So this weekend I got a precious opportunity that has some scarcity these days: a ride! I mean, I get out on the baby carrier, Rapscallion, but as far as putting some work in over some distance, less so with a toddler and a baby on the way. But I was informed we were going into San Anselmo to swim at the in-laws’, so I snatched the moment.

Riding from Mill Valley to San Anselmo is no brag feat. it’s like part of the route to GET to China Camp or Alpine Dam Loop. But to be honest, between far less distance ride opportunities this year and my back and pelvis injury, I’m out of shape and everything counts. I took Crook, my Cinelli X Mash, and hit it. As usual, jumping on Camino Alto for that climb with little warm-up is a bit of a wind-sucker, but i found roadies ahead of me to chase down, and did. It’s one of those small joys of fixed-gear riding outside of the city: the incredulousness from roadies over you riding WHAT with WHAT gear over WHERE. So the guys I talked to and passed were pretty stoked. Sometimes they can be jerks, but these guys were very cool.

One thing that I don’t like this season: they’ve let the back side of Camino Alto go, presumably waiting to free funds or schedule to repave. It’s always been choppy on that descent in the reverse Paradise direction, but at this point, it’s so bad they put SIGNS up. Let me tell you, they’re correct. You want to get a little air and elevate your heart-rate? Take a fixed-gear down a road like this.

Anyway, from there, it’s not effort, just some really nice riding, long enough to get out there and think, enjoy the HOT weather (I came from Tam Valley where the marine layer socked the fog in and left wet) and ring the bell at a few cuties, the like. And prolly the best way to end a ride that doesn’t involve a burger: the pool at your final destination. Even if your mother-in-law drops your bike against a hose winder assembly and sends your helmet skittering along the pavers.

Nice way to end a weekend!

Be Sociable, Share!

• 

Follow this topic in the R3 Forum here!

Related posts:

1. nike pool event
2. A Bike Braking Crooked Can Never Stop Straight
3. The great hipster silk-route