tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22289955701332862182011-10-19T15:09:14.529-07:00I started cycling about eight years ago, as part of my weight loss journey. I have lost nearly 100 pounds using the Weight Watchers Plan and have now kept it off now (for the most part, it's always a struggle) for 6+ years, and cycling has been an integral part of that. I discovered an activity that I truly love which makes exercise so much easier to incorporate in my life. I'm not here as often as I used to be, but you can keep more current with me on Facebook.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.comBlogger1511100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-88451253276738833912009-05-29T18:19:00.001-07:002009-05-29T18:34:38.658-07:00

... for the $5 thousand in 5 weeks for 5 years raffle:Stephanie B - One (1) night stay in a Deluxe Room at the John Muir Inn, Napa* (minimum value $115)Julia J - Three (3) $25 "Do The Red Thing" iTunes gift cards (your choice)Anne H - Mumm Napa 2000 DVX sparkling wine ($65 value) John C - Starbucks $25 gift card (or Peets, your choice)Liz A - In-N-Out Burger $25 gift card (or your choice, for you

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-51837891794765952802009-04-28T17:29:00.000-07:002009-04-28T20:04:14.106-07:00

In just two weeks since (finally) sending out my first fundraising email for AIDS/LifeCycle, we are 52% of the way to my $5,000 goal.  I cannot even begin to thank those who have jumped in and donated again (and again, yes most of you are repeat donors!)And so... as thanks and an additional incentive...Announcing the $5,000 in 5 weeks for 5 years raffle with the following prizes:One (1) night

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-30198747655752275162009-04-20T18:21:00.001-07:002009-04-20T18:23:40.550-07:00

That's the "theme" of my late but  not forgotten start to fundraising for AIDS/LifeCycle 8. In a moment of panic (I've been meaning to get started for months), I took last Tuesday off and spent the entire day updating my email list spreadsheet with all past donors who were not in my Mail export, then worked on importing it to the Participant Center address book. So while it took a lot of work, it

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-20689913443194160352009-02-07T15:09:00.000-08:002009-02-08T16:10:40.079-08:00

It started as an email exchange with Jerome, he shared a Google Doc of Bay Area climbs he had transcribed from the Western Wheelers and Fremont Peak was one listed with a difficulty rating of 1.77. The formula used put this climb harder than climbs I have done including: Eureka Canyon, the lower section of Mt. Hamilton (from last weekend), Tunitas Creek, Metcalf, Alpine, and Old La Honda, while

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-72583106846407111462009-01-31T14:45:00.000-08:002009-02-02T04:46:56.586-08:00

I was glad to see Larry's post for climbing Mount Hamilton (elevation 4,380') in the winter; since Bill and I were on our cruise in October, so I missed Sharon's Mt. Hamilton in the Fall ride (she had to cancel for personal reasons.) Except trying to climb it with extra cruise/holiday poundage and not many miles on the bike in January had me thinking twice the morning of. But I tend to do that,

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-26256626816466767752009-01-28T17:25:00.000-08:002009-01-28T18:52:52.930-08:00

No, really!I haven't really (totally) abandoned my blog, but I have been away for a very long time.I do promise to work on catching up on old entries:New Year Day Hollister to  Monterey one way bike ride and moreSilverado Trail in the fall, 56 mile out and back in early Decemberthe arrival of the iPhonethe rest of our New Zealand-Australia cruiseJim's 70th birthday partyTahoe Sierra metric

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-72486771262119005942009-01-17T17:06:00.000-08:002009-02-02T04:48:38.013-08:00

Two of my favorite South Bay rides are the South Bay Reservoirs loop and any ride into Stevens Canyon and up Mt. Eden and Pierce Roads. The first time into Stevens Canyon was back in the summer of 2006, Julie was working Campbell and she inquired if any south bay ALC riders were interested in riding after work. Our first Campbell midweek ride included Quito Road and the Shannon/Road climbs, the

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-72983235625600620622008-10-22T12:30:00.000-07:002008-10-27T21:02:07.381-07:00

Arriving at the Auckland airport, we easily navigated the New Zealand immigration and customs lines with no problems, our luggage arrived quickly and we exited the Arrivals terminal to find our driver for our transfer to the Auckland Langley Hotel. We were the only cruise passengers arriving at that time, so our transfer was by car, Robert loaded our luggage, including the case of wine and

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-62154580348369434132008-10-21T11:31:00.000-07:002008-10-25T20:03:33.941-07:00

After a short walk thru the Hong Kong terminal we were at our gate for then next leg of our journey to Auckland, we originally only had a three hour layover, and with the late arrival on the SFO-HKG flight, we didn't have long to wait, just long enough to check email and then board leisurely.The Airbus had the traditional business class seating and interestingly, we both felt the wider seat had a

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-38136729503977364672008-10-20T10:28:00.000-07:002008-10-25T20:16:33.199-07:00

As far as getting ready for an overseas flight goes, this was an easy one, with us having Saturday and Sunday to get organized and packed. And with a 1:35 pm departure time, it meant we did not have to get up at zero-dark-thirty to get to the airport.Things went equally smoothly at SFO, with check in of our four bags (all under the 70 pound limit), plus the case of wine and champagne that Bill

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-72652904261260292542008-07-13T20:02:00.000-07:002008-10-07T20:14:34.270-07:00

Saturday morning, we left Minden before 4am, which made easier. Riders were already climbing to Turtle Rock from Woodfords, some with lights and some without. The excitement grew. We had pre-purchased breakfast the day before, a benefit for the Search & Rescue, and after eating, we headed out to meet Jeff to start together at 5am. We got there 5 minutes late and decided that he may have already

