tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78790529458157622512024-03-05T12:05:46.254-08:00Ziasus' Ride ReportsBike rides in the Bay areaZiasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-46631730342404897912018-07-07T18:44:00.001-07:002018-07-07T18:44:32.337-07:00ZayanteToday I went for a long ride through Santa Cruz, and back on Zayante Road.<br />
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Consider the rate of posts on this site, you might imagine that I'm doing all sorts of rides and just not writing about them. Perhaps they're not sufficiently noteworthy. And to a degree that's true -- I commute to work on the bike most days, and those rides are clearly not memorable. But all other rides are included here, because I have clearly have no standard for noteworthy-ness.<br />
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In this case, a long weekend means that I had time for a non-commute ride, despite the heat. I decided to head through Santa Cruz as usual, but in a very slight variation I decided to take Zayante Road back, since I hadn't done that in a while (not that I've ridden anything else in the area recently).<br />
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I got started around 8 after watching the end of the opening stage of the Tour de France. It was already a little warm. I felt pretty good on the ride past Lexington Reservoir into Santa Cruz, despite not doing any climbing for a year or so. San Jose-Soquel Road was very smooth on the descent.<br />
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I had planned to get lunch at Betty Burger, which is conveniently located and has outdoor tables, which is I think is only fair to my fellow diners. In the event I got there shortly before it opened at 11, so I dawdled. After lunch I was noticeably more sluggish, but it was also much warmer.<br />
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<a href="http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/article/NE/20170310/NEWS/170319959">Zayante was heavily damaged two winters ago</a>, and frankly I didn't know whether it had been repaired. But that was a long time ago, so I figured all was well. Imagine my surprise when, after climbing much of the way up the road, I started to see "Road Closed" signs. Turning around would have been very costly, and the heat was beginning to sap my meager strength. But living in this area has trained me to ignore most road signs, and this was no different. As it turns out, it was tree trimming. I waved and rode through it.<br />
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Today's ride was 71 miles, with 5600 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer was on the first part of the Zayante climb, just before the "Road Closed" signs as it happens. That's also when the heat was really getting to me, so it felt difficult, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation Profile</td></tr>
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<br />Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-37568623022241172622017-10-28T10:29:00.000-07:002017-10-28T10:35:29.793-07:00Devil's PeakLast week I got a chance to participate in a group mountain bike ride near Yosemite, up to a lookout station called Devil's Peak.<br />
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The ride was organized by the Tenaya Lodge, and I rode a rented hardtail mountain bike with worn out shocks on the front.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the lookout tower</td></tr>
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The ride was basically an up-and-back climb, riding up a road that starts paved and gets gradually more primitive as it gains altitude. Almost all the way up it's a comfortable fire road, but the last mile near the top gets a little steeper and considerably more rocky. With my always-modest mountain bike handling skills atrophied from years of disuse, that last mile was a bit of a challenge.<br />
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The peak is at about 6900 feet, and has the panoramic view you would expect. It's a suitable reward for the effort, and photographs just don't do it justice. One of our guides was apparently a park ranger, and he gave us a combined geographical and historical tour of the area by naming the neighboring peaks and then explaining the history behind those names.<br />
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I was worried about descending that rocky bit near the top, but in the event it wasn't too difficult, even with the traffic of my fellow riders. On the way down we took the opportunity to try two sections of single-track, which was plenty of fun but still well within my meager abilities. Near the end was a two-mile climb, not particularly steep but seemingly never-ending.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation Profile.<br />
The sharp peak isn't real; the elevation drifted over lunch.</td></tr>
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The whole ride was about 23 miles. The elevation on my Garmin drifted up about 200 feet while we ate lunch at the top, so while I recorded about 3000 feet of climbing, I wouldn't swear to it. The most difficult kilometer was certainly the one near the peak, not only because it was steeper, but also because of the quality of the road, and of course the altitude.<br />
<br />Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-21525425493900554282017-10-21T20:56:00.000-07:002017-10-21T20:56:13.967-07:00Mount Umunhum, AgainToday I took a second trip up to the top of Mount Umunhum, just because it's there.<br />
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Today's trip was much like the one <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2017/10/mount-umunhum-at-last.html">three weeks ago</a>, including being awfully difficult.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the top, with the tower just behind me.</td></tr>
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There wasn't much different with this ride, except that there was no difficulty parking at the top, and hence no traffic control (this was around 15:00, for the record). It was a perfect day, at what I would imagine was a peak time, so it looks like the initial rush is over. Mount Umunhum apparently has enough capacity to handle the crowds.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation Profile</td></tr>
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Just like in the recent ride, the whole thing was just under 30 miles, and the most difficult kilometer was the start of the climb up hicks. I'm tempted to think that the most difficult 100 meters was, for me, the very last stretch to the traffic circle at the top. It's not quite the <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2012/05/mount-diablo.html">last 100 meters of Mount Diablo</a>, but after a long steep climb it's tough.<br />
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For some reason my Garmin gave me 3400 feet of climbing today, whereas three weeks ago it was 3300. I <i>knew</i> this ride was tougher!<br />
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Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-4216580179587572332017-10-01T07:38:00.001-07:002017-10-01T11:30:06.224-07:00Mount Umunhum, at LastYesterday I did something I thought I might never get to do: I rode my bike to the very top of Mount Umunhum.<br />
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Mount Umunhum has been infamously inaccessible for years, but finally opened to the public on <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/16/long-awaited-mount-umunhum-opens-to-the-public/">September 18, 2017</a>. I've been poking around Umunhum for a long time -- <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2010/11/over-loma-prieta-and-umunhum-august.html">my first post on this blog</a> described a ride in 2010 from Loma Prieta to <i>near</i> the top of Umunhum. According to everything I can piece together, my first ride in the area was April of 2009, when I only made it up to Barlow Road. A month later I made it all the way up to the yellow gates, past the "legal" limit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A perspective I've been waiting for.</td></tr>
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In the years since I've ridden on and around Mount Umunhum several times (and written about it: <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2011/02/mount-umunhum.html">1</a>, <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2012/01/umunhum.html">2</a>, <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2012/03/mount-umunhum.html">3</a>, <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2012/04/quick-trip-up-umunhum-this-morning.html">4</a>, <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2012/09/umunhum-and-metcalf-road.html">5</a>, <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2015/11/umunhum.html">6</a>), always stopping at the annoying signs. Well, almost always.<br />
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When the opening was announced I was very excited, but last weekend I was out of town, so yesterday was my first chance. I was concerned that there would be a lot of traffic, which while true turned out not to be a problem.<br />
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As has been true for the last couple of years, most of the cycling I do these days is just commuting, and these days I don't even have an excuse to pass through the hills near Saratoga. I was sternly reminded of my lack of climbing when Hicks turned upward.<br />
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When I got to the top of Hicks, the parking lot at the base of Mount Umunhum Road was full and all the feasible parking along the road was occupied as well. I've <i>never</i> seen more than one or two cars in that lot.<br />
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There were also a lot of cyclists on the road. I would guess that most of the time I've spent on Mt. Umunhum Road has been entirely alone. In my numerous trips I may have seen one or two other riders, but it's been rare. This time, there were dozens.<br />
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At the Bald Mountain trailhead, previously the end of the line for cars, a park ranger was turning cars back. Apparently the summit parking lot was full, so they were only letting cars up as they came down, one for one. And of course the Bald Mountain parking lot was full as well. I expect that this won't keep up; Mount Umunhum will never be as isolated as it used to be, but it'll settle down after the initial interest falls away through autumn.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 2015</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same stretch, September 2017<br />
Look how nice the road is!</td></tr>
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Since they were turning around cars, there was very little traffic to deal with on the last stretch of road. And what a road! What had been a pitted, crumbly mess, where you had to pick your line on the climb as if it were a mountain bike trail, is now a perfect surface.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My previous high point,<br />
this time in February 2011.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The same stretch now.<br />
So much more inviting!</td></tr>
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It was a joy to pass by the road to Loma Prieta, after <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/09/28/new-redwood-park-in-santa-cruz-mountains-could-come-from-beall-law/">a recent report that</a> even that stretch could open in my lifetime. Maybe the popularity of Mount Umunhum will lead to some momentum on that front?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh4Vsj1aSQ5czESVhb2y_q65GhcylGVt73BXMQt-N5gfg6vk9eoN5VGRpgPo0AAHCmTNu1bnBp19hTDXzpXyvTx71vhmLJcCLqUa-qGDENU0hxkt0DHTwaZUs0bvDtMeFh7hXXe8bgQs/s1600/tumblr_ls03rbHMoG1r1kly2o1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh4Vsj1aSQ5czESVhb2y_q65GhcylGVt73BXMQt-N5gfg6vk9eoN5VGRpgPo0AAHCmTNu1bnBp19hTDXzpXyvTx71vhmLJcCLqUa-qGDENU0hxkt0DHTwaZUs0bvDtMeFh7hXXe8bgQs/s200/tumblr_ls03rbHMoG1r1kly2o1_500.png" width="200" /></a></div>
I came around to where the gate used to be, reaching as far along this road as I've ever been. I've skirted a few gates in my time, but this one had cameras, and I assumed that my messing around here would at some point cause someone to be dispatched to check it out. That seemed unfair to them, so this was a line I had never crossed before.<br />
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As it happens, this point also marks the end of the main climb. From here the road is flat or descending for almost a mile, before one final kick up to the top.<br />
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The junction with the road that leads over to Mount Thayer comes just before that final kick. It appears to be a ranger facility, with a parking lot where the Air Force station housing used to be. I didn't look too closely, but I saw no other trace of that little village remaining. That's the best outcome, of course, but I still wish I had got a chance to see it as a ghost town before they returned the area to nature.<br />
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At the top it's all about the tower, and the views. The whole valley was laid out, under an unfortunately distinct layer of brown haze. On the other side you can see over the mountains all the way to Monterey Bay. There is such an advantage to reaching the very top of a mountain, compared to any spot lower down. I'm so glad that Mount Umunhum joins the set of accessible peaks in the area. Now it's time to work on Loma Prieta and Black Mountain.<br />
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The views are the enduring value, but it's the tower that demands your attention. Even bigger in person than I had imagined, it provides a focal point for the whole ride, and finally reaching it after all these years was wonderful. In the past I've thought it might be best to let the tower go, but now after seeing it in place, plus a photo in the shelter of <a href="https://twitter.com/SvlWildParrots/status/528656955519152128">what it looked like with a bright red and white checkered radar dish on top</a>, I can see what we need to do: preserve the tower, and in fact <b>rebuild the dish</b>. Wouldn't a colorful hat be the perfect decoration for that tower?<br />
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I spent quite a while at the top, soaking in all these new amenities, and then finally started the long descent. I've noted before that the descent here was unpleasant -- it was too steep, and the road was full of dangerous potholes that could send you careening off the unguarded side of the road into a ravine. And it used to be so isolated that it wasn't a question of whether you'd survive, but whether you'd even be found. None of that is true anymore; the road is now a pleasure to descend, with just a little traffic, both cars and bikes, to deal with.<br />
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The rest of my ride was a descent through New Almaden, then home.<br />
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I've been waiting a long time for this. I'm so glad that Mount Umunhum is finally accessible, and apparently quite popular. I'll be visiting again pretty frequently, I think, and encourage you to do so as well. But there will only be one first time I've seen all this, and that was today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5zrsFzogLG-Qu_O8ixPQd3A9LvMTKdlR65cbMhEQlZ38zIe9yYW7qfztQowqdz6Z1iPo4DnqYkhyphenhyphenDHp6rUKdT51kzVJigEaeSdlav70DKcDbyc-rBoaUpv1aeYAbXRsjSrxRTL831k8/s1600/2017-09-30-09-18-24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5zrsFzogLG-Qu_O8ixPQd3A9LvMTKdlR65cbMhEQlZ38zIe9yYW7qfztQowqdz6Z1iPo4DnqYkhyphenhyphenDHp6rUKdT51kzVJigEaeSdlav70DKcDbyc-rBoaUpv1aeYAbXRsjSrxRTL831k8/s400/2017-09-30-09-18-24.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation Profile</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_678229606"></span><span id="goog_678229607"></span>Yesterday's ride was just under 30 miles, with 3300 feet of climbing. The toughest kilometer was that first kilometer after Hicks starts climbing, as usual. That first half of the Hicks climb averages 14%. The whole 5-mile climb, including both Hicks and Mt. Umunhum Road, averages very nearly 10%, despite the brief flatter parts. That's one steep climb.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-70992870464986095692017-07-04T08:02:00.000-07:002017-07-04T08:02:25.145-07:00Boulder Creek and Crumbling ShouldersIt's been way too long. Too long since I've written here, and too long since I had a ride worth writing about.<br />
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As it turns out we had a long weekend, so I decided to make time for a long ride. I've been irregularly commuting, and through that I've been getting lots of miles on the bike, but it's been far too long since I enjoyed the mountain roads. So after watching the Tour de France stage this morning, I started off just before 09:00.<br />
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I didn't have a fixed plan, but I did want to see what was happening at the washout on Highway 35, which<a href="https://youtu.be/jhLYaCOiK1M"> at the time looked impossible to repair</a>. Toward that end I headed up Black Road, then turned right on Summit until I saw the "Road Closed" signs. As it turns out the construction crew also had a vacation day, so it was quiet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfWs4QnFiLVcfKi9e_R3smxkmwICOWtGamYDTmwiNjNf5lY6TDS1D7IXe8oZjR9j4e1_jNHevDHWY3PS8TmoU1v6o1DF0fyW9r7a_CBh_NPgB466llOG0Irn_WcR-7_QNhMIpBWluRaM/s1600/IMG_20170703_104659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfWs4QnFiLVcfKi9e_R3smxkmwICOWtGamYDTmwiNjNf5lY6TDS1D7IXe8oZjR9j4e1_jNHevDHWY3PS8TmoU1v6o1DF0fyW9r7a_CBh_NPgB466llOG0Irn_WcR-7_QNhMIpBWluRaM/s400/IMG_20170703_104659.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction at the Highway 35 washout... I think.</td></tr>
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Looking at the original shots, it wasn't clear whether they would reconstruct the road in place, or reroute since so much of the hill had disappeared. This construction clearly rebuilds the road in place, but the area is so transformed that it's hard to believe it's the same place. Where there two major construction areas on 35? In this area there's already a single lane running through, and major drainage improvements going on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDX40aqZOBpwOWWlWLQ3cw_pt6KDo3pkM2JRicRQUsxf0JMbk1ZfWh88OgXO_XZzqHAO5epFO5EUFz2XBTGt-cPmZXn74mg9z0BJxWT6YkcLWVMIyXNjg6g4x6qSMHSnfthD7vlGiQfU/s1600/IMG_20170703_111354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDX40aqZOBpwOWWlWLQ3cw_pt6KDo3pkM2JRicRQUsxf0JMbk1ZfWh88OgXO_XZzqHAO5epFO5EUFz2XBTGt-cPmZXn74mg9z0BJxWT6YkcLWVMIyXNjg6g4x6qSMHSnfthD7vlGiQfU/s320/IMG_20170703_111354.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of several washouts awaiting repair,<br />
this one on Bear Creek Road.</td></tr>
