Got Goat?

With the odd weather that has settled in, what better way than to spend the day on a leisurely drive with a friend to Pescadero to visit my favorite goat farm, Harley Farms, okay, the only one I know, but have wanted to visit forever having biked past it a number of times.

Two guys shooting the breeze.  Wonder what they're talking about.  Odd creatures for sure but beautiful.  Check out this hilarious video about these alpine goats.

Fresh chevre.  Delicious.  We sampled everything including the fromage blanc and ricotta and tested the goat's milk lotion which was was soothing.  Popped over to the thriving metropolis down the road, where we sampled flavored honey at an outdoor market on Stage Road.   Next, a quick stop into Arcangeli's for just out of the oven warm bread with artichoke.   I think my senses have been saturated with happiness today.

Who Could Ask for Anything More

Who could ask for anything more?  Well, I could.  Let me know if you'd like me to fax you my Christmas list....

Putting aside the whining, we were blessed with perfect cycling weather for our club ride from Woodside to San Francisco, via Canada Road, Polhemus, Skyline, Sloat and other roads leading to Golden Gate Park and the ocean to meet cyclists returning from Sierra to the Sea. 

The Boyfriend makes an appearance.  He was ever so macho, passing me every time I sped up, to show me how manly he is.... He kept me on my toes on the return.  I rode out with Miss P. and that was loads of fun.  Who could ask for anything more.

I know, I know, I'm a hottie, on and off the bike.  ha ha ha. Another lovely ride with fellow cyclists, taking on a new route, a new challenge, being together, going the distance.  Who could ask for anything more.

Just the Stats:

64.27 miles
33.5 mph on a descent
12.2 avg mph
5 hr. 13 min.

Much Ado about Mines

Never thought I'd be able to do a ride on Mines Road in June, but the weather has been delightful and today was more of the same.  Perfect riding weather with my buds Miss P. and Dr. G.  Miss P. found us a great starting location in Livermore, at a nearby park.

This is my 4th time doing Mines and Dr. G.'s first time.  Miss P and I took turns leading one another.  I felt strong and confident most of the time and certainly bold on the descents.

Here I am pretty in pink at the junction but not one motorcyclist, fireman, cyclist, or other body of the male persuasion to charm.  Just my luck.  We were surprised by the relatively low traffic.

I was unable to get a photo of the sweet hummingbird drinking nectar from this unusual but lovely plant.  We were surprised to see wildflowers still in bloom, as well as a few butterflies.  But that's Mines for you, always an occasion, and a favorite ride of mine.

Just the Stats:

Pretty similar to other times even though I thought we were speeding away
58 miles
5 hrs.
32 mph on a descent (that increased)
11.4 avg mph