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-50251993705011248342008-07-11T17:53:00.000-07:002008-10-07T19:49:54.853-07:00

The Death Ride... the name does not exactly conjure images of a fun time. But there is something different about this ride from other organized rides. And no, I don't mean the fact that the entire ride, if completed, include five mountain passes, 129 miles and 15,0000+ feet of climbing either. The name does inspire some fear, dread and certainly makes one question one's sanity in registering for

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-48786417526863374372008-06-24T21:01:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:18:10.629-08:00

Tonight I was looking at the May/June 2008 American Bicyclist magazine put out by the League of American Bicyclists and I came across an ad.I read it twice and then it hit me... The ad read: Bicycling Tours for Seniors 50+ from a group called Senior Cycling, with the byline of "old folks on spokes".CRAP! I will be 50 next Tuesday!So I showed this to Bill, who just thought the whole thing was

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-38165902281141792362008-06-07T13:54:00.000-07:002008-06-09T15:26:14.921-07:00

Day 7, Done 62 point something miles whatever works, another pretty day actually the prettiest living ____ was not park it out this morning, About 4 hours road together, pretty much most of the day had a couple of new ____ making to include the ____ lunch. ____ and then on ____and upto the end of the ride. ____. and then that was it pretty much we have decided to skip the closing ceremony and

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-42348207702171298742008-06-06T15:26:00.000-07:002008-06-09T15:30:42.175-07:00

Greetings from Ventura, another beautiful day, 85.5 miles. We're on our way from Lampuk(?). Tomorrow is our last day. Tonight is a Princess Night. And Bill(?) has driven down from Hollister, and we're going to be out for dinner, and we're having ____ with our friends, so it should be a fun evening before our last day tomorrow on the way to LA. This year, did hear an accident behind me. I want

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-19020857690694053482008-06-05T17:14:00.001-07:002008-06-05T17:14:19.915-07:00

I guess blogger has a little time out thing, so many minutes it will take to record. Anyway, tomorrow on to Ventura, stop at Paradise Pitt, put on by a group in Sana Barbara, with ice cream, homemade cookies, brownies, they usually set up a massage table, and so forth. Bill will be driving down to meet us in Ventura, and will be spending the night at the Marriott, so it will be a nice treat. I

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-50795751839232004982008-06-05T15:30:00.000-07:002008-06-09T15:31:37.001-07:00

Day 5 down, another sunny pretty day. Going between Santa Maria and Lompoc, we got out of the camp a lot later because we're getting dress for red dress day, so you just have to wait to see the photos. My friends, Chris and Roger, even set in a little nail salon right there in ____field, so people get their nails done. That was a really pretty day, we're in Lompoc now. Light winds for a

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-78332746355365856622008-06-04T20:28:00.001-07:002008-06-09T15:24:33.218-07:00

Greetings from Santa Maria, California on day 4. Today was 97 miles, tomorrow is 42 miles to ____. Another clear day, another pretty day, cool cool and quite windy coming down to Kimbria(?) the usual place going into Guadalupe is expected to be little cool down to 46 degrees in Santa Maria tonight, so should be bliss tomorrow for bed rest day, having a wonderful time. Only two more days to go,

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-89698100897392108462008-06-03T05:06:00.000-07:002008-06-09T15:24:17.422-07:00

Greetings, passed(?) Ravel(?), day 3 is down. An easier 66 miles than yesterdays 105 miles and a very pretty day. We had a clear sky to leave King City. We went out to 5(?) different group so we did not get a chance to test out the new page section account versus Cobblestone(?) for last year on the official ride(?). I did get to test it early in the Spring on a test drive for a terrain ride for

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-20628359708744504242008-06-02T19:29:00.001-07:002008-06-09T15:23:51.701-07:00

Greetings from King City, a windy King City, a very windy King City. We had our normal winds. We had fog this morning. I had bike problems. Had a little problem with the wheel, 106 miles, but a good day overall. My bike is in Bike(?) City(?) again, they're getting work done. So hopefully, it is fully functional tomorrow. Tomorrow is a 67 mile ride, a little shorter this year to pass(?) Eroble(?).

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-91831937249478806672008-06-01T20:36:00.001-07:002008-06-09T15:26:37.984-07:00

Fits(?) day(?) one(?), I'm in Santa Cruz. After(?) it's(?) a 1.5 miles. ____ it's about 8:19 and we finished community services messages and I'm going to bed very shortly, very tired(?). We have over 2500 riders and we raised nearly 12 million dollars this year. Today was a beautiful day and(?) it(?) turned out to be quite clear as we left the Cow(?) Palace and as we ride to Santa Cruz, we had a

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-80022256550971104682008-06-01T04:13:00.000-07:002008-06-01T04:13:00.342-07:00

From a press release from AIDS/LifeCycle, the mileage for this year:Sunday, June 1 - 79.3 miles to Santa CruzMonday, June 2 - 105.4 miles to King CityTuesday June 3 - 66.7 miles to Paso RoblesWednesday, June 4 - 97.7 miles to Santa MariaThursday, June 5 - 42.5 miles to LompocFriday, June 6 - 85.5 miles to VenturaSaturday, June 7-61.5 miles to Los AngelesThis adds up to 538.6 miles. We

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-17536620624056984792008-05-31T18:48:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:18:10.849-08:00

The BIG ideaIf you have a preconcieved notion of what the safety squad does and how we do it, forget it. This project is not that. We are not a lot of things, and here are some examples:We are cronies of the ALC safefty team.We are not the ALC Police.We are not enforcers.We are not snitches.We're not even handing out any citations, though I'm sure some of you would like to.What we are: We