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I didn't expect to be able to pass through, and I stuck with the loose plan to head down to Boulder Creek for lunch. Bear Creek Road had several areas in which the road narrowed to a single lane, which obviously was going to be a theme for this ride.<br />
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When I got down to Boulder Creek I learned that Foster's Freeze is closed on Mondays, which was certainly a disappointment. I wanted to head up via either Zayante or Mountain Charlie Road, so I headed down Route 9 in the company of much traffic. I got a flat (steel belt wire) near Brookdale.<br />
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I stopped in Felton at Mountain Roasting for a very good consolation sandwich. I decided to continue down to Mountain Charlie Road, in part because I had recently looked up where the Laurel tunnel exits under Glenwood Drive, and wanted to see that. I headed that way on Graham Hill Road, which until then I hadn't known was a steep climb out of Felton. My commuter legs were definitely feeling it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wJ5LyyU4zfvrbzKkC8IC9oJYN-KpkxNBVGJweUOzqsY8TEbBKzgJiuTD0G_m-xGLyVW6eKDppxOdMaDfb6siWlQO5ZWxtkUSz-RE20vlrXCytgnVZerqaLS66OCWEyPp2LIkqUDbZQ0/s1600/IMG_20170703_140212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wJ5LyyU4zfvrbzKkC8IC9oJYN-KpkxNBVGJweUOzqsY8TEbBKzgJiuTD0G_m-xGLyVW6eKDppxOdMaDfb6siWlQO5ZWxtkUSz-RE20vlrXCytgnVZerqaLS66OCWEyPp2LIkqUDbZQ0/s320/IMG_20170703_140212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Laurel Tunnel entrance under Glenwood Drive.<br />
It's just north of Eagle Road, for the record.</td></tr>
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I enjoyed Bean Creek Road, then continued on Glenwood past Mountain Charlie Road to see the tunnel entrance. Except, despite knowing what to look for, I rode right past it. I ended up seeing much more of Glenwood Drive than I intended, but that was interesting on two counts: first, the road surface became the twin of Old Santa Cruz Highway just to the north, skinny and concrete. That's fitting because this was indeed part of that path before Highway 17 was built. The other thing I noticed was that there were lots of cyclists on this stretch of road. That part I don't understand; to my knowledge this road, while quite pretty, dead-ends at Highway 17. What's the attraction? What have I been missing all these years?<br />
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I went back to Mountain Charlie Road and headed back toward home, the heat now conspiring with the length of the ride to drain my already-meager energy. Among all the damaged roads I had been riding all day, Mountain Charlie Road was a survivor, with relatively little damage despite its many overhanging hills and trees.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqMRlO5iPZfJnwxSkn0uy2pYJbNQBeZ82HS5TnLKO-Bo9u2Dp1I-hfYdlZZSaKMHQG4tJ8qSnqBOP8cmxqT-sLiusyhN7ivQBvHJsdq5Z8pQdEzTP1Xy8Y4HtQCTYRVFMxgsq_TNw4ks/s1600/2017-07-03-08-40-24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqMRlO5iPZfJnwxSkn0uy2pYJbNQBeZ82HS5TnLKO-Bo9u2Dp1I-hfYdlZZSaKMHQG4tJ8qSnqBOP8cmxqT-sLiusyhN7ivQBvHJsdq5Z8pQdEzTP1Xy8Y4HtQCTYRVFMxgsq_TNw4ks/s400/2017-07-03-08-40-24.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ride profile</td></tr>
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Today's ride was just over 70 miles, with 6100 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer of the ride was in the second half of Black Road, which averaged about 11%. The kilometer of Graham Hill Road, leaving Felton, was close at nearly 10%, but felt worse due to the heat, the traffic, and the recently-eaten lunch.<br />
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It was great to get back into the mountains, but what became clear to me is that I'm not in the same kind of shape at all. First, I haven't done any climbs recently, and no long climbs for ages. Second, my commute is less than two hours of riding, so I can easily ride full-out. That's a lousy strategy for a longer ride, and one with climbing. Pace is the key for old, slow rider.</div>
Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-56210455065154447812016-05-29T20:05:00.000-07:002016-05-29T20:34:02.219-07:00Progress on Mt. UmunhumOpening up access to the summit of Mt. Umunhum seems to be making progress, however glacially. In a recent Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board Meeting (<a href="http://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/20160525_MtUmRoad_BidPlanSet-Approval_R-16-62.pdf">minutes</a>), the board addressed an issue that's been discussed on this blog before: access to the road leading to the summit. Specifically, MROSD is working on plans to re-pave and partially rebuild the road, and have initiated proceedings to acquire rights to the road through eminent domain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planned work near the Bald Mountain Trail Head</td></tr>
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The road passes through private land. That's not necessarily a problem; lots of public roads do that. Normally the public holds an easement, a right to use the road. That's a restriction on the landowner's rights, but in exchange they get the use and maintenance of the road.<br />
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In the case of Mt. Umunhum Road, I'm under the impression that the road was built to support the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almaden_Air_Force_Station">Almaden Air Force Station</a>, and clearly the landowners benefited from its construction. Five years ago <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2011/02/mount-umunhum.html?showComment=1301585830892#c9116889640188815898">I assumed that whatever easement was in place was still in force</a>, and the Open Space District may have agreed, but the homeowners construed the easement to apply only to official use. The Open Space District has been trying to negotiate with the owners but they haven't budged, so the last resort is condemnation. Don't feel too sorry for those landowners; they will get an improved and well-maintained road, practically zero new traffic, and about $400k each.<br />
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The <a href="https://www.openspace.org/sites/default/files/20151209_R-15-167.pdf">plan to pursue eminent domain</a> was made late last year, and it was covered in the <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_29214878/mount-umunhum-open-space-district-plans-eminent-domain">Mercury News</a> and by <a href="https://rayhosler.wordpress.com/2015/12/05/mt-umunhum-access-down-to-this-eminent-domain/">Ray Hosler</a>, too. What's new (to me, anyway) is that the process has actually begun. The agenda for the <a href="http://www.openspace.org/about-us/meetings/special-and-regular-meeting-62">MROSD Board Meeting for May 25, 2016</a> reads, in part:<br />
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In order for the District to construct road improvements during the 2016/2017 construction season, condemnation proceedings for Mount Umunhum Road rights have been initiated with the Santa Clara County Superior Court to obtain possession of the necessary rights.</blockquote>
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Woohoo! I don't know much about law, but I'm pretty sure that in order to finish a case you have to start it at some point, so that seems like a milestone. More seriously, I'm sure it would go more quickly if the landowners would settle, but if they were reasonable we'd have had access long ago.<br />
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The minutes linked above are a pretty interesting read, as meeting notes go. The plan is not only to repave the road, but also to address drainage and stabilize slopes along the road. The new road will also have pull-outs and improved guard rails. The minutes include detailed drawings like the one included above for the whole route, from Hicks to the summit.<br />
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When I started riding my bicycle up Mt. Umunhum I wanted to see the old Air Force station in its "ghost town" state, before it was torn down. I guess that ship has sailed, but perhaps the consolation prize will be a legal ride up to the summit some time before I'm too old to make it.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-23845325444139110222016-01-10T08:55:00.002-08:002016-01-10T08:55:52.531-08:00Kona, HawaiiOn December 30th I got a chance to go cycling on the Big Island of Hawaii. I didn't reach my goal, but I had a great time not getting there.<br />
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We planned a week-long trip to Hawaii, staying on the Big Island, and it looked like I might be able to get in a couple of days of riding. Then the plans changed a little, and it turned out the bike shop was closed on New Year's Day, so my time was becoming constrained. Nonetheless, I packed some bike gear along with my swim trunks.<br />
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There are lots of pretty roads around Kona, but there's one unusual feature: a road that goes up to 13,800 feet, starting at sea level. Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano, and there's a road to an observatory at the top. After a little investigation, I realized that the observatory was not going to be possible for me, but the visitor's center, at 9,200 feet, might just be possible. So that was the goal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JUpeSqG0j4xDZ8bvmlCB64wTzP15EVWCk__2WUz5hheoeYXFlnWXqimNqkr6noRSduv5LG1-qzrG5-QrOSa0-gyT3QXF5K2WfdqiGoba9cacB4eKi-Bt1j7t0Khdub4aW-SEIsmrifk/s1600/IMG_20151230_092553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JUpeSqG0j4xDZ8bvmlCB64wTzP15EVWCk__2WUz5hheoeYXFlnWXqimNqkr6noRSduv5LG1-qzrG5-QrOSa0-gyT3QXF5K2WfdqiGoba9cacB4eKi-Bt1j7t0Khdub4aW-SEIsmrifk/s320/IMG_20151230_092553.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starting point in Kona</td></tr>
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One of my constraints was that I didn't have a full day; I had to pick up the bike after the bike shop opened, then return it the next day before it closed. Therefore, best case, I only had about 8 hours of riding available. That wouldn't be enough to get me up and back, so the plan was for my wife to meet me somewhere up the mountain as dusk fell.<br />
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I was at <a href="http://www.bikeworkskona.com/">Bike Works Kona</a> before it opened, and was on the bike by 9:30. I rode down to the water, mostly to zero the elevation on my Garmin to zero. As it turns out, I started right at the swim and run start of the Ironman triathlon.<br />
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The Garmin was already reading 90+ degrees, so I bought an extra bottle of water and strapped it precariously under my seat. I had read that there was no water on my chosen path, so I was hoping this would be enough.<br />
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The road out of Kona is immediately a climb, reaching about 1600 feet before becoming more gradual. At that point the temperature also dropped into the high 70s, and I began to hope that my plan might be feasible after all. Unfortunately the temperature quickly rose back into the 90s, and I was consuming water at unsupportable rates.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbr-XP0Fd6kSL1vhr5mPCLSnQM1zOohvxc7U551qY6O8NhDbmrMSTKc5gKJOGAtiANrlD8eIRFJmKJkPDQDrgKFPN-K59haPsFLtp8N_2a3NyzkBvEhWuccbTTKY02xlaallFrMNUSWI/s1600/PANO_20151230_110640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbr-XP0Fd6kSL1vhr5mPCLSnQM1zOohvxc7U551qY6O8NhDbmrMSTKc5gKJOGAtiANrlD8eIRFJmKJkPDQDrgKFPN-K59haPsFLtp8N_2a3NyzkBvEhWuccbTTKY02xlaallFrMNUSWI/s400/PANO_20151230_110640.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down toward Waikoloa</td></tr>
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There are few roads on the Big Island, so those few roads tend to be pretty busy. The Mamalahoa Highway that I was on had a serviceable shoulder and only moderate traffic. Eventually I turned onto a highway that led across the island -- two lanes in the uphill direction, and one on the downhill. The climb became a little more pronounced, there was much more truck traffic, all signs of trees or other potential shade disappeared, and the vast expanse of asphalt amplified the heat noticeably.<br />
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Needless to say I was beginning to struggle a bit. I also realized that I had entirely forgotten to put on sunscreen, so I was going to have a price to pay for this climb. Eventually I realized that it just wasn't to be, and turned around. The visitor's center could be a goal for another day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvnTQCm3tmn5jNwkFIMuMdjeOAvGsiOUQS5x6eMaQTFyF-N7G52Jh-DYMMV0n1SGYRa_S2CIhO5RIShiCj6tVLDbQIOVmCkc6iUhT80fXF2seP3UBm4zuSOfz2_w6GqM_myQyO1WkRz8/s1600/2015-12-30-09-32-24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvnTQCm3tmn5jNwkFIMuMdjeOAvGsiOUQS5x6eMaQTFyF-N7G52Jh-DYMMV0n1SGYRa_S2CIhO5RIShiCj6tVLDbQIOVmCkc6iUhT80fXF2seP3UBm4zuSOfz2_w6GqM_myQyO1WkRz8/s400/2015-12-30-09-32-24.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
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My ride ended up at just about 60 miles, with 4700 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer was that last one, on the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, but the grade there was only about 7.3%.<br />
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If I were to make an attempt at this ride in the future, I would either need a cloudy, cooler day, or more support -- there's no way for me to carry enough water otherwise. Bike shops in the area recommend a number of climbs, but not this one. I suspect that's just because this ride isn't particularly pretty or otherwise rewarding, except in altitude. Next time I might be tempted to follow their advice.<br />
<br />Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-25178596055623711502015-12-24T08:24:00.001-08:002015-12-24T08:24:18.038-08:00Mountain Charlie RoadIt's another holiday, so I get another ride. This time it was down to Santa Cruz, and back on Mountain Charlie Road.<br />
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The last couple of days have been rainy and we're traveling after Christmas, so today was basically my best chance. I was concerned that the the Los Gatos Creek Trail would be a mess, but it was wet and firm, with lots of puddles but no ruts forming.<br />
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I once again took Rodeo Gulch Road, mostly to enjoy a little extra isolation. As usual I stopped for lunch at Betty Burger, where it was just barely warm enough to sit outside, if you were in the sun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUGz1_nCSC7rYtxzuoCXmgFUKVXa0eU29P8mop0JtX96QfoXGTvfWUnl9m36Q_oM6KhQa5fzKV95tXiYzNwHglXv3lywNhHiLLx5FkbqEhEB0RYBVMRpQLnnMKJ5RrP1tnOO6bOuvN18/s1600/IMG_20151223_122940-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUGz1_nCSC7rYtxzuoCXmgFUKVXa0eU29P8mop0JtX96QfoXGTvfWUnl9m36Q_oM6KhQa5fzKV95tXiYzNwHglXv3lywNhHiLLx5FkbqEhEB0RYBVMRpQLnnMKJ5RrP1tnOO6bOuvN18/s400/IMG_20151223_122940-EFFECTS.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seabright Beach</td></tr>
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After lunch I made sure I got a good look at the ocean, then headed up Glen Canyon Road to Bean Creek Road, and took Mountain Charlie Road home.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q8oLCiUZDS-v3kqHU11qEmNE5jiXXu6pbWk096-ypi7mebKme2h0b7wQdC2-USQEWtceTD6oQmkKycanjSxMCW69aymqlSxRxnUmni0ZcoIDv_HTy401-Ng36PTEIV6Hx-xSm4wYuxc/s1600/2015-12-23-08-41-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q8oLCiUZDS-v3kqHU11qEmNE5jiXXu6pbWk096-ypi7mebKme2h0b7wQdC2-USQEWtceTD6oQmkKycanjSxMCW69aymqlSxRxnUmni0ZcoIDv_HTy401-Ng36PTEIV6Hx-xSm4wYuxc/s400/2015-12-23-08-41-10.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation Profile</td></tr>
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Today's little ride was just over 70 miles, with about 5700 feet of climbing. The toughest kilometer was the top part of Laurel Glen Road and the first part of Rodeo Gulch Road, where it averaged 9.8%. All the other climbs are much easier. It was a great day for a ride, and if I'm lucky I may get one more ride in 2015.<br />
<br />Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-45174352466744129692015-11-28T09:29:00.000-08:002015-11-29T17:44:29.948-08:00UmunhumYesterday I took advantage of the long weekend to sneak out for a non-commute ride up Mount Umunhum.<br />
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Normally I try to fit in a long ride on these long weekends, but the day after Thanksgiving I woke up pretty late and was lazy, so I only had a few hours. Meanwhile, there's been a lot of work on the mountain since the last time I saw it, so I wanted to see what was up.<br />
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As far as I can tell, the last time I did this ride was April 2014. Since then they've constructed a little parking lot at the gate on Mount Umunhum Road, the highest point cars are currently allowed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00MkLRxRfdYtvZTjZxgHX1NfBJprmTfnWCGPuFU-SPapPVHe5EpRcb_THjplr2ECMcsGKZUwOxGBBgAo19Tqa66w6x7VUHUgShMMXrX6MoKxYa2siR20KL_D8ksxLG-Z6Ig8-Or36Vdw/s1600/IMG_20151127_142532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00MkLRxRfdYtvZTjZxgHX1NfBJprmTfnWCGPuFU-SPapPVHe5EpRcb_THjplr2ECMcsGKZUwOxGBBgAo19Tqa66w6x7VUHUgShMMXrX6MoKxYa2siR20KL_D8ksxLG-Z6Ig8-Or36Vdw/s200/IMG_20151127_142532.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of parking</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwF0FcICiPftFzZ2gV3rLMTurgnPJueVAi7LlrXuz56zM0tQVM6bQ_mtZ-X57RXHE13-tzzz3cRs1vaK0Her-oRJDuGlgknd-0dhKndvxMl4HL_jQapYIU6QpNMronotlSX7L-1bV7j0/s1600/IMG_20151127_142546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwF0FcICiPftFzZ2gV3rLMTurgnPJueVAi7LlrXuz56zM0tQVM6bQ_mtZ-X57RXHE13-tzzz3cRs1vaK0Her-oRJDuGlgknd-0dhKndvxMl4HL_jQapYIU6QpNMronotlSX7L-1bV7j0/s200/IMG_20151127_142546.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basic facilities</td></tr>
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There's a nice little parking lot and bathrooms, but no water that I could see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgldEWDrdBh4Rc8InWfxUjyYhTnuZTM2LffTqBT8_QsUPc1MWyoJWTENkS0jaFVhHDZm9q50BkTf44Vz9ZuAtv3a1HYaWeq9DfDUhNA8W6otAXjpAa7P9tOB3DlfRGZpZZ3Z-AFV7F06U/s1600/IMG_20151127_143808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgldEWDrdBh4Rc8InWfxUjyYhTnuZTM2LffTqBT8_QsUPc1MWyoJWTENkS0jaFVhHDZm9q50BkTf44Vz9ZuAtv3a1HYaWeq9DfDUhNA8W6otAXjpAa7P9tOB3DlfRGZpZZ3Z-AFV7F06U/s320/IMG_20151127_143808.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No change in the road surface</td></tr>
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If I understand it correctly there are plans to re-pave the road when they open access to the top, so it's no surprise that it hasn't been worked on yet. It's not a problem when climbing, but when descending the 10%+ grades it can be tricky.<br />
