Yay for Potato Chips

Saturday, November 18th

After The Boyfriend got us coffee from Bookworks on Lighthouse Avenue, we set sail on our bike ride.  Leaving the Inn, we saw a deer meandering through the neighborhood.  Sweet.  We relied on two websites (thank you!) to figure out routes -- Local Rides from Velo Club Monterey and Top 10 Bike Rides in Monterey.  Of course we had to include 17 Mile Drive but we were looking to do something a little different having done rides in the past together as well as for me, with our bike club ACTC.  See here in 2010 and here in 2013 and here in 2007.

Wow, the sea was so blue.  The BF put together a route that included 17 Mile Drive as well as the Chacagua Road Loop in Carmel Valley Village.  It was perfect cycling weather and traffic was fairly minimal.

17 Mile Drive is one scenic photo op over and over; I present the iconic Lone Cypress Tree. 

Somewhere in the Del Monte Forest.  I just love that name!

The beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea.  While The BF took a bathroom break, I lovingly gazed at male surfers changing into their clothes ... a most pleasant sight.  But I digress.  Off we went, leaving 17 mile Drive and the quaint downtown to Rio Road, onward to Carmel Valley Road and to Carmel Valley Village.

There's The BF somewhere on Carmel Valley Road.  By the time we reached Carmel Valley Village, he made a strategic decision to curtail our planned route and head back to base camp (aka our lovely inn in Pacific Grove).  Not like I was going to argue....  And let me tell you, I was zapped energy wise.  Weenie Woman was dreaming of a glass of wine and bon bons and wondering why no firemen had appeared like they tend to do.... Returning back on Carmel Valley Road, I was wiped until I stopped at a deli (by the way, the entire route has plenty of places to stop for food and drink) to buy a bag of potato chips.  I sat on the roadside feasting on the chips.  It did wonders.  The BF circled back to find me, worried that I had a flat.  Nope, just stuffing my face with glorious chips.  It was a super ride.  We were both pleased.

Just the Stats:

50.76 miles
10.7 avg mph
31.5 mph on a descent
4 hr. 44 min.

Here in Pacific Grove

Friday, November 17th,

Arriving at the inn in Pacific Grove on Asilomar Drive in Pacific Grove.  A much needed getaway.  It's been too long since The Boyfriend and I were last here.  It's a bit on the nippy side, but the weather is clear for the weekend with plenty of sunshine.  I have my woolies to keep me toasty.

The Boyfriend found this inn and it turned out to be a charm. Oh my God, the bed was super.  I mean, some mattresses at some hotels simply suck and give me backaches.  This one was just perfect.   We're right near the beach and the start of our ride for Saturday.  It's quiet and peaceful.  Just what we need.  Thank you Mr. Boyfriend.

Before going into Carmel by the Sea, we stopped off at Point Pinos Lighthouse.  It's the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast.  It was around the corner from the inn and I'm glad we stopped to see it.  It was very windy and chilly.

The BF drove us to Carmel by the Sea through the Del Monte Forest.  Like being in a fairy tale.   On another trip, long ago, we ate here.  We snapped a pic because it captures the essence of this quaint village.  However, we ate at a pubhouse that played music from the 80s.  Ha ha.  I picked up the local newspaper, "The Carmel Pine Cone".  How funny is that!

Pedaling Panoche in Paicines

Club ride today starting in Paicines to do Panoche Road.  Goodness, it's been years since I last did this ride.  Seems like just yesterday.  It was chilly and overcast but this quickly changed as the day wore on, to our delight.

Miss P and I arrived a wee bit on the early side.  By the time 9am rolled around, we were ready to go but our ride leader had yet to make an appearance.  Well, we took off anyway along with other cyclists, including those from Fremont Freewheelers.   They had also scheduled the ride.  The more the merrier, right.

What I love about this ride is that I expect to see dinosaurs.  Okay, I know they're extinct.  It just has that look and feel to it.  Okay, there weren't signs, windmills and cows back then.  Just go with it, okay. Meanwhile, sadly, I saw a few dead bunnies.  Yuck.  Here we are at the summit but we still have more to go before the turnaround point.

The ride was challenging because:  a) I've been sick; b) There were no firemen to gawk at; and c) No cutie fellas to flirt with.  The Boyfriend was traveling on business and couldn't join us either.

At mile 25, I'm like, um, so, where's Panoche Inn, the lunch stop and turnaround point?  Did it somehow move?  Or become extinct like the dinosaurs?  The road surface at this point was awful, too.  Jarring is a kind word.  A mile or so later, I came upon the rest of the gang and had a short break before turning around for the return trip. Guy was most gracious, biking with me for most of the way back.  Much appreciated as I tired.  He kept me going at a decent pace.  Miss P. was ahead of us.  We got back to the start and I was very happy that the ride was done.  Nothing particularly special happened on the ride.  But you know what, sometimes, it's a good reminder to recognize that you have your health, a beautiful landscape, and nice companionship. Be thankful.  I'm also pleased with my stats.

Just the Stats:

54.75 miles
33 mph on a descent
10.6 avg mph
5 hr. 8 min.