taxi777

Our first Stage was quick, stratigic, cut to the chase kind of ride.

Ramon was at the bridge at 3pm. We left right away and headed along the Baker Beach over look out pacing any traffic that might try to pass on the downhill. Stopped at the Legion of Honor for R to check his messages. Super duper headwind along the cliff house, and to Lake Merced. Had to real R in when he would get ahead and not make the turns with me...(Sir Francis Drake Syndrome)-(Ask R & Marco bout that),

Some fancy Bike messenger work along the Mission gauntlet, and up the beginning of the climb. Some little A**** shot across lanes behind us and leaned on the horn to screw with us. One day he'll be on foot and I'll remember his ugly face.

Pretty quick pace all the way up. We passed three riders on the way. Pretty girl on a odd bike...I said nice bike...silence and crickets...
We blasted back down and I opened it up to test the new wheelset...Very happy with my purchase. No crosswind calamity. Tight as all get out on the corners! I felt like a moth with a new Falcons tail...
We rolled back to town and headed home...Only to rise again in the dawn and meet out next challenge.
Pete.........ps Thanks Ramon always a pleasure to ride with you dude.

taxi777

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Yes<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

CrackJacks, HammerJelly and Booty, Oh my!!
2 Down and 2 to go… Impromptu Gladiator Ride
I started the day with major trepidation. I figured with todays forecast, and seeing the wet roads, I had pretty much settled on not doing the ride. I called Ramon and said let’s wait till noon and see what it looks like. After falling asleep like a lazy dog at 11am Ramon woke me up afternoon time and said “you wanna ride”? Begrudgingly I said ok. He met me at my place and we were off.

We made amazing time across the bridge and through Sausalito. It was looking pretty bad, and by Fairfax I decided to stop into “Sunshine Bicycle” and get a rain coat. Ramon talked me into get a pair of booties…I thought that was a bit hardcore, but went ahead anyway. What a great purchase! Well worth it! My feet were warm and snug for the duration.

The weather really got crappy going up to Alpine dam. I was fearing a “March of the Penguins Ride” At the dam we traded with a young couple our cameras for some portrait shooting. When we started up the back of Tam the rain eased up but it was really cold and foggy. I was perfectly warm and the Hammer Gel was really doing it’s job. I was able to stay with Ramon, and I really felt incredible.

At the top visibility was about 30 to 40 yards! It was really serene and I was really happy I decided to do the ride. The descent was super fast and dry in spots. We caught a couple of fast riders in Sausalito and pacelined to the bridge.

Kind of a nice brisk energetic ride and I’m glad Ramon pushed me into it. I feel really good. Cathy made a giant stack of blueberry pancakes ( flap Jacks or crack jacks) which really worked in tandem with the Hammer gel. The booties were magnificent… don’t know why I haven’t worn them before.

Tomorrow will be awesome and I’m looking forward to it.
Stats:
57.69 Miles
14.0 avg
38.4 max
04:06 time
Pete

taxi777

I started the day exhausted from not enough sleep, and all the riding, climbing was taking it’s toll on my 78 year old body… John B was there with crew, (Jeanie, Kaya, Josh and Gordan). The weather seemed ok, but warmer than I expected. We made good time to the Clayton turn off. I think I took to much time and some got impatient, so the group go a little split up at that point.

I rode most of Morgan Territories with JB. We talked about how Stephen King must have had the Morgan Territories in mind in his book the “Talisman”. It’s beautiful but a little creepy. Maybe the gnarly trees and the remoteness of it all.

The descent was slow for me. One of my brake pads were out of adjustment (thumping) and way too much headwind. I started feeling better and hopped in behind Ramon and Tim so I wouldn’t loose them. They weren’t to sure of the directions.

I lost contact with the front of the pack and the gang behind me, so I did the climb by myself, going from hot, to cold, and bonked, to not so bonked. By the last 4 miles I had had it, and on the last 200ft was tapping the amazing speed of 4.2 mph.

We ate a little and took some picts, then headed down. My front brake was really thumping and it was quite un-nerving! I thought the amount of traffic was insane WTF!! Tim was getting really impatient with the traffic and even forced a ranger off the road! I sheepishly rode by and looked away … We passed the gang on the way down but I didn’t slow down. I just yelled “Later” and kept going. I was bonked and tired and wanted to get home. I wasn’t being snobby : )

I enjoyed riding with JB and his posse. It was a nice change to hang out with some different faces. The day went by pretty quick. I’m beat up so not too much elaboration here. I had a great time. The scenery was awesome and I spent most of my time immersed in it all.

One more hill to climb, and I’m really looking forward to a couple days of the bike to get myself organized for the pilgrimage to L.A.
Pete







<a href="https://s199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/?action=view&current=KayaJeanie-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa292/taxi777/KayaJeanie-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

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taxi777

stats:
67.82 mile
13.1 avg
44.6 mx
05:09

BottleRocket

That Ranger had it coming.

jonathanb715

I hope it was the one tailgating me for about 6 switchbacks on the way up - I can understand not passing until it's safe, but by the time he got by me, there must have been 10 cars behind him - and they weren't so patient or polite!

JB

gw_12

Cool idea. I wish I had read about your plans last week, I would have joined you for the last three climbs.
Congrats.