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I'm sure the quality of the road hasn't changed much, but this time I found myself unable to dodge several large potholes. It's nerve racking, but then again a smooth road surface might encourage reckless descending.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8k9bwAgCZbC9ZB_xdGwji8I_gqQXGXUfUKDh8bSfIiOcu_RAG3O5c7ux9dyoFR-zWxwQgqqQhish3RhTQiFBftOGUf0aZUxxsekA8VGsBkHiwqKu8K_Jr0B2RwnAoTMoYxeacN_El2k/s1600/IMG_20151127_144316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8k9bwAgCZbC9ZB_xdGwji8I_gqQXGXUfUKDh8bSfIiOcu_RAG3O5c7ux9dyoFR-zWxwQgqqQhish3RhTQiFBftOGUf0aZUxxsekA8VGsBkHiwqKu8K_Jr0B2RwnAoTMoYxeacN_El2k/s320/IMG_20151127_144316.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even more emphatic signs</td></tr>
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The next change one notices is that MROSD has put up new signage blocking the road that's even larger, 100% redder, and generally more emphatic. Before too long we'll be able to ride (and even drive) to the top; why they still can't allow bike and pedestrian traffic even one foot further than this is a mystery to me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasI_tg-yazG9e9XaOUHCEbiVb9ySzMMLaPC5evjWESxh-xNDZisT7-fKWC7uAtHn1e33OEA61BEw3R3C7lugiL_Swv9CKkPhCvHgsXzPS2PRAy85U_76NJtCHaVhpuBMGNxSby6Kt7Ok/s1600/IMG_20151127_150802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgasI_tg-yazG9e9XaOUHCEbiVb9ySzMMLaPC5evjWESxh-xNDZisT7-fKWC7uAtHn1e33OEA61BEw3R3C7lugiL_Swv9CKkPhCvHgsXzPS2PRAy85U_76NJtCHaVhpuBMGNxSby6Kt7Ok/s320/IMG_20151127_150802.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New facilities at Quicksilver</td></tr>
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After a long cold descent I rolled through New Almaden, and saw new construction at the Hacienda entrance of Quicksilver park. There too they've erected a little bathroom and they appear to be in the process of building a bell tower for some reason.<br />
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What I learned from this is that, in building a bell tower, one apparently installs the bell before even finishing the exterior. Who knew?<br />
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I had a few extra minutes of sunshine and no interest in riding along Almaden Expressway, so I took Harry Road past the entrace to the IBM Almaden facility, where it winds through a hilly little residential area on the way back to Camden.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuW2wj3zKXtyv08eO2v9RCV98qEqgIWeNfkdVHhVc4ZZxzGnPzDDx7GIE25pT2piGU4uafX8ZAVXy_-3dq4EY3YtcwmRAjj9A6CHVRT3po7dMVZhy0epG01fAJJhK-BqNZU9Xcx_0YU4/s1600/2015-11-27-13-09-33.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuW2wj3zKXtyv08eO2v9RCV98qEqgIWeNfkdVHhVc4ZZxzGnPzDDx7GIE25pT2piGU4uafX8ZAVXy_-3dq4EY3YtcwmRAjj9A6CHVRT3po7dMVZhy0epG01fAJJhK-BqNZU9Xcx_0YU4/s400/2015-11-27-13-09-33.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation Profile</td></tr>
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All in all a really enjoyable ride -- perfect weather, I felt good on the steep climbs, and it fit neatly into the afternoon. It was just under 25 miles, with a little over 3000 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer was the lower part of the climb up Hicks, which averages well over 14%.<br />
<br />Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-32448527434507102542015-11-01T07:55:00.003-08:002015-11-29T17:43:35.538-08:00Big Basin and ZayanteDuring an unusually complicated weekend, I had a rare chance to go out for a nice long ride.<br />
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I've been doing my evening 25-30 mile commute very regularly, but I've only put together a couple of longer rides this whole year. Once I realized I was going to have a free day, my thoughts drifted to the top of Black Road. I haven't been there in... forever. Then thinking a little more, I remembered that I've never climbed Gist Road, so that got in the plan, even though it meant cutting out the prettiest part of Black Road -- the part that had inspired the route in the first place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlSLGLOHmekxu0_zk9cdpCaU7lfP2Njhm0mz22cOJxbkdUeGygxy3atAMVZYhfM5Pn3NQVbubZgtFXPtOB6HZ5ToZKvl-CWkb8gxrsZG7gvlC1NMDBIJkJUdPgBpPRQmTCGmy3wSDrj4/s1600/IMG_20151025_100618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlSLGLOHmekxu0_zk9cdpCaU7lfP2Njhm0mz22cOJxbkdUeGygxy3atAMVZYhfM5Pn3NQVbubZgtFXPtOB6HZ5ToZKvl-CWkb8gxrsZG7gvlC1NMDBIJkJUdPgBpPRQmTCGmy3wSDrj4/s320/IMG_20151025_100618.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gist Road, with a fabric-covered hill</td></tr>
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The morning was heavily overcast but not terribly cool, and I got on the road at 8:30. I headed up to the Lexington Reservoir, negotiated the little dirt track next to Highway 17, and started up Black Road. There is no shoulder on any of these roads (Black, Bear Creek or Montevina), so while there's not much traffic it's all inconvenient.<br />
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Gist road was very quiet, mostly a winding single lane. Very pretty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPepH7fHAujSD1eCfPxgzETRPCamG0kLvFD5dkgHIghW6a17UatCrpY1XSr5RHc0r6knVz094mdy9N1YCIzWTvh_zmQxg7yjZYUMmtnxVnw1ceKklk_j4haBslM_1r_Cih5rYubo5J0kM/s1600/PANO_20151025_120333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPepH7fHAujSD1eCfPxgzETRPCamG0kLvFD5dkgHIghW6a17UatCrpY1XSr5RHc0r6knVz094mdy9N1YCIzWTvh_zmQxg7yjZYUMmtnxVnw1ceKklk_j4haBslM_1r_Cih5rYubo5J0kM/s320/PANO_20151025_120333.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Really Big Tree</td></tr>
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I had forgotten to eat any breakfast, so the rest of my planning revolved around lunch. I decided to stop at the Foster's Freeze in Boulder Creek, so at the top of Gist I took a right and headed toward Route 9. As I was decending 9 I was a little early for lunch, so at Route 236 I headed toward Big Basin, to extend the ride and mostly to enjoy the woods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyVc1UOyV3VTjJtu5vr5x9Mj30YMmzyY0fm2XIS7QgtSty4naftitNHykUW1JbS-cj6LJVfWdnZJcOBdoLbtZh6r3ozxStZNxW1KTJHJ1kCQsIzqQZ9w_hCLsP_Sm00qj0PJzhsph5dw/s1600/IMG_20151025_143228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyVc1UOyV3VTjJtu5vr5x9Mj30YMmzyY0fm2XIS7QgtSty4naftitNHykUW1JbS-cj6LJVfWdnZJcOBdoLbtZh6r3ozxStZNxW1KTJHJ1kCQsIzqQZ9w_hCLsP_Sm00qj0PJzhsph5dw/s320/IMG_20151025_143228.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Zayante Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With lunch managed I wanted to find a way to climb up Mountain Charlie Road, again just because I hadn't been there in a long time. I headed down Route 9 and took a left on Glen Arbor Road to avoid some of the traffic. Along that route, you see signs for Quail Hollow Road heading to E. Zayante. That would be a new route for me, and riding on Route 9 and Mount Hermon Road to Scotts Valley would be unpleasant, so: Zayante it is.<br />
<br />
At the top I headed right, descending to Los Gatos on Old Santa Cruz Highway. All day I had felt pretty great, up for any options, but by now I was feeling the unusual (for me) distance and climb, and just headed back home over Kennedy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqaV2Qm4l9slxU8XCr-ZgUI5LkFzQFo96sfz9-CV0CCm-x-jPI1XCa7OAgcUobcEtVlQo03RN8HQTdqFlQJJdieZx_dlcIgg84ICjFVhR6rFYPa3yHBuAI4dSK_2u_tmzA6wSj9_tR4U/s1600/2015-10-25-08-29-47.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqaV2Qm4l9slxU8XCr-ZgUI5LkFzQFo96sfz9-CV0CCm-x-jPI1XCa7OAgcUobcEtVlQo03RN8HQTdqFlQJJdieZx_dlcIgg84ICjFVhR6rFYPa3yHBuAI4dSK_2u_tmzA6wSj9_tR4U/s400/2015-10-25-08-29-47.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation Profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This little outing was 77 miles, with 7300 feet of climbing. The hardest kilometer was Gist Road, at nearly 11%. I'm happy that I managed to see my old haunts again, and indeed that I still have that range. But I hope to have a few more open days during the upcoming holidays.<br />
<br />Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-8648141280425218182015-07-04T14:17:00.001-07:002015-07-11T06:29:24.018-07:00Santa Cruz and Big BasinYesterday I took advantage of the holiday weekend to take my first long ride of the summer.<br />
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<iframe height="360" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=zHyag0wH0ii0.kyNyO7yA3gnQ" width="480"></iframe><br />
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I've been riding a lot lately, but it's all in the form of my daily commute between Mountain View and Almaden. I don't seem to be able to make time for a long, all-day ride on the weekends anymore, but on a long weekend I can normally fit one in. This weekend is Independence Day, so it fits the bill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CI3NkIedBzI/VZfggeesBUI/AAAAAAABwnc/IAqvaeJFawU/s1600/IMG_20150703_100955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CI3NkIedBzI/VZfggeesBUI/AAAAAAABwnc/IAqvaeJFawU/s320/IMG_20150703_100955.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodeo Gulch Road</td></tr>
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I didn't really have a plan, but since it's been so long since I've seen Santa Cruz I decided to head down that way. On a day destined to be pretty hot I got an early start, rolling into the cool (but definitely not cold) morning at 7:30. I took my normal route over Kennedy to the Old Santa Cruz Highway, rolling through the redwoods on a cloudy morning.<br />
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After a quick descent on a quiet San Jose-Soquel road, I took the turn onto Laurel Glen Road to enjoy the woods a little more. At the northern edge of that road I decided to take Rodeo Gulch Road, which was new to me, toward Santa Cruz. It turns out to be a pretty little one-lane road.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMOz3RJIoHA/VZfgi15XQ_I/AAAAAAABwoE/3R08-2CzWKk/s1600/IMG_20150703_105026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CMOz3RJIoHA/VZfgi15XQ_I/AAAAAAABwoE/3R08-2CzWKk/s320/IMG_20150703_105026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the San Lorenzo river</td></tr>
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I meandered through town mostly aimlessly, except that I wanted to see the ocean before heading back into the hills. I ended up crossing the San Lorenzo on the old railroad bridge next to the Boardwalk, as I often do.<br />
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The river trail took me to Graham Hill Road, which in turn took me to Felton. Graham Hill was busy with traffic and steep, but the sun was tamed by clouds and I continued to feel great.<br />
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At Felton I turned on to Route 9, and continued north to Boulder Creek. I detoured onto Glen Arbor Road to try another road new to me, not to mention get away from traffic, but it seemed like there were a lot of cars there, too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEbW5t-_JYs/VZfgrDFOObI/AAAAAAABwpk/Trq6x7tmiVM/s1600/IMG_20150703_134930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OEbW5t-_JYs/VZfgrDFOObI/AAAAAAABwpk/Trq6x7tmiVM/s320/IMG_20150703_134930.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A redwood along North Escape Road.</td></tr>
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After lunch at the friendly Foster's Freeze I headed toward Big Basin State Park, this time taking Park Avenue to avoid a traffic a little more. As I continued on 236, the clearing skies allowed the sun to beat down and the effort on the climb began to tell. My morning of pleasurable cruising was becoming an afternoon of work.<br />
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The park headquarters was crowded, and an overflowing parking lot meant that the road was clogged. I topped off my water and rested a bit, then headed off on North Escape Road for a little peace in the shady forest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdvTb78pevMZyKWC8uRFotdwO-liHngFMyanj4IjCulLsIljz8U_z8dg0F0N96Da_kp2TkLbuQ0VBXQSiObeg6UtsVeWKCs9oA4VYi3YRmhVkzmTLRlqENuZOA0kdw98TBgujHR8zv04/s1600/IMG_20150703_135535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdvTb78pevMZyKWC8uRFotdwO-liHngFMyanj4IjCulLsIljz8U_z8dg0F0N96Da_kp2TkLbuQ0VBXQSiObeg6UtsVeWKCs9oA4VYi3YRmhVkzmTLRlqENuZOA0kdw98TBgujHR8zv04/s320/IMG_20150703_135535.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Escape Road</td></tr>
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One of the advantages of North Escape Road is that you don't have to contend with the traffic on the skinny side of 236, but on this trip I actually encountered my first-ever traffic on the upper part of North Escape Road, in the form of a park ranger heading the other way.<br />
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Once I got back on 236 I was exposed to the sun for the rest of the climb, but enjoyed the brief relief offered by the shade of occasional trees. As I continued up Route 9 I was calculating whether this ride would end up being 100 miles. Calculations done on the bike are always comically difficult. I suffered up the climb, but enjoyed the descent. I went back home the usual way, following part of my daily commute, and went home a slightly circuitous way to go over 100 miles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQinErhxgYWIz_CwyYFtljSiXTifAsplof-GNBcWjWunP-23BzFdbElgyqC8Sj0lqlg67UbjnqPb8N9nz3cGaxf0zSLsxvHon_rYDPVRPPp6hk5wmsURcoYEFMUdPTjgdmmkTWeuf1RVs/s1600/2015-07-03-07-32-04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQinErhxgYWIz_CwyYFtljSiXTifAsplof-GNBcWjWunP-23BzFdbElgyqC8Sj0lqlg67UbjnqPb8N9nz3cGaxf0zSLsxvHon_rYDPVRPPp6hk5wmsURcoYEFMUdPTjgdmmkTWeuf1RVs/s400/2015-07-03-07-32-04.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yesterday's ride was just over 100 miles, with 8100 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer, on this day of moderate climbs, was on the upper part of North Escape Road. I'm pretty exhausted today, but if these long rides are going to be rare, I suppose I ought to make them count.<br />
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Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-75172879247163180052015-05-17T17:50:00.002-07:002017-06-17T18:51:28.189-07:00Following Jobst BrandtI never met <a href="https://rayhosler.wordpress.com/2015/05/06/jobst-brandt-leaves-behind-memories-to-last-a-lifetime/">Jobst Brandt</a>.<br />
<br />
I moved to the Bay area in 2008, and soon developed an interest in cycling in the Santa Cruz mountains. As I sought more interesting routes through the mountains I inevitably became aware of Jobst Brandt and his extensive experience, writings, and influence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlOEbggd-h1e5PSo5L2XJzQORnYzwW7YeFeYWK8zNdeuchg5QpdMB7yAYECFVCu0bOEKIUVQzyZWO0HIMGxjtdwoGMYGjtr64dcO0RgF0Glnn8ZsimgWkp0H4AK_qKv5aj8QwwuZ5e34/s1600/umunhum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlOEbggd-h1e5PSo5L2XJzQORnYzwW7YeFeYWK8zNdeuchg5QpdMB7yAYECFVCu0bOEKIUVQzyZWO0HIMGxjtdwoGMYGjtr64dcO0RgF0Glnn8ZsimgWkp0H4AK_qKv5aj8QwwuZ5e34/s320/umunhum.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jobst Brandt on nearby Umunhum Road<br />Photo by<a href="https://rayhosler.com/"> Ray Hosler</a>.</td></tr>
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The first way Brandt influenced me was describing some of the great rides around here. Brandt's adventurous spirit and disdain for arbitrary restrictions inspired many of my exploratory rides. In my case, the influence often came second hand. For example, one of my <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2011/03/loma-prieta-and-mount-madonna.html">first rides to Loma Prieta</a> was directly inspired by <a href="http://mrbill.homeip.net/bikeBlog.php?2005#loma_prieta.2005.11.24">Bill Bushnell's route</a>, which in turn was suggested by Brandt. Many other rides were directly inspired by <a href="http://rayhosler.wordpress.com/">Ray Hosler</a>, who carries the same spirit. Brandt also contributed to catalogs of climbs like the <a href="http://web.stanford.edu/group/cycling/routes/">Stanford cycling routes page</a>, which I used to rely on extensively.<br />
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We're lucky that Brandt's later career coincided with the rise of the Internet, and specifically Usenet. I don't know where this sort of memoir, interesting and useful but without the polish or audience required for magazines, could have been published otherwise. Having said that, it's worrying how many of the reports are filled with broken image links.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy7EY-X9pxMyOGzSaPvM3z4eiYeNyIfd0kEwuHXj2dFywx6wRcO3MSpbwZiyXXAJUr8d2b46MzrD4f5Uz1kq_oXqA0VUk1at-_LCQoGnNnfQgRimKPclIddjUAWx7B0tFthJZnXgshAY/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy7EY-X9pxMyOGzSaPvM3z4eiYeNyIfd0kEwuHXj2dFywx6wRcO3MSpbwZiyXXAJUr8d2b46MzrD4f5Uz1kq_oXqA0VUk1at-_LCQoGnNnfQgRimKPclIddjUAWx7B0tFthJZnXgshAY/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jobst Brandt simultaneously testing<br />
theories of slick tire grip, cornering<br />
technique and helmet use.<br />
Photo by Ted Mock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another of Brandt's legacies is his extensive writing on bicycle-related engineering, including his strong opinions on <a href="http://yarchive.net/bike/">myriad topics on rec.bicycles.tech</a>, and of course <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Bicycle-Wheel-3rd-Edition/dp/0960723668">The Bicycle Wheel</a>. I'm an engineer (software, anyway) and appropriately skeptical of marketing disguised as innovation in the cycling industry, so I have a natural affinity for Brandt's attitude. But I'm also an indifferent and lazy mechanic, so I read it only as a spectator.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVGQCslp8R_tIGwKwYtRDDxakxo8O27aPSnNP0VHbhnYceTOFnufGrkkPMya7xVmjyI3Hrjvf7THoQ57R1I6b_EB68WpTzbsxv7zhGzLzXKuUT0levaODC0J49VP-r4dTUSWzx0wtRH4/s1600/19ColDeLIseran6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVGQCslp8R_tIGwKwYtRDDxakxo8O27aPSnNP0VHbhnYceTOFnufGrkkPMya7xVmjyI3Hrjvf7THoQ57R1I6b_EB68WpTzbsxv7zhGzLzXKuUT0levaODC0J49VP-r4dTUSWzx0wtRH4/s320/19ColDeLIseran6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just climbing the sign is impressive<br />
for an older guy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For me, Brandt's most direct influence was his <a href="http://trentobike.org/byauthor/JobstBrandt.html">annual cycling trip in the Alps</a>. Every year he undertook a trip similar in scale to the Tour de France, carrying his gear on the bike and staying in hotels. That style of touring directly informed my trips in <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2012/07/packing-for-bicycle-tour.html">2012 </a>and <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2014/07/back-in-alps.html">2014</a>. Of course his days and his trips were vastly more arduous than my own; maybe someday I'll work up to that level.<br />
