Back to Basics

On Saturday, February 14, the Amgen Tour of California kicked off in Sacramento with a prologue. This is a test of man and machine against the time clock. In preparing for the event many of the teams arrived in town early and took advantage of the beautiful American River Bike Trail for training rides. On the Tuesday prior to the event, I was riding and saw five (5) members of the Rabobank squad resplendent in their blue and red kits cruising the trail. They were just west of Sunrise heading west and I was going east. I waved and greeted them. One of the riders smiled and returned the greeting. A few days later one of the local riders was out and not only got photos of the Astana team and Lance Armstrong, he also rode with them and talked to Lance for a few minutes. Next year if a Sacramento Prologue kicks it off I'll be patrolling the trail on the days leading up to it!
Today, I got out on my road bike and had a great ride down the trail and back to Folsom. This is truly my favorite type of riding! Yes, the mountain biking is fun and exhilarating, but it's just doesn't do it for me like being on the road does! While the mountain biking gets one out in the hills with snakes, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, and lots of like-minded folks it just ain't my thing! By contrast, being a roadie pits you against cars, trucks, buses, potholes, and a few idiots!
Case in point, years ago while riding my bike from home to work in South El Monte I had the following experience. Being summer, it was warm as I left the house at about 0530. Traversing the streets I had planned would be the least impacted by traffic mixed in with a couple of short sprints on LA County bike trails all was going according to plan. There were very few cars on the road and at about 5-miles from the office I was on Lambert Road transitioning on to Mines Boulevard. It was so peaceful and quiet ... then, out of nowhere came a motor home. The driver steered the bus as close as possible to me and then blasted his air horn! Whatever comfort I was feeling vanished as I think I just about jumped out of my shoes! I could see the driver and his passengers laughing it up pretty good. It took a few minutes to collect myself. I must admit that my attention to my surrounding was peaked for the rest of the ride.
Of course this not an ordinary experience. I've never really experienced cars trying to run me off the road ... or worse. Oh sure, I've heard every cuss word known to man and been the recipient of "the gesture" on numerous occasions too. But when I add it all up, riding the road bike provides the greatest feeling in the world. And, before I forget, as a roadie we ride in some of the most beautiful country in the world too. Like our mountain biking brethren, we see all the beauty of this place God created for all of us. The big difference is we don't have to pedal over rocks, roots, mud, and the like to "Enjoy the Ride!" ROADIES ROCK!

Ah-burn

One of my many pet peeves is how people pronounce things! The title of this post is an example of how the name of the city of Auburn is pronounced. Even the local newsreaders on television have a propensity to say "All-burn!" How annoying!
Last Saturday, January 31, 2009, I drove up to Auburn to do some mountain biking on what is called the Foresthill Divide trail. To get there, we drove up Auburn-Folsom road to the city of Auburn and headed east for a mile or so on Highway 80. After exiting at Foresthill Road, we traveled over the famous Foresthill Bridge. This structure is the third highest bridge in America at a height of over 700' above the canyon below. People come from all over to see this landmark! Today was no exception as there were lots of folks walking to and from the closest parking area with their cameras! Didn't see any "base jumpers" but they too are very fond of this amazing bridge!
A few miles past the bridge is a big parking lot and we started the ride there. Our ride leader, Jason, told us "...this is world class single track!" Jason wasn't lying! The trails were in pristine condition and while we're in the midst of a drought, the trees and foliage were beautiful. I must admit that I walked up a few of the hills as they were longer and steeper than the trails at Granite Bay. The payoff being that the down hills were equally long and fast! Yes, Papa Regis did use his brakes!
After about five miles on the single track I arrived back at Foresthil Road and at this point, being way behind the kids, elected to pedal back on the street. Really steep to start but the payoff was hitting 33.4 MPH on the downhill. Pretty darn sweet to be sitting on my 29er and flying downhill that fast! For once, I arrived back at the starting point at about the same time as the rest of the riders. Sure, my ride was shorter but it was still a blast. I want to go back with the guys from work and do this loop plus the more technical loop on the south side of the highway.
The only change I'd make for next time out there would be clear glasses, it was too dark in some spots with the shades!
One of these days I'm going to get the hang of this mountain biking thing!