Five DSSFers headed to the Northwest to join Different Spokes Seattle on the R.S.V.P., Michael C. and his boyfriend, Jim, Michael S., Patrick, Bill as personal DSSF SAG driver and myself. Michael and Jim flew up, and the rest of us traveled together by car, over 2 days. Day one for us started in Hollister, on to the City to pick-up both Patrick and Michael, and then we headed for Medford. Patrick had made I-5 Survival kits complete with water and snacks. We made it to Redding where Bill had already staked out lunch at an In-N-Out. From there, we continued north on into Oregon. We reached Medford and turned on to Crater Lake Highway, and a little over an hour later, we arrived at Crater Lake National Park. Neither Bill, Patrick or Michael had ever been, so the first glimpse of the lake is kind of like the first time seeing the Grand Canyon, the beautiful blue water against the crater, and the clear blue sky we had that day.

Our second day was a shorter mileage day, and we made it to Seattle shortly after 4pm, and we quickly headed back out to the Capitol Hill area to have dinner before going to the meet ‘n greet mixer put together by Different Spokes Seattle, and walked several blocks to Crave, one of the restaurants recommended by DS/S for dinner.

Day 1
The starting point for RSVP! was Warren G. Magnussen Park, at the old San Point Naval Naval Station near Lake Washington. We headed out shortly before 7am. The route left the park and immediately got on the Burke-Gilman Trail, a rather bumpy (from tree roots) multi-use path (with a couple of walkers, unhappy with the large volume of cyclist using the path that early in the morning. It was a bit unsafe, many riders not calling out as they passed. The path took us around Lake Washington for about 10 miles thru Kenmore and Bothell. In Woodinville was the first climb of the day, not much by Bay Area standards.

We then passed thru Clearview and on into Snohomish where we caught up with the DS/S gang, and Bill, at the Snohomish Bakery & Cafe. From there we continued on the Centennial Trail, that leaves the city of Snohomish and travels north through farmland, wetlands, and fields to Lake Stevens. The main draw back to this trail (vs. the road), is that each intersection has these large barriers that you had to slow way down and carefully weave around, or if possible, go around the sides.

At Lake Stevens we opted to skip the mini-stop provided by the town and continue on to Arlington, at mile 53 where we were meeting up with Bill for lunch. We had fabulous panini sandwiches at a place called Little Italy. Leaving Arlington, we got on Highway 9 and the only real stretch of extremely busy road, with very little shoulder.

Bill later said it was quite un-nerving in the car following the cyclists, as some of the cars really wanted to get past him and drive fast. He followed the road for a while before changing the setting on the GPS to start using highways to get him back to I-5 and on to Bellingham, since we had not planned any more re-groupings with him.

The next stop was at the Lake McMurray Store at mile 64, just long enough to use the porta-potty, and then continuing on Highway 9 we circled the lake taking us through Bryant, around Lake McMurray and then around Day Lake as we headed north to Mt. Vernon to the Centennial Elementary School food stop/social, the only official Cascade Bicycle Club stop for the day.

Leaving Mt. Vernon, we crossed the Skagit River and headed on to the Skagit Flats to Burlington. Next stop was the Bow Country Store at mile 91, we regrouped and continue on together. We turned on to Chuckanut Drive or Highway 11 taking us to Samish Bay. This took us to the the last climb of the day, ending at the Pink Lemonade Stand at mile 102!

Three miles to go, Michael turned of 1/2 mile to head up to Western Washington University, where he was staying at the dorm, and I headed on to the route end at the Days Inn. Patrick had already met up with his sister, and they were chatting with Bill when I pulled in a few minutes later.

Dinner that evening was at Patrick’s sister and brother-in-laws. We sat out on the patio overlooking the fields having our appetizers (Scot’s homemade cheese, wonderful) followed by a fabulous pasta dinner with pesto, stuffed zucchini and squash, tomato and mozzarella salad, and a trifle for dessert. What wonderful end to a long (but relatively easy) days ride!

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Day 2
We started Day 2 at about 6:40am at the Days Inn. The weather was a bit grayer then on Friday, and the chance for showers was higher. On the way to Lynden, we were passed by 4 gals riding in a loose paceline. But instead of pulling away from us, it seemed to me that they slowed down. And after following them for a mile, Michael and I passed them and left them behind. I commented to Michael about that later, and he had felt the same way. Kind of like the driver of the car who passes you and then annoyingly slows down.

