This was somewhat of an epic journey. I set out on the first bike ride of 2010, in fact the first bike ride since the Scott Tinley's triathlon back in October.
I wanted to do around 30 miles. I found a ride on www.mapmyride.com which indicated going up Alpine Rd to Skyline. I had previously been up Alpine almost to the top but then came back down. So I thought it would be interesting to go all the way through.
I started the ride on Alpine and made my way to the top. However, there was no way to get across to Skyline..I should have listened to the signs which indicated road closed. So I went back down Alpine and was cruising Portola when I passed Old La Honda Road. I heard lots of stories about how tough a climb it is so I figured, what the heck, let's try it. Man, it was a tough one...around 35 minutes UPHILL for an elevation gain of 1400 ft in 3 miles.
I finally reached Skyline and then was left with a quandary of where to do. Of course, no cell signal so I had no way to review my choices. I decided to head up Skyline, not realizing that it would be another 5 miles up hill. By the time I passed Woodside, I basically committed myself to going all of the way to the 92. I didn't realize it would be another 10ish miles until that point. By the time I reach 92, I was so over it. I flew down and got onto Canada, which was closed to traffic for the Sunday riders. I plowed down with the sole intent on getting back as fast as possible. That is definitely a good motivation factor.
So that's the story how the first ride of the season goes! It really is like the saying 'it's like riding a bike' again..it's that easy.
BIKE: 47.68 mi, 03:28. Elevation gain: 5515.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/24195755
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