Ride

First properly-long event ride since way back in the olden-days of the roaring ‘Teens. Was worried I’d not be up for it, but felt pretty darn good. FFBC did a great job with the organization and snack stations, too. Solid.

Wonderful morning climb up and along Calaveras… the valley revealing itself in Springtime green glow. Reservoir looking full.

Hustle the fast flowing decent off Calaveras’ winding switchbacks and then settle into drafting teamwork along the rollers to Sunol. First stop in town for some foods.

The next 30 miles out to the east side of Livermore just sort of vanished… familiar roads, solid pace. Lunch stop for sandwiches was in a great spot.

The return loop back up the long, winding side of Calaveras was quiet, meditative. Legs still strong but feeling the effort.

Felt good until the steep kicks back up to the start in Fremont. Grinding up suburban roads on tired legs, the interminable wandering felt more like we were just padding some extra miles. Good ride, happy to be done

Gear notes

• Hunt Aerodynamicist 44/54 wheels… These are so good to ride but that outrageous freehub buzz is f*ing incessant. Need to keep experimenting with grease to dampen it.