Perfect California

The crew approaching Fairfax
Don's saddle...
Top of Marin climb
Faint red line is the route we rode --click on images for better view

I'm about half-way home from another USA trip, this time hitting California and Florida. The highlight of this trip (outside of some bruised ribs from a Karting mishap) was a great visit at my favorite B&B; Don and Andrea's home! Not sure what I've done to be taken care of so nicely but the weekend I spent with them was full of good food, good times, and great rides.

On Saturday, Don took me out with a group he typically rides with. It was a great ride with lots of climbs. This combined with heat, jet lag, and not enough water, worked me to a pulp.

Sunday's ride was much more enjoyable. Don and I rode across the Golden Gate Bridge (note my geeky camera on helmet), and up through Marin County. The views were great. We rode above Stinton Beach (we stayed there once when Brenna was a baby) and then down to Sausalito. Near this point we fixed my flat tire and replaced Don's broken saddle and then joined the rest of the group, Don's friend Bill, Andrea, her sister Lynn, and Lynn's husband Bob. As we were all getting ready to ride out to Fairfax we noted that Bob's bike needed a new tire, so one more stop to a bike shop. This is painful for me as each stop costs me as I pick up more 'must haves!"

The ride up and around to Fairfax was great. Bob is one of my favorite biking partners. His bike is a Mary Poppins look alike but with his new ultra fast rear tire he was literally smoking up the hills (while describing in detail every nook and cranny along the way). I'm sure we were quite the site...me with my little wheels, and Bob with a very upright but fast-moving bike. I must add though that Bob rides up hills like there's a tow rope pulling him up, but rides down like a lead anchor is dragging behind him. Once he goes aero and lets go of his brakes, he'll be a real racing machine!

The following week I spent in the Sunnyvale area and commuted to work. It was nice and the bike lanes were very safe and well placed. The weather was perfect. My only moment of bad judgment was riding up to a Karting event where we did some team building racing. My ribs are still aching from some of the body/Kart slams I endured as my normally friendly looking colleagues vented some pent up aggression my way! I'm going to stick to pedal power from now on!

In Florida I was able to catch up with my parents and now am finally heading home to see my family which I miss dearly.

Gotta run and catch my flight!