The morning sun was hot for San Francisco. My legs felt refreshed and ready for climbing. In the past, I would have avoided unnecessary hills, and today I greeted them with, "Yes!, let's get some exercise!"

It's been a while since I've been on my bike and I temporarily forgot where I was. Such is typical of my brain sometimes. I quickly re-oriented myself and started to sprint up one of San Francisco's hills.

I pealed off clothing at various points along the ride. The weather was that surprising. As we rode through Golden Gate Park, I felt like I was running in a crouched position. I reached a maximum speed of 31.2 MPH. What a rush! The air was moist and fresh. What a treat to inhale! Blades of baby grass might just as well have taken root in my nostrils.

As I "ran" in my saddle, the pressure on my sit bones and soft tissue diminished. I might have just discovered a new technique for riding long distances. If I periodically "run" in my saddle, I will not have to get out of my seat to relieve pressure, as I float only 1 - 2 cm above the seat.

The alarm pierced my sleep after having finally entered deep into sleeplandia. Rather than pushing snooze, I incoherently shut it off. So, reset alarm, get 5 more minutes of sleep. I was awake at 04:45 and worried that I had an early morning meeting that a bicycle ride to and from the ocean might disrupt. Rather than crawling out of bed to check my work calendar to put my mind at rest, I rolled over. During this time and the piercing sound, I dreamt up an intricate scheme that most certainly included rain. Rain cancels rides.

Arun and I were somehow in a type of village where the houses and plots were a maze only clear to the locals. There was definite rain and we took refuge in someone's village home. They served us berry soup and stew. Forget the fact that I gave up red meat, I ate it anyway. The berry was succulent and deep blue, with many slightly hairy seed bulges. It was the shape of a cone coming out of it's greenery. It's flavor was as overflowing as only rain can provide.

The mind has amazing powers to try and talk you out of something. The second time the alarm sounded, I woke up realizing that I committed to this ride with Arun. This morning's sun was so warm and high at 07:00.

This morning's 22.5 mile ride was a "Let's get back into shape" ride. My speed is way down and my climbing needs more climbing. Time to ride 2 - 3 times a week to get my thighs back.

The ocean mist:

Last night, I signed up for ALC10 as a veteran. Nice low $30 registration fee. The last few days, I have thought about all the ALC09 riders progressing to LA safely. As I write this, most have rolled in already and have updated their FB profiles to alert their loved ones that they have made it to LA. Congrats, all! See you out there soon!

I rode my first century of the season (109 miles) and Ben rode his first century (99 miles) ever. Yes, 99 still makes it a century. He finished three hours ahead of me and was in a fast pace line for much of the time. I spent more time at the rest stops and can easily shorten that up next time.

There was an accident between a motorcyclist and the supply vehicle, and the route was closed for some time. I had to go back, get rerouted, and go back again after the rode reopened. That tacked on some mileage. It's good preparation for the 125 miler I am doing in two weeks.

I paced with several groups and individuals. For starters, Peter from South Africa and I passed each other a couple of times before realizing that with an ounce of organization, we could pull each other. That was a pleasant experience and he eventually remained faster than I was. I bet we would have stayed together if we were in a larger group about the same speed. There were a line of folks in a pace line that came up behind me. I tacked onto the end of it for about 15 miles. I met a guy whom I nicknamed "Chucky the bag lady" because his name was Charles and he had a bag specifically made for the ride with a bicycle stenciled on it.

Approximately 30 miles until the end, a woman was not looking that great. Her partner or friend pulled us for many miles with his strong legs. I was not feeling that great either because I knew I was short on food. 30 miles is a long way to go when feeling short on food.