In Lynden, there was quite a crowd outside Dutch Mothers, which apparently puts on a great breakfast buffet for RSVP riders, and so we walked down the road a bit and came upon Lynden Dutch Bakery, where we got some incredible pastries and a coffee. They were also kind enough to allow us to use their employee restroom also.

From Lynden, it was only 6 miles to the Aldergrove Border crossing to Canada. At the end of Double Ditch Road, we turn left on to East Boundary Road, aptly named, as the only thing separating the US from Canada is a ditch (of course!) Kind of surreal, the route sheet made mention of not crossing the ditch to Canada, bringing visions of Canadian marshals leaping out of the grass, should one of us make a break for it.

The actual border crossing was quite easy, we rode up individually, they had a special lane open for cyclists. I handed her my passport, she asked where I was from, I replied “Hollister” later thinking that was kind of dumb, would she have any idea where that was? I probably should have just replied California, but she let me thru anyway.

Our next regroup point with Bill was at Fort Langley. Just outside of town was a notation on the route sheet page that at mile 37.7 of the [WORST R/R TRACKS ON RSVP]. WALK BIKES ACROSS TRACKS. As I approached the track, I noted that it was slightly diagonal to the road, but appeared to have recently been redone. It that was a bad track crossing, it certainly wasn’t the worst on the ride.

We regrouped with Bill briefly at Fort Langley and chatted for a few minutes, before heading on to catch the Albion Ferry across the Fraser River. Again, cyclists were directed to line up on our own, and it appeared to when we got on the ferry that they allowed more cyclists than autos. And the line for cars was already fairly long when we pulled up. It was a very short ride across the river and we were on our way again.

At mile 46 was the official Cascade Bicycle Club food stop for the day, complete with a farmers market. Nice choice of fresh fruits and snack bars, similar to yesterdays official food/social stop.

Day 2 featured much heavier traffic. Leaving Maple Ridge, todays first busy route section was on Dewdney Trunk Road. Then we were on Lougheed Highway 7 to Port Coquitlam where we crossed over the Coquitlam River. Port Moody was the next stop at the Rocky Point Park mini-stop was at mile 58, with just 18 more miles to Vancouver and then PARTY! 🙂

Right back onto a highway, Highway 7A or the Barnet Highway, on the left side was the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area and on the right side was the Inner and Central Harbors. At mile 70.2, according to the route sheet, we entered Vancouver and we in the distance you could see downtown. Eventually we made it to Chinatown and things got quite busy on the road, between sharing the road (or not) and construction.

I was quite glad to get past that section and into Gastown and our destination, the Coast Plaza Hotel, where the P in RSVP was in full swing. We caught up with the DS/S gang there; Tim, Greg and Bill who was joined by his partner Don. Each rider had alread received a ticket good for either the meal or a beverage, I opted for the meal. The entire patio area off of the ballroom upstairs was filled with RSVP riders and friends.

We met Bill & Don, and was joined shortly by Tim. Michael called and reported that Jim was hit by a car in Chinatown on the ride into Vancouver. Jim was apparently okay, having been taken to the hospital to be checked out. Reports were that the bike was not in good shape, one wheel at a minimum was no good. Michael also said that at the scene a “witness” claimed that Jim pulled out in front of the car that hit him. He was hit from behind! Hello!! Anyway, Michael was giving Michael C and Jim some support and would be bit late meeting us, so we agreed to keep in touch by phone if we moved.

The Zin Restaurant & Lounge was quite nice, the bartender made some fabulous cosmopolitans. Diner was at O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar at the Listel Hotel, By the time we were finished though, I was tired and very ready for bed. Goodbyes were said to the DS/S guys, we sure enjoyed their hospitality in Seattle, doing the ride, and our night out in Vancouver, lot’s of laughs and a great time!

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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 Rico, but with a change. Instead of going thru Cupertino to Los Gatos, why not continue on Foothill Expressway into Stevens Canyon and over Mt. Eden and Pierce Roads. He was game!

So it was quite unfortunate that Rico injured his back during the week and couldn’t ride. Friend of his, Tim, joined David G2 and I at Velo Rouge, and we headed thru Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach. At the base of Skyline, we picked up Patrick and the four of us began the climb together. We didn’t stay together long, Tim took the lead, followed by DG2 and Patrick had not warmed up, since he lives just a few blocks from where he joined us.

We followed the ALC route for Day 1 to Crystal Springs Reservoir, and it was clearing up. By the time we had followed Canada Road into Woodside, it was sunny and clear, nice day. We picked up some lunch from the deli at Robert’s Market and sat across the street, enjoying the shade and watching the many cyclists passing thru this main hub in the Peninsula.

After lunch we headed down Woodside Road-Hwy 84 to Alameda de las Pulgas, which led us to Junipera Sera which loops around Stanford University and becomes Foothill Expressway at Palo Alto. Tim was out in front and I found myself trying to keep up with him and I watched as the average speed for the ride to that point got closer to 16 mph. And then I kept hoping for red stop lights! At the point where Foothill Expressway (now Boulevard) becomes Stevens Canyon Road is a small strip mall and that was our next regroup point. It had warmed up significantly, and after our little mini-peleton, we took a break in the shade and replenishing our water.

Stevens Creek Park is located along Stevens Canyon Road and Mt. Eden Road in the foothills between Saratoga and Cupertino. The road into the park has a nice shoulder and the road circles the reservoir and we continued up Mt. Eden Road. You can continue on Stevens Canyon Road and then take Redwood Gulch, but that is a very steep stretch of road, I have yet to try. After descending Mt. Eden Road, we then took Pierce Road up to the top, past the Mountain Winery and down to Highway 9 (the sign called it Congress Springs Road) and on into Saratoga.

Following Highway 9 we headed to Los Gatos for our last regroup at the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company (mmm, Chocolate gellato!) David saw an fellow ALC rider, who happened to be across the street for a cooking class, small world, and we all chatted about the Ride, and our ride so far that day.

Refreshed, we headed to the Diridon CalTrain station on the Los Gatos Creek Trail, which runs from Lexington Reservoir to San Jose. We ran into another ALC rider (yet, another David) that Tim knew, he joined us and rode to the train station, showing me a slight change to my route that avoided a rough section of Willow Road. We pulled up at about 3:50, plenty of time to catch the 4pm train headed north. And with four of us on the train chatting, the ride to Millbrae went by quickly. David & Patrick got off here to take BART the rest of the way, while Tim rode on.

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Hey guys, 

I woke up this morning thinking about you. DSSF has basically taught me everything I know about road riding. I remember my first ride with Stephanie over a year ago on my Mt bike. I kept thinking I’m ready for something like this. My body was out of shape from being out to sea for 2 years and this was exactly what I needed to get me going. The following week I bought my Serotta. Since then (as you know) I have been addicted to cycling. It’s amazing to me that my fitness improved so much I was able to complete a ride like the ALC. When I first joined I heard spokers talk about 100 mile rides. Was that possible? A month later I completed one. I am appreciative of this club and all the riders that have brought me up simply by doing something we all love. I respect you all and look forward to learning more and also sharing to new spokers as they come along. 

Jeremy

Here are two videos, produced by AIDS/LifeCycle, with footage from this years Ride. You can find a Team Different Spokes member in each one.

And here is yet a third video, with yet another Spoker to be found:

Want a hint?

Video #1 at 1:46
Video #2 at 3:49
Video #3 at 1:30

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, coupled with several weeks (post-ALC) that I had not done any riding, and a very hot day (in the afternoon.)

Bill, Patrick, Michael were the only ones interested in doing it again, although I found out later that Jeff & Scott did a modified metric century. While it was a small group, that helped, as we moved along at rest stops much quicker. It’s a nice route, this year had a few changes from last year. The ride starts at Bay Meadows race track in San Mateo, and we head up to Crystal Springs Reservoir and then south on Canada Road to Woodside. We did not go to Portola Valley and then back track to climb Old La Honda to head to the coast this year. Instead, we went directly up Highway 84 from Woodside to Skyline Boulevard and down the other side to San Gregorio.

Then on to Stage Road (instead of the actual route, which told us to go to Highway 1, then head north) to Tunitas Creek. None of us kept track of the mileage, but I think Stage Road ends up being a short cut. Tunitas Creek is a 9 mile climb, not particularly steep, but long. Fortunately it’s shaded. Once we got to the top of Tunitas, there was no sign of Michael or Bill (well, we really didn’t expect to see Bill.) So we descended Kings Mountain Road back down to Woodside. We headed back to Portola Valley to do the other loop of the day, around Altamont Road down to Foothill Expressway and then back to Portola Valley. While it did get warm, it was no where near as hot as it was last year. On the second pass thru the Portola Valley rest stop, the food was not quite as appealing, in the hot sun.

