Jan 14-15-16-17
Another cycling adventure last Thursday with my buddy Wayne! So glad to have another rider along.
We met in Knight’s Ferry, a small community started during the Gold Rush. It was built on the banks of the Stanislaus River. The town was originally a trading post and ferry crossing established by William Knight. Mr. Knight was gunned down in a heated discourse after only one year living here. There are still several interesting old buildings which makes riding down Main Street feel like I’m going through the Old West. The information on Knight’s Ferry mostly comes from an article written by Bob Holton for the friends and neighbors magazine published in Sonora, California.
It was another cold day but we were both ‘layered up’ so had no problem with the temperatures in the 40s. The grasses are turning green thanks to the rain that is finally falling on a fairly regular basis. So we passed lots of pretty fields, houses, animals, and orchards as we made our way on back roads into the edge of Oakdale.
We stopped at Oakdale Cheese & Specialties for a yummy melted cheese sandwich and homemade tomato soup. We sat outside to eat and had the company of a darling young, white cat. Obviously, this cat knew the territory…begging for food but letting us pet her even when we didn’t share. I mean really, do cats eat cheese sandwiches and soup?
After getting onto 26 Mile Road, we flew. Tailwind! Again, we got out into the country. So soothing. Eventually we got to the rollers which are the only “challenge” on this ride. It had been awhile since I’d done this route so I got confused about some of the landmarks. That’s ok since they were still there – just in a different location from what I ‘remembered.’
Here’s a photo of one of the barns with a windmill that appeals to me.
As we got near the end of the ride, we agreed, it seemed to get colder. So, once I got back to the car, I packed up, turned the heater on, and zipped on home.
When I arrived at the house, Dan suggested a drive down Lumsden Road. Took the 4WD pickup and headed out. I have a couple photos but can’t figure out how to post them here as I can’t rotate them. You’d have to lean sideways to enjoy them. sigh
Friday was a day off the bike. The only exercise I got was walking through IKEA. First time visit for me. Let me outta here! Still it was a fun day. Flew with my friends Bonnie (the pilot) and Susie. While Bonnie went to work (she’s too young to retire yet), Susie and I went to various stores to shop while in civilization which isn’t too civil. Glad I live where I do.
Saturday, no exercise to speak of but had a great day. It was another friends birthday so we flew her and her husband to Harris Ranch for lunch. Since Jo has difficulty walking, we ordered the shuttle to pick us up and drop us off at the airplane. Pretty cool but no walking from the ramp to the restaurant and back.
Finally, today. Bonnie and I went snowshoeing. Three miles. One mile down to Tuolumne Grove, walked around the Grove and then the one mile climb back to the parking lot. Definitely good cross training.
Tomorrow’s forecast is for rain in the morning. I may try to get in a ride after it stops. We’ll see.
thecyclingdiva 