Pining, Whining on Pine Creek Road - Eastern Sierras

Wednesday, September 5

I love glamorous shots of myself ... okay, here's how it went down.  I took charge at the start of the ride, getting everyone to follow me as we began our Pine Creek Road ride starting from the Creekside Inn in Bishop.  Before long, most of our gang left me in the dust.  But for one brief, shining moment, I was the leader....

We started at an elevation of 4148 feet.  Along the way, I had the opportunity to chat with a few of the gang and that was swell.  Towards the last few miles, the elevation cranks up a bit and suddenly, it's like you're cycling in slow motion, wondering why it's taking forever to do the last few miles to the summit. It's because suddenly you find yourself at 7425 feet elevation.

I made it, I made it.  Woo hoo.  I love this gang.  They're patient and cheer you on.  The BF is not in the picture.  He was pleased with how he did as well.

The last leg of the trip involves going past a lovely body of water.  So, I did 49 miles in approximately 4 hrs and 15 min (had a bit of a problem with my odometer, so I think that's the time elapsed) with a descent hitting 36 miles, which is big for me.  Afterwards, we all met at the Schaats Bakery for great sandwiches and of course, we met again for Happy Hour and dinner at the Upper Crust, serving up super pizzas. 

Eastern Sierras - Pine Creek

Tuesday, September 17

Today, The Boyfriend and I did another new climb for us -- Pine Creek.  We started from the hotel in Bishop.  44 miles total with 3,550 feet of climbing.  What I consider a classic Desert ride, like I know what that means....

Lookey, there's my man.

We're in the middle of nowhere.  And what should appear?  You guessed it -- a fire truck.  And shortly thereafter, we came upon a fire station.  My kind of day ....

The BF:  Do you call them in advance and let them know that you're in town?
Me:  What can I say, they follow me wherever I go.
The BF:  Apparently.
Me:  What can I say, when you're in demand ....
The BF:  Sigh.

About a mile or so to the summit, we encountered headwinds, so severe, that I, being a weenie woman, unlike my man, had to get off my bike and walk.  About this time, Ranger Rob, with his rippling muscles, spotted what he believed was a woman in distress ...  I had me a mighty fine with Ranger Rob.  Seriously, had I been by myself, I might have asked Ranger Rob for a ride.

Yay, the summit.  And yah, The BF was my hero, having located a source for water.  I forgot all about Ranger Rob. Elevation at this point was 7,425 feet.

Is that man hot or what!  My top speed on descent was 38.5 and his was 47 mph.  The struggle was worth it.  The ride was lovely.  Onto Happy Hour, and well deserved.