Northern California - SesameCrunch's 3/2 70 mile hammerfest

Since no one has started the report thread yet, I feel compelled to start it. :D

It was a calm morning as we arrived in HMB, as Lisa and I took a little detour and got some breakfast at HMB Coffee and Cafe (isn't that sweetly reduntant? ;) ). Calm, that is, until we saw these two guys GETTIN' IT ON!! :eek:

http://mooworld.org/cycling/mar_2_08_coastal/mar_2_08_01.jpg

http://mooworld.org/cycling/mar_2_08_coastal/mar_2_08_02.jpg

http://mooworld.org/cycling/mar_2_08_coastal/mar_2_08_03.jpg

I think Pete might have some insight into what that was all about. :p

It was Ramon, Pete, Marco, Alan, Lisa and myself. Everyone else partied too hard the night before and decided to sleep in. :D As soon as we got ready to go, the wind picked up quickly to about 15 mph from the NW. Perfect, but not enough to get the humble tandem over these humps on Hwy 1 to catch the group. It was a fast ride south and I was quickly into my yellow zone (heart rate), and I knew this was going to be a long day.

After turning East into the hills, we hammered some more and arrived @ Pescadero, where Marco was tempted to jump this little fence many times, until he finally got the courage to do it. We were eating in this patio area next to the grocery store and the only way to get into it was to go through the store. I think he walked it 3 times before he finally decided to go for it. :D

http://mooworld.org/cycling/mar_2_08_coastal/mar_2_08_04.jpg

http://mooworld.org/cycling/mar_2_08_coastal/mar_2_08_05.jpg

A few more miles of climbing and we were back on Hwy 1 where we were treated to a very nice visit to Alan's beautiful house and his collection of bikes. :eek: :D Great stuff!

And to top it all off, at dinner in San Mateo, we met Mr North Beach pizza himself, Bob! Founder of the first store in the North Beach District in SF, he was hanging out there and we got a little history lesson from him, as the business is now run by his son. He founded the chain some 22 years ago.

http://mooworld.org/cycling/mar_2_08_coastal/mar_2_08_06.jpg

I think Pete has some better pictures and probably a better report. :p

Thanks for the ride guys. It was a learning experience for us, and we really saw Marco's true abilities today. This guy is phenomenal!! :eek:

Great report and pictures, thanks for sharing! :)

PART 1
Prologue: 3/208
Location: Main St. Half Moon Bay
Cast of characters:
Dave/Lisa
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/DaveLisa.jpg
Alan
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/AlanPotrait.jpg
Marco
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/MarcoPortrait.jpg
Ramone
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/RamonePortrait.jpg
Pete
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/PetePotrait.jpg
Star of the day: Lisa, seen here watching Tyra on her tiny handle bar mounted TV
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/LisaTv.jpg

