An Old Favorite

Once upon a time, long before I'd joined any bike clubs, pedaling up Alma Bridge and Aldercroft Heights roads to Old Santa Cruz Highway was a regular route. (As a stoker on a tandem, back then.) The first club I joined would often start rides at the Lexington Reservoir; we'd park atop the dam (legal, back then). The second club I joined preferred to meet south of the reservoir, on the road leading to the Lexington Elementary School. Heading out from there reduced the overall distance and climbing involved (which, I didn't mind).

After a couple of rounds of winter storms in recent years, sections of those roads were closed. Early accounts of passing through sounded sketchy: I didn't try. [Until today.]

When I started up the first incline, my legs rebelled. I know I haven't been doing much climbing lately, but this old favorite shouldn't be this hard! [And that's why I'm here.]

The work isn't finished, but the section I traversed was fine.

I wasn't looking forward to returning the way I came, having less-than-fond memories of a short-but-steep climb approaching the rowing club. I spied a new (to me) bench overlooking the water, which I decided was my reward for making it up that pitch.

Relaxing with my snack, I watched a bald eagle soar overhead—second reward!

A tidy 1,700 feet of climbing spread over some 16 miles—a scenic and efficient workout. I'll be back!