How Green is the Valley

Friday, April 13th

Here we are, The Boyfriend and I, at the Motel 6 located on the outskirts of Westley, CA.  The pink palm tree made it special.  Oh, by the way, I drove and we got to test my new Kuat bike rack.  Nice. The Google Lady had me drive through Livermore to reach our destination. She's not as fun as The Elevator Lady (in Europe),  I enjoyed talking back to her -- yeah, I know where to turn....  Following her directions, The BF got to see a ride I've done with the club that he's never had a chance to do.  We're a few miles from where we want to be tomorrow.  Can't wait.

Saturday, April 14th

We haven't done Del Puerto Canyon since 2015 when the hills were golden.  I wanted to experience this valley, part of the Mount Diablo Coastal Mountain Range, while green, lush and full of flowers. 

I haven't been on the road bike in weeks; in fact my tires were at 40 psi before I pumped them up.  I wasn't sure I could do a 50 mile bike ride but the beauty of the landscape beckoned.  Not to mention the many men I would meet briefly later, to keep me going....

I so wanted to have to stop for a goat or two.  Didn't happen.  But we did see lots of cows and their wee ones.  Wow, we have super weather.  No wind.  No clouds.  And warm temperatures but not too warm.

Isn't it gorgeous.  Essentially, you climb and climb and climb at a gentle gradient with the last section (around mile 19) becoming a bit on the steep side.  I guess climbing the 10 flights of stairs every day at work is paying off; I didn't feel at all out of shape doing this ride. 

The scenery changes as you get closer to the junction with Mines Road and Mt. Hamilton.  Still, there were flowers in abundance to brighten our ride. We stopped briefly to watch dirt riders tackle trails on the hills. That was really cool.

After eating at the Junction cafe, it was time to head back.  Most of it is just a downhill dance.  The BF of course shot off.  he said he'd come get me.   I told him to wait at least 40 minutes before becoming concerned and having to come find me. In other words, on my own, the fun was just getting started.  Motor cyclists and a guy in a spiffy sports car waved and gave me the high five. Some guys in a red mustang also wished me a good time.  Factoring in the entertainment of the many men I met along the way, I arrived at the start 43 minutes after The BF.  We had a fantastic time. I'm glad I got to experience my version of  Emerald City.

Just the Stats:

50.16 miles
29 mph descent
10.4 avg mph
4 hr 45 min.