Deer Everywhere

I decided against trying Hicks and Mt. Um for the first time until the neck strain fully heals. I was rewarded by Bambis and Jane Does everywhere. Ten of you scattered along Kennedy, making the end of the club ride a treat. If only they wouldn't stand so dumbly in the middle of the road. I chased each and every one of them into the woods and got lots of photos.

LKHC Palomares The Kid and I

I dressed up for Hallowe'en (photo by Franz Kelsch) -- that's a spider on my jersey. I didn't get the memo to come as a French Maid; not only was she hot, she placed first in the women's category for this week's LKHC.

Once again, I found myself in the last group with the children. Good think I wasn't wearing a French Maid costume, eh....

I told The Kid that we were going to duke it out on Palomares. We shot off, me ahead of him. Then he passed me. I kept him in sight. I caught up to him. We talked strategy, yeah, the 12 year old (?) and the 47 year old just shooting the breeze. Like he needed pointers from me. Then he shot off. Fast learner ....

I caught up to him again. We talked a bit. Then off he went. He kept looking to see if I was still there. Yeah, Kid, I'm still here. I realized he was having fun while I was pushing myself. Without him, I might have slacked off.

Thanks to The Kid, I didn't place last. I was hoping to finish with a score of 30 minutes and came close at 31.24. I did it in 36 minutes at last week's trial run. And apparently, I now have the honor of 1st place as Most Consistent. Hmm....

Til we meet again, Kid. :)

Reconnaissance on Palomares

L, A and I decided to check out Palomares in preparation for next week's LKHC. That's new for me to scope out the situation in advance. What a beautiful route:

Niles Canyon -->Palomares -->Palo Verde -->Dublin Canyon -->Foothill -->Main

Guess who we saw climbing in the other direction on Palomares! The Divine Miss M.

Guess who else we saw -- yes, you guessed it, divine male cyclists.

But far more interesting was the albino turkey or peacock (not sure) that I saw. Today wasn't a day to stop to take photos (after all we were on a mission). I wore my woolies (arm warmers and leggings; definitely a thumbs up) but the day became much too warm for them.

Next week's LKHC is going to be interesting with the opportunity to really floor it on the flat sections. Can't wait. Thanks A and L for a great day.

Just the Stats:

28.74 miles
29 mph on descent
12.1 mph avg
2 hr 23 m