June 18, 2016

High Rent Hills

Sometimes a short ride is just enough. Sometimes I actually spend a Saturday afternoon not biking. [Imagine that.]

Novitiate entrance gate at Testarossa Winery, College Avenue, Los Gatos, California
Our little social group set out to climb into the hills above town. Before tackling the main attraction, our peerless leader took us on a couple of warm-up loops (which involved climbing, of course).

Some years ago, I visited the Testarossa Winery to hear the ever-entertaining Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen at a fund-raising event for junior cyclists. Then, unlike today, we did not cycle up to the (former) Novitiate.

View of the Diablo Range from the top of Foster Road, Los Gatos, California
Foster Road was our third climb of the day, and the most challenging. I remembered some impressive views, but had forgotten the steep price to be paid. By the homeowners, for that exclusive neighborhood. By my legs, for a short visit. I gained ground on two folks in our group, but with insufficient clearance to pass them I was forced to stop, to open enough of a gap to prevent our wheels from touching as we wobbled up the steep grade.

We tackled two more hills for good measure; after Foster, I found it surprisingly easy to reach their summits. The hard work behind us, we retired to a café where one rider regaled us with her tales of meeting the indomitable Jens Voigt.

For the day, 15 miles, 1,785 feet of climbing. Shut up, legs.

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