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-65716519616083834782008-05-30T20:30:00.000-07:002008-05-30T20:30:00.555-07:00

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-42089583493531530372008-05-28T07:03:00.001-07:002008-12-12T22:18:10.996-08:00

This is just a test to see how Jott would work compared to Comcast for seven days on the ride. listenPowered by Jott

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-75324808817439182492008-05-27T16:21:00.000-07:002008-05-27T16:21:01.246-07:00

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-33917241542358712752008-05-27T11:05:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:18:11.143-08:00

YIKES! The fire got very, very close...The Summit fire that broke out last week in the Santa Cruz Mountains came way too close to the property we used to have on Hazel Dell Road! My cousin Sally called me on Sunday to see if I knew, I had been so busy Friday re-doing the Saturday ride route out to the Pinnacles that I never checked. When I checked interactive fire map on the San Jose Mercury's

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-53123029840730310662008-05-26T19:01:00.000-07:002008-05-30T21:13:14.429-07:00

The Ride to Eat isn't much of a training ride, as you can tell from the name. But Julie and Mike have been having this as the final ride for a number of years. Julie no longer rides, but coordinates the ride for the Training Ride Leaders who have signed up to lead and sweep. While the weather was a bit off (all weekend in fact) there was still a nice turn out.After stretching, Julie continued

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-69238517478916203802008-05-24T21:07:00.000-07:002008-05-30T22:36:33.000-07:00

The Return to Hollister Hills finale was going to be a new (to ALC) loop over to Aromas and then on to Freedom for lunch, and completing the loop to Corralitos and up Browns Valley Road to Hazel Dell Road and then back the way we came, more or less. The weather heading this direction (towards the coast) is typically cooler, cooler than last years route out to the East Pinnacles entrance. But the

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-39939389105963099872008-05-19T12:14:00.000-07:002008-05-25T21:09:11.168-07:00

Bill's SAG (Support And Gear) driving for Saturday's double-metric resulted in a $100 donation for me... On the east side of the Dumbarton I found him with 2 riders, facing west though. I stopped, did not recognize either rider and since they appeared to be heading the opposite direction, I kinda felt out the situation. And yes, they were not riding with us... he just happened upon them and

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-68661185430882347362008-05-18T16:23:00.000-07:002008-05-31T20:16:14.509-07:00

I've enjoyed Strawberry Fields Forever rides going back to 2003 when Bill and I did the 25 mile route. Last year, the starting point changed to Watsonville, which pushes the lunch stop out to 70 something miles, right after a short, but brutal climb. And last years P.S.V.T. episode had me a bit anxious, despite the findings.And who was riding was up in the air too, Dave and Jon were going to ride

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-65027393067132775102008-05-17T16:22:00.000-07:002008-05-29T14:30:46.581-07:00

This was the big one, the grand finale to Chris Thomas' Peninsula CAT 3 Long Distance training series. Earlier in the week Chris sent Cindy, Mary and myself (there were only going to be 4 of us as TRLs) an email upate. Cindy in turn was hoping to find a TRL to substitute for her as the SAG driver. I asked Bill if he would consider it. Bill: "Do you want me to?"Me: "That's not what I said, I just

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-13876965672594956832008-05-03T20:47:00.000-07:002008-05-29T14:30:01.088-07:00

This year, I was (once again) signed up for the Wine Country double metric, but after having missed a few too many weekends (and weekdays) of training I opted for just the century, as did my friend Patrick. That left Will on his own for the double metric, but I figured he would catch up to us anyway (and he did.) Got a chance to say "hi" to Scott and Jeff at the ride start, who were riding with

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-2017812559764266882008-04-26T20:30:00.000-07:002008-04-29T18:45:12.208-07:00

I was kind of bummed last year when a number of Team Different Spokes members finally opted to do DOTR; Jerome, Will and I were already going to ride the Mt. Hamilton Challenge. It was even more disturbing last year, when they sent us a picture of them having gelato at 2:30 in the afternoon, while we were still headed to our rest stop 3, with 45 miles still to go. Not that I regret doing Mt.

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-26642098116820342252008-04-22T16:46:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:18:11.925-08:00

After our Different Spokes General Membership Kick-Off meeting and special presentation by Lorri Lee Lown of Bay Area Velo Girls, I scheduled myself for a bike re-fitting on both bikes. My original bike (frame) fitting was with Curtis (of Revolutions in Fitness) back in 2004, with a follow-up in 2005. The new bike was fit last year with Garrett of Peak Physical Therapy (who used to work with

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-39766798307182066042008-04-20T04:43:00.000-07:002008-04-28T20:32:06.228-07:00

The plan was for back to back centuries (as was the plan last year.) After finding the crack on my rear wheel hub yesterday, I gave the old bike a test ride, having not ridden it since last April, when the frame was found to have a crack. It felt "different" for sure on a 2 mile test ride around Sunnyslope Village last night, like the seat was low so my knees felt funny.Regardless, during the

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-38993323803345902012008-04-19T18:04:00.000-07:002008-04-28T20:05:15.426-07:00

This years Tierra Bella featured a change to the century route; instead of going to San Jose and climbing Metcalf Road, we only went as far as Calero Reservoir before returning to Morgan Hill and then on to the new challenge, Thomas Grade and East Dunne to Henry Coe State Park.Jerome, Will, Larry, David and I all headed out together for the loop up past Uvas. Topher was unsure of the start,