<br />
The influence continues. Brandt also often rode across the <a href="http://www.bicyclinglife.com/Recreation/SierraSpring.htm">Sierra Nevadas and back</a>; I may try that this summer. And he described a long ride through <a href="https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rec.bicycles.rides/MC2oYkUzrIM/discussion">New Idria </a>that sounded really interesting to me, but it was later closed by the Bureau of Land Management. <a href="https://rayhosler.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/new-idrias-siren-call-leads-to-new-adventures-in-san-benito-county/">It is reported to be open again</a>; maybe I'll try that some time.<br />
<br />
Finally, I'm pretty old, so Brandt's example is especially inspirational to me. He routinely enjoyed long, all-day rides through the mountains well into his 70s. In 2010, for example, he reported <a href="https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rec.bicycles.rides/7eaDuqoAGoA/discussion">a typical ride up Bonny Doon</a>. A ride of 110 miles and 8000 feet of climbing at 75 years of age? It would be impossible to believe from anyone else.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtz-LjYeTOIo7_dF8kthf6uPTef-Hfr2QKrdKW_mmNAlPiz3P8fU3gnVFVi3XebOwgwZf3F3K8ryXEZkgCJOtHkt9WGtgJn__nApKZJo4seFYqXrvzorTDtw1vpdwlMyElJE6_xNppgXY/s1600/l24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtz-LjYeTOIo7_dF8kthf6uPTef-Hfr2QKrdKW_mmNAlPiz3P8fU3gnVFVi3XebOwgwZf3F3K8ryXEZkgCJOtHkt9WGtgJn__nApKZJo4seFYqXrvzorTDtw1vpdwlMyElJE6_xNppgXY/s400/l24.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the smile (from <a href="http://mrbill.homeip.net/bikeBlog.php?2005#tailwinds_to_santa_cruz.2005.04.09">Bill Bushnell's blog</a>).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm sorry I never met Jobst Brandt. He's gone, but I continue to appreciate and benefit from his wisdom and his example. Rest in peace.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-22154297657056863262015-01-04T12:24:00.002-08:002015-01-04T12:24:18.589-08:00Mount Tamalpais and the Marin HeadlandsYesterday I took a brisk ride from San Francisco up and around Mount Tamalpais.<br />
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I've had lots of time off recently, and I was looking for something a little out of the ordinary for me. Mount Tamalpais sounded interesting, and I've only been there once, <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2012/06/mount-tamalpais.html">two years ago</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zherk2fST8/VKjNXcoytOI/AAAAAAABjuk/A-rctUXSRlY/s1600/IMG_20150103_085154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zherk2fST8/VKjNXcoytOI/AAAAAAABjuk/A-rctUXSRlY/s1600/IMG_20150103_085154.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting off, looking at the road ahead.</td></tr>
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Armed with only vague memories of the route from 2012 and an almost complete lack of any other planning, I set off early in the car. I was headed for the Vista Point just on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. As I drove through thick fog on 280 (so thick that the sparse traffic slowed a bit), I remembered that the Golden Gate Bridge no longer has cash toll booths. I don't have FasTrak, and I couldn't remember whether that would be a problem (answer: <a href="http://goldengate.org/tolls/tollpaymentoptions.php">no, not a problem</a>) and couldn't easily check. I decided to find parking in San Francisco and cross the bridge on the bike. And having made that decision, it was obviously better in every respect.<br />
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As I neared the bridge a search for parking brought up Inspiration Point, a scenic spot in the Presidio. When I got there it was literally empty, so I thought I must be violating some rule. Nonetheless I parked and started riding in the cold morning air, just after 8:30.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jaYYLMtl7I/VKjNfegpxPI/AAAAAAABj3U/EKrbYI8ehzs/s1600/DSCN0577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5jaYYLMtl7I/VKjNfegpxPI/AAAAAAABj3U/EKrbYI8ehzs/s1600/DSCN0577.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somebody has placed French-style markers on<br />hills in the area. This one was on Corte Madiera Road.</td></tr>
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Everything's so much easier in the morning. I crossed the bridge, passed through Sausalito to the Mill Valley/Sausalito bike path, and made my way up to Mill Valley with little traffic, whether car, bike or pedestrian. From Mill Valley I took roads up through the little towns that surround the mountain (Corte Madeira, Larkspur, Ross, and San Anselmo). Finally in Fairfax I turned onto Bolinas Road (passing an inviting coffee shop already packed with cyclists) and began the climb.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M25Wtfxc6Qs/VKjNmflhrtI/AAAAAAABj4U/Up2SUqz3jmE/s1600/DSCN0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M25Wtfxc6Qs/VKjNmflhrtI/AAAAAAABj4U/Up2SUqz3jmE/s1600/DSCN0585.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine Lake</td></tr>
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The first part of the climb goes past a golf course, after which car traffic decreases noticeably. It climbs a little more until descending to the beautiful and quite full Alpine Lake reservoir.<br />
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After a snack on the dam in the warming sun, I began the climb up away from the lake. Cars were parked all along the narrow shoulder of the road here, but few people were in sight. I guess there are hiking trails around there?<br />
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After a beautiful section of thick, dark woods, the path continues on Ridgecrest Boulevard. On this section the trees give way to grassy hills, currently a gratifying green. It offers the first views of the Pacific, and eventually Bolinas and Stinson Beach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RSkDkkhlAA/VKjNYD2pgRI/AAAAAAABjus/dm_wYOAR04s/s1600/PANO_20150103_120804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1RSkDkkhlAA/VKjNYD2pgRI/AAAAAAABjus/dm_wYOAR04s/s1600/PANO_20150103_120804.jpg" height="166" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bolinas Bay, as seen from Ridgecrest Boulevard.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8W1Euwx2nU/VKjN7uuU5GI/AAAAAAABj6c/c02uoWT5W_M/s1600/DSCN0602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8W1Euwx2nU/VKjN7uuU5GI/AAAAAAABj6c/c02uoWT5W_M/s1600/DSCN0602.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lookout Tower on Mount Tamalpais</td></tr>
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After this section the road turns toward the north-east and heads up to the nondescript West Peak, and finally the East Peak. I enjoyed the views while eating my remaining food, then hiked up to the observation tower. I could do that because I wear "mountain bike" shoes with SPD clips, not enfeebling road bike shoes. I can't imagine why anyone would choose the latter.<br />
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After that I headed downhill... very briefly, because one must immediately climb back to the West Peak. But then it's all downhill into Mill Valley, and from there the bike trail takes you back into Sausalito.<br />
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Instead of heading directly back across the bridge, I stayed on the road (Conzelman Road, apparently) to enjoy the views west of the bridge. I hadn't been up here before. It was now mid-afternoon, and appeared to be a nightmare for many cars seeking few parking spaces. It was nice on the bike, although a little steep in sections.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEqkzOGzHy4/VKjmR2d_xBI/AAAAAAABj1I/RzKBl4TPDqg/s1600/DSCN0605-PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEqkzOGzHy4/VKjmR2d_xBI/AAAAAAABj1I/RzKBl4TPDqg/s1600/DSCN0605-PANO.jpg" height="136" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back on the bridge and San Francisco from Hawk Hill.</td></tr>
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I crossed the now-busy bridge, and found that the once-quiet roads in the Presidio were now backed up with cars waiting to cross the bridge. The Inspiration Point parking lot was now overflowing and crowded, partly due to people taking up spots while on long bike rides, I suppose. Things look a lot different in the afternoon -- the lesson is that if you get a reasonably early start, everything's easy, and later it becomes a huge hassle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXsdvyHAg49CjAHi9WZXBbv0DFKAT-3-_cyrLvx5fn3mWirpnZ3y6CnHYXZyP_E0W5aOz5E3VDmF2gcIGB8oYjDyWqMtcSGl48qkCgQ2MyQ5O3-CUuKF8W76sumjDo0VMGBED6F2gDs0/s1600/2015-01-03-08-35-19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXsdvyHAg49CjAHi9WZXBbv0DFKAT-3-_cyrLvx5fn3mWirpnZ3y6CnHYXZyP_E0W5aOz5E3VDmF2gcIGB8oYjDyWqMtcSGl48qkCgQ2MyQ5O3-CUuKF8W76sumjDo0VMGBED6F2gDs0/s1600/2015-01-03-08-35-19.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
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Yesterday's ride was a little over 62 miles, with 5457 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer was the final climb up toward the East Peak of Tamalpais, at 8.1%. That's it for the holiday rides; now back to work!<br />
<br />Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-73874971866503245232014-12-27T18:18:00.000-08:002014-12-27T18:18:11.414-08:00Hamilton via QuimbyToday I took advantage of a cold, clear day to visit Mount Hamilton.<br />
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Since the recent string of rainstorms we've been treated to views of green hills, which normally appear briefly in the spring but have been unfamiliar otherwise. I decided to enjoy those views by heading up to Mount Hamilton. And since I'd be setting out from home, I took the "short cut" up Quimby Road.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u64Nvqi3PWc/VJ9h1U58aHI/AAAAAAABjNI/Fy9ZX45XEcY/s1600/IMG_20141227_101613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u64Nvqi3PWc/VJ9h1U58aHI/AAAAAAABjNI/Fy9ZX45XEcY/s1600/IMG_20141227_101613.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The valley, from Quimby</td></tr>
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This is a trip I've done <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2012/02/mount-hamilton-via-quimby.html">a few times</a> <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2012/04/mount-hamilton.html">before</a>, but not recently. In this case it would be a straight out-and-back trip, heading up Blossom Hill until it morphs into Silver Creek Valley Road, then over to the base of Quimby. That road is as steep as ever, but the cool air made it bearable.<br />
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There weren't many riders on the road today. This ride was notable because, for the first time, I think I passed more riders than passed me. There were basically two groups, one slightly slower than me and the other much faster, but the faster group was slightly smaller.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPo5WtnW5ew/VJ9h3icHi-I/AAAAAAABjNg/_tHsN6muM_o/s1600/PANO_20141227_110626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPo5WtnW5ew/VJ9h3icHi-I/AAAAAAABjNg/_tHsN6muM_o/s1600/PANO_20141227_110626.jpg" height="180" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grant Park, surprisingly green for December</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqG6enUooYE/VJ9h54IgpuI/AAAAAAABjN4/oXsTExpKM5A/s1600/IMG_20141227_124609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UqG6enUooYE/VJ9h54IgpuI/AAAAAAABjN4/oXsTExpKM5A/s1600/IMG_20141227_124609.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lick Observatory</td></tr>
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On the last climb I pulled off my jacket so I'd have something more-or-less dry to put on for the descent. Once at the top I dawdled for long enough to dry a little, then put on my jacket and headed down. By the bottom I was shivering; I have no idea why I didn't take extra clothes.<br />
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On the way back I stopped at the little square on Ruby Avenue for a tasty and welcome latte. On Silver Creek Valley Road I made good use of the smooth pavement and steep grade to get some pretty considerable speed, for me, then continued reversing my course toward home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFd7_rCcDVe0kkn6gbLUn2ZjZzHljqq7vxGTE0aLtEYxl4xTlA_BYWVIxgjHD05UMlxkidrLbutSJNeV-vnFFsQwi2x5aznB4PsawhysqxhDltTbZMhMCfIiNnfZrm1RQU8tJBdYOhmk/s1600/2014-12-27-08-44-35.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOFd7_rCcDVe0kkn6gbLUn2ZjZzHljqq7vxGTE0aLtEYxl4xTlA_BYWVIxgjHD05UMlxkidrLbutSJNeV-vnFFsQwi2x5aznB4PsawhysqxhDltTbZMhMCfIiNnfZrm1RQU8tJBdYOhmk/s1600/2014-12-27-08-44-35.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
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Today's ride was a little over 60 miles, with nearly 6700 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer was near the top of Quimby, which came in at 13.6%.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-10970141197618487542014-12-25T09:20:00.000-08:002014-12-25T09:20:27.774-08:00La HondaYesterday I enjoyed a rainy holiday ride to La Honda.<br />
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December 23rd was sunny and actually quite warm, and this morning there isn't a cloud in the sky. But yesterday was overcast, foggy and drizzly all day. So you can guess which day I picked for a long ride.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjMp__1DfDo/VJwyKpnnI3I/AAAAAAABi2U/FNre3pVN2io/s1600/IMG_20141224_105954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjMp__1DfDo/VJwyKpnnI3I/AAAAAAABi2U/FNre3pVN2io/s1600/IMG_20141224_105954.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine Road</td></tr>
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The target was actually San Gregorio, which I thought might just be within my range. To get there and back in the daylight I'd need to get an early start. I almost did; I rolled away from the house shortly after 8.<br />
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The roads were wet and largely deserted as I crossed into Los Gatos and then into Saratoga. For the first time in a long time I climbed Route 9. My memory of that climb had apparently softened; it was longer and (in parts) steeper than I expected. Near the top the wind picked up and the ever-present mist briefly turned to rain. From that perspective it seemed like I might be riding in the rain longer than my clothes and innate heat generation could bear, so thoughts of alternative routes danced in my head.<br />
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Nonetheless I continued up Summit Road in the rain. The plan was to head down Alpine to La Honda, then 84 to San Gregorio, then Stage Road to Pescadero and back in some indeterminate way. At Alpine I was wet but still warm, so I thought I could at least see what the weather was like on the Santa Cruz side of the mountains.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnpGvG2QFEM/VJwyOtOBliI/AAAAAAABi3A/vKyV6OO4Hf0/s1600/PANO_20141224_111634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pnpGvG2QFEM/VJwyOtOBliI/AAAAAAABi3A/vKyV6OO4Hf0/s1600/PANO_20141224_111634.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine Road</td></tr>
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Alpine Road was so foggy that I was worried about overcooking corners that I couldn't see coming. Near the bottom the road is absolutely gorgeous, winding through thick woods. At this point it was no longer foggy but quite wet. I felt like I was going to consume my brake pads before I got to the bottom. At the junction with Highway 84, I cut the ride short by heading right toward La Honda instead of left toward San Gregorio.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQj2Y0rsotI/VJwySoQZ0qI/AAAAAAABi3o/cRdTBdHzUiU/s1600/IMG_20141224_123312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qQj2Y0rsotI/VJwySoQZ0qI/AAAAAAABi3o/cRdTBdHzUiU/s1600/IMG_20141224_123312.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old La Honda Road</td></tr>
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There's not much to like about climbing Highway 84, but I wanted to get to the west side of Old La Honda Road. That's a very pretty, very isolated climb. On Highway 84, even on Christmas Eve, you're constantly being passed by cars and big trucks. On Old La Honda I didn't see any cars at all, despite stopping and eating lunch. While I was eating a large group of cyclists passed by; otherwise I saw no one.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLX0E46aVh8/VJwyW-qgRQI/AAAAAAABi4Q/pmLWWSReMS0/s1600/IMG_20141224_132218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RLX0E46aVh8/VJwyW-qgRQI/AAAAAAABi4Q/pmLWWSReMS0/s1600/IMG_20141224_132218.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arastradero Road</td></tr>
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I don't get up this way very much, so I decided to descend Highway 84 to Portola Valley Road, after which I headed to Alpine and Arastradero. I took Arastradero because I was unfamiliar with it, and it rewarded that curiosity by winding through a lovely open space.<br />
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After a quick jog on Page Mill, a separate Arastradero Road crossed over 280. As I was looking at a map the group of riders I had seen on Old La Honda Road passed by and turned on Purissima Road. I figured they must know where they were going, so I followed.<br />
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That was a good decision, because after a bewildering set of turns on nondescript roads, we ended up in downtown Los Altos, which I had never seen before. I celebrated with a coffee, and as a bonus the sun came out.<br />
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It's amazing what a little sun will do. I put my jacket in my bag and within a few miles I was entirely dry. And then a few minutes later, as I passed by Stevens Creek Reservoir, the sky closed in and it was raining again. I was once again soaked.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqSyk4ZUHpyhaD33wBjgbBGIC7ehbzdbbLfQ5TfExw9H2gThjfDwQ4jn1FDYPO4JFOY94RZvEvrH5oJ-X9HzfVEPmFZtQOLKhywYGyqXbebwSXShVEwrb56tzlyehmQbnFxZvGaid-y8/s1600/2014-12-24-08-15-53.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqSyk4ZUHpyhaD33wBjgbBGIC7ehbzdbbLfQ5TfExw9H2gThjfDwQ4jn1FDYPO4JFOY94RZvEvrH5oJ-X9HzfVEPmFZtQOLKhywYGyqXbebwSXShVEwrb56tzlyehmQbnFxZvGaid-y8/s1600/2014-12-24-08-15-53.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
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Today's ride was a little over 80 miles, with 7200 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer was near the top of Route 9, at 7.8%. San Gregorio will wait for another day.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-86935373213676592612014-12-21T19:00:00.000-08:002014-12-21T19:03:33.288-08:00Monte SerenoAt the start of an extended holiday, I took a short ride exploring the hills between Los Gatos and Saratoga.
