Tour de Fox

Do-it-yourself charity rides are less enticing than group events, and I wouldn't have done this one if some folks at work hadn't reached out. They'd formed a team for a colleague and planned a 20-mile route that would be “friendly” for all. They generously sprang for some breakfast pastries to start our day. [Sign me up!]

Their plan was a counter-clockwise version of a local fave, the Portola Loop. It was fitting, in a bittersweet way, because I met my friend Steve nearby so many times to ride together. It seems I know rather too many folks afflicted with Parkinson's (cyclists, all) ...

I recruited a friend to join me and we both wanted a bit more of a ride, so I tacked on the out-and-back climb up Alpine Road. I thought we might have a chance to catch back up to the group at the finish, but we rolled in about 20 minutes late for that.

Our starting point turned out to be a popular one, especially with the running crowd. In the morning, we were swarmed by teens assembling for training runs. In the afternoon, we were mystified as women (and men) wearing bright red dresses started to gather.

The local chapter of the Hash House Harriers happily educated us in their ways. Today was a special event, their annual Red Dress Run—raising funds for a women's legal defense fund. They were lively and outgoing, a much more inclusive group than their online characterization might imply—even willing to talking to “cheaters” (cyclists) like us! One did seem favorably impressed that we'd biked 27 miles (and for a charitable cause).

A couple showed up, first-timers; the guy had donned nothing red (much less a dress). But never fear: One of the regulars dashed to his car and pulled out a lovely satin number, complete with sequins around the neckline.

For us, 27 miles, 1,800 feet of climbing and some unexpected edutainment.