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-57665530624107277972008-04-12T09:48:00.000-07:002008-04-27T18:02:55.516-07:00

Yesterdays drive back to DC was a long one, the GPS took us off the highway and through the city, we of course did not know why, but followed it nevertheless. We got to the Residence Inn and checked in later than we anticipated, so we did not try to go to Brazilian steakhouse that Randy had told us about, Fogo de Chao. Instead we walked to a restaurant nearby, and then went to bed.Up early for

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-5304907134170438492008-04-10T09:46:00.000-07:002008-04-27T17:54:46.737-07:00

The drive from Ann Arbor to Windsor was very quick, barely over an hour. We were advised by Norma, to take the bridge across to Canada instead of the tunnel, because she thought the construction might case a delay. But because of all the construction and the poor routing on the GPS, we ended up in the tunnel anyway. It wasn't bad, there was no back-up, but the customs officer was a bit strange,

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-65622901242111676092008-04-09T09:45:00.000-07:002008-04-27T17:41:05.533-07:00

Our drive to Ann Arbor was quite pleasant, despite some construction on the turnpike and the large number of trucks. By contrast, the Ohio Turnpike was quite nice; a very smooth road and every 30 miles was this very nice Service Plaza with nice restrooms, plenty of parking and each one with a variety of food choices.We got to Sue's around 2 and had a chance to catch up some. Pat was flying into

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-77861956017322263582008-04-08T09:44:00.000-07:002008-04-27T17:07:59.461-07:00

On Monday, we left Pat in Easton, Maryland and made the drive to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for our next visit, with Chuck and Mary. It wasn't a difficult drive, although the Garmin GPS directed us to their home an interesting way.Mary had a nice dinner planned, Chicken Marsala, green beans, a nice salad, and some wine.Tuesday morning, after a marvelous calorie-laden breakfast, we headed out to the

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-6601697150383775732008-04-06T09:43:00.000-07:002008-04-25T18:05:05.425-07:00

We arrived last night close to midnight, after a relatively short hour and change drive from Reagan National to Easton, Maryland. Pat was so excited to see us, and it was so good to see her in her new home!We awoke to a rainy Sunday morning. Pat prepared a nice Sunday brunch, her brother Mason and his girlfriend Kathy brought her mother, and we had a fun visit with them.After brunch, we went out

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-89763780247614236552008-04-05T06:14:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:18:12.280-08:00

How can you beat First Class seats from SFO to LAX and then a one hour layover and (another) on time departure for the LAX to DCA flight, again in First Class. The upgrade was a surprise, Bill used some of our few remaining miles (after the Cathay Pacific Business Class round trips from SFO to Auckland and Syndey back to SFO for our cruise in October.)So this was the first leg our our week long

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-52695824321183563182008-03-30T06:12:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:18:12.433-08:00

An 8am meet time, with ride out at 8:30am in the City for the AIDS/LifeCycle Expo Ride #1-Tiburon loop, so I was up at 4:30 and on the road at 5:30am for the 90 mile drive. This gave me time to stop at Starbucks in Sunnyvale,and a pee stop in South San Francisco, and plenty of time to park and get the bike and gear ready. I had volunteered to be a TRL for the ride, one of 14 and we got word that

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-17013165468559244352008-03-29T10:14:00.000-07:002008-04-05T11:02:42.873-07:00

Todays route was an 86 miler, doing a loop down and around the South Bay, then up to Fremont, then on into Niles Canyon to Sunol, and then north to San Ramon. From there the route was to go up Bollinger and Norris Canyon Roads, new territory for me. Then from there the return back to Mountain View was to be a mostly downhill or flat track back and across the Dumbarton Bridge thru Palo Alto and

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-73857072482029187892008-03-27T09:02:00.001-07:002008-12-12T22:18:12.987-08:00

After having gotten way laid on my fund raising this year (entirely my own doing, over-extended again), I missed my opportunity for the $1k fundraising incentive. From the description, I assume that the wind vest was going to be the "ALC" orange vest, similar to the new Training Ride Leader vest we can wear instead of the B.U.H.C (butt ugly helmet cover). I was wrong, the vests are red! :-(But I

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-34336229344797187402008-03-25T14:18:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:18:13.163-08:00

From the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, and the Good Roads Campaign, the following video "Potholes of San Francisco" by community filmmaker Greg Rodgers.Come to Hollister for more potholes!

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-35614355023680556252008-03-23T17:43:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:18:13.327-08:00

The jersey to wear this year for Day 4!Based on the sizing chart, I ordered a Medium as soon as the stock came back. Medium = 42 chest, should be right. Ummm, good thing I ordered both a Large and an Extra-Large when availabile the third time, I suspect the XL will be the correct size.For sale: Medium and (future) Large, no doubt.

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-39305745587603946472008-03-22T07:48:00.000-07:002008-03-23T09:26:07.090-07:00

Finally, a great weather forecast for the third ride of the Return to Hollister Hills rides. During the week, the number of riders changed a number of times, but the response was low. I'm not sure if this was because of it being Easter weekend, the driving distance, the ride distance or possibly the rescheduling of last weeks Peninsula CAT 3 Distance training ride, or some combination. The ratio

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-52277696258297235662008-03-16T17:17:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:18:13.539-08:00

Last night we celebrated Bill's birthday with our friends, Charlene & Doug, and Morgan & Danny. The three choices offered to Bill were the Inn at Tres Pinos (always a favorite, and close by), or Shadowbrook over in Capitola, or La Foret in the New Almaden area in South San Jose (both favorites of ours, but a bit of a drive, to either one.)Bill chose Shadowbrook and Doug and Charlene offered to