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These days I only seem to make time for longer rides on holidays, so since I'm taking the whole week of Christmas off I should be able to get in at least one good ride. Today was not that day, but I did get in a short ride exploring some unfamiliar roads around Los Gatos and Saratoga, and mostly Monte Sereno.<br />
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I started off at about 10 bundled up against the damp morning but almost immediately thinking I had overdressed. As I climbed up Kennedy I got comfortably warm right away, but if the clouds burned off as they so often do, I would be left steaming in my kit. The roads were wet as I took the steep and perhaps not quite legal route up Teresita and around to Cypress. Along the way you spend quite a while on a one-lane road marked as private, which adds a few BPM to your heart rate if the 20% ramps weren't doing enough already.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aP8B5lZxhk/VJd6J-I9ceI/AAAAAAABiqo/h2ghdRTef3w/s1600/IMG_20141221_110620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1aP8B5lZxhk/VJd6J-I9ceI/AAAAAAABiqo/h2ghdRTef3w/s1600/IMG_20141221_110620.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Withey Road</td></tr>
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Most of the route through Los Gatos reversed my normal evening commute. It seemed quite new to me partly because it was reversed, but mostly because it was daylight. I took the I've-always-wondered-where-that-goes Withey Road, thinking it would link up to Overlook. It just dead-ends. After that I went back down to Route 9, then skipped over to more side streets that I hadn't visited before.<br />
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In Saratoga I started up Route 9. I've ridden down Route 9 from Redwood Gulch or Pierce most evenings this year, but this may have been the first time this year I was headed up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PacxvWUrsy0/VJd6M6FNEVI/AAAAAAABirM/R5O51rKDylg/s1600/IMG_20141221_122920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PacxvWUrsy0/VJd6M6FNEVI/AAAAAAABirM/R5O51rKDylg/s1600/IMG_20141221_122920.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ojai Drive</td></tr>
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At Tollhouse Road I climbed the comically steep ramp, again reversing part of my commute. Then I headed over to Pierce to visit a little side road I've passed 100 times, only to find it too has scary "private driveway" signs a little ways up. Oh well. It was beginning to rain a little, too, so I turned back toward home.<br />
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Along the way I headed back up to Overlook, reversing a route I'd taken once before. This involved riding up Lucky Road, which has "private" signs that aren't quite scary enough, apparently. Lucky Road is a barely one-lane winding road that today was damp and slick with mud and fallen leaves. It's steep the whole way, so I kept spinning my back tire.<br />
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On Los Gatos Boulevard they were doing some road work, I think, so I took the proffered detour up Stacia and found a new way to Kennedy, via Worcester Park. And then the short trip home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F0ZG-lZlYdadX6Fzx27XD01-M7ZEmJsysqt8xFA6BaaqSFo-rh6_fZ4avzhIgjPiCEQpKbw0nJACADZILcbRXt0wr2O3PukyrTzlz2Vz3b3G-eE3EKMKaKYs99VxSEKfOgTIl3GfuEk/s1600/2014-12-21-10-01-52.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3F0ZG-lZlYdadX6Fzx27XD01-M7ZEmJsysqt8xFA6BaaqSFo-rh6_fZ4avzhIgjPiCEQpKbw0nJACADZILcbRXt0wr2O3PukyrTzlz2Vz3b3G-eE3EKMKaKYs99VxSEKfOgTIl3GfuEk/s1600/2014-12-21-10-01-52.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation Profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today's ride was just 32 miles, with over 3400 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer was the private road at the top of Teresita (maybe Paseo Carmelo?), speaking strictly of the 13% grade and not the legal jeopardy. A good day, and with any luck preparation for a much longer day quite soon.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-86168168827893724812014-11-28T20:44:00.003-08:002014-11-29T07:25:35.609-08:00CorralitosToday I took advantage of the long holiday -- and some perfect weather -- to take a long ride for a sausage sandwich.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe height="360" src="https://mapsengine.google.com/map/embed?mid=zHyag0wH0ii0.kuKTwE_G5eEY" width="425"></iframe></div>
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Lately it seems like I never have time on the weekend for a long ride, so I've been getting what cycling time I can by riding home from work. That's pretty good exercise, but since it's in the cold and dark, it's not exactly ideal cycling. So on these long weekends I try to fit in a nice ride during which I can actually see the sights.<br />
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Today I decided to work off some of the Thanksgiving meal by riding down to Corralitos for a nice lunch. I got started just before 9, dressing warmly against the morning chill. Los Gatos was very quiet as I passed through, and the Los Gatos Creek Trail was virtually empty. I'm happy to report that I made it up that dusty ramp near the end despite much sliding, largely because the trail was empty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9049LrxlPzMmV1dhnNHNMpLZbQjmr3au_8UdwetTHS9SEcQ80eEOuOgElEhQ1WVS5g4pfL4IsQijz7JpyHTm3D7CciRydFz6J3u-n5dQl2vhIaU5SK2HY5H_IaPRCWU-6AY1fweYpFk/s1600/IMG_20141128_103802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9049LrxlPzMmV1dhnNHNMpLZbQjmr3au_8UdwetTHS9SEcQ80eEOuOgElEhQ1WVS5g4pfL4IsQijz7JpyHTm3D7CciRydFz6J3u-n5dQl2vhIaU5SK2HY5H_IaPRCWU-6AY1fweYpFk/s1600/IMG_20141128_103802.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Schulties Road</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2F79R12sjY/VHlQPZ3maiI/AAAAAAABiag/JbcGi3i4qfU/s1600/IMG_20141128_105516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b2F79R12sjY/VHlQPZ3maiI/AAAAAAABiag/JbcGi3i4qfU/s1600/IMG_20141128_105516.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Laurel train tunnel, from the road.</td></tr>
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I climbed up Old Santa Cruz Highway to Summit, then dropped down into the Laurel on the way to Soquel. I've never caught a glimpse of the Laurel side of the Wright's Station train tunnel, so this time I kept track of where I was relative to the opening, at least according to the maps. I definitely couldn't see anything from the road. I continued down to Laurel, got the best glimpse I've ever had of the opening of the next tunnel in line, and then started up steep Redwood Lodge Road.<br />
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I descended into Soquel in good order, then took McGregor toward Aptos. After a quick stop at Seacliff State Beach, where I finally stripped off my jacket, I headed back into the hills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmUbJgR1fOM/VHlQT32RiUI/AAAAAAABibA/DP9P3O7s3DE/s1600/IMG_20141128_120422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmUbJgR1fOM/VHlQT32RiUI/AAAAAAABibA/DP9P3O7s3DE/s1600/IMG_20141128_120422.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seacliff State Beach, looking west.</td></tr>
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<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqPPfPgMvoE/VHlQV5xFL7I/AAAAAAABibQ/A86uQ2N7IAY/s1600/IMG_20141128_120508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqPPfPgMvoE/VHlQV5xFL7I/AAAAAAABibQ/A86uQ2N7IAY/s1600/IMG_20141128_120508.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and looking east.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQ7z2wJITHvncpEvnCdgPrcGK1F1D4fdhVJSecw2NJhXLOw_8rQUCdXJB2INPE6GFU9iGSb3ZqRC81RQLS64vpaMLFB58zoH2tlwk4L5TurUX_cLViGW4EvqcHPPHwwM80Eifxri8mes/s1600/IMG_20141128_122553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQ7z2wJITHvncpEvnCdgPrcGK1F1D4fdhVJSecw2NJhXLOw_8rQUCdXJB2INPE6GFU9iGSb3ZqRC81RQLS64vpaMLFB58zoH2tlwk4L5TurUX_cLViGW4EvqcHPPHwwM80Eifxri8mes/s1600/IMG_20141128_122553.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trout Gulch Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The plan was to take Valencia to Day Valley Road, but at the turnoff I decided that continuing on Trout Gulch Road to Valencia School Road seemed like a bright idea. Valencia School Road turned out to be a tiny road with mighty steep ramps. It was in this section that my legs started to remind me that, while I ride 25-30 miles most weekdays, the ride so far today was already longer and had more climbing. After more steep ramps on Hames, I finally sat down for lunch at the Corralitos store. I ate outside in perfect weather.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5cEcCmIn7g/VHlQaIRyV6I/AAAAAAABib0/lRV51THhQbs/s1600/IMG_20141128_123209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5cEcCmIn7g/VHlQaIRyV6I/AAAAAAABib0/lRV51THhQbs/s1600/IMG_20141128_123209.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valencia School Road</td></tr>
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Having achieved the goal of the ride, it was time to head home. I went up Eureka Canyon Road, ignoring signs that the road was closed a few miles ahead. There wasn't much traffic, but at one point near the top a giant dumptruck came down the other direction, occupying about 110% of the one-lane road. I pulled over and waved.<br />
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As it turned out the road was not closed, but obviously they're doing some construction on it, so I guess it's closed during the week on non-holidays. I'm not sure what they're doing, but one focus was re-doing some of the work done after the most recent wash-out.<br />
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At the intersection with Ormsby Cutoff I had a flat. Maybe a pinch, but it had only one slit, along a seam. Maybe a defect? I continued on, gingerly avoiding the many potholes to avoid another pinch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QURrRjOPV38/VHlQcTi_MkI/AAAAAAABicM/l3pcblUF5Is/s1600/IMG_20141128_153333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QURrRjOPV38/VHlQcTi_MkI/AAAAAAABicM/l3pcblUF5Is/s1600/IMG_20141128_153333.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dirt trail that is Loma Prieta Avenue, from a little further up.</td></tr>
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At Mount Bache Road I thought it would be clever to ride up to catch the dirt part of Loma Prieta Avenue, a pretty little ribbon of road that I missed on a recent ride. This involved a trip up Mount Bache Road, which starts out quite reasonable but gets steeper as it goes along, and then some steep climbing on the dirt road, considering its surface. Ultimately I found that the road is much more enjoyable in the other direction, since the slower climbing speed offers more chances to see the amazing views. As a decent, the poor surface demands all of your attention.<br />
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Not much else to report on the trip back through Los Gatos and home. I managed to get in before darkness fell, and I was definitely feeling the miles by the time I got there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpAkBkZifT2HCrVShzb98ECjivID5AvcvhBAzE17A0wapJv1A7NPjL12XElvc78Fv8brnqiei9Y3I54G8lJ72NG-V0liRa1-u_PwOonCNcCrPODYsceGqDM4VmbOO-E2YETNHrUdBWs0/s1600/2014-11-28-08-52-14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpAkBkZifT2HCrVShzb98ECjivID5AvcvhBAzE17A0wapJv1A7NPjL12XElvc78Fv8brnqiei9Y3I54G8lJ72NG-V0liRa1-u_PwOonCNcCrPODYsceGqDM4VmbOO-E2YETNHrUdBWs0/s1600/2014-11-28-08-52-14.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation Profile</td></tr>
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Today's ride was just over 80 miles, with over 7100 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer was on the climb up Redwood Lodge Road, with a 9% average grade. It was great to see the ocean again, great to spend a day on the bike, and likely the last chance I'll have for this kind of ride until Christmas.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-24914047897986133232014-08-31T21:52:00.001-07:002014-08-31T21:52:45.782-07:00Loma Prieta and Hecker PassToday I rode to... well, <i>near</i> Loma Prieta, then passed through Mount Madonna park before heading home.<br />
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<a href="http://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/untitled-map_15637">See full screen</a></div>
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Today was supposed to be hot, so after watching the finish of a very enjoyable Vuelta a España (won by a fellow named Winner!), I got a reasonably early start. By 09:00 I was headed over Kennedy Road. On the Los Gatos Creek Trail I spun my back wheel on the dry, dusty ramp, and wondered how long it might be before rain firmed the trail up again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SABl9Tu3NSg/VAPl39Lg2kI/AAAAAAABhF8/W0WiSX8HGn4/s1600/PANO_20140831_115247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SABl9Tu3NSg/VAPl39Lg2kI/AAAAAAABhF8/W0WiSX8HGn4/s1600/PANO_20140831_115247.jpg" height="111" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north from Summit Road. Loma Prieta, Crystal Peak and Mount Chual<br />are on the left. Mount Hamilton is just visible in the distance.</td></tr>
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I stopped at the Summit Store for a half-sandwich, but since it was too early for lunch I dropped it in my bag and headed onward. <a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2011/11/loma-prieta-and-mount-madonna-again.html">In the past I've always visited Loma Prieta via Loma Prieta Avenue</a>, but this time I decided to try Mount Bache Road. For some reason I thought it was a much harder way to get to Loma Prieta Way, but actually it wasn't especially steep until it neared the point where the two routes meet anyway. On the other hand, it means that I missed that great first view of the ocean from the lonely dirt part of Loma Prieta Avenue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmpYJTrvQ_M/VAPl6lwRCaI/AAAAAAABhGY/GdouwpJVYUo/s1600/IMG_20140831_122935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmpYJTrvQ_M/VAPl6lwRCaI/AAAAAAABhGY/GdouwpJVYUo/s1600/IMG_20140831_122935.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit Road</td></tr>
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At the junction with Summit Road, the high point of this ride I stopped and ate my half-sandwich, in a rare shady spot. The heat was climbing, and the effort of the steep parts of this climb were getting to me. I also drank much of my remaining water, but reasoned that it was largely downhill to Mount Madonna, the next water.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ziasus.com/2012/04/summit-and-mount-madonna.html">The last time I passed through here</a>, they had dropped loose stones on Summit Road, making it impassable by skinny-tire bicycles. That was well over two years ago, and in the meantime those stones had either been pounded into the dirt, or more likely ground into a combination of smaller stones and binding dust. Sort of a self-macadam process, which I suppose isn't accidental. In any case, the whole road is easily passable now, although still uncomfortably washboarded in places.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxhybaQkklg/VAPl_edhChI/AAAAAAABhGw/zkJJzMkkOTI/s1600/IMG_20140831_124218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NxhybaQkklg/VAPl_edhChI/AAAAAAABhGw/zkJJzMkkOTI/s1600/IMG_20140831_124218.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I missed the always-open gate and impotent private-road sign. It may be gone, but I suspect I was just distracted.<br />
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At Mount Madonna Park I refilled my bottles, then headed through the park to Route 152. As it turns out, 152 has a single-direction long-duration light, just like Route 9 near Saratoga. This one had traffic heading south backed up for literally miles, whereas northbound traffic (like me) waited just a couple of minutes. I wished I could have told them all how long the wait was.<br />
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By this time the bike computer was showing over 100° F, which is... hot. I headed up Uvas Road, stopping a few times to take pictures of the nearly empty reservoir.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAUSJB5cI7s/VAPmLfd7gLI/AAAAAAABhHg/wj9Z4mzi13U/s1600/PANO_20140831_135341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAUSJB5cI7s/VAPmLfd7gLI/AAAAAAABhHg/wj9Z4mzi13U/s1600/PANO_20140831_135341.jpg" height="135" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uvas Reservoir</td></tr>
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It was about this point that the wind decided to punish me personally. The flat sections became hills, and the hills became... actually they weren't much changed. And given the wind and the heat, it seemed like no matter how much water I drank, my mouth was always dry. Ugh. Eventually I rolled home, drained.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9MtHsDjdFErIqHVKOqXIQjdJ4yyWAJh86Ok1DyKPH-ZYotkvQZHvIe-dxWKOvqVfTIRptThhr2ccuQ9Tu1nhBY28NLfWzCTeC5307uIuwQHYjnN9HS9-Bq5hPosIyNRZ35-Xe7s0lp0/s1600/2014-08-31-08-47-17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9MtHsDjdFErIqHVKOqXIQjdJ4yyWAJh86Ok1DyKPH-ZYotkvQZHvIe-dxWKOvqVfTIRptThhr2ccuQ9Tu1nhBY28NLfWzCTeC5307uIuwQHYjnN9HS9-Bq5hPosIyNRZ35-Xe7s0lp0/s1600/2014-08-31-08-47-17.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
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Today's ride was over 68 miles, with over 4700 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer was near the top of the climb to Loma Prieta, with a grade of 11.6%. Those last kilometers, on completely flat suburban roads but against the wind, certainly seemed harder.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-34431290165551576612014-08-10T09:45:00.002-07:002014-08-10T09:45:56.564-07:00Empire GradeYesterday I took a long bike ride, visiting Santa Cruz and Big Basin park, with Empire Grade in between.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=202730493628299355555.0005004773c9e8f9d2e28&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=37.10886,-122.049866&spn=0.383315,0.583649&z=10&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=202730493628299355555.0005004773c9e8f9d2e28&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=37.10886,-122.049866&spn=0.383315,0.583649&z=10&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Empire Grade</a> in a larger map</small></div>
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For one reason after another, I've rarely been able to take long, all-day rides in the past couple of years. But yesterday the stars aligned, so I set out to make the most of it. Accordingly, I got an early start, out just before 8 AM in the chilly morning air.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usyP0kMdpew/U-eC_bdQSlI/AAAAAAABglI/O20ceM06vJ4/s1600/IMG_20140809_104402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-usyP0kMdpew/U-eC_bdQSlI/AAAAAAABglI/O20ceM06vJ4/s1600/IMG_20140809_104402.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capitola</td></tr>
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I took my usual route over Kennedy to Los Gatos, but at the entrance to the Los Gatos Creek Trail I saw that there was some sort of running event happening on the trail. It turned out to be the <a href="http://losgatosdammitrun.com/">Dammit Run</a>. The trail, which is the only route south through the mountains for miles around, was clogged with runners, and unusable.<br />
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I considered alternate routes, or just heading back home. But after a few minutes of sulking the density of runners eased, and indeed the runners coming by were now walk-running. Probably stragglers. What I would find out later was that the run had just started at the nearby high school shortly before I arrived, and so hadn't stretched out much when I first saw them. I waited a little while to give the race its peace, then headed down the trail myself, riding at a walking pace.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_2rlBbFxXI/U-eDCLfFYuI/AAAAAAABglg/q_EVJYNk5Fo/s1600/IMG_20140809_104952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N_2rlBbFxXI/U-eDCLfFYuI/AAAAAAABglg/q_EVJYNk5Fo/s1600/IMG_20140809_104952.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching the surfers at Opal Cliffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the dam the race and I separated, runners heading back over the Jones Trail while I continued on to Old Santa Cruz Highway and Capitola.<br />
<br />
In the end I wasn't even delayed by the race. I wanted to eat lunch at Betty Burger, which meets all my picky needs for a mid-ride lunch -- outdoor seating, not too crowded, in view of the bike. Despite the delay from the race I arrived in the area before Betty Burger was open, so I dawdled along the coast between Capitola and Santa Cruz watching the surfers, then had my lunch.<br />
<br />
After lunch I headed past the Boardwalk and up Bay Street to UCSC, where I turned on to High Street, which later morphs into Empire Grade. Empire Grade is an inconsistent climb, or perhaps series of climbs. The average is moderate, but the most difficult kilometer of the day was in this section, with a substantial 9.4% grade. Most of the climb runs through lovely shady woods, with moderate traffic.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iuFhWkB5dE/U-eDEkEREvI/AAAAAAABgl4/9SSQ9U_Krf4/s1600/IMG_20140809_125756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9iuFhWkB5dE/U-eDEkEREvI/AAAAAAABgl4/9SSQ9U_Krf4/s1600/IMG_20140809_125756.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dragon near Empire Grade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the intersection with Felton Empire and Ice Cream Grade I decided to take Ice Cream Grade over toward Bonny Doon. The only time I've ever come up Bonny Doon Road I cut over on Ice Cream Grade, so this would give me a chance to see the rest of Bonny Doon Road. I try to include new bits of road in my rides, so this was just a token.<br />
