingsheareer and I did a min-epic ride (for me, anyway). ~45 miles and ~4000' of climbing. Orinda BART, down San Pablo Dam road, up and over the little bear to Alhambra Road, then down though Pinole, Hercules - coming to rest at Crockett for lunch. After a delightful repast, we went up Crockett Blvd to Cummings Skyway, down Franklin Cyn and then up and over reverse pig-farm and momma/papa bear back to Orinda.

Wheeeeeeee.

Hey, I was out with our TnT team (including Mrs. Oldstrong) on the bears and Pig Farm on Saturday also. Pig Farm is always a challenge!

JB

Hey, I was out with our TnT team (including Mrs. Oldstrong) on the bears and Pig Farm on Saturday also. Pig Farm is always a challenge!


We saw you at the beginning of our ride, then. I remember because as we passed on San Pablo Dam road, I looked right, saw your group unloading, and said to Rich - "look, TnT. Let's get the hell out of here".

:D

That looks like an interesting route from Saratoga to Los Gatos. I will have to try it sometime.

My night riding thread kind of died out a month or so ago but I thought you might be interested in joining since those rides take a lot of meandering neighborhood roads.
I would love to join and thanks for the invitation. However, weekdays are a little tough for me.
I hope as the days get longer to would join you guys (if you don't mind someone slowing you guys down).

I worked long hours all weekend, so trainer and roller rides only all weekend. Blah.

I rode from San Mateo to Portola Valley/Palo Alto and back, 48 miles. There was another rider I kept leapfrogging, who was riding the same route, at least the 'out' part - she passed me on the uphill, I passed her on the downhill.

But the real highlight was getting to yell at a car for going too slowly. I was coming down Crystal Springs from the dam. Usually I go into as aero a position as I can, and see how fast I can go just by gravity - usually topping 40. I came around the corner directly under the Doran Bridge, and this Honda had pulled out. He then proceeded to CRAWL down the hill. :notamused:

I started shouting for him to speed up, but I guess he couldn't hear, and he SLOWED DOWN.
:twitchy:

So I passed him.

I wanted to yell, "Get off the road!", but didn't. :D

I started shouting for him to speed up, but I guess he couldn't hear, and he SLOWED DOWN.
:twitchy:

So I passed him.

I wanted to yell, "Get off the road!", but didn't. :D

Heh - I actually had a SUV pull over to let me pass, coming off the top of Diablo. I like courteous drivers. :)

We saw you at the beginning of our ride, then. I remember because as we passed on San Pablo Dam road, I looked right, saw your group unloading, and said to Rich - "look, TnT. Let's get the hell out of here".

:D

Not true. He wasn't that polite. :p

I rode from San Mateo to Portola Valley/Palo Alto and back, 48 miles. There was another rider I kept leapfrogging, who was riding the same route, at least the 'out' part - she passed me on the uphill, I passed her on the downhill.


Were you in the blue/white BF kit? I think we saw you coming down Sandhill.

Beaker you must have been right next to me when that crash went down (scott cr1 and a red longsleve jersey) because I was a few riders behind it and came just short of running over my roommate who went down in the crash.

I missed the mentoring part though. I rode there from SF - 2 wrong turns, 1 flat and 50 miles later I got there at 8:55 , but the crit was, as you said, a great learning experience.

Were you in the blue/white BF kit? I think we saw you coming down Sandhill.

If it was Sandhill, it wasn't me. I don't like the 280 interchange on Sandhill(I HATE the one on Page Mill!!!), so I usually take 84 back to Woodside instead. That long, long overpass in the middle lane is just not my cup of tea.

OTOH, I was wearing the blue and white BF kit, so you might have seen me on Portola, or Alpine, etc.

I watched people racing cyclocross, does that count?

I hate being sick.

Beaker you must have been right next to me when that crash went down (scott cr1 and a red longsleve jersey) because I was a few riders behind it and came just short of running over my roommate who went down in the crash.

I missed the mentoring part though. I rode there from SF - 2 wrong turns, 1 flat and 50 miles later I got there at 8:55 , but the crit was, as you said, a great learning experience.

That is entirely possible, I was trying to be a good boy and look ahead. I was very non-descript in a white jersey, black arm warmers and Hammer bibs on my black Roubaix.

can't say I remember seeing you, but maybe next sunday

I rode the Winter Solstice Century on Saturday with my fiancee and a bunch of crazy ultra cycling friends. 5 of us did the ride on our fixed gear bikes. Such fun!

The ride is put on by the Almaden Cycle Touring Club, and goes from Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy to just past Pinnacles and back.The route isn't terribly tough, and has very nice scenery. It's certainly a worthy way to spend a chilly January day. I ended up with 121 miles on my bike computer after two wrong turns, but I made it to the end along with everyone (at least the people I know all finished, and I didn't see anyone sagged off the course). Many thanks to Deb and David for the awesome support. Not bad for your first time organizing a major ride!

Here's the route:
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/Fueco/wintersolstice.jpg

and here's a link to some pics taken by another rider. I'm the one giving the "Hang Loose" sign in one of the pics.
http://actc.smugmug.com/ACTC-Road-Bike-Rides/WinterSolstice2009/10903966_YsSnP#761216028_9U7Gf