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-38239976484498038742008-03-15T14:27:00.001-07:002008-03-15T17:51:29.905-07:00

Yep, the weather forecast was dismal, I was up at 5:10am and it was still showing a 60% Chance of Light Rain Showers, Slight Chance Thunderstorms. But we've been there before and it has been wrong. At 6:40, I had headed up upstairs to brush my teeth, grab my cell phone, and I saw the email from Chris: Ride cancelled. So I shifted gears and came up with my own plan B, to get out and ride here in

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-87057861962910724332008-03-13T11:46:00.000-07:002008-03-23T17:42:33.143-07:00

As a follow-up to Kumar's accident on the Quadbuster test ride, he reported that the bike shop examined his bike, and the front quick release was loose just enough that it cause the accident. Last year I joined the League of American Bicyclists and they sent me a bookmark with the ABC Quick Check, a great reminder we all should do each and every time we ride. A is for air Inflate tires

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-67179788300296167842008-03-12T17:16:00.000-07:002008-12-12T22:18:14.126-08:00

The email read:Congratulations!You have been selected to participate in the 2008 Tour of the California Alps -Death Ride.What is the Death Ride you ask?It is an infamous 129 mile, five pass ride (15,000+ feet total elevation gain), held the second Saturday in July for the past 28 years, and the course includes:* Monitor Pass (8,314')* Ebbett's Pass (8,730')* Carson Pass (8,573')Beginning and

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-12863095917479048322008-03-09T20:11:00.000-07:002008-03-23T17:24:13.504-07:00

Quadbuster, the well known infamous hill from Day 3, and the test ride idea was born last year when Chris suggested it. The weather proved to be quite nice as ten of us headed out of King City for the 33 mile loop following the Day 3 route down to San Lucas, then west to Jolon Road and then up the gentle incline to Quadbuster.I did end up being a bit later than I expected (the normal oee-stops),

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-40838203067594135382008-03-08T20:11:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:18:14.294-08:00

The Solvang Century is one organized ride that I had not yet considered doing, it being a 4 hour drive away (ok, stop your laughing those who know how much I do drive, for work or for rides!) But when my friend Stephanie asked me last fall if I was going to do the Tour de Palm Springs this year, I mentioned that I was considering this ride instead, and so the decision was made.Another friend,

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-7928548887436728492008-03-02T05:39:00.000-08:002008-03-13T11:37:24.886-07:00

This week's 45 miler (well, 42.6 miles by my GPS) took us to Roberts Market in Woodside again, and then on to Edgwood Road and back. But we did this in the reverse direction of the Tripp Road ride several weeks back. It's always interesting to me how a ride can seem so different, just by doing it in the reverse.A familiar face from ALC6, Trevor, who I met last year on one of the South Bay

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-1670328096395979772008-03-01T05:40:00.000-08:002008-03-13T10:42:03.073-07:00

The Silverado Trail ALC training ride, one I've missed the last two years, I wanted to this year. So back in January when scheduling the Return to Hollister Hills ride series, I asked Michael Cook if he had a date in mind for this years ride. And so I was able to get this on my calendar early. Bill's sister-in-law, Liz, got us a room at the John Muir Inn, so we drove up after work on Friday, and

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-3548352498732140962008-02-23T08:58:00.000-08:002008-02-25T16:59:11.312-08:00

Despite another ominous weather forecast, the second of the 2008 Hollister Hills ALC7 training rides did not get canceled; we did ride, while not the full 59 mile route, we got in 47 miles and only the last 8 miles was in the rain.Friday afternoon Wunderground was forecasting: Slight chance of rain in the morning...then rain likely in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 40s to lower 60s. Southeast

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-6221472115144367712008-02-22T17:22:00.000-08:002008-12-12T22:18:14.503-08:00

I had no idea how bad I missed the car, till I finally got it back Friday afternoon. The problem? Initially it was diagnosed as a faulty air mass sensor. With the holiday and all this wasn't until Tuesday afternoon. Since the car was also due for the 100k service a few weeks earlier (I had the appointment, they had what the service was as only an oil change, kind of annoying), and they found the

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-11513069251942713322008-02-17T16:35:00.000-08:002008-03-05T05:39:20.775-08:00

While this was not originally on my planned list of rides, it was because I had volunteered to come and co-lead one of Julie's CAT 3 that will follow Ben's CAT 2 rides from the Sports Basement, that I found myself here. Not a problem, an hours less driving and a chance to see her and Mike.Dave and Jon were also planning on coming to the ride, since I had cross-posted it to the DSSF Ride Calendar,

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-45510230506634469652008-02-16T17:06:00.000-08:002008-03-05T05:36:40.029-08:00

I missed todays ride! :-(I was on my way, ahead of time in fact, and was just getting on Highway 101 from Highway 25, having followed a car going 50 miles per hour for the last 9 miles. So, I punched it, since I wanted to get around this car, but not cut off the vehicle coming up in the fast lane.60 miles per hour, I started to let up off the gas, and it felt like some sort of governor had taken

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-61329879922914690522008-02-10T16:05:00.000-08:002008-03-05T05:38:59.669-08:00

This was a repeat of the route originally started last Sunday, where we got as far as Page Mill Road on Foothill Expressway, before calling it a day in the rain and turning back. And it was a nicer ride, because Dave brought Jon down on his first official ALC training ride. And, we were joined by fellow Spokers, Doug & Bart too! And after last weekends rainy Sunday, this morning was quite nice.