<br />
Empire Grade climbs up above 2500 feet, then bounces along at that level for a surprisingly long stretch. Eventually I reached Jamison Creek Road and made the steep descent toward Big Basin Highway, and then to the park.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0OEnHezbWo/U-eDHco3BHI/AAAAAAABgmM/mpC73Pd7EZM/s1600/IMG_20140809_150756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0OEnHezbWo/U-eDHco3BHI/AAAAAAABgmM/mpC73Pd7EZM/s1600/IMG_20140809_150756.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Basin park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the park headquarters I bought a two sugary drinks and a Clif bar. This ride was becoming much longer than I had planned, and being out of practice for long rides I hadn't been thinking about nutrition at all. In fact, one of the reasons I got an early start was because I forgot to eat breakfast, a major mistake. I was thinking I would save the Clif bar for later, but I just sat down on a bench and finished the bar and both drinks.<br />
<br />
The section of Big Basin Highway heading north toward Route 9 is one of the most beautiful roads in the area. Yesterday it was warm but not hot, most of the road is shaded as it passes through bucolic woods, and there was little traffic. Beautiful.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zqE161SuKA/U-eDKEBlslI/AAAAAAABgmc/7IDk9dj5q4w/s1600/IMG_20140809_152422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zqE161SuKA/U-eDKEBlslI/AAAAAAABgmc/7IDk9dj5q4w/s1600/IMG_20140809_152422.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Basin Highway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After descending toward the junction with Route 9, I started on the last substantial climb of the day, up toward Saratoga Gap. I was definitely feeling the miles by this point, and realizing that this ride was going to be a surprise century, over 100 miles. I hadn't planned on that.<br />
<br />
On the way down I passed by a recent motorcycle accident. Officials had yet to arrive, but perhaps 20 people were stopped, directing traffic and attending the rider. A somber sight. I continued my descent at a moderate speed, but to be honest that was only because I was held up behind a line of cars that were held up by another cyclist.<br />
<br />
As I continued home I meandered a bit, trying to ensure that this ride was the longest I've recorded. That feels like cheating, so as a small penance I decided that any tacked-on distance would have to be uphill.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1pWmAVPT07CsDwiWdqfBs-qGZkqhRrTGYYc1TYaqnJKKMmyv4d_MuSfb9zF6jx1tYeqKJnx8wgm21xyiWU4ZHTPnOn67BCvf_wi5ImtjZW_86wnK995IStU0fYvOYsr9U1aNQU8DyoY/s1600/2014-08-09-07-54-05.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1pWmAVPT07CsDwiWdqfBs-qGZkqhRrTGYYc1TYaqnJKKMmyv4d_MuSfb9zF6jx1tYeqKJnx8wgm21xyiWU4ZHTPnOn67BCvf_wi5ImtjZW_86wnK995IStU0fYvOYsr9U1aNQU8DyoY/s1600/2014-08-09-07-54-05.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This ride was a little over 104 miles, with over 9300 feet of climbing. Both records for me, and a nice surprise. A day well spent.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-50966802925973652482014-08-03T15:14:00.002-07:002014-08-03T17:12:06.908-07:00Bohlman/On OrbitToday I slew an already-dead dragon, did some suburban archaeology, and succumbed to a compulsion. All before lunch.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=202730493628299355555.0004ffbf0bf8f2da0b10a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=37.229235,-121.975365&spn=0.095676,0.145912&z=12&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=202730493628299355555.0004ffbf0bf8f2da0b10a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=37.229235,-121.975365&spn=0.095676,0.145912&z=12&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Bohlman/On Orbit</a> in a larger map</small></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YhET1CQGVClmUBqxAEtNsALO62jaHiDQH3YRW0cOQrZC99_EzSKNKrb0q_qALf3Fnqy69uxy-JpaMptd9AMXCVkJV4TjffOpQ2mz4493SvTEUA6y67kbJD500N3EyLrOYB9DSToCX7Y/s1600/IMG_20140803_091612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YhET1CQGVClmUBqxAEtNsALO62jaHiDQH3YRW0cOQrZC99_EzSKNKrb0q_qALf3Fnqy69uxy-JpaMptd9AMXCVkJV4TjffOpQ2mz4493SvTEUA6y67kbJD500N3EyLrOYB9DSToCX7Y/s1600/IMG_20140803_091612.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overlook Drive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I won't say that I'm in good shape, but having recently returned from a cycling vacation, my condition is about as good as it's likely to get. So what better time to try one of the few local climbs that I've never tried: Bohlman Road and On Orbit Drive. The Stanford cycling page (which has now been <a href="http://web.stanford.edu/group/cycling/routes/">updated</a>; how disconcerting!) scared me off years ago, and I've always consigned Bohlman to a set of preposterous climbs not suitable to normal humans. It's really not that bad.<br />
<br />
Today was supposed to be reasonably warm, so I got an early start heading over Kennedy to Los Gatos. Since this is part of my daily commute I'm always looking for new routes through here, so today I decided to follow Overlook Drive around. At least I thought Overlook Drive came back around to Route 9, but instead it just dead-ends. To get back to Route 9, without retracing all of Overlook Drive anyway, you take Lucky Drive. That's a one-lane road marked private, but it gets the job done.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_njTI5aiQ0/U96aFiN7kiI/AAAAAAABgcA/fatXpQhacJs/s1600/IMG_20140803_095345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_njTI5aiQ0/U96aFiN7kiI/AAAAAAABgcA/fatXpQhacJs/s1600/IMG_20140803_095345.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montalvo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While I was in the neighborhood I also visited Montalvo, which up to a couple of months ago I didn't realize existed. It's quite pretty, and worth a visit.<br />
<br />
After that it was time to start the morning's major climb. I took a left from Route 9 onto Oak Street, which turns into Bohlman at the cemetery.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RriZgDQMYzQ/U9m9r2FyeoI/AAAAAAABgLU/fxTGFly-nFE/s1600/IMG_20140727_093209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RriZgDQMYzQ/U9m9r2FyeoI/AAAAAAABgLU/fxTGFly-nFE/s1600/IMG_20140727_093209.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bohlman Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bohlman is steep, no question. The lower parts are a little more forgiving at only about 12% or so, and quite beautiful as the road shrinks in width and climbs through woods.<br />
<br />
The road climbs up toward the southwest, then eventually turns toward the southeast and gets distinctly more difficult. Partly that's because the grade really does increase, but also you can see more of the road rise ahead of you, without respite.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEq7SsiFv7w/U9m9tO6qIsI/AAAAAAABgLc/h-hfeRnw_A4/s1600/IMG_20140727_094758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nEq7SsiFv7w/U9m9tO6qIsI/AAAAAAABgLc/h-hfeRnw_A4/s1600/IMG_20140727_094758.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Shortly after this starts you reach the intersection with On Orbit Drive, which peels off to the left. This part is even steeper; the most difficult kilometer of the ride was in this section, averaging a bracing 14% despite a flat section in the middle.<br />
<br />
The morning was still reasonably cool, but the top of On Orbit Drive is exposed, and it must get awfully hot in the afternoon.<br />
<br />
When people talk about climbs having a maximum gradient of something or other, I always wonder how they're measuring that. I suspect they're using a level, measuring a few meters at most. That's not especially meaningful to a cyclist -- if you can be past the spot in a couple of pedal strokes, it doesn't matter.<br />
<br />
My analysis program breaks the ride into approximately 100 meter segments, plus or minus 10 meters as it tries to divide segments at grade changes. Even with that fairly rigorous standard, there were several segments near the top of On Orbit that registered over 15%. And 100 meters of 15% definitely matters.<br />
<br />
After one of these extended 15%+ segments you get to the top of On Orbit, and your reward is a brief descent to meet up with Bohlman again. Then you continue climbing, but at moderate grades and with occasional flat sections in which to recover -- it's time to shift out of the granny gear. Five hundred feet of climbing remain, but the hard part is over.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wn_4rhppibc/U9m9vrfn5YI/AAAAAAABgL0/QhBKxoQB_cA/s1600/IMG_20140727_101847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wn_4rhppibc/U9m9vrfn5YI/AAAAAAABgL0/QhBKxoQB_cA/s1600/IMG_20140727_101847.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end of the Bohlman/On Orbit climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Shortly after reaching the southern side of the ridge, you reach the end, marked by a sign saying exactly that. At this point there's a dirt road that connects with the El Sereno Open Space Preserve. I've come through in the opposite direction so I know where it is, but it's definitely not obvious from this direction, and there's no sign. For the record, it's the dirt road just past the "End" sign, and looks like a driveway from Bohlman.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAE5w9TFUVI/U9m9xADl9cI/AAAAAAABgME/zJoYjE0c70U/s1600/PANO_20140727_103000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aAE5w9TFUVI/U9m9xADl9cI/AAAAAAABgME/zJoYjE0c70U/s1600/PANO_20140727_103000.jpg" height="138" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montevina Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The short dirt section, well within the abilities of any road bike, leads one to the top of Montevina Road, which twists down toward Lexington Reservoir. Montevina is not a great descent, being a bumpy little road with far too many turns. At least there's not much traffic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" style="text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64Jmz2Hqk3I/U9m9yDIZQTI/AAAAAAABgMM/z00l0RL7GLs/s1600/IMG_20140727_103406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64Jmz2Hqk3I/U9m9yDIZQTI/AAAAAAABgMM/z00l0RL7GLs/s1600/IMG_20140727_103406.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lexington Reservoir<br />
from Montevina Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BajVmVJ2L0Q/U96aHZbgW9I/AAAAAAABgcM/eZCtjvH6uWw/s1600/IMG_20140803_111111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BajVmVJ2L0Q/U96aHZbgW9I/AAAAAAABgcM/eZCtjvH6uWw/s1600/IMG_20140803_111111.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twisty little<br />
Montevina Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We're experiencing a long drought here in California, and Lexington Reservoir is about as empty as it's been since I moved here. I've heard that in periods like this, bits of the drowned town of Lexington get exposed. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUbGcLiPqwQ/U96aUubnhSI/AAAAAAABgdk/Y1kgXSF5apk/s1600/IMG_20140803_113206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUbGcLiPqwQ/U96aUubnhSI/AAAAAAABgdk/Y1kgXSF5apk/s1600/IMG_20140803_113206.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old alignment of Highway 17, exposed in<br />
Lexington Reservoir</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So this time I hiked down into the reservoir to see what could be seen. This involved walking my bike down trails covered in a pretty golden layer of what I only belatedly realized were puncture weed burrs. But I was walking the bike and they were dry, so I got no flats. Still, I carried the bike once I twigged on.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_20s0rmKNY/U96aNAmZYKI/AAAAAAABgcs/WTYmK6XpciI/s1600/IMG_20140803_112748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_20s0rmKNY/U96aNAmZYKI/AAAAAAABgcs/WTYmK6XpciI/s1600/IMG_20140803_112748.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steps? A retaining wall?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The old alignment of Highway 17 was easy to identify, but I didn't see much in the way of exposed foundations. I'm not sure where Lexington actually sat, so I don't really know where to look.<br />
<br />
After tramping around a bit I carried my bike back out to the <i>current</i> alignment of Highway 17, survived the dusty, steep bit on the Los Gatos Creek Trail, and headed home.<br />
<br />
I mentioned earlier a slain dragon -- that was Bohlman. The archaeology was in Lexington. The compulsion? The story behind that is that this was actually the second time I've climbed Bohlman. The first time was last Sunday, and several of these photos are from that trip.<br />
<br />
I felt like I needed to do it again because my Garmin 500, through some combination of hardware fault, software bug and/or user error, lost the track for that earlier ride. For me, not having a track for a ride -- particularly one that I've not done before -- has become a little like not having done it at all. Oh, who am I kidding? It's a <i>lot</i> like not having done it at all. I try to ensure that I ride only for enjoyment, so I don't focus on timing and (almost) never use Strava. But this bit of completism has been hard to stifle. It's a sickness, undoubtedly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHTNljXTMCTgxrPbRSBVUt3LMejPTpYltnBEoukeyBpelk1cEfzjaYGuLgDNF8SA5BTJibLGvAtWPcCDnjZp96WTBfSk8lErdlxCfrc-9Rvzg_P1RXsOAY5DOIdSEkjMpr-PFAYadhyphenhyphenY/s1600/2014-08-03-08-29-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHTNljXTMCTgxrPbRSBVUt3LMejPTpYltnBEoukeyBpelk1cEfzjaYGuLgDNF8SA5BTJibLGvAtWPcCDnjZp96WTBfSk8lErdlxCfrc-9Rvzg_P1RXsOAY5DOIdSEkjMpr-PFAYadhyphenhyphenY/s1600/2014-08-03-08-29-01.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today's ride was short but sharp: 34 miles and 4500 feet of climbing, most of it quite steep. The most difficult kilometer was around On Orbit Drive, averaging over 14%, and I can tell you that it definitely seemed that way on the bike, at the time. And yes, the track got recorded correctly this time.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-78446184165877946522014-08-02T10:03:00.001-07:002015-02-01T12:34:03.217-08:00Lessons Learned on my 2014 French Cycling TourHaving returned from my second tour of the French Alps, it's a good time to reflect on what went well and what could have been better.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlzMr-En44Z2nkoYqxfxPVJpDZGpXUBs575CUFMfm4V-qPOo-f_QdbPrQ80gIXOO5ew7cr2GR39Plsm_HMyiJWYMYocsviGqL-k2egj2tpc-jLsQ1hG9fZymMcjOfzWF-Xj5nqMZPOP8/s1600/french-tour-2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlzMr-En44Z2nkoYqxfxPVJpDZGpXUBs575CUFMfm4V-qPOo-f_QdbPrQ80gIXOO5ew7cr2GR39Plsm_HMyiJWYMYocsviGqL-k2egj2tpc-jLsQ1hG9fZymMcjOfzWF-Xj5nqMZPOP8/s1600/french-tour-2014.png" height="24" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An elevation profile of the entire trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
The Bike</h3>
<div>
For this trip I rented a bike from <a href="http://cyclomundo.com/">Cyclomundo.com</a>. I was of course worried that it wouldn't show up, in which case my plan B was to rush out somewhere in Lyon and buy a bike, then hope to sell that bike for whatever I could get at the end of the trip. I was also worried that the bike might show up late in the day, making the first long ride to Grenoble rushed and awkward.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OQSgOjIr04/U9UMnYDErtI/AAAAAAABf-w/7xyR4NLcwNc/s1600/IMG_20140705_180004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5OQSgOjIr04/U9UMnYDErtI/AAAAAAABf-w/7xyR4NLcwNc/s1600/IMG_20140705_180004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ride, a Giant Defy 1, was waiting for<br />
me at the hotel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
In the event, neither happened. In fact, while I was checking into my hotel one of the clerks heard my name and said "I think we have a bike for you." What a relief. And honestly, what service from both Cyclomundo and the hotel, the <a href="http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-7325-novotel-lyon-confluence/index.shtml">Hotel Novotel Lyon Confluence</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The bike was a <a href="http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/defy.1/14807/66174/">Giant Defy 1</a>. Cyclomundo also provided a bag of goodies like a helmet, a lock, flat pedals, some tools, a water bottle, tubes and a small pump. That was mostly superfluous for me, but I did end up using their pump instead of the one I brought, as theirs was slightly more compact.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Giant was actually Cyclomundo's lower-end bike. I chose it because it had an aluminum frame, and thus seemed more likely to accommodate my rack. That worked fine, in part because I brought along a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014GI9RK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">seat tube clamp with rack mounts</a>. The frame also had mount points on the stays, so it would probably have worked either way. I brought my own pedals, as one must, and in retrospect I might have been slightly more comfortable had I also brought my own saddle.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The bike was in good shape, although the brakes were quite worn. I would later come to find out that while they looked good, the wheels carried a layer of fine dust (brake dust?) that left me a mess after repairing flats. But that's certainly understandable.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I left the hotel I left a bag containing all the extra Cyclomundo stuff, and also the few things I brought that I wouldn't need on the trip. I suspect this is something that all hotels are willing to do, but nonetheless I was grateful. It was especially convenient for me because I was returning to this same hotel. That was very helpful, and not something I had really been thinking about when planning the trip.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the end of the trip I just left the bike at the hotel's front desk. I imagine that Cyclomundo picked it up later. I never even saw anyone from Cyclomundo in person.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The two-week rental, plus a fee for delivering the bike to Lyon, came to less than $500. That's much less than the fees I paid in 2012 for bringing my bike on the plane. That year I also had to make disposable cardboard bike boxes on both sides of the trip, which would not have been feasible this time, so a bike bag would have been an additional expense. Meanwhile, it was incredibly freeing not to have to lug a bike bag through the airport and find transport to/from Lyon that could accommodate such a large package.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some people are very picky about their equipment, or have an unnatural attachment to their particular bike. For them, renting a bike would be uncomfortable. I'm not like that. You shouldn't be, either.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was surprised that anyone had a road bike to rent in July in the Alps, and I'm surprised the experience went as well as it did. But given all that I think renting was the vastly superior way to go.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Flights</h3>
<div>
In 2012 I traveled to and from Paris, taking the train down to Grenoble to start the trip. This time I flew to and from Lyon, which of course meant that I flew through Paris and connected.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I made these plans, and indeed the reservations, before I knew whether I would rent a bike or bring my own. Consequently I needed to be able to ride from wherever I landed. I also left plenty of time between flights in Paris, to clear customs with potentially bulky baggage.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That plan was fine, and I got to see Lyon. But while I can look back fondly on the rides to and from Lyon, they were long and not especially eventful. In retrospect flying via Geneva might have been a better idea; closer to interesting terrain and the lovely Annecy. But armed with the knowledge that I would be renting a bike, flying into Paris and taking the train to Grenoble, as I did in 2012, might have been the best bet.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Route</h3>
<div>
After the 2012 trip I felt like I had been too cautious in my planning. I averaged about 40 miles and 4500 feet of climbing per day, and had a couple of built-in rest days. This time I felt like I did better, but having said that I averaged 52 miles and 4700 feet of climbing per day -- basically the same. The main difference was just that this tour was longer, and had only one rest day, reluctantly taken due to semi-broken bike.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the end of every day's ride, I felt tired but not really drained or worn out. I suspect dehydration really wears me out, so the cold and rainy beginning of the tour probably helped. I could certainly have gone further any particular day, but most days I was able to watch the last part of the Tour de France stage on television, and I was always recovered in time for the next day's ride.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Romanche and Isere valleys (i.e. the valleys of Bourg d'Oisans and Moutiers, respectively) were both beautiful and pleasant. The valley of the Arc (the Maurienne, home of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne) is beautiful too, but also very industrial and heavy with traffic. In the future I'll keep that in mind as I plan where to pass through, and where to linger.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Hotels</h3>
<div>
