Bonny Doon Day

photo by Thomas Preisler

It was a mild sunny November day at the coast near Davenport, the perfect weather for the Bonny Doon Pine Flat LKHC event.

Time to get back in the saddle again, this being the second ride for me since late August and post surgery. Did I prepare for the Bonny Doon ride? Well, earlier in the week, I bought a push up bra. You see, it's not about the bike. It's all about the bra! Ha ha ha ha. The Boyfriend, away on business in another country, is probably shaking his head.

After biking 6 miles along the coast from Santa Cruz, I came upon another sea, a sea of male cyclists swimming in testosterone at the start. Now I was warmed up and ready to ride, for sure! The Boyfriend, away on business in another country, is probably sighing.

100+ of us set off to do the 7.25 climb, steep in parts, flat in others. I managed to pass three women and caught up to the Boy Wonder, much to my shock and delight. I even pushed myself. I love the Specialized Ruby Elite. Yes, it is about the bike, too.

Eventually though, the women passed me and I finished last (quelle surprise, non?). I did beat the Boy. Maybe if I had remembered to wear that push up bra .... Afterwards I glided down Empire Grade, a beautiful silent, peaceful descent that leads back to Santa Cruz.

Lookey what Dan the Man, gave me! I love receiving gifts. Made my day. Next week's ride is Hicks and Mt. Um. I don't think I'm ready for that level of climbing, even if I wear the push up bra. The Boyfriend, away on business in another country, is probably sighing and shaking his head...

The Return of Weenie Woman

Route: Piedmont -->Felter-->down Sierra

The last time I rode my new bike, the Specialized Ruby Elite Carbon Compact, was August 28th. Yesterday, when I did sit ups for the first time since the surgery, I knew it was time to get back on the bike. I love this bike, people! I felt strong and light (the removal of 4lbs of tumors probably helped) climbing Felter, as though the surgery and post recovery never happened. I love this bike and its SRAM gearing system.




Oh the things I saw on Felter. Two squirrels doing something the nasty. Eek. Lots of horses and cows. And then the pond with the frogs frolicking. I only got a photo of one as the others dived below surface. Too adorable.

Then of course, as usual, I met this guy ... I was singing songs from The Sound of Music.

He: So, do you go to the hills when your heart is lonely?
Me: I go to the hills to meet men like you, Mister!

He was hot, like the actor John Hamm, and with a five o'clock shadow. We played tag with one another, he out front for awhile, me overtaking him for a time but he blew me away going down Sierra. I lost a lot of time on the descent after feeling so triumphant about my outing.




Perfect weather conditions. Lovely views. The hills were alive with the sounds of cyclists, including me.

Just the stats:

16.54 miles

8.3 avg mph (my best a year ago was 8.8)

29 mph on descent

1 hr 58 min

Let's Go for a Spin

LKHC Portola State Park / W. Alpine - Week 3 Report

After seeing Patrick Dempsey biking last weekend at Levi's GranFondo, I wondered how I might top that experience.

Well ... let me count the ways:

Friday --

First, the Earth moved ... oh alrighty, we had a teenie earthquake in San Jose.

Next, The GF contacted me:

GF: Want to go for a ride in The Car Sat? assuming you don't have plans with what's his name?
Me: The Boyfriend? What BF? You betcha!

Saturday --

A sea of male cyclists clad in tight fitting spandex milling about after the LKHC Portola State Park climb. Let me repeat. A sea of male cyclists clad in .... How I so enjoyed listening to the first batch of cyclists as they came across the finish line -- such heavy breathing. Made me wonder if it was any indication of .... by now The BF is making faces ... alas, their efforts/breathing reminded me of why I always finish last. I simply save my energy and breathing for other activities. Oh oh, The BF is undoubtedly making faces.






Oh lookey, it's The Boyfriend off to do another ride after the hillclimb. Earlier we had a conversation which of course I shall share with you:

Me: Are your legs fresh for the climb? [last weekend, he did the GranFondo]
BF: I hope so
Me: Because I like fresh men
BF: I bet you do
Me: And sophmores, and seniors, undergraduates, and ...
BF: Listen Missy, the only man you need is me, a real man.
Me: Ooooh, assertive. And you look good in tight fitting spandex.
BF: Damn right, Missy.



Ah, the piece de resistance. How to top all that had come before? The GF took me for a spin in The Car, a wee bit bigger than the one shown above. She put on her driving gloves, I wanted to wear a race car helmet. Oh my God, dare I say it, it may be on par with chocolates and sex. I thought we were in an airplane taking off on the runway. Loud, fast, two women, hot damn. Vrooom vrooom.

And finally, the last spin of my tale. Sunday, The BF and I went out on our Specialized hybrids before the rain came. It was my first outing since the surgery. We made our way to Shoreline on a flat course. 12 miles at 8.5 mph avg. Sad, I know, but I have to start somewhere.

Cheers to the men and women who did the LKHC Portola/Alpine ride.