Yesterday, Rich and I saddled up for a ride, with no particular place to go. So, we set off with a vague idea about doing some sort of 40-ish mile loop. It was pretty breezy out when we started, and we sort of paid attention to it as we headed of east to the Livermore Valley. Going out, it was all rainbows, cotton candy, and unicorns. We were flying down the road having a grand old time. At about mile 25 or so, we stopped at a taco wagon and enjoyed some scratch-made tamales - Mmmmmm.
While leaning up against the fence, we took note of the ever-freshening breeze. I speculated that we might be in for a challenge on the way back, but we brushed it off and pressed on. At about mile 30 or so, we hit the far end of the loop and turn back west, into the wind.
Damn.... it was pretty strong, and we were out in the open grassland getting all of it as it swept along. We made a bee-line to a LBS whose owner Rich was friends with, and ducked inside for refills and a bit of rest. Eventually, we had to get going, so we said goodbye and took off.
Now we were on a major blvd heading right into the teeth of a full-blown wind, and we were getting brutalized. For 6 miles, we did a two-man rotation and managed to move along quite well until we hit a McDonald's. Taking refuge for a bit, we had a small snack and enjoyed sitting still for a little while - the last 6 miles had taken it's toll and we were feeling a bit lethargic.
Moving along, we made our turn north to close the loop and get home. The cross wind wasn't' nearly as bad as the headwind, but still problematic. Nevertheless, we made good time and I got home in plenty of time to clean up and get over to the middle school to see my daughter star as Dorothy in her school production of The Wiz.
About 55 miles and a couple thousand feet of climbing is all, but we worked for it. It was a great day to be out despite the wind, and I enjoyed (almost) every minute of it.
Diablo in the distance:
Diablo a little closer up:
Chasing down Rich:
Looking at my front wheel, ducking the headwind:
Big Train, hustling down the highway:
