MAD and I spent the weekend in the Bay area. MAD did the Portola Valley loop on Saturday while I visited my nephew and sister. Then on Sunday, we cycled with MAD's Santa Cruz friend and all-around great guy, Greg. The skies were threatening. It was actually raining a bit before we left the house. Someone in our group (I will not name names) tried to veto the outing, but I had already squeezed myself into my spandex sausage casing otherwise known as cycling clothes and I was determined to get out on the bike, even if it meant I pedaled around the block.
Here's Greg ready to roll on his De Rosa. Note the oversized rain coat. Greg says every time he has worn this jacket, it has NOT rained. We shall see!
As we headed out, we encountered Greg's wife and daughter (Maggie and Libby) who had taken Max out for a long walk. We got a quick weather report before proceeding.
And not long after we actually took off, Greg friend Danny joined us. Danny is from New Jersey (as is MAD) and is also an old friend of MAD's from her Santa Cruz days. Here's Greg in blue and Danny in yellow.
And we stop for some reinforcements in the form of burritos at the local market. Danny is trying out my rear view mirror for the first time.
We leave the coast to climb the "Aptos Alps." Some truly lovely scenery up there.
Greg looking happy...
Danny and MAD pedaling past some old orchards.
I am wearing my new Pearl Izumi "Vagabond" jacket which I love so much that MAD calls it the "Vagabomb." I can upzip the sleeves and remove them altogether, turning the jacket into a vest. Today, it was too cold to remove the sleeves. I did unzip them (at the shoulders) for some added airflow to cool off during the climbs. And for the first time I tried out the amber lenses on the cycling sunglasses I bought last summer. These amber lenses are fantastic on gloomy days. It is light turning the lights on. I have never been very good at using the right cycling equipment, but MAD has made it her personal mission to ensure I have all the right things.
Me and MAD somewhere in the Aptos Alps.
MAD, Greg, and Danny.
And we are back down to the coast, parting ways with Danny before we head back to Greg's house. (Danny approves of the rear-view mirrow. I personally think they are the best $14 investment you can ever make, even if they do increase your cycling dork look by a thousand percent.)
Not far from home, but the rains did come. We got a thorough soaking. What's the deal with Greg's magical rain jacket anyway???
Post-recovery meal at Starbucks. The 3+ hour ride home after 40+ miles in the rain was a bit rough. MAD and I both had aching shoulders, knees, necks, feet... Oh the rigors of aging...Next ride = Amgen Tour of California this Saturday! Can you say (or smell for that matter) LANCE FREAKIN' ARMSTRONG!!!!!!!!?
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