Ride

Massive turnout in Windsor. Big energy with everyone eager to get back out on the road together.

Early-morning rollout had us wandering through the farmland and vineyards of the valley’s west-side. The route was was nice but so cold (39°)… shivering shoulders and numb hands not great for bike handling in a close pack hopping around potholes and gravel patches. Eventually we point into the sun across the valley and warm up enough to focus (44°). Fast group worked together reasonably well.

First rest stop to load up on real food like pbj banana cashews. Gu orange drink mix is terrible, avoid… better to bring your own packs of mix.

Cross through the last bit of the valley as we head toward the mountain, over a river, then up the little canyon backroad. Narrow, mixed-surface pockmarked lane, double-wide pavement, gravel, washes, seams, dips… rolling along a river/creek, and winding up towards the geothermal plants at the top of the canyon. 

Then we faced the real climb: the main access road is a 12-15% hump up to the peak ridge-line. Brutal, like Mt Diablo’s wall but several miles long.

Wait up at top – Jay just makes the 11:15 time cutoff for next-year’s big-ride qualifications.

Snack on more pbj, potatoes, banana, drink (tiny coke!). Forgot to go back for the cantaloupe and orange slice and ended up craving those the rest of the ride.

Then down the descent. Not as dodgy as it looked on Strava. Carlos’ route signs were well placed, calling out the deeper tightening corners. Felt a lot like highland.

Gear notes

• My 11-28 cassette doesn’t work on 15% plus inclines. Consider a 30t conversion?