Perfect day! I arrived slightly sleepy. I called Alan. He said be there in ten minutes. I needed coffee. I drove to Monterey diner and was met by a pretty girl by the back door smoking, “Nice day for riding a bike “ she says. I say hey beautiful and head for front door. She says “ Oh sir we’re filming, can you go through the back door? Apparently they are an Indy production company doing an updated version of “The Birds” ! I started to go through but looked to crazy and said I’ll come back later. Ended up going to a biker hang out for Mocha and a muffin. David showed up with Lisa in the back seat. I thought maybe they had an argument but soon realized that they had put the tandem length wise from front to back. Pretty ingenious. I liked Lisa right from the start. She was a little firecracker! We got into it right away and started joking each other out. Wow! I’ve met my match! Very quick of wit and handled herself marvelously against my inappropriate behavior and smartass diatribe. Marco arrived a little bit late and with a pinched nerve. I gave him the Irish Heimlich maneuver but didn’t help much but everyone got a good laugh. Ramone showed up and I couldn’t believe it after yesterdays ride, a late gig last night, and a severe paddling from a Roller Derby girl! He’ll explain that to you all in private ; 0.…
Off we went down Hwy 1 with and intense tailwind. Right from the start I knew this would be one to remember. Dave and Lisa we’re like a well oiled and, fine tuned machine. I can say they’re a perfect match on that tandem. Daves rapid fire shifting, they’re incredible highly synched cadence. Lisa is a power house in a small package. Dave is a skilled and confident captain. They we’re a sight to behold! I think smoke was coming off Alan and Marco’s tires. They we’re tearing it up. Ramone and I have been riding a lot together and I feel really comfortable with his riding style. He’s somewhat the low key stealth all round rider that I enjoy riding in the paceline with. He really challenges me in the climbs to boot. I stayed busy taking photos. There was so much to see and shoot. We had some amazing descents, up to 45 mph on slight downhills, woo hoo! We stopped for some picture opportunities and nature breaks, also some fun banter with Lisa and her quick comeback lines. Our Tandem crew was fresh and ready to go. We made it to the point of heading inland. Alan really had a great ride planned. We went down an amazing road that seemed like it was out of a Hansel and Gretal fable. A bit of climbing and suddenly a horrible incidident occurred that horrified everyone!! As Alan Zigged and I Zagged Alan let loose with a snot rocket that the almighty Lucifer in hell would have vomited over! Guess who caught that massive spew directly in the face?? Thank god I was wearing my Irish National Cycling kit all green. I felt like a leprechaun that had “kissed Ye old Blarney Stone”
Stay tuned for part 2

Everyone else partied too hard the night before ....

:p :p not! (http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.php?p=6267875&postcount=5) :p :p :D

This was one of my most enjoyable rides in a long time. The sun was brilliant, the company was great, the route was enjoyable and diverse. We rode along the ocean, into forests, along babbling brooks, into the redwoods, and along quiet farmroads. Really fun. Great group of riders - we pushed each other hard on the bikes, and still had lots of laughs.

The wind was about 15mph at the start, but didn't take long to get to about 25. All good, though, since it was behind us. What a great feeling to ride at 25, 27 mph and barely feel any headwind. We truly zipped down the coast and covered the 25 miles to Gazos Creek in 1.5 hours. It was a blast!!!

Then we headed in along Cloverdale and slowed down the pace to enjoy the scenery back there. At one point, I felt a need to empty my runny nose. I looked back and didn't see anyone there, so I let loose. Right at the exact moment - "Bullseye" Pete pulls out right behind me and caught it right between his eyes :roflmao::roflmao:!!! Boy, did I feel bad, but it was pretty d@mn funny! I was laughing so hard I forgot to tell him about my highly infectious TB condition. Oh well, I'll try to remember next time I see him :p .

We got to Pescadero, and the sun was just brilliant. We sat in the side yard of the deli/grocery and had a nice lunch, laughed at lot at the silly things that Pete is so good at coming up with. I had to recommend the bear claws from Arcangeli's bakery, so Marco jumped the fence and got some for us. Yummmm.

We spent the rest of the ride pushing each other hard. It was a compatible group pace-wise and it was a lot of fun. It was pretty windy on Hwy84 heading back to the ocean, and we had a great paceline slicing through the wind. Like I said, it was really exhilarating! By the time we rolled into San Gregorio, my legs were starting to grumble.

I took the group up Tunitas and turned off on Lobitos Creek. That's my favorite ride in all the coastside. Bucolic country farms, nice views and not a single car. It was great.

Finally, we had to get back onto Hwy1 and face the full brunt of the wind again. Pete, Marco and I formed a great paceline and zipped headfirst into the wind. With the same headwind yesterday, I could only muster 10-12mph by myself. Today, with the 3 person paceline, we were going around 20 mph. What a rush!

A great day overall. I'll be dreaming about this one tonight!

A splendid day for cycling along the coast. I knew it would be tough waking up on four hours sleep after a gig with the band but I did not want to skip this ride. We were off on a great pace down HW1 with the wind on our backs. The perfect cadence of David and Lisa as well as the sound or small objects hitting the disc brake on the rear wheel of their tandem was almost hypnotic. I eased up on the downhill speed some as the wind was picking up and shaking the bike more than I would have liked.