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-9226216194786881212008-02-03T09:07:00.000-08:002008-03-05T05:38:41.808-08:00

Well, after yesterday's partially rained out ride, I was hopeful for today. It wasn't meant to be obviously, although a strange twist of fate made me wonder... what if?We headed out under cloudy skies for sure, and by the time we got to Page Mill Road on Foothill Expressway, it was rain. We were all pulled over and on the sidewalk, while we discussed options, the only one making sense was to call

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-43988019265505348182008-02-02T09:00:00.000-08:002008-03-05T05:37:50.365-08:00

Well, I guess it is winter, right? The forecast was for rain, and while the weather radar looked clear, it looked rather ominous as we prepared for ride-out. Todays ride include a loop down towards Santa Clara and up along Sunnyvale's Baylands Park and back to Mountain View before heading to the foothills. 21 riders (plus one unofficial rider) showed and we did manage to get in various amounts

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-17828885090137974552008-01-26T06:29:00.000-08:002008-01-27T16:35:59.648-08:00

The first of the 2008 Hollister Hills ALC7 training rides did not get cancelled, despite the constantly changing weather predictions (from 70% chance of rain and 30 mph winds Friday night to 30% chance of light rain and 20 mph winds Saturday morning), a last minute shortage of Training Ride Leaders (family emergencies) and riders (5 RSVPs, 1 showed)!I sent out an email shortly after 6am that it

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-80704937011440212462008-01-20T20:38:00.000-08:002008-03-05T05:38:19.387-08:00

The first of the South Bay CAT 2 ride series was a great introduction ride and while the weather looked threatening, we completed the ride without a drop of rain. I got a chance to chat with Buzz (Rider # 1706) and it turns out he is a fellow Weight Watchers member, having lost 170# to date! Way to go Buzz. He and his good friend Gilbert were riding together that day!Along with Chris' CAT 3

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-12825168515939932982008-01-19T16:41:00.000-08:002008-03-05T05:37:24.787-08:00

Ride #2 of the series was a 47 miler, including one of my favorite parts of riding in the South Bay: Stevens Canyon and Mt. Eden Road. And while the forecast was for a chilly morning, it warmed up quite nicely for January. And the cold temps did not keep riders away, a total of 31 riders did the loop! And DSSF had a good showing too, in addition to Chris, David G and myself as co-leaders,

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-14963650510138400622008-01-05T16:49:00.000-08:002008-03-05T05:37:03.376-08:00

The Cat-3 Distance Training rides are for intermediate riders who want to increase their physical and mental endurance on long-distance rides. A new set of rides, courtesy of Chris Thomas, whom I co-led many of the his training rides last year, his routes are always different, well thought out and test ridden too!These rides start from near the Mountain View CalTrain station, and this first ride

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-17197434776567399432008-01-01T12:33:00.000-08:002008-01-22T15:52:01.797-08:00

I did it! I did it! I made my goal of 5,000 miles for 2007, with 5 extra miles in fact. Granted it came down to the wire, I finished on New Years Eve day, but I did it! On the 31st, knowing I needed 16.91 miles to get to 5,000 miles exactly, I planned to do one of my usual 20+ mile rides from the house: heading up John Smith Road to Quien Sabe and Highway 25, an out and back. And it was a very

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-58644929802882022592007-12-24T17:04:00.000-08:002007-12-24T17:06:42.707-08:00

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-49587533713671178752007-12-15T07:40:00.000-08:002007-12-24T07:57:04.366-08:00

Yes, you read that right. Winter Solstice Century! And no, I did not, even in a moment of insanity, sign up for a double century. But I have been trying to do this century for the last several years. It starts in Gilroy, so close to home, so what if it's December!?!Two years ago, I couldn't convince anyone to join me, and then I think the weather turned out to be awful that day, so no great loss

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-33805937784504592742007-12-11T06:15:00.000-08:002007-12-11T06:19:25.049-08:00

TRL Erin from Southern California, raps the ALC7 Safety Speech, too funny!

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-16037958398935834272007-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:002007-11-24T07:06:54.585-08:00

Stephanie & David posted this ride on the Different Spokes calendar and I had been looking forward to it. It's now a "tradition" of sorts (do 2 years make a tradition?) to have a day after Thanksgiving ride, and with today's weather, what a fabulous ride it was!David has cross posted the ride to the AIDS/LifeCycle forum and that brought Rod Wong out to join us, along with Will. I had not met Rod

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-52662863866635943632007-11-18T09:47:00.000-08:002008-01-22T17:24:31.999-08:00

Billed as a tour and not a ride, the GLS Tour of San Francisco had a nice showing from DSSF, besides Stephanie C and Nancy who cross posted the ride, there was also Derek, Russell, Stephanie V and Alfred, taking advantage of the transit friendly start.The 35 mile tour started at the Ferry Building on San Francisco’s waterfront, heading south along the Embarcadero. Along the way, we passed through

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-15993844617847509482007-11-15T04:16:00.000-08:002007-11-22T07:43:49.271-08:00

...old man!That's what I heard this afternoon from a kid as I turned onto Glenview Drive riding back home. He was sitting on his bike facing the curb talking with some other kids. I would guess he was about 10 or 12. Since he was in the roadway, I swung out into the other lane to go around him.Imagine my surprise to hear that! My first thought was, well... it involved a curse word or two. And

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-78243720418636354702007-11-04T04:19:00.000-08:002007-11-22T10:51:38.940-08:00

My first ride with Different Spokes as a co-leader was Morgan Territory from Walnut Creek BART, with Tony Moy in the fall of 2004. It was my first ride in the East Bay since taking up cycling actually, and I really enjoyed it.That same year Jerome posted and led an alternate ride, starting at Concord BART, up and around Morgan Territories, and instead of circling back thru Danville, it headed on

