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

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

Today's ride was the longest (~50 miles) ride that I have done since last August. That fact took me by surprise. I think I am past my "I trained for 8 months and I don't want to do long rides anymore phase." It's time to get my ass in the saddle a lot more. We climbed 2,655 feet. Mentally, I was not tracking elevation gain because I just assumed it was below 2K and who cares if it is below 2K on a 50-mile ride. Well, we did do some climbing today! It was likely Scott's longest ride. He did very well, and is on his way to enjoying the beautiful scenery that you have to work to get to.

On our way up Camino Alto, a bicyclist got hit by a car. He is fine in the sense that he was moving and talking before, during, and after being hit. I am not so sure about his bike. The sound of the impact was sickening. One never knows what to expect. He pulled a dick move and tried to pass impatiently on the left side of a car who ended up taking a left turn. All this on a curve that you cannot see beyond while descending. Hopefully the car was not too badly damaged. What a costly paint job otherwise! Patience people, patience. If you end up getting pissed off at something, grab a bar from your pocket and stick that down your throat!

More later, I am off to a nice dinner via my city bike.