It was nice to finish the ride at 3:30, instead nearly 5pm last year. They were pretty much out of food the year before. They had pasta with red sauce, pesto pasta, two kinds of ravioli, Italian sausage, salad, and ice cream. This may be what we missed out on last year. It’s a very scenic and enjoyable, albeit tough, ride covering a lot of Peninsula territory, and I’ll definitely do it again.

http://www.mtbguru.com/trip/iframe/2322?width=500px&height=500px

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. Not this year. Rico led an alternate ride to Cory’s planned China Camp and Pt. Reyes Station. We met at Velo Rouge Cafe on Arguello, joined by Dave F and Wanderson, a nice group of four.

I thought of Erik and his planned Tam Quickie leaving at 8am, as we headed out; it was a typical foggy morning but it was quite windy. By the time we had crossed the bridge and made it to the end of the Sausalito bike path, we could see blue sky. Continuing on over Camino Alto on on to Larkspur, we turned on to Bon Air Siding Road thru Greenbrae to climb Wolfe Grade, which brought us to downtown San Rafael, with a quick stop at Starbucks.

From there we headed out Lincoln to North San Pedro Road, heading into China Camp State Park, where we will be having the Club Picnic in a few weeks. We continued on thru the park and had lunch at the Loch Lomond Market, which has a fabulous deli inside. After lunch, we headed back to downtown San Rafael to retrace our climb of Wolfe Grade back to the city.

Thanks again, Rico! Really enjoyed the ride, and great company too! Got a few more photos, but here’s a new “toy.” An interactive map of the ride:

http://www.mtbguru.com/trip/iframe/2005?width=500px&height=500px

Wanderson Eric and I met at 9am. Perfect weather. Post bridge all warmers and vests came off for the first time all year. Wanderson got distracted in Farfax. Drama? Eric and I pushed up to the dam; then to the east peak. After running out of water I needed plenty of fluids and rest. Post descent the test began.. I rode as hard as possible with nothing left at the end except exhaustion. I made the climb in 26.5. Eric played with my emotions and stayed behind me the whole way up the brutal push. As usual the hardest ride I could do was only his pre webcore warm-up. From there the ride was nothing short of get this shit over with.. I  laid in bed moaning for 2 hours popping aspirin and calories. Les Eric and I met for drinks and gossip later in the evening. Today me and Les did the traditional jersey ride.. very.. very slowly. Twas a decent weekend all in all.

Ann Dunn and I rode the Morgan Territory Circumnavigation route today.  This was my first time on this route, and the start of the ride was a bit of a comedy of errors (including an unexpected freeway closure, me mis-reading the route slip, and then me falling over ever-so-gracefully at the first stop light).  Anyway, after these initial goofs, we got ourselves sorted out and got underway.  The route was a mix of big roads and back roads.  The big roads we’re pretty much fine, but a few of the back roads were a bit rough in spots.  The climb up into Morgan Territory was pretty manageable, and the descent afterwards was nice and fast with good road surfaces and visibility.  The scenery through Morgan Territory was beautiful.  After the descent there was a lot of long, flat spinning – which is one of my favorite things. I’ll definitely be posting this ride again later this year, probably with a few tweaks to increase the mileage a little bit.

Three weeks ago I was able to start riding with the club again, and celebrated this occasion by joining the Evil Step Sisters ride up Mt. Tam to Alpine Dam. It being early in the season for me, I knew that this ride would present a challenge… but I seldom let such considerations stop me. (I am probably what you might call “headstrong”. Or perhaps, “foolish”. I prefer “willful”, which I’m sure will come as no surprise to those of you who know me. But I digress.)
Full of excitement and optimism I headed out with the club on my new bike, gradually remembering the proverbial lay of the land. The ride started out beautifully but, (skip to the point) I broke a spoke on the Marin bike path just past Mike’s Bikes. I said my teary goodbyes to the club and headed back to Mike’s to wait for them to open. Now, much to my surprise, as soon as Mike’s opened they were able to throw my bike on the rack and repair that busted spoke. And though I knew there was no way I could ever catch up to the club (now and hour ahead of me), I was determined to make the most of the day. After a bit of solo jockeying back on the bike path I fell in with a random group of people and decided that I would ride what they rode. (I’m a bit shy, you see… and have positively no sense of direction on a bicycle for some reason.)