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-23974440142883478132007-11-03T17:42:00.000-07:002008-01-23T16:27:33.745-08:00

Having twice missed the opportunity to ride in Fresno, I was looking forward to Chris' ALC Central Valley Get-Acquainted Ride, a 37 mile jaunt out and back to Peidra and Doyal's Store near Pine Flat Lake. With a 10am meet time, it was an easy ride over. Two of the other 3 Fresno ALC riders were also there, John & Sheldon. A third was expected, driving up from Hanford. The ride start was actually

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-32409197048098914982007-10-27T20:47:00.000-07:002008-01-23T17:06:46.514-08:00

The "renegade" ride, is a non-official ALC ride, so there is no scheduled stretching time, no mandatory safety speech, just friends meeting to go ride. While this ride has been an official ALC training ride, joining one or being a co-leader hasn't worked out in the past because of my schedule. So when invited this year, to Julie and Debra's Fall Napa Renegade Ride, I RSVPed right away. Well,

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-54624011318605805512007-10-06T18:07:00.000-07:002008-01-23T15:16:12.355-08:00

Having done the Konocti Challenge last year solo, the ride was put on the DSSF calendar as a club event at my urging. With the 3 hour drive, I wasn't expecting a huge turn out, in fact, the response to the poll was, well, minimal. But the Gold Country weekend in Plymouth was going to be the following weekend.And unfortunately I registered, then went to post a message to the club with a reference

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-59576780057631818702007-09-30T18:09:00.000-07:002008-01-23T20:48:47.776-08:00

We were quite pleased to be invited to Charlie & Lisa's wedding, although it being on a Sunday afternoon in South Lake Tahoe it meant taking a day off from work. Saturday we drove up, it's been a while since either of us were up Highway 50, it was a nice drive. Saturday night, dinner and partying was planned for Harveys at the Cabo Wabo Cantina. Bill and I got there and got a table, we're both

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-85130635936122131102007-09-30T18:08:00.000-07:002008-01-23T17:37:13.582-08:00

When we were invited to Charlie and Lisa's wedding, which was going to be in the afternoon, my first thought was maybe I should bring my bike and go for a ride. But that would leave Bill alone, and so I looked for some sort of hike we might do together instead.I came across several listings for a hike from Highway 89 overlooking Emerald Bay to Eagle Lake, and so I proposed that as one option; the

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-36936440386599573862007-09-23T20:26:00.000-07:002007-10-25T17:51:26.934-07:00

The idea for this route came from an ALC Training Ride from the spring, which was canceled due to weather. I had the route sheet and saved it. David Goldsmith and I were talking, he offered to co-lead with me, and I mentioned wanting to do this route, and so it began.The route seemed complicated, and so I was drawing it out on Bikely. I also pulled out an old route sheet for the Primavera Century

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-89382215369543233682007-09-16T19:54:00.000-07:002007-10-25T13:48:09.190-07:00

I woke at 4am to use the restrooms, and I don't think I ever really got back to sleep, and just before reveilli at sunrise, I was already getting dressed and repacking. On day 2, you pack up your gear, take down your tent, leave your gear at the truck and then ride your bike back to the Hacienda Ranch House for breakfast. I checked my tire and it was getting low, so the tube I used must have a

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-15557950915065731622007-09-15T20:52:00.000-07:002007-10-25T15:02:07.011-07:00

There's nothing like signing up to do a fantastic ride a second time, all the while hoping that the weather is just as incredible as the previous year. Well, I was not disappointed one bit, in fact the weather on the first day was a bit warmer at the early morning start then last year. This year, my DSSF friends, Scott, Roger and Jeff also came along on the 170 mile, 11,000 feet in 2 days Big Sur

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-5593997448184351192007-09-09T18:29:00.000-07:002007-09-22T14:19:45.106-07:00

I'm no downhill speedster on the bike, but I briefly saw 42.3 miles per hour on the descent down Quien Sabe this afternoon!! Yes, it was a very quick glance and dang it, I can't prove it either. The GPS only captured a maximum speed of 41.3 mph on the download at MotionBased, what's up with that? I did see it! If only briefly.

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-14414252672489411342007-09-08T16:35:00.000-07:002007-10-17T20:34:53.453-07:00

I think this is the fifth year we have joined our friends, Charlene and Doug, for the Gabilan Chapter of the Kinship Center's Annual Food & Wine Tasting event, held at Paicines Ranch. The ranch is an actual working ranch still, raising grass-fed beef and general agriculture. Last year's E. coli outbreak in organic spinach was traced to the ranch, but was shown to have been introduced thru

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-40200394759667662522007-09-01T20:46:00.000-07:002007-10-17T20:35:56.252-07:00

The third annual Hollister Mini Death Ride ended up being greatly abbreviated, but it still felt like a ride thru a furnace, yet seven of us survived to tell the tale. Fellow AIDS/LifeCycle Training Ride Leaders, George and Mary Beth came down to join Stephanie, Jerome, Doug, Wanderson and myself for this years ride, now ostensibly a pre-Big Sur Ride training ride.An update was required to the

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-88271126153210979752007-08-26T14:18:00.000-07:002007-10-17T20:36:28.249-07:00

Why the East Bay, when I live 90 miles away? Something new, and something old at the same time. I grew up in the East Bay, and since I now live in Hollister, it's always interesting to go back and ride in that area, it has changed quite a bit, but a lot is still the same.Being a Training Ride Leader for AIDS/LifeCycle, I had access to a large ride library there many of the East Bay training rides