Alan planned a great route and I really enjoyed the quiet car free roads and climbs on them. This was all new to me and it was nice to finally ride some of the roads I have heard about for so long. The sandwich and bearclaw really hit the spot. Is that picture Marco or Fido returning with the food??

On the way back it was a challenging pace with the headwinds. I actually was happy with myself on my turn to pull on the way to San Gregorio. The weather only got to me during one sustained climb where the arm warmers and gloves felt like a sauna. I did get some sun on the nose however, not enough sunscreen.

Yo Taxi.. You're not supposed to get a pic of me smiling. It's gonna ruin my rep as the brutal straight faced metal drummer that I am.. :p

Thanks again Alan for suggesting the route and also to David, Lisa, Marco & Pete for the company. I always look forward to these group rides to share my love of cycling with others and to hopefully improve my abilities on the bike by being surrounded by those that will push me.

And to top it all off, at dinner in San Mateo, we met Mr North Beach pizza himself, Bob! Founder of the first store in the North Beach District in SF, he was hanging out there and we got a little history lesson from him, as the business is now run by his son. He founded the chain some 22 years ago.


Man! Ruth and I almost went to North Beach tonight too! :eek:

We walked in, saw it was too busy (now we know why), so we went to Amichis instead.

Damn.

Oh yeah Nice ride! Great route, great pace/dynamics, great company (as always). Can't wait to do it again. :)

Very, very nice. Thanks for sharing. I'm still not sure why Marco was hopping the fence though.

Very, very nice. Thanks for sharing. I'm still not sure why Marco was hopping the fence though.

He was being chased by a Raccoon in Heat!...Now you can ask him to explain;)

Ramone showed up and I couldn’t believe it after yesterdays ride, a late gig last night, and a severe paddling from a Roller Derby girl!

The gig was a fund raiser for the Silicon Valley Roller Derby Girls (http://www.svrollergirls.com/) They had some unique ways of raising money. Click this (http://www.bosticman.com/bostic/images/ouch.jpg) at own risk.

I guess fence climbing was the theme of the weekend! :p

:lol:

Thanks for the report and pics. Nice ride folks:)

Wish I could have ridden with you all, you know to drive the pace.;) But I have been training pretty seriously lately. I did my own wind ride, solo. Oh the pain!:eek: Sure does help get ya stronger though. My speed climbing hwy 9 improved by 1.5 mph over a 2 week period.:p

That sounds to have been a nice ride. It should be put on the BF calendar again.
Alan, do you have a bamboo bike now? I read that Calfee is supply racing bikes made out of bamboo to the Organic Athlete team this year.
Seeing how Marco is jumping fences it seems that Pete is as good a chiropractor as he is a cyclist.

My speed climbing hwy 9 improved by 1.5 mph over a 2 week period.:p

That's a really weak excuse to have missed our ride BigSean :p :D We missed ya! Hope to see you next time.

He was being chased by a Raccoon in Heat!

Those darn 'coons ... makin such a fuss, I couldn't eat my lunch in peace! :mad: :p

That's a really weak excuse to have missed our ride BigSean :p :D We missed ya! Hope to see you next time.

Well I usually ride with the team on Saturdays, and sundays are touch and go with the war department.:eek:

Well I usually ride with the team on Saturdays, and sundays are touch and go with the war department.:eek:

:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

That's a great way to put it!!! I'll need to borrow that expression some time!

That sounds to have been a nice ride. It should be put on the BF calendar again.
Alan, do you have a bamboo bike now? I read that Calfee is supply racing bikes made out of bamboo to the Organic Athlete team this year.
Seeing how Marco is jumping fences it seems that Pete is as good a chiropractor as he is a cyclist.

George: I'll be glad to host this again. It really was a wonderful route.

No, no bamboo bikes for me - unless they make them into a folding bike :o.

Yo Taxi.. You're not supposed to get a pic of me smiling. It's gonna ruin my rep as the brutal straight faced metal drummer that I am.. :p


Hey, this picture may be bad for your tough guy image, but it's a great picture of you.

You should save it for your eHarmony site or sumthin' like that :D.

