Is it summer yet?

Last week we had a few days that felt like summer was here. Temperatures in the mid-90's this time of year are pretty rare. The beauty of the heat here in Sacramento is that it peaks late in the day so riding early is always simple awesome. Unfortunately, the temps have dropped about thirty degrees to the seasonal norm with rain expected tomorrow (5/1) and beyond. Honestly, I know we need the rain but I can sure do without it ... it screws up the cycling!
Last night found me over a Prairie City for the Wednesday evening mountain biking extravaganza. Haven't raced yet this season but did take a practice lap yesterday and enjoyed that very much. At the conclusion of the racing, I joined a group of four other for some professional training on off-road riding.
Our instructor, Rob, is a physical trainer here in town. The class was a blast and Rob proved to be an excellent instructor. The topic last night was braking. We went through drills on both soft dirt and hard pack. The goal was to be in control of the bike and stop it within a specific distance. Rob set up cones for our drill.
First we learned and practiced the art of using just the rear brake. The goal was to apply the brakes, keep the bike straight and come to a complete stop with one foot down before reaching the next cone. My estimate is that the cones were about seven yards apart. In the soft dirt it is easy to brake too hard and have the rear wheel slide. It is all about body weight distribution over the bike and touch on the brake lever. After three tries, everybody seemed to be doing very wheel.
Next it was stopping with front brake only. Body weight distribution is even more important now because a quick stop on the front could catapult you over the bars if you're weighted to much to the front of the bike.
Finally, we were instructed in the proper way to stop using both brakes. It all takes practice and good execution. Next week we will work on cornering. Awesome.
Today, I jumped on the road bike and took off for a fairly quick trip up to Beal's Point. The ride down the hill makes the suffering climbing up worth it.

Ah, the joy of an evening bike ride!

Haven't been riding the bike enough lately so today after work I took off for something different. Most days I am satisfied heading west on the American River Parkway towards Sacramento but not today.

Made up my mind early this morning that tonight we'd attack the climb up to Beal's Point at Folsom Lake and then pedal across the new bridge. Left the house at about 17:27 with lots of enthusiasm. It took just under fifty-minutes to reach the top of the climb and I felt pretty good. On the way up my friend, Alan, passed going down. Once I got to the top I just turned around and headed back down. No time for a rest tonight!

Once down to Folsom Lake Crossing, I transitioned on to the new bridge and on up the hill to where I could get a good shot of the lake. My turn around spot was actually right at the termination point of the Folsom Dam Road! Took some photos and then headed back across the bridge. What a nice downhill at almost 35-MPH!

The bike trail from Beal's is twisty and fairly steep in some sections. What a blast to be flying down the hill amongst the trees! I set a goal to get back to Iron Point Rd. at 19:10 and beat that by a full minute. The ride was really invigorating and my pace was pretty good all the way up Iron Point to the high school. Slowed a little there and then charged back home.

All in all this ride exceeded my expectations and I am looking forward to doing it again soon.