Out of Towners

The area around Woodside is a magnet for cyclists, and more than a few local residents are cranky about that. [I get it.] I don't often ride there, any more.

There were a couple of cyclists chatting when I reached the (paved) end of Alpine Road; as I approached, the woman forcefully cleared one nostril (onto the ground). Seriously? You can't trouble yourself to use a tissue, especially now? [I avoided her like the plague ... so to speak.]

A large group was heading up as we descended; lucky timing, there. And yes, there were a few groups riding in tight packs. [I avoided them, too.]

There were also some unlucky novices.

One thing to remember, if you choose to ride in this area, is that that the traffic laws apply to you. Yes, cyclist: they apply to you. [Cranky locals, see above.]

This stop sign on Cañada Road is a reliable revenue generator. It's a “T” intersection; it is very tempting to ride straight through, in the bike lane, where your position on the road jeopardizes no one. Tempting, yes; and also illegal. There is a stop sign, and it applies to you. To leave no doubt, they have painted a stop line and the word “stop” across the bike lane. (I suspect they tired of arguing the point with indignant cyclists on the spot, and in traffic court.)

It was a busy day for the sheriff, staking out that intersection and ticketing cycling scofflaws. Time well spent?

My biking buddy and I rode the full length, making a u-turn at Highway 92 (which was fully backed up with vehicles heading toward the coast). Along the way we were surprised when another cycling friend materialized, out for a spin with her own little group. Cañada Road is popular with triathletes and time-trialers, a more-or-less straight shot with gently rolling hills and almost no vehicular traffic.

Stopping at the Pulgas Water Termple was always a regular part of riding here, but I can't recall the last time I visited. We took some time to relax, watching a lone Canada (!) goose grudgingly take wing to find refuge in the reflecting pool after some children focused on chasing it. And we were amused by the antics of a photographer trying to get a shy newly-married couple to look happy.

It was a perfect day for cycling and conversation, 33 miles and 1,645 feet of climbing, cool and sunny.