Hey, this picture may be bad for your tough guy image, but it's a great picture of you.

You should save it for your eHarmony site or sumthin' like that :D.

You know how many shots of Mr. Stoic I had to take to get that shot. It's as rare as me without a wisecrack for a whole ride.!

You know how many shots of Mr. Stoic I had to take to get that shot. It's as rare as me without a wisecrack for a whole ride.!

Yo! Let's see those pictures, dude! You almost gave your life taking some of them. I'm dying to see them!

I know!! Where are all the pics anyway??? ;)

I know!! Where are all the pics anyway??? ;)
Yeah, ASAP, got to do part 2 been bizzy.
Dave how did Lisa feel about the adventure? I didn't get to say bye to you guys. I had to get home to the sick wifey, I was feeling pretty guilty for having such a great time with you guys without her. I found myself smiling today everytime I'd think of one of Lisa's snappy comebacks. She kind of reminded me of Cathy a bit with that eloquent sassiness ;)

PART 2
Continued: 3/208
Location: The Deep Forests of Narnia
Cast of characters:
Dave/Lisa

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/FromBehind-1.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/DLprf.jpg
Alan and Ramone
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/AlanRamone.jpg
Marco
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/MarcoLunch.jpg
Pete
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Shadow.jpg

Well..after the heavy artillary attack “ Snot rockets in sight, Afternoon delight” we continued on to some great paceline work. I just hung on to Alan’s and Marco’s wheels while they took turns plowing into a head wind. Without to much time to spare I spotted a little river running across the road. I zigged this time at the very moment Marco zagged to the same direction to keep from splashing everyone, and I caught the full splash down my front! ( I think next time I ride with this bunch, I’m wearing my hazmat suit.) Some great pulls and we arrived in Pescadero.

Lunch
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/GroupShot.jpg
We sat outside and it was beautiful. I overheard someone across the street talking to a neighbor about the raccoon problem they were having. Apparently they were in rut and mating. The screaming was pretty ungodly and I don’t think anyone really took me seriously when I told them. I think it was a bit unnerving like a scary scenario out a Dean Koontz novel “ The Crooning Cooning by Koontz” Marco was so frightened that he leapt over the fence like a EPO’d hurdler with our deserts from the Arcangeli's bakery down the street. It was time to go and we moved on. A great long stretch to warm up and an intense climb Ramone and I pushing each other chasing Marco’s wheel where I blew up just before the top and let Marco have his day. One of these day’s I’ll hang on to that youngin’s wheel all the way to the top! Nice cool descent Dave and Lisa flying down like shining comets. Back down 84 and a quick stop in San Gregorio to drink and marvel at the fixy crowd indulging themselves with their sophomoric stunts landing them humbly on to the asphalt…Ouch! Marco surprised me with his automotive gearhead knowledge. People never cease to amaze you when you spend the time to really listen and the enjoy the treasure trove of human passions. Alan led us one last descent with crazy crosswinds where I tried to shoot with one hand, pretty risky but worth it. Then up Tunitas where he then treated us to another one of his secrets from the Chronicles of Narnia…Lobitos Creek. I was waiting to see some ginger bread houses or maybe a flying monkey or two. Thanks for sharing that Alan. I had a great time on the technical descent and it was really thrilling in a dangerous way. We head into the wind and back to where Alans turnoff was. I had to get home so I split and never got to bid farewell to the Tandem Tachyon’s. Had a great time and can’t wait to the next time I get to ride with you all.
Pete
Ladie with horny Coon
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/kisscoon.jpg

Nice Pete!

But... I know there are more pics than that.