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-90047115108560476382007-08-24T19:06:00.000-07:002007-09-04T05:39:26.580-07:00

I have never done these hills, nothing even this close, I don't think. Or maybe I don't even want to know. But I posted this after a conversation with a freind in Marin, about riding back to the Castro. She doesn't ride to or from the City often, other than the Sports Basement at Chrissy Field, so her thought was that I would be riding up Divisadero from Lombard Street.Anyway, Frank Chan climbs

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-55872231426172177842007-08-17T23:03:00.000-07:002008-01-23T13:03:11.716-08:00

We started Day 2 at about 6:40am at the Days Inn. We had not run into the DS/S gang at the end of Day 1, so we had no plans to ride out together other than the three of us. My e-friend, Cecil, and I had played phone tag yesterday. We missed each other at ride out and then she lost her bike computer on the Burke Gilman Trail, and had back tracked looking for it, adding about 10 miles to her day.

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-72261881633293381572007-08-16T21:30:00.000-07:002008-01-23T12:03:23.090-08:00

The starting point for the R.S.V.P.! was only a few miles from our respective motels, at Warren G. Magnussen Park, at the old San Point Naval Naval Station near Lake Washington. We arrived about 6:15, Bill parked and we off loaded our bikes, got our stuff together, got a few photos in and then picked up our souvenir R.S.V.P. bento boxes.We met up with the Different Spokes Seattle gang, Tim, Greg

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-7590714192838861602007-08-15T21:12:00.000-07:002007-10-17T20:39:30.284-07:00

At the Poco Wine Room on Capitol Hill, we were met by Different Spokes Seattle board members, Mike, Tim and Kam, who put together the mixer for those of use coming up from San Francisco for the R.S.V.P., our first joint Washington event. It was a very pleasant mixer, along with an additional half dozen or so members and the four of us. Patrick had put together little gift for us to give those

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-58368533232986934482007-08-15T19:15:00.000-07:002007-10-17T20:40:11.846-07:00

Wednesday-8/15 - Hollister to Medford/Central Point ORDay one of our week long journey to the Northwest, we left home about 5:20am heading to our first 2 stops in the City. First to Patrick's then on to Michael's, where he treated us with Peets coffees and we were on the road leaving the City shortly before 8am. Traffic was light across the Bay Bridge and up Highway 80 and we were in Interstate 5

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-86283789635341149862007-08-04T16:53:00.000-07:002007-10-17T20:40:38.391-07:00

The Mt Tam Century is an new 2007 addition to the already full Marin Century line up of routes available, and it covers the first 84 miles of the Mt Tam Double, and the last 10 of all the courses. Having done the Marin Century 3 years in a row, this new option includes some sections of Marin I have not ridden yet, so I signed up for it. Another DSSFer, David G2, was going to do it with me, but he

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-27115411959892330752007-07-22T08:03:00.000-07:002007-08-12T08:38:18.590-07:00

It was July 2004, my longest ride yet, Rico led this ALC training ride from McLaren Lodge to San Jose. With a slight diversion from Woodside to Portola Valley and Bart's home for lunch, it was 79 miles. The following weekend was my first century, the Marin. Those are rides you don't forget.And so, with all the riding I have done in the Peninsula and South Bay, I suggested doing the ride again to

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-15064478399617418492007-07-16T17:58:00.000-07:002007-08-02T20:59:42.055-07:00

Bill and I camping in a tent and white water rafting, who would have thought. Yes, it's true! We were invited to spend the weekend with Julie, Mike and Hannah Brown at Camp Lotus on the the South Fork of the American River two miles downstream from Coloma. It took a little proding to get Bill to go, neither one of us had been white water rafting before, so that was something we both were excited

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-27814447477268548722007-07-07T11:52:00.000-07:002007-07-07T11:58:51.518-07:00

I have completed my seven days of the Ride blog, scroll down below, for details on each day, including statistics for the day, daily route elevation profiles, and an interactive map of each days route. Here are two of the videos compiled from this years ride, we got to seem them in camp on Day 6 and again at closing ceremonies. It wasn't till I found them on YouTube and watched them again, that

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-2742188584653998572007-07-07T11:51:00.000-07:002007-07-07T11:59:28.799-07:00

I came across this video from the Ride, and was watching it, not paying too much attention, since the commentary is in French, when I recognized my friend Jerome (OK, so it's his backside, on the long descent down Highway 46 from the halfway point), but nevertheless:I'm hoping that Jerome can translate the commentary some day, other than "Tour de France" and "peleton" I wonder what he is saying..

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-49643449972592815162007-07-01T15:55:00.000-07:002007-08-02T18:24:49.994-07:00

So it was the toughest ride I did last year, the Giro di Peninsula, and I was glad to see that this years date did not conflict with San Francisco Pride weekend. We did it last year as a Different Spokes club event, so there was a large group of us (well, two groups, the young and fast, and the rest of us.) What made it so hard? Well, a number of circumstances, I am guessing. A lot of climbing,

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2228995570133286218.post-84649050183132315682007-06-17T18:56:00.000-07:002007-08-01T12:10:46.954-07:00

A week after AIDS/LifeCycle and I'm on the bike again, which was my plan after last years two week hiatus before attempting the Giro di Peninsula ride. Not this year. I headed up to the City early yesterday to join Rico on a loop out to San Rafael around China Camp State Park. We met at Velo Rouge Cafe on Arguello, joined by Dave F and Wanderson, a nice group of four.It was a typical foggy

Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05670738471933705170noreply@blogger.com0