Category: 2017 Northern Tier

May 1, 2017

Dan has had a relapse but he is better than last week.  He’s sleeping a lot, taking vitamin C, eating popsicles and still aching all over. We will both be glad when he’s finally done with this illness!

I was able to get him the audio version of “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” by Mark Sullivan.  I just finished reading it the other day. It is an excellent book based on the true life experiences of Pino Lella who was living in Milan when WWII arrived there.

I left Dan listening to this fascinating story as I went to meet Wayne for a bike ride.  We did what I call my Jamestown loop.  We start in Moccasin which is a company town owned by City and County of San Francisco.  The people who live and work there take care of the Hetch Hetchy water system for SF. There were two new gates in town which, when they start working, will keep out the riff raff (that’d be me and my cycling friends who use their parking lot).  OK, maybe we aren’t the only ones they are trying to monitor.  I heard a rumor over a year ago the parking lot would be fenced and we wouldn’t be allowed in.  Purpose: prevent terrorist acts on the water supply.  What a world we live in.

In spite of the terrorism reminder, we had a good ride.  Wayne and I braved going over the Roberts Memorial bridge which CalTrans is repairing/refurbishing.  It wasn’t bad at all.  I’d do it again even if I were alone.  It was HOT out there today.  So different from this time last week when the temps were in the high 50s/low 60s in the afternoon.

As we were getting close the end of the ride, Wayne commented that he felt guilty.  I asked why and he said we should’ve done something more challenging to help me prepare for the ride across the country. I laughed and told him today was a recovery ride from yesterday’s escapade – don’t feel guilty.  So, we left it at that.

Apr 30, 2017

I have not caught what Dan had although I’m not 100%.  That’s ok. I felt well enough and they day was beautiful so I went out to RIDE!

As I started out, I was amazed again at the beauty all around me.  First, looking toward the mountains, I can see snow in the distance.  Then, a mass of lupine on Ferretti Rd.

looking across canyons and mountains

lupine

Although I am in a very rural area, I have learned where water, food and toilets can be found. My first stop was the Stanislaus Forest Ranger Station on Hwy 120.  The bathrooms are always clean and they have flush toilets!  (cyclists know how important this is)

My goal was for 60 miles so I went by Rainbow Pool to get a little more distance. Here’s my bike taking a break leaning on a rock.  Then, the amazing photos of the Tuolumne River raging out of the pool AND the Rainbow Pool which should be the Rainbow Roil today.

Since two important roads have been damaged by the rains, I knew my route would be busier than usual as it is the detour for Evergreen Lodge and Hetch Hetchy.  It was more heavily traveled by cars and trucks (pickups) but all the drivers were courteous (except one but we won’t mention HIM).  Even with the traffic, I was still alone much of the way – enjoying the sounds of nature.

As I climbed up the steep section at the beginning of Cherry Lake Rd, I did stop to get a photo of the bush lupine.  I noticed some new mile marker posts today.  The first one I saw was for 1.5 (miles I assume). I looked for marker 0 on the return trip but never saw it. Reason I was interested was to see if I could map where this amazing waterway is which is at mile marker 5.  I’ve wondered what this particular creek/river is called for some time now.

The flowers were in bloom – yellow, more yellow, purple lupine, blue lupine, amazing red orange, popcorn flowers, and more. I’m trying to learn one new flower when I go out with those ‘in the know’ but I’m not doing a very good job of it.

As I neared the turn off for the road leading to Camp Mather, I stopped to get photos of Early Intake which is part of the San Francisco water system. I’m guessing I’m about 1800′ above the facility at this point.

The beauty of this scene caught me as I rode by. I had to go back and try to capture it:

Eventually I arrived at Evergreen Lodge (another good spot for cyclists…see comments above). They have a store and restaurant. Today I just bought a PB&J and chocolate milk from the store for my lunch. I was not sure if they would be open with the road situation so was Very Pleased when it was.  They have a really good PB&J too.

Looking at my distance traveled, I decided to continue on into the Hetch Hetchy entrance of Yosemite to get the miles I need for that magic number: 60.  Had a nice talk with the ranger at the gate. He liked my bike and was interested in my upcoming ride across the US.

As I headed back home, I stopped at Rim of the World and, of course, had to get a picture. I’ve probably said this before but prior to the Rim Fire this waterway was not visible from here. The fire burned away all the trees and brush that blocked that view.

Got home with only 57 miles.  Oh well, that’ll have to do   🙂

Apr. 29, 2017

This has been a lost week as far as exercise and training. A couple mornings started out drizzly. Dan was feeling under the weather (really miserable) so that was an excuse to stay inside. A couple nights ago I woke up with a swollen throat. Since that’s how Dan’s ‘flu’ started, I decided to baby myself by taking it easy and taking Vitamin C. So far, I’m not as sick as Dan was but the throat thing is threatening. If I’m no worse in the morning, I’m going to get out for a ride.