After a while, this nice group of folks decided that they would say hello to me (since I seemed to be stalking them). I introduced myself and explained my situation, and of course they were entirely pleased to have a well groomed, well behaved, and entirely too handsome rider join their paceline. (Ok, I think their exact words were something like, “try to keep up”… but try to read between the lines and you’ll see what I mean.) And then, as if serendipity itself had shined down on me, they informed me that they were headed up to Alpine Dam. And, even better, they were riding the REVERSE loop of the club. I thought, “This might be my chance to re-join the ride!”
So, I followed and rode and made a bit of polite smalltalk like you do. (Ok, not like WE do… but like I’m sure you would do if you’re a bunch of sorta boring straight people riding bikes.) And, lo and behold, I met up with the club on my climb up to Alpine Dam. Hooray!

Now, pay attention to this part because this is a key detail for the rest of the story. I did quite a bit of climbing. In fact, I was sure I must have made almost all the way up to Alpine Dam… and of course that must be the peak elevation of the ride because otherwise you wouldn’t call the ride the “Alpine Damn” ride. (Hey! Stop laughing!)

Fast forward to today where I had the good fortune to join Jeremy for the “i hate my sisters” ride. Finally, I have another shot at this mysterious “Alpine Dam”. The riders included Jeremy, Eric, Topher, Wundersen, a brit we picked up at Cafe Vela Rouge, and me (aka Turbo). It was cold and cloudy, but dry. And we were all ready to ride. Ok spokers… let’s show this dam who’s boss!

The ride started well, and we were cranking along. Through Suasalito, then Larskpur, then into Bolinas and Fairfax… man are we making good time or what! Then the climb began and it was exactly as I remember. It felt great to stretch those legs. And surely the dam isn’t too far. Around the next bend I’m sure. Yep, not far now. Hmmm… where the hell is the dam? Ok, maybe I didn’t climb as much as I thought had on my first excursion. But I’m a trouper and through willful determination I finally made it to the damn. What a beautiful spot! Definitely worth the effort. And boy was I ready for the descent.

And that’s when I noticed something slightly amiss. You see, the road out of the dam goes up hill. Hmmm… that’s odd. So I asked innocently, “So, there’s a bit more climbing then?” And a very kind (and mildly amused) Wundersen clarified the situation: “Honey, the climb is just starting.”

Oh.

Now, I’d like to believe that the color didn’t entirely drain from my quickly applied game face. But those who were there know the truth, and the rest of you will have to do that climb with me to find out.

And, with no further fanfare we were off like a shot. It got colder and foggier, and I relied increasingly on my willful nature. Slow and steady wins the race. One foot and the other… that’s what I always say. It’s not whether you win or lose… it’s how you finish the climb. And though I wasn’t winning any awards for fastest anything, I felt ok about how it was going. It is, after all, early in the season for me. And I’m not my strongest in the cold. And then… the unthinkable happened. And I’m ashamed even to tell you because this is something that has never, ever, ever happened to me before. I was focused intently on the road ahead (all three feet of visibility), and I was keeping my cadence even and smooth, and then I heard a most unusual sound. *pat* *pat* *pat* *pat*. And then I got passed. BY A RUNNER!

Yes, dear spokers, I got passed while riding up Mt. Tam by a man on foot. No bike. Just shoes. Passed.

In my defense, it was very close to the top.

Anyway, I stopped for a moment to have a very quick rest and bite to eat and to see if I had enough cell service to charter a helicopter to come and get my sorry self. Fortunately, no cell service… but the very kind ride leader Jeremy did pull up having turned around to come and check on me. One packet of Jeremy’s goo and one mile later, we were finally on our descent.

For the sake of brevity (as if I were capable of such a thing) I’ll spare you the details of my post-climb cramps, and my resorting to the ferry in sausalio to avoid the climb up to the bridge. Instead I’ll close by sharing with you all that I realized something today. Mt. Tam is my nemesis, and I shall conquer that little mound of a hill this summer. (n.b. I’m willful.) And, to the runner who passed me on the climb, wherever you are: thank you for not laughing… or even snickering. You’re a good egg.