The internet is all about instant gratification you know. ;)

Lisa hiding a bag o chips

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/LisaDavidLunch.jpg

Jesus waiting for his ciggerettes

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/raccoon1.jpg

Lisa hiding a crab she was just about to throw at me:(

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/LisaPortrait.jpg

Nobody Loves me...:mad:

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Lunch1.jpg

as I run into the camera man

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/PaceLine1.jpg

Marco Alan in flight

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/MarcoandAlan.jpg

One handed:

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/OneHandshot.jpg

Looks like you got a fancier lunch out of Sunday's ride. :p

El Solo amigo

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/SoloHoriz.jpg

Adios Compadre's

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Rearshot.jpg

Entering Narnia

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/Straiton.jpg

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/TheGang-1.jpg

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/WheelView.jpg

Looks like you got a fancier lunch out of Sunday's ride. :p

Speaking of which, join us next time. I think I'd like to do a ride at some point up your way, maybe you can lead one.
Pete

I'm thinking of doing the Birthday Ride. Hopefully I can keep the momentum going, and get some good practice in. Someday I may even be one of the ones waiting at the top! ;)

I'd love to lead something, but I don't really know of any good rides. Most of my miles 'round these parts are commuting or the occasional ride on the American River bike trail.

One handed:

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/OneHandshot.jpg

I was behind Pete when he took this picture. We were on a fast descent, it was hella windy, there were cars... He takes one hand off the handlebars to line up a photo. Sheeesh, I'm barely hanging on for dear life, and he one-hands it. Awesome control!

Those pictures were great, Pete! Well worth the wait. I think you really captured the beauty and diversity of the day.

Thanks!!!

Pete, I love your reports and commentary!:beer::roflmao:

Lisa hiding a bag o chips

[

Marco Alan in flight

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/MarcoandAlan.jpg



Pete, do you have this one in a larger size?!

Yeah, really. That'd be great in a big size.

Too bad it'd be so impractical and dangerous (to the camera!) to bring an SLR on such rides. The scenery really calls for more than a point-n-shoot can offer, sometimes.

(Plus, hoisting a four pound camera over one's head to take pictures of the people behind would get awkward. :p)

Ramon:

Remember we were wondering when whale migration was? Well, I just heard on NPR that the first week of March is peak whale migration time for our area. It's NOW! Too bad we were too busy hammering down Hwy1. We shoulda taken time out to watch for them!

Pete, do you have this one in a larger size?!


Pete: Can I steal this picture as my BF signature? It's beeeauuutiful!

Great sig Alan! :D

Pete: Can I steal this picture as my BF signature? It's beeeauuutiful!
You can't steal it;) but you're more than welcome to take it and any other picts you like. I know Marco wants a bigger pict of it so I could send you guys the un cropped raw file and if you have photoshop or some other program to edit it, otherwise I'll do it for you, or Curtis is a wiz at that stuff. I'm kind of a hack.
Pete

Great sig Alan! :D

Isn't it though? It's so Half Moon Bay! Just right for me... :D

Isn't it though? It's so Half Moon Bay! Just right for me... :D


What would have been really cool is if a pod of whales cracked the surface right at that moment! We could have all died at that moment cause our lives would be complete
:)

I was behind Pete when he took this picture. We were on a fast descent, it was hella windy, there were cars... He takes one hand off the handlebars to line up a photo. Sheeesh, I'm barely hanging on for dear life, and he one-hands it. Awesome control!

Wow, I've always wanted to take a picture of those cliffs. But I'm too chicken to take a hand off the bars to snap a photo mid-flight going down that descent, and no way would I stop to take the pic, the descent is way too much fun. So thanks Pete!

Wow, I've always wanted to take a picture of those cliffs. But I'm too chicken to take a hand off the bars to snap a photo mid-flight going down that descent, and no way would I stop to take the pic, the descent is way too much fun. So thanks Pete!

Well, you could always stop ... :rolleyes:

Wow, I've always wanted to take a picture of those cliffs. But I'm too chicken to take a hand off the bars to snap a photo mid-flight going down that descent, and no way would I stop to take the pic, the descent is way too much fun. So thanks Pete!

Jo, you should just mount a camera on that Winnebego of yours! ;) It would be cool with the weather vane and crows nest you recently had installed on your nuclear powered Mad Max themed Apocolyptic cruiser. :D I've heard that some of the other pony's get very nervous when you come up from behind them.....
Pete

I luv ya Pete, you're such a wize http://www.millan.net/minimations/smileys/yback.gif (http://www.millan.net)