Equitorial Crossings

Today I had an awesome ride. I met up with Racer X, Squiggy, and newbie for our regular Wednesday/Friday ride up Calavaras Road.

Temps weren't too bad at 0600 with the marine layer keeping the temp somewhat warmer than the clear skies might otherwise have proferred. It was 56 when I pushed out of the garage to the rally point and dry feeling despite the onshore push of the Pacific scud.

Tuesday night's meal of chicken, chicken and chicken was sitting well in the body--protein was stocked-up and muscles loaded and primed with the energy catalyst. I was stoked; and even 12 hours later, I still feel the echoes of that energized state coursing through me.

I was the last to join up with the group so we quickly set off on the 8 miles of relatively flat road to the sustained climb up Calavaras. Racer X and I set the paceline at a quick cadence and hauled along the flats at 22+ mph. Squiggy sustained it but the newbie was a bit erratic and the pace fell off. Our first small climb wasn't too bad but by mile 6 I was already thinking of breaking out and pushing hard up to my turn-around point at mile 12.5. I was feeling that strong despite pacing with some good riders.

We dropped newbie on the climb and the three of us pushed up the grade with a good pace going. Squiggy was froggy and surged ahead on 2 segments; Racer X was riding his old crate which generated 1 newton of friction for every newton of forward thrust due to it's 18 year old bearings and run-out technology (Dude, lose the bike!). Squiggy gave me the excuse with his bursts on the hill so I reeled him in with some strong climbing runs. The last mile to the turn was a great paced climb. We were sustaining over 12.5 mph and hitting 14 on the 4-6% grades. On the last 1/3 mile I dug down, came out of the saddle and pushed ahead to our rest point. I almost surged too early and was hitting redline by the top of the hill. Squiggy and then Racer-X pulled up and we shot the shit, downed some water and power bars while awaiting newbie. Two strong riders came up before him and we exchanged pleasantries while the sun's early morning rays began to break down the fog above us and light up the hills with the California's real gold.

With newbie's arrival, the rest of the crew continued towards work in San Jose 16 miles ahead, while I pointed my bike back down the hill towards home. I opened it up and hit the turns at 25-30mph; giddy with tight turns and the clingy grip, and crisp, responsive lines my bike provided despite my inexpert technique. I hammered the flats and slight climbs back towards home where I arrived just 1:24 after starting out. I just missed an average ride speed of 18mph for the out and back.

Tomorrow, I'll hit the trail for a medium length run. Perhaps 7, maybe more depending on the route. Maybe I'll cut down to the flats instead of taking to the ridge trails. I don't know. Not sure I care yet. I'm not yet becalmed, but I'm on the equator where the winds die down and the sailing breeze is erratic. My course isn't yet set--no immediate goals, no objectives yet in sight-- so training has no real bearing to steer. The mid-latititude trade winds which propel adventurers are ahead. I'm just not yet sure of where the X on the map yet lies. I need Capt Jack Sparrow's infamous compass. It'll come..... yo ho, yo ho a Pirate's life for me....