Sunday, September 11, 2011

View the entire Google Web Album

Today’s ride from Miller Creek Rd in San Rafael to Pt Reyes Station is the last of the Novice Ride Series. It’s graduation day for novice riders who’ve completed the whole series.

We head out on Lucas Valley Rd for the climb up to Big Rock; it’s under a mile long with average grades of 8-9%.  I stop at the top and take a picture of everyone coming up from behind me. Kudos to everyone for making it up and over!

The descent on Lucas Valley is one of my favorites. I love the instant feel of peace and calm while riding through the beautiful grove of redwoods; it’s a wonderful way to start the day!

There is a regroup at Nicasio to meet up with the 22 milers. Toshi and Mei are together on the tandem for the first time and she’s very excited about being on the ride; she’s talking non-stop! It’s so, so cute.

We continue on Nicasio Valley Rd and stay on Pt Reyes-Petaluma Rd for the next 5+ miles. The scenery along the way is a great distraction from the winds. The lunch stop is at the Bovine Bakery in Pt Reyes Station. Water and restrooms are available at the Toby Community Playground located behind the Palace Market on Mesa and Toby.

After lunch, the route continues on a very quiet and flat stretch of road along Bear Valley to Olema. The next climb of the day is coming up; Olema Hill. It’s about a mile long with starting grades of 7-8% and decreases to around 4-5% as you near the top. The descent on the back side can be very fast; there is a section where the road becomes a single lane due to a washout. For your own safety, please obey the traffic sign!

The turn onto Platform Bridge Rd is very easy to miss; it’s the first left at the bottom of the hill. SLOW DOWN. The next 2.4 miles along here is quiet with minimal traffic. The rolling terrain takes us back to Pt Reyes-Petaluma Rd at the colored bridge.

We continue on Pt Reyes-Petaluma Rd for the next 3.7 miles and ride along the reservoir. The next turn on Nicasio Valley Rd brings us to the regroup in Nicasio.

We head back up Lucas Valley Rd to Big Rock and descend to the flats with Michael and Cree pulling us all the way back to Miller Creek. What a fabulous way to end a ride! Thanks guys!

Thanks to Dolores, Janet, Lori ans Estella for leading the ride.  Another big “Thanks” goes to Toshi for organizing yet another very successful Novice Ride Series!

Congrats to all the novice riders for completing this ride! You’re now all ready to move on and ride more!

Thanks to all the other GPC club members for coming out and showing support for this ride; it’s not only fun but great way to give back and not forget our own humble beginnings.

26 people in attendance

45 miles with 2026′ of elevation gain

Weather: Great! Cloudy, muggy with overcast skies and a bit of fog. Raindrops were felt at Pt Reyes Station. Temps ranged from the mid to high 60’s.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>ALWAYS ENJOY THE RIDE!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>