A Walk and a Bike Tour in Napa

Saturday, August 20th

It only took 6 girls to help me cross the river in Napa Bothe State Park, in you guessed it, Napa. They also showed me the catch of the day in the orange bucket -- crawfish. The Boyfriend and I did a 4 mile hike with an elevation of 1170. In the evening, we met up with Miss A for dinner. She is going to do the Tour of Napa Valley 100m for the first time tomorrow.

Sunday, August 21st

The Boyfriend dragged me out of bed at some ridiculous hour to do the Tour of Napa Valley. (100K for us). The morning was a blur which probably explains how before I knew it, I had already done 34 miles and was at the lunch stop where I passed The Boyfriend who was just leaving.

I met a cool woman from Nevada -- with lots of tattoos on her legs. She was loads of fun and we stayed together for most of the tour. Along the way, my chain slipped. Before I knew it, before I even blinked, a man appeared and said, "Let me put your chain back on. You don't want to dirty your hands or the white handlebar tape." Unbelievable, The Boyfriend said, later. I also met another guy from Davis who rode with me up Ink Grade. Before I knew it, before I even blinked, we were done with that climb. I met this other guy, too, on the climb, and we discussed whether there'd be cocktails waiting for us at the top. Sigh, The Boyfriend said, later.

Before I knew it, before I even blinked, I was done with the tour, finishing the 67 mile course in 5 hr 7 min. And exactly 1 hr after The Boyfriend's time. We didn't see Miss A but she had fun and saw the divine Miss M along the way.

It was a lovely weekend getaway.

The Geysers in Geyserville

Friday, August 19

The Boyfriend and I did the Geysers, beginning in, you guessed it, Geyserville. The Santa Rosa Cycling Club has a description of the route.


The 47 mile route is rather remote and stunning. At one point, you can see the geothermal power plant with all its pipes. Pretty remarkable. Read more about The Geysers. Glad we did this breathtaking bike ride and the start of our weekend getaway.

Time for Tam

We began the ACTC ride led by Donny in typical San Francisco summer weather -- cold and foggy. Our destination -- Mt. Tam, a climb I've wanted to do for some time. The route included Sausalito, Highway 1, and Stinson Beach. Can one ever tire of the beauty of this area? Made even more special with a great gang of cyclists, including Miss A and The Boyfriend.

Cycling up Mt Tam



Wow

Back to the start, late afternoon. A typical summer's day in San Francisco.

Just the stats:

5125 ft of climbing

54 miles

5 hr 30 min

9.4 mph avg

25 miles on descent

Misty in Marin Again

Like last year, The Boyfriend and I set off on the Marin Century at 6:30am despite my pleas, under a foggy ceiling and chilly temperatures. But I was warmed by the memory of the night before by the Gelato Guy in San Rafael who wanted me to sample his goods. Ah, the subtle and intriguing taste of blackberry Cabernet Sauvignon and the honey lavender ... Is there going to be anything about biking in this blog entry, The BF wonders.

Once the past the first climb, The BF shot off (passing many cyclists) to do the traditional 100M while I stuck with the 100K. On the descent, I dropped my chain. Arrgh. Naturally, a nice looking male cyclist came to my aid ... and good thing, I was having difficulties because I managed to put a kink in it. Kinky, hmm, a topic I could ... Is there going to be anything about biking in this blog entry, The BF wonders.

At the first rest stop, a man came up to me (you don't say The BF comments):

He: I recognize you. You were at the Santa Cruz Mtns. Challenge.
Me: Yes.
He: I'm doing the Napa ride next. Will I see you there?
Me: Oh, perhaps.

At the same rest stop, a woman came up to me:

She: Love your nails.
Me: Funny, The BF did too, last night ...

Oh oh, I'm in trouble now. Is there going to be anything about biking in this blog entry, The BF wonders.

Ah, I could not top the cross dresser volunteer (at the water and gatorade station) at the Petaluma stop. He was a scream, talking in an effeminate voice, and calling out to cyclists to come have a taste of his juices. My kind of guy....

At the last stop, I chatted with a male volunteer (you don't say The BF comments):

He: How did you find the signage this year?
Me: Well, it was fine except going into Petaluma, I followed a bunch of guys and we got lost.
He: You should have followed a woman!
Me: And they wouldn't look at the map or ask for directions either.
He: Well, duh. You should have followed a woman.

Back to the biking. Finally, The BF says. The Marin ride is challenging for its rollers. The BF on the 100M route also has the Marshall Wall, somewhat like Metcalf in the South Bay, but longer, and tiring so late in the game. I was curious as to how I would do given I was on a different bike than last year, post surgery and only really getting into the swing of things these past few months. Interestingly, I was 3 minutes slower than last year. The Boyfriend, once again, came in about an hour after me with 40 more miles under his pedals. Wow. And despite getting lost (not because he should have followed a woman) but because his route was not well marked.

Always, a fun time on this ride made special by the good food and great volunteers.

Just the Stats:

12.5 mph avg
31.5 mph descent
59 miles
3,830 ft of climbing
4 hr 43 min