Hotel rooms in France are inexpensive, in my experience. I stayed in nine different hotels, of varying size and quality, and in all cases the prices were probably half of what I would have paid for similar rooms in the U.S. For me, far along in years and less price conscious than I once was, it meant that I could choose highly rated places, enjoying the pampering with still-reasonable prices. I used <a href="http://booking.com/">booking.com</a> to make my reservations, well in advance, and none were lost or confused.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Twice I went without dinner. Once was in Briançon, because the hotel had no restaurant, there were no good restaurants nearby, and I was tired and lazy. I had plenty of options there, and going without dinner won out. The other time was in Tournon, because the hotel had no restaurant, and there were no viable alternatives. That was bad planning; I knew that the hotel was isolated, so I should have paid more attention when I booked it. In any case I should have stopped at a store earlier on that Sunday to stock up on plan B food. Lesson learned.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Packing and unpacking every night can get tiresome, so occasionally staying more than one night is helpful. It also means that you don't have to carry all your stuff on the bike, which helps.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I stayed mostly in small family-owned places, but also a few major chain hotels. The chain hotels on the whole tended to be quieter -- no squeaky floors, for example. As a rule they have more modern facilities and services, like hair dryers (which for me were sock dryers), laundry services (which I never used but should have), and even swimming pools. All the places had good showers and televisions, for some reason. The family-owned places can be charming, but you must be mentally prepared for compromises. That was fine for me, traveling alone. Ensuring that you at least occasionally find yourself in a full-service hotel can be enough to get the chores done.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Clothes</h3>
<div>
I brought two sets of riding clothes -- bib shorts, jersey and socks. That worked fine for the plastic clothes, but the socks rarely got properly dry. By the end of the trip they were getting funky.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This time I brought specially-purchased off bike clothes. The dark golf pants were lightweight, looked OK, and packed tight. The one button-down shirt held up pretty well despite not being washed for two weeks. That took some discipline: I wore it only to dinner, always with an undershirt, and never in the warm part of the day. Unlike 2012 I also brought some non-cycling short pants, which were very welcome for walking around town.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As it turned out, I was ill prepared for the cold, wet weather, and had to buy lots of stuff along the way. I suppose that was an acceptable gamble. I now have extra sporty jackets that I'm unlikely to need. At least they were reasonably priced.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Gear</h3>
<div>
For this trip I brought even more gadgets than I had the last time. I brought the same netbook computer as I had in 2012, which again seemed necessary but may not have been. It allowed me to offload photographs and videos every night, but extra SD cards would have served the same role. I liked having it, and I used it to record notes about the rides, but it wasn't essential.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This time I brought a GoPro camera. Yeah, I was one of <i>those</i> guys. I wouldn't do it again. I took movies of several descents, and while they are technically great (the movies, not the descents), even I can barely tolerate watching them. I also used the GoPro to snap a short sequences of photos. I've posted a couple of them here, but I took hundreds, and virtually none are worth a second glance. Ultimately I think the GoPro is better for documentation than photography. It's almost always better to just stop, take out a decent camera, and frame a proper scene.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My "decent camera" was a Nikon Coolpix S6500. It's compact, I'll give it that, and it has a good optical zoom for such a small camera. It's software is slightly flaky, such that it occasionally took a while to start and several times took much-too-dark photos. In the sunlight, with polarized sunglasses, it's hard to notice that problem and re-take the shot. I think I still like the photos taken by my old Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H3 better.</div>
<div>
<br />
I used a program called <a href="https://apps.ubuntu.com/cat/applications/precise/gpscorrelate-gui/">GPSCorrelate </a>to assign locations to the photos taken by the Nikon and GoPro, by correlating the timestamps of the photos with a GPX track produced by my Garmin 500. It worked quite well.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I bought a small flexible tripod so I could set up the camera for timed photos. That worked well, and would have been more useful had the weather allowed more photography in general.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the 2012 trip I had an iPhone, and now I carry a Nexus 5. I like the new phone better overall, but its battery use is much worse and it only has 16 GB of storage. So this time I did something really smart: I brought my daughter's old, obsolete 5th generation iPod Nano for listening to my audiobook while I rode. That spared the phone battery, and the iPod had plenty of space for all my music and even a few videos, too. In at least one case I could use the television to watch the videos on the iPod; had I thought of that earlier I would have loaded more video. The iPod is also very small and practically weightless.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Using the iPod meant that the phone was only used for occasional photos and for looking at the map on <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.osmand.plus&hl=en">OsmAnd+</a>. At the end of each day the phone battery was always perilously low, but it never quite ran out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had five devices -- two cameras, the iPod, the phone and a Garmin 500 computer -- that all used USB cables. One day I had lost the power adapter for my netbook, which was doubling as my only "wall wart". On that day, I was able to recharge everything by plugging them into the television. Yay, standards. But those devices had four different USB connectors and thus required four different cables. Boo, "standards".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used the same Topeak MTX bag as last time. I make heavy use of this bag, and I don't think they make it anymore. The similar bag they sell now seems too small to hold a laptop, which I did on this trip but more importantly I need to do on my usual commute. I'm not sure what I'll do when this one finally falls apart.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of the handiest things I brought was a small assortment of velcro bands. They are light, pack in any space, and I used them for everything -- they made packing bulky clothes feasible, and I even used them as a belt.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Preparation</h3>
<div>
In 2012 I took the time to put in some serious miles before my trip. This year I was much busier at work, so my training consisted almost entirely of my commute. Over the winter that was just a straight ride home, but gradually it expanded to include a trip up Mt. Eden, Pierce and Kennedy roads, and then later substituting Redwood Gulch for the first two climbs. That was almost every night, but less than 30 miles and less than 2000 feet of climbing, at the most.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Realizing that I wasn't going to be able to put in the miles, I resolved to lose some weight, starting appropriately enough on January 1st. For the first time in my life, I regularly weighed myself and tracked the results. That worked better than I expected. Just before I left I weighed myself, fully dressed and carrying all my gear (even the stuff I would leave at the hotel), and the total was less than I weighed in 2012. I suspect that helped a lot.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3>
The Conclusion</h3>
<div>
Everything worked suspiciously well. Not having a support vehicle, I feel like I have to plan a little more; my natural inclination would be to improvise. But having said that, the planning worked quite well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love riding on these famous climbs, but honestly I think riding around less-familiar (to me) parts of the San Francisco mountains or the Sierra Nevadas (the ones here in California) might be similarly gratifying, and a lot less hassle. I might try a more-local tour next time. We'll see.</div>
Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-17507006625018924982014-08-01T23:52:00.002-07:002014-08-01T23:52:47.714-07:00Chambéry to LyonOn July 17th I completed my 2014 tour in France by returning to Lyon, from Chambéry. In fact I even returned to the same hotel.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=202730493628299355555.0004ff370b6ea6ebe9bbf&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=45.660127,5.369568&spn=0.671868,1.167297&z=9&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=202730493628299355555.0004ff370b6ea6ebe9bbf&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=45.660127,5.369568&spn=0.671868,1.167297&z=9&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Chambéry to Lyon</a> in a larger map</small></div>
<br />
The day started, as usual, with a breakfast at the hotel. The hotel was fairly well established (i.e. <i>old</i>), well maintained and had an elegant feel. Breakfast was the usual selection, and great.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ln6LG0vkwA8/U8wVpDEO47I/AAAAAAABeo8/afzzAG1h76M/s1600/DSCN0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ln6LG0vkwA8/U8wVpDEO47I/AAAAAAABeo8/afzzAG1h76M/s1600/DSCN0513.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Elephant Fountain, near my<br />
hotel in Chambéry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once on the bike I weaved westward through town, consciously trying to avoid consulting the map. My objective was, after all, pretty obvious -- it was to cross the suddenly formidable-looking line of mountains to the west.<br />
<br />
Along the way I rode through a square in which a few dozen soldiers in striking white uniforms sat around having their morning coffee. According to Wikipedia, Chambéry is a base for the Chasseurs Alpin, mountain infantry, so that must have been them in their regionally-appropriate camouflage.<br />
<br />
As the town gave way to the more rural foothills, I was looking at the line of mountains, trying to figure out where the pass, the Col de l'Epine, might cross. There wasn't really a low point. That was worrying.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0h4SmVqaCA/U8wVsZEWOCI/AAAAAAABepc/LjOx9lQtS-E/s1600/DSCN0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N0h4SmVqaCA/U8wVsZEWOCI/AAAAAAABepc/LjOx9lQtS-E/s1600/DSCN0517.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chaîne de l'Épine, which according to Wikipedia<br />
is the southern-most extension of the Jura mountains.<br />
The Col de l'Epine is the notch on the far right of the photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyOnv9HQ9Ew/U8wWbGRlCuI/AAAAAAABevk/f4sTQfnNKlA/s1600/G0020524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyOnv9HQ9Ew/U8wWbGRlCuI/AAAAAAABevk/f4sTQfnNKlA/s1600/G0020524.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On D916, climbing up to the Col de l'Epine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The day got started with a short sharp climb, one that included the most difficult kilometer of the day at 8.9%. After that the road leveled off a bit, then began a much more reasonable climb right up the ridge.<br />
<br />
The day was clear, and the climb was warm but not uncomfortable. The road gradually shrank down to one of those 1.5 lane paths on which cars would have to slow down to pass. As it passed into thick woods, it reminded me of Route 236 climbing out of Big Basin. Really beautiful.<br />
<br />
The woods obscured most views, but toward the top there was a scenic overlook, looking back on the valley.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrFTxVyPKjo/U8wXVTTjKxI/AAAAAAABe30/qcFniSvIJL8/s1600/PANO_20140717_101138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CrFTxVyPKjo/U8wXVTTjKxI/AAAAAAABe30/qcFniSvIJL8/s1600/PANO_20140717_101138.jpg" height="127" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back on Chambéry from near the Col de l'Epine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the top there was the usual sign, but in this case some guy was sitting right in front of it, leisurely eating. I didn't want a picture of that dude, so I didn't get my usual picture. He was camped out at the sign, and there were actual campers just emerging from their tent, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kIuZnJYpnk/U8wV7wsMvVI/AAAAAAABerE/HL8pAqMXN60/s1600/DSCN0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0kIuZnJYpnk/U8wV7wsMvVI/AAAAAAABerE/HL8pAqMXN60/s1600/DSCN0530.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down toward the Lac d'Aiguebelette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The road rapidly descends into a really pretty little valley, and then immediately begins climbing another hill toward the Col de la Crusille. All right, you'll never hear about that climb affecting the Tour de France, but how much more of this would there be before Lyon?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8onx1q3AqOA/U8wWDD7pYbI/AAAAAAABesE/wZzW5AKGWx8/s1600/DSCN0538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8onx1q3AqOA/U8wWDD7pYbI/AAAAAAABesE/wZzW5AKGWx8/s1600/DSCN0538.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not much, as it turns out. From there on, the road wound through pretty little towns, and the day got hotter. As I passed a fellow on the road he looked at me funny and asked whether it was too hot for riding. "<i>Pas du tout</i>", I told him, after a moment's translation.<br />
<br />
Later I would begin to see his point, as the temperature continued to rise.<br />
<br />
I followed minor roads until La Tour-du-Pin (why do all the towns in this area have "tour" in their name?). There I merged onto the D1006, a loud, busy, major road.<br />
<br />
After picking up some food I had lunch in a pretty little park near Cessieu. I had filled my bottles again, so I was marginally prepared as the temperature rose past 41C on the long stretches of D1006.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sX5TWNhLNkU/U8wWHEsyk2I/AAAAAAABess/TzfXlMN0Brs/s1600/DSCN0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sX5TWNhLNkU/U8wWHEsyk2I/AAAAAAABess/TzfXlMN0Brs/s1600/DSCN0543.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting off the main road onto D147</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once I got past the airport, I cut right to find a little peace on more lightly traveled roads. The heat must have been getting to me, because in this stretch I kept taking wrong turns despite staring at the map. I missed most of Genas that way.<br />
<br />
Gradually the farms turned to suburbs, and the suburbs into the town. I was once again in Lyon. I entered on D29, the Route de Genas, then the Cours Gambetta. That crossed Rhone at the Pont de la Guillotière, and onto the penninsula proper.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wR1W0R061eVjrxMvfyuGChApZvht4NLNNdb7ipdPrY4iXcetIWsJTrvZgbHdVWlQC9ToxvR29Xy62fSC7vcL81LoRm_TBhHYnPl4pVtWTkSvw4YgHLClU8amy9H3LSeMi7A4AOngg4Q/s1600/DSCN0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wR1W0R061eVjrxMvfyuGChApZvht4NLNNdb7ipdPrY4iXcetIWsJTrvZgbHdVWlQC9ToxvR29Xy62fSC7vcL81LoRm_TBhHYnPl4pVtWTkSvw4YgHLClU8amy9H3LSeMi7A4AOngg4Q/s1600/DSCN0548.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roman ruins in Lyon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hadn't had a chance to see much of Lyon on my arrival, so it was great to see this lovely old tourist-friendly part of town. I figured I'd ride down whatever road hugged the Saone, but as I approached the river I saw the beautiful buildings on the other side, and went to see them.<br />
<br />
A bike's not a bad way to take in the sights. You can go just about anywhere if you're reasonably polite about it, and yet make good time between stops. What I <i>wouldn't</i> recommend is riding 120 km in 40C+ weather beforehand. It makes one less inquisitive.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" style="text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-kRdiVrChg/U8wWOqyogyI/AAAAAAABet0/UpxwqiN28b0/s1600/DSCN0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-kRdiVrChg/U8wWOqyogyI/AAAAAAABet0/UpxwqiN28b0/s1600/DSCN0552.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking up toward the<br />
Basilique Notre Dame</td></tr>
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</td>
<td><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1f_qdH1JBCVedWciXvcfyc9uQv4di-e8Q86owOU1N8I26sLahL6a2Twzd37SR-FQgKdS6YaBeoas6HabcXxVa6xKPnBcn89YHXMHSTrmg0HhDqQ3nBVUoLz_dtBY28innz9-oeM9H9M/s1600/DSCN0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1f_qdH1JBCVedWciXvcfyc9uQv4di-e8Q86owOU1N8I26sLahL6a2Twzd37SR-FQgKdS6YaBeoas6HabcXxVa6xKPnBcn89YHXMHSTrmg0HhDqQ3nBVUoLz_dtBY28innz9-oeM9H9M/s1600/DSCN0554.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A random beautiful building.<br />
I think this was a police station.</td></tr>
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</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLUIv3BLhtE/U8wWPdrPrCI/AAAAAAABet8/egPvSKOzCag/s1600/DSCN0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLUIv3BLhtE/U8wWPdrPrCI/AAAAAAABet8/egPvSKOzCag/s1600/DSCN0553.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Lyon</td></tr>
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I rattled down the cobbled streets toward the confluence of the Rhone and Saone, and my hotel. I arrived, my two-week ride complete, tired and crispy. Virtually all day I had been riding east to west, with the sun off my left shoulder, so my left arm and leg were quite burnt. On the whole I was also pretty dehydrated, and happy to have a long cool shower. After that I watched the Tour de France end its 12th stage in Saint-Etienne, just an hour's drive to the southwest.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhwI3t8U0Uc/U8wWRJU_coI/AAAAAAABeuM/cw_frDKC4og/s1600/DSCN0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VhwI3t8U0Uc/U8wWRJU_coI/AAAAAAABeuM/cw_frDKC4og/s1600/DSCN0555.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding cobbles on the <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@45.758387,4.82571,3a,75y,205.29h,73.64t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sWtOjnfdp23Kc3UsT-c6LBA!2e0?hl=en">Rue du Doyenné</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wFnCYFaPfc/U8wWUaBWSiI/AAAAAAABeuk/q3bt2uM-cX8/s1600/DSCN0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5wFnCYFaPfc/U8wWUaBWSiI/AAAAAAABeuk/q3bt2uM-cX8/s1600/DSCN0558.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A building covered with<br />
aluminum foil, apparently, near<br />
my hotel.</td></tr>
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</td></tr>
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The restaurant at the hotel was closed for a Jazz party (a Jazz party?), so I went to the attached Confluence mall to find dinner. I ate at a restaurant called Hippopotamus, which didn't serve its namesake. I had a very rare steak, sitting outside on the patio. Honestly, it was still too hot for that. I had another 50 cl bottle of wine, which is too much, and only at this late stage learned that it was apparently socially acceptable to take the rest of the bottle home. I definitely did that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gEADQV_MQZ-fwG8BAogPup1A38TGmroiIloGPFkqCfss71IW7gttaNSCAfWi1pRA93svXAgEXEJGB2SfRUKUbWQIjSfabsVa7Oh1JcO8g8ZwCOTTjvrE0gjpwSK6OHel6p1uMR_Wcxs/s1600/2014-07-17-08-18-45.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gEADQV_MQZ-fwG8BAogPup1A38TGmroiIloGPFkqCfss71IW7gttaNSCAfWi1pRA93svXAgEXEJGB2SfRUKUbWQIjSfabsVa7Oh1JcO8g8ZwCOTTjvrE0gjpwSK6OHel6p1uMR_Wcxs/s1600/2014-07-17-08-18-45.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
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This last ride in France was 73 miles, with almost 3500 feet of climbing. As I mentioned earlier, the most difficult kilometer came within the first few miles, climbing out of Chambéry early in the morning. I had absolutely enjoyed my tour, and every morning I was eager to get on the bike and ride. But this day's ride had drained my energy, from the surprisingly long climbs in the morning to the hot slog through the countryside. I was done. Well done.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-20603057149098020302014-07-31T22:04:00.002-07:002014-07-31T22:07:46.628-07:00Annecy to Chambéry, and SemnozOn July 16th I rode from Annecy to Chambéry, crossing over the Semnoz along the way.<br />
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Another great breakfast in Annecy, this time enjoying the eggs I discovered yesterday, too late. I checked out of the hotel, carried my bike from the basement for the last time, and headed toward the climb of the Semnoz, on the southern side of town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2gpZ2a5KSM/U8wYUuGV1VI/AAAAAAABfJU/0orwhN2Exng/s1600/DSCN0457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N2gpZ2a5KSM/U8wYUuGV1VI/AAAAAAABfJU/0orwhN2Exng/s1600/DSCN0457.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Om D41, the road to Semnoz</td></tr>
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I became aware of this climb last year when it was the finish of the next-to-last stage of the Tour de France. Nairo Quintana won the day. That year they started in Annecy but came up the climb from the west, whereas I started from the north. The routes meet up midway up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPjL8TyJ2kk/U8wZz-iowqI/AAAAAAABfWM/8mIgPFAc3Lg/s1600/G0190488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPjL8TyJ2kk/U8wZz-iowqI/AAAAAAABfWM/8mIgPFAc3Lg/s1600/G0190488.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting passed by a bus, one of many times.</td></tr>
