infobits - infopalat

I opted to ride the challenging Alpine Dam loop ride yesterday despite knowing that I would be on the low end of the speed, and likely the slowest.

The ride was a formal and informal ride by ALC09: formal because it was completely legit in all ways ALC, and informal because there were four training ride leaders for two regular riders. One look at the organizer's thighs and I knew he might be "catching us at the top". It was a most hospitable ride and the fasties were able to get their speed on, and I did not feel pressured by it. Another of the very fast training ride leaders suggested to her friend to do the ride and her friend said something like, "Oh, I am not ready for Alpine Dam at this point!"

I am glad to see that my perspective has changed after having ridden in last year's ALC08. I knew it would be a challenging ride, and I went for it. My total mileage was ~64 and the ride itself was ~48.5. In addition to the mileage of the ride, I tacked on the extra. This ride is one of the most gorgeous rides on the training schedule.

This year, I am not riding down to LA and something about that takes the pressure off. I have more time to take photos and reflect on my cycling progress over the past two years. Riding ALC is something that a person will refer to for the rest of his or her life.

9962.85 - 64.63 = 9898.22

My riding buddy shared a tip for city dwellers. If you lack a hose and space to use that hose, no problem, just take your bicycle into the shower with you! I did so tonight, but not before putting a "shower cap" on my seat. Bicycle seat, that is.

Bikie is really slick now and all chain-lubed up for Saturday's ~70-mile ride. The wheels and rims are clean so the brakes have a nice surface to contact. Cannot complain about an R&B evening with Simple Green.

This morning, my nutrition was lacking and I did not get enough sleep. Three of us biked to Ocean Beach through thick juicy fog. The fog cleared near the water.

9977.19 - 14.34 = 9962.85

I decided today that I would allow myself a new bike after I bike 10,000 miles on my current carbon bike that I have had for just over a year. That way, I will get a pretty good idea of the type of bike that I want next, and it will keep me from blowing 8K for the sake of greed.

10,000 - 22.81 = 9977.19 miles to go

See! I already accomplished something.

Today we did Sausalito again. Beautiful morning ride. Ideas for next time: start at 06:30 now that it is lighter out in the mornings, bring ear plugs for the Golden Gate bridge, do not wear the rain jacket that does not breath.

Summary:
22.81 miles
1,204 feet