November 29, 2020

For the Schwag

Without a real Bike To Work Day this year, the local organizers had a surplus of goodies to disburse. A month or two ago, they advertised a pop-up location for some giveaways, but my bike route for that day went elsewhere. The light bulb went off when a delighted fellow cyclist later exclaimed “We got socks, from Google!”

What's a company gonna do with all those 2020 Bike To Work Day socks (and neck gaiters) for employees who would not be biking to work on that special day? (Evidently, donate them to the local bicycle coalition.)

When another opportunity presented itself—this time, an incentive for members of the coalition—I renewed my lapsed membership. I had been planning to do that by the end of the year, anyway.

On my way to the socially-distant (masked and outdoor) pick-up site, I found myself on the same route as (you guessed it) some folks I know from our bike club.

We all prepped for the pickup by bringing a slip of paper listing which goodies we wanted, thus reducing waste. Messenger bag? Yes! Yet another canvas musette bag? No thanks.

Another reason to ride—much of it on the same route I would have commuted to (and from) work: 28 miles and 860 feet of climbing.

November 28, 2020

A Reason to Ride

After yesterday's outing, my chief ride buddy needed a break. But, it was such a nice day ...

With a snack in my pocket and no definite plan (other than a trip to the post office), I set out on my bike.

When a passer-by took notice of the little sign affixed to my bike (“This vehicle is smog free”) I braced for a negative reaction. [Such is life in our modern age.] Other than reading it aloud, though, he offered no comment. [Whew.] I've had that placard since ... I was was teenager. [Translation: A long time ago.] Remembering it, and being somewhat of a packrat, I had dug it out a few years ago and mounted it on my commute bike.

I opted for a loop, rather than retracing my path, and considered going out of my way to extend the ride.

But it was such a nice day ... I kept pedaling. To Almaden Lake Park, where I claimed a bench and enjoyed my snack and people-watching (equally).

Biking 20 miles, and climbing 460 feet along the way, was a splendid way to spend a sunny November afternoon.

November 27, 2020

Seasons Change

'Twas the day after Thanksgiving, and all through the house ... [Oops, different holiday.]

Now that there's a chill in the air, an exposed (sunny) route is the ticket to happiness. To Metcalf, or not to Metcalf, that was the question.

My ride buddy's answer? Metcalf!

Given the date (“Black Friday”) and the need for advance reservations to use the dirt bike park, I anticipated few vehicles on the road. [Correct!] At the summit, we had a clear view of Mount Hamilton (and Lick Observatory) in the distance.

Temperature regulation is tricky this time of year. The light jacket over my wool jersey was not quite enough once we started cruising, and way too much halfway up the hill. Just keep turning the pedals, round and round ... Given the pause for my wardrobe adjustment, this would not be my best time up the hill (and, a minute slower than my last trip).

Continuing our route after coming down the backside, I spotted a fellow club member heading in the opposite direction and waved. [Birds of a feather, we are.] I'd mapped out a loop that would take us along part of the ambitious climb-a-thon I'd once led. No need to go overboard, today. We paused to admire some unfamiliar trees with brilliant foliage along the residential streets.

Having climbed 2,200 feet over 20 miles, I set off on a local quest after returning home. November's workplace challenge (to encourage us to get outside and get moving) is to snap five photos featuring places serving different cuisines. That being hardly a challenge in the Bay Area, I decided to up my game by seeking out one-of-a-kind businesses, ranging from a tiny Jamaican spot to a noted farm-to-table restaurant with three Michelin stars. It was a lovely afternoon, growing ever chillier by the time I finished my little 9 mile loop (with merely 260 additional feet of climbing).

Leftover turkey, for my dinner.

November 24, 2020

A Spot of Tea

It was a lovely day (and, a day off work). A day to indulge in a simple pleasure: riding my bike to a friend's house.

Sheltering at home, with his dad on an extended escape from a state suffering a surge in COVID-19 cases, my friend was hoping I would join them for Thanksgiving. Tempting, but ... indoors? No. [They understood.]

A shorter visit, outdoors? Sure! I brought cookies, they brewed the tea, and we shared the afternoon sunshine in the backyard, safely apart.

Much to the amazement of my friend's dad, I'd biked a little over 8 miles to get there—and by the time I got home, a total of 18 miles and 400 feet of climbing. [No big deal.] More importantly, I raised their spirits (and, mine).

Will do again.

November 21, 2020

A Touch of Color

A bright spot in the landscape. Even in the Bay Area, some trees do grace us with traditional fall colors.

We were delighted to cross paths with a couple of club members, singletons out for their rides. My chief ride buddy and I form a socially-distant pair, keeping each other in sight and otherwise pausing before making a turn.

Truth be told, capturing a photo of the broad-leafed maple's brilliant yellow leaves was only one factor in my decision to stop. The larger factor was my weakness on the steep grade (heart rate, 177 bpm). If I can't manage this side of Hicks, I certainly can't manage the (even steeper) other side.

Heading out on our loop, we passed the usual spin class—now expanded into the shopping center's parking lot. Would it be cheeky of me to wave? I am so tempted.

On our way back, we passed a guy in a hoodie, biking with his helmet (unbuckled, of course) perched on top. He was wearing a face mask, so ... there's that. Likelihood of serious head injury if he crashes: High. Likelihood of encountering an infectious dose of a virus somehow wafting in the breeze: Zero, essentially.

The climb did me in: 29 miles, 1,825 feet of ascent. I told myself I'd be glad that I did it, after I was done. [True, that.] And I suppose I should keep trying. [I suppose.]

November 14, 2020

Partly Cloudy

We found the cloudy part. And the damp chilly part.
We skipped a club ride scheduled for 9 a.m. Let's start riding at 10 ... scratch that, 10:30. The sky seemed to be growing lighter, but the sun did not begin to break through until we had finished our outing.

At the top of Bernal, our heads turned at the cyclist who blithely rode on through. Perhaps he is authorized to do so. Or perhaps not.

Our heads also turned at a trio of riders on fat-tire electric “bicycles.” Yes, they have two wheels, a chain, and pedals—but I have yet to observe a rider doing anything more than resting his or her feet on them. Perhaps those electrified motorbikes will fall out of fashion, or come to be licensed and regulated. Perhaps their operators will learn that traffic laws apply to them, too.
There was a bit of color to be found in the landscape, and in our cheeks after climbing 1,000 feet over 30 miles. Tomorrow's weather might be better. Or it might not. So, we rode today.