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The climb almost immediately enters the woods, where it will stay nearly the whole way up. Since I got a reasonably early start I had the road to myself, but as the morning wore on I started seeing more traffic. Not so much cars, but buses, and lots of them. A little while later I passed a school, which I guess explained that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEhjC03c80s/U8wZfhpZojI/AAAAAAABfTs/dk7F_aB41io/s1600/G0120468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEhjC03c80s/U8wZfhpZojI/AAAAAAABfTs/dk7F_aB41io/s1600/G0120468.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The junction of the southern and<br />
western routes up Semnoz.</td></tr>
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The climb is moderately steep, and as the day warmed up I was grateful for the nearly-constant shade. Eventually, as I approached the top, the trees dropped away and exposed pastures and ski runs.<br />
<br />
Semnoz isn't a pass, it's a mountain top. The road doesn't quite reach the peak, but there's a short hiking trail to the top. I didn't take it.<br />
<br />
At the top there are fantastic views of the Alps. Each mountain has its own shape -- some snow covered, some pointed, some flat. This was the first time I was able to recognize its distinctiveness of Mont Blanc. Now that I think about it, this might also have been one of the few times on this trip when the weather was good enough at altitude to get really great views. Semnoz delivered.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDqIWg91Tpc/U8wabtHwuVI/AAAAAAABfb8/AXAUuOiGbO0/s1600/PANO_20140716_105058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDqIWg91Tpc/U8wabtHwuVI/AAAAAAABfb8/AXAUuOiGbO0/s1600/PANO_20140716_105058.jpg" height="153" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic view from (near) the top of Semnoz.</td></tr>
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The descent was remarkably fast, down long straights down into the valley. I picked out some minor roads heading generally south, but I doubt you can go too far wrong in this basin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4tp_2UZMZ0/U8wYnB8kpjI/AAAAAAABfME/zBq-9YvwEBM/s1600/DSCN0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4tp_2UZMZ0/U8wYnB8kpjI/AAAAAAABfME/zBq-9YvwEBM/s1600/DSCN0480.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying D61 toward Bellecombe-en-Bauges</td></tr>
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Eventually I started the surprisingly long climb out of the valley. It was hot, and I even ran out of water. I had to fill up at one of the ubiquitous village fountains.<br />
<br />
After passing the Col du Plainpalais, I descended into Chambery. After the charming Annecy it seemed a little humdrum, until I actually found my hotel in the old town, tourist area, the <i>vieille ville</i>. Another amazing town, with cobbled streets mostly closed off to traffic, and hidden treasures around every corner. Little things like, you know, surprise cathedrals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JzgDqksq9o/U8wY86-SQjI/AAAAAAABfPE/JpPuthJC47k/s1600/DSCN0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5JzgDqksq9o/U8wY86-SQjI/AAAAAAABfPE/JpPuthJC47k/s1600/DSCN0505.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chambéry</td></tr>
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Around dinner time there was what seemed like a good-natured protest parading through town. Good natured as it may have been, there were nonetheless police standing around in the intersections. I never did discover what it was about. I violated a rule I had devised on this trip by eating at a restaurant with "pizzeria" in its name. It was friendly and serviceable, ravioli and a jug of wine, but... and I realize this is going to sound snobby, but... powdered Parmesan cheese. I really thought we were beyond that, as a civilization.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn90ONq3zA6bxxj1heBkvfqBvU3TBQJEjvz0F7u0Ry6nOQy0RvRrrnMA2wmWbVN5R4OoK9EfJ4XBvNBOTM4ZIc-VkUxBIVP24efL-uYaYtbTRCVpJtahq-0mea7gXx8H7OMK1AX52Kucw/s1600/2014-07-16-08-16-19.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn90ONq3zA6bxxj1heBkvfqBvU3TBQJEjvz0F7u0Ry6nOQy0RvRrrnMA2wmWbVN5R4OoK9EfJ4XBvNBOTM4ZIc-VkUxBIVP24efL-uYaYtbTRCVpJtahq-0mea7gXx8H7OMK1AX52Kucw/s1600/2014-07-16-08-16-19.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
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This day's ride was almost 48 miles, with over 5800 feet of climbing. The climb up Semnoz was pretty steep, and indeed the most difficult kilometer of the ride was a 9.3% stretch in the middle. But the climb out of the valley, in the mounting heat, was definitely the most difficult part of the day.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-38532226361528639152014-07-27T20:56:00.000-07:002014-07-27T20:59:22.411-07:00GenevaOn July 15th I took a side trip from Annecy to Geneva.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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When I planned this trip I wanted to have a few places to stay for more than just a night, in case I needed a rest. Annecy was one of those places. I thought if I didn't need a rest I might try visiting Geneva, partly because it's a major city of global importance and largely for the lark of visiting another country by bicycle. All in all, there wasn't a lot of thought invested.<br />
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I had a good breakfast in the hotel, with eggs... available. I didn't notice them until I was already done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ettz65s_E/U8wULoEX5qI/AAAAAAABeXI/6ifI8ZzxcXs/s1600/DSCN0453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ettz65s_E/U8wULoEX5qI/AAAAAAABeXI/6ifI8ZzxcXs/s1600/DSCN0453.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pont de la Caille, a vestigial suspension bridge.</td></tr>
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I started riding north, in fine weather, nominally in search of a bike shop. As it turns out, the outfit from which I had rented my bike was headquartered in Annecy, so I asked for advice about getting the bike's broken rear spoke fixed. I got a polite reply, but it pointed me to a bike shop whose web site clearly said it had been closed for two months. So I was going to ride by, but didn't hold out much hope.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHg-bErvlRA/U8wUOSX7zaI/AAAAAAABeXg/rRWeqmAVeaA/s1600/DSCN0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SHg-bErvlRA/U8wUOSX7zaI/AAAAAAABeXg/rRWeqmAVeaA/s1600/DSCN0456.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most helpful bike shop, anywhere.</td></tr>
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In the event, it was indeed closed, but it was on the way. In fact it was on the Avenue de Genève, which certainly sounded on target.<br />
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I followed the Avenue de Genève, eventually linking up with the busy and anxious D1201. I followed this for a while until I happened to ride by a bike shop that was open. I stopped, asked about the spoke. Ten minutes and 10 € later it was fixed! Finally! This was at Goodman Cycles in Allonzier-la-Caille. They were really friendly, too.<br />
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The bike felt so strong and efficient after that. I had long since resigned myself to living with that broken spoke through the rest of the trip, but it was not to be so.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHty9YlkoBKjXims5NB5fsLyr18oPn7rMD5ymsLplBleNsqeu_OziISZUIYsp4K82X18r8BufZ-5BqNdOiVTfx2Cp13xIgHFv6LYHlL1OXAPl6NzxZvOndUltntyBvoej2y31aKR_oEvY/s1600/DSCN0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHty9YlkoBKjXims5NB5fsLyr18oPn7rMD5ymsLplBleNsqeu_OziISZUIYsp4K82X18r8BufZ-5BqNdOiVTfx2Cp13xIgHFv6LYHlL1OXAPl6NzxZvOndUltntyBvoej2y31aKR_oEvY/s1600/DSCN0431.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mighty Col du Mont Sion.<br />
Call it a Category 4, on a light day?</td></tr>
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Reaching Geneva meant crossing a small rise, in this case called the Col du Mont Sion, elevation 786 meters. It may not seem like much, but they dug a 3 km tunnel so the highway wouldn't have to cross it.<br />
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I didn't know what to expect when crossing the frontier, but I had my passport just in case. As it turns out there's an official border crossing, but it wasn't staffed. I sailed through, feeling like a spy.<br />
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From this point forward, I had no real plan. I had no idea what sights there were to see in Geneva, and no Swiss Francs. I headed vaguely toward denser urbanization, and accidentally ran across a few really interesting sights.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The University of Geneva</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9MI12oZ1wQ/U8wT8RrltBI/AAAAAAABeVA/midegHrrZmk/s1600/DSCN0436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z9MI12oZ1wQ/U8wT8RrltBI/AAAAAAABeVA/midegHrrZmk/s1600/DSCN0436.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Th%C3%A9%C3%A2tre_de_Gen%C3%A8ve">Grand Théâtre de Genève</a></td></tr>
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I must admit that I expected a heightened level of conformity with cycling laws in Geneva. Is that unfair? It was certainly incorrect. Cycling through town was much like New York would be, if cycling were regularized -- opportunistic, casual, efficient.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G405IGiBiq8/U8wT9FeA2_I/AAAAAAABeVI/Qg6FkYHCeSw/s1600/DSCN0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G405IGiBiq8/U8wT9FeA2_I/AAAAAAABeVI/Qg6FkYHCeSw/s1600/DSCN0437.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rhone escaping Lake Geneva. If I jumped in I would<br />
end up at my hotel in Lyon.</td></tr>
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As you might expect, Geneva is something of a maze of one-way roads. Occasionally I would decide I needed to get somewhere, only to find that essentially all roads were one way, the wrong way. It gets a little frustrating.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-E9zxQjeHU/U8x8T0bjkoI/AAAAAAABf9I/XkDHaOkapN4/s1600/DSCN0442-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F-E9zxQjeHU/U8x8T0bjkoI/AAAAAAABf9I/XkDHaOkapN4/s1600/DSCN0442-EFFECTS.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cathedral of Saint Pierre, after heavy processing.</td></tr>
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Although it was around lunchtime, I didn't quite find a place to eat that met my narrow needs -- suitable for a sweaty cyclist, in sight of the bike, and not a lousy tourist food stand. I decided that my exploration was good enough, and started back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xULrt0H92Vk/U9UO4_580zI/AAAAAAABf7k/Hi1RWtSQrTg/s1600/IMG_20140715_191511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xULrt0H92Vk/U9UO4_580zI/AAAAAAABf7k/Hi1RWtSQrTg/s1600/IMG_20140715_191511.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At L'Etape, wine from Mont Ventoux!</td></tr>
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I didn't really want to take the same route back, partly for variety and partly because D1201 had been loud and busy. Ultimately I largely followed the same route, but took side streets wherever feasible.<br />
<br />
On the way back I saw signs for the Col du Grand Colombier. And having looked that up, the confusingly similarly named Col de la Colombière, more frequently a part of the Tour de France, is also nearby. Maybe I missed a bet; it would have been interesting to work one of those into the schedule. I suppose they can wait for next time.<br />
<br />
Back in by-now familiar Annecy, I had dinner at L'Etape. A salad with filo dough wrapped cheese, a surprise fish (good, but it wouldn't hurt to read the menu more closely) with risotto and sweet potatoes, and another crème brûlée. And a bottle of wine from Mont Ventoux!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmH1lTCyyQ1Pt0-BHrpfqUz7cMbTxhhM7qdY0vhozGgohLd1ktHkFSYt2GEexQfe34xAgUPudfJOmIZrhNSqcdBZj9H18_9N-9jZM1UrDLPTAMHmUnib0ftTtHJ5lRYKSrNirafyOIgU/s1600/2014-07-15-09-01-30.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFmH1lTCyyQ1Pt0-BHrpfqUz7cMbTxhhM7qdY0vhozGgohLd1ktHkFSYt2GEexQfe34xAgUPudfJOmIZrhNSqcdBZj9H18_9N-9jZM1UrDLPTAMHmUnib0ftTtHJ5lRYKSrNirafyOIgU/s1600/2014-07-15-09-01-30.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
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While the profile looks dramatic, this was an easy day. A little over 55 miles, with 2800 feet of climbing. The most difficult kilometer only averaged 5.4%. And my bike was fixed!Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7879052945815762251.post-75168618405834680772014-07-27T17:15:00.000-07:002014-07-27T17:15:12.019-07:00Tournon to AnnecyOn July 14th, I rode from Tournon to Annecy, discovering two minor mountain passes along the way.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<small>View <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=202730493628299355555.0004ff34a4b17aba412fa&hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=m&ll=45.776144,6.222382&spn=0.335237,0.583649&z=10&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">Tournon to Annecy</a> in a larger map</small></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4Kjrya-wJQ/U8wbnttUlfI/AAAAAAABfck/0sf1NA3lBZU/s1600/DSCN0369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4Kjrya-wJQ/U8wbnttUlfI/AAAAAAABfck/0sf1NA3lBZU/s1600/DSCN0369.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrouded pear trees on the road to the<br />
Col de Tamié</td></tr>
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After a lovely little breakfast at the B&B, I got my usual early start. When I told the proprietor that I was headed to Annecy, he knew I would be crossing the Col de Tamié. I found that comforting, in a way, that people know about these "cols" outside of cycling.<br />
<br />
Again I was putting miles on a wounded bike, but by now I was gaining confidence that the broken rear spoke wasn't going to make the rear rim get any worse. And given that today was a holiday, it certainly wasn't going to get fixed today regardless.<br />
<br />
The morning was very pleasant, becoming slightly muggy as I climbed. The fog got thicker as well, particularly as the road began passing through woods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ts7W4QdIMg/U8wbvwRspBI/AAAAAAABfds/CfBqjnjudOM/s1600/DSCN0378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ts7W4QdIMg/U8wbvwRspBI/AAAAAAABfds/CfBqjnjudOM/s1600/DSCN0378.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D201c heads into the clouds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEIKIEjVj2s/U8wc6k2Yh1I/AAAAAAABfng/61Q40w2-css/s1600/G0120315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEIKIEjVj2s/U8wc6k2Yh1I/AAAAAAABfng/61Q40w2-css/s1600/G0120315.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fog on the road toward the Col de Tamié</td></tr>
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At the top there was the usual sign, and I took my usual picture next to it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XnjHFD_ObJo/U8wb3VPoloI/AAAAAAABfes/S7VFRXeFTQU/s1600/DSCN0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XnjHFD_ObJo/U8wb3VPoloI/AAAAAAABfes/S7VFRXeFTQU/s1600/DSCN0386.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the cheese-making residents of the<br />Abbaye de Tamié</td></tr>
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The previous evening the B&B proprietor had mentioned the Abbeye de Tamié, which produced the cheese I had for dinner and may have been originally responsible for the building I slept in (that part wasn't quite clear). I was expecting it to be right there at the summit, but as it turns out it's a little further along. There was a sign for a turnoff, and since this was a short day, I was inclined to take all the side-trips that sounded interesting.<br />
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I followed the driveway for a bit, not really knowing what to expect, and eventually came to a sort of visitor's center. Clearly this was a larger operation than I expected, and since I didn't really want to invest that much time, I continued on my way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UtWkoxEe4E/U8weXzCla2I/AAAAAAABfz4/pLi431QOO4o/s1600/PANO_20140714_104232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6UtWkoxEe4E/U8weXzCla2I/AAAAAAABfz4/pLi431QOO4o/s1600/PANO_20140714_104232.jpg" height="181" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The valley around Seythenex</td></tr>
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A little further along I saw signs for a Grotte and Cascade (i.e. cave and waterfall), so I followed that lead, too. It took me down some little roads that I wouldn't have seen otherwise. That was good, but the actual destination was a tourist area; you couldn't see anything from the road. I continued on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQtZXSXKdr0/U8wcC3HmfLI/AAAAAAABfgQ/8Eki613cEjI/s1600/DSCN0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQtZXSXKdr0/U8wcC3HmfLI/AAAAAAABfgQ/8Eki613cEjI/s1600/DSCN0398.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toward the Col de la Forclaz</td></tr>
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My plan was to follow the road along the west side of the lake, the left side from this direction, to the city. But as I was pedaling along I saw a sign for the Col de la Forclaz, which seems to go around the east/right side of the lake. Well, why not?<br />
<br />
I came to learn that the Col de la Forclaz is a substantial climb, marked as 8 km but that includes some downhill sections. It was very steep, with lots of sections of 10% or more. The most difficult kilometer was in this section, at 11.4%.<br />
<br />
If you're looking it up, you probably want to know that there's a different pass in Switzerland with the same name. This one has been used a few times in the Tour de France; I think in 2004 it was a category 1 climb (and the Col de Tamié was a Cat 2 in the same stage).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Col de la Forclaz</td></tr>
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Apparently the pass is used as a base for paragliding. It was busy as I passed through, with a few cyclists and lots of others enjoying the hiking or paragliding. I headed down the other side a bit, found a good spot for a picnic, and had a sandwich.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs1wb5H_EX0/U8wcJqiTYUI/AAAAAAABfhI/l37qw34WLfo/s1600/DSCN0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs1wb5H_EX0/U8wcJqiTYUI/AAAAAAABfhI/l37qw34WLfo/s1600/DSCN0405.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Annecy lakefront, as the rain clears</td></tr>
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Shortly afterward it began to rain. It was coming down hard, but not especially cold, so I was happy. The rain let up just as I entered Annecy along its very pretty lakefront. After being disappointed in my brief exposure to Albertville I wasn't expecting much, but Annecy turned out to be fantastic. The infrastructure seemed healthy, the lakefront was lively, and the touristy old town was much more than I expected.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqONBVk_kmU/U8wcLVQRK9I/AAAAAAABfhY/zjqXMMaqtFg/s1600/DSCN0407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PqONBVk_kmU/U8wcLVQRK9I/AAAAAAABfhY/zjqXMMaqtFg/s1600/DSCN0407.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rue de Pâquier in Annecy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrsp_ISCtCM/U8weJUUTk0I/AAAAAAABfyY/lydIL5CbnZg/s1600/IMG_20140714_184736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrsp_ISCtCM/U8weJUUTk0I/AAAAAAABfyY/lydIL5CbnZg/s1600/IMG_20140714_184736.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This place even has canals!</td></tr>
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At the hotel they put my broken bike in the basement ("backstage", as the hostess put it), and I showered and enjoyed the sights. Dinner was a terrine, <i>Tajine du Poullet</i> (a sort of stew with chicken thighs), and crème brûlée.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYFVPPlWgJA/U9UNA4E8-PI/AAAAAAABf5o/HaCg_ZAGTEU/s1600/IMG_20140714_212524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYFVPPlWgJA/U9UNA4E8-PI/AAAAAAABf5o/HaCg_ZAGTEU/s1600/IMG_20140714_212524.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view for the fireworks. It filled up<br />as the sky darkened.</td></tr>
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<br />
As it was also Bastille Day, after a short rest at the hotel I went back down to the lakefront to see the fireworks. I hadn't asked anybody where they would be; it was pretty obvious. The park filled with tens of thousands of people and finally the show started. It was fantastic, similar in scale to those of Washington, D.C. on the Fourth of July, despite Annecy being a relatively small town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzgPZG-iYVLBcIpRVq6JdB1QnAWtCQhf58Q4n2pAu-sDuzo3exmWPNsHHc3VhH3xtKOoZurJvfdjvjXMSPwA4owjgugJKSsyk-ZZjVAOKWge0HS9leDRdDpI8b95VtF3x1GEAWmfxE7E/s1600/2014-07-14-09-07-17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzgPZG-iYVLBcIpRVq6JdB1QnAWtCQhf58Q4n2pAu-sDuzo3exmWPNsHHc3VhH3xtKOoZurJvfdjvjXMSPwA4owjgugJKSsyk-ZZjVAOKWge0HS9leDRdDpI8b95VtF3x1GEAWmfxE7E/s1600/2014-07-14-09-07-17.png" height="150" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elevation profile</td></tr>
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This was a short day, at just 33 miles and 3800 feet of climbing. The day held several discoveries, notably the fierce Col de la Forclaz climb and the wonderful town of Annecy.Ziasushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13094455618877745431noreply@blogger.com0