Apr 23,-2017

All the rain we’ve gotten this winter in California has refilled the reservoirs but has also wreaked a lot of havoc.  Not only in the Sierra foothills but also in the hills around the San Francisco bay area.  While we are dealing with total failure of the road leading into Yosemite Valley from Groveland, many of the roads in the hills around my old home town of Fremont have also been damaged because of so much water undermining the roads.

I had been looking forward to cycling the Primavera which is sponsored by the Fremont Freewheelers.  Well…two of the beautiful country roads which have always been a large part of the Primavera were damaged to the point they could not be ridden.  So, the Primavera had to be cancelled this year.   However!!!  The Fremont club decided to offer a revised ride for club members on the day that would have been for the Primavera.  Well, I couldn’t let that opportunity pass me by.

My daughter offered me a place to camp at her condo the night before the “not the Primavera.”  After flying with Dan in the Zenair to the McFarlane Ranch (near Turlock) for a day of looking at everyone else’s planes, visiting with friends, and having a great bbq, I drove to Jessi’s place.  She and I went out to dinner and had a wonderful time together.

In the morning, I was up and off to do the ride.  I did bring layers this time and I did use them – all day!  I thought it was going to warm up but the wind was a cold one so I never did take off the bolero and vest.  It was so great to see my friends all throughout the day.  I felt strong all day and ended the day feeling fine.  I even stopped for a shower at Jess’ place, had a quick meal before heading for the hills, and still made it home without falling asleep at the wheel.  I did have to stop for caffeine about half way home but it worked.

Great weekend!  Oh, and I do like riding in the “flats,” my average jumped from 11mph to 14mph.

Apr 20, 2017

The morning started with the weekly Sierra Club hike.  Today we went to Red Hills Area of Critical Concern near Chinese Camp to see wildflowers.  We did see the flowers but I was impressed with how much water was running in the creeks.  We had to cross two of those creeks very carefully (unless you wanted to get wet).  As I’ve gotten older, I don’t trust my balance so it took me some time to get up the courage to jump on a rock in the middle of the stream and then continue to a log and then to the other bank.  Twice.  The first time, Nick offered me a hand which helped my confidence considerably.  The second time I was on my own.  Just give me another minute.  I’ll make it.  And I did.

Link to info about Red Hills:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Hills_(Tuolumne_County)

IDing flowers

small waterfall

One reason its Area of Critical Concern

looking toward high country

At Mr. Frog’s ride last week, I saw Shelley as I was hunting for a place to eat my after-ride meal. So, I sat and visited with her and Deb. That was when Shelley made the decision to start doing Thursday evening rides every other week starting today.

Shelley lives in Murphys and since its her idea, that’s where we meet.  Murphys is about a one and a half hour drive from my house so Wayne, who lives between Groveland and Murphys suggested I come to his place and we’d ride together for the last half hour.  So, that’s what we did.

It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm so the extra layers I’d packed were left in my car as I climbed into Wayne’s pickup.  OK, not the brightest bulb on this day.  Before we got too far into the ride, the day started cooling down.  After all, we didn’t even start riding until 6:00.  Although I was offered clothing from the others, I didn’t feel comfortable taking the clothes off their backs.  So, I continued the ride. It really wasn’t too bad as long as I kept moving.

When the ride was done, we went to dinner together and met up with Deb’s other family members. Turns out her birthday is tomorrow so we had a mini celebration, cupcakes and all!

Prediction was for a cold morning so my arrival in Murphys was planned for 8:30ish.  Hoping one more hour would warm the day a bit.  I brought a simple back bag for carrying items as they came off during the day.  That worked well.  After starting the day with several layers of clothing, I ended with all those extra layers in the bag on my back.

I took a couple photos of a pretty valley but took them into the sun so they didn’t turn out.  Wish I could share the beauty.  As I stopped to take the pictures, brain said, “I am so lucky to ride these back roads and see things I’d never see from the main highway. Wish I could share this experience with Dan. He’d like this too.”

I did get one picture of New Melones Reservoir with water!  Again, I’m amazed at the difference from almost empty at the beginning of winter to full today.

Although I rode alone, I saw several friends during the day and greeted many other riders along the way.

Sonora Cyclery has been working with me to get the new bike to a comfortable fit.  Yet another stem is on its way.  I was fairly comfortable for most of the ride but could feel the uncomfortable stretch during the last five miles climbing back up Murphys Grade at the end of the day.

The new bicycle is so easy to ride, I find myself going harder and faster. That’s good for preparation for the cross country ride but I think I’m wearing myself out.  When I got home, I pulled into the garage. Usually, I get right out and start unloading the car.  This time, I just sat there and thought, “I’ll just close my eyes for a minute.”  Next thing I know, I’m waking up because I’m uncomfortable and Dan has come downstairs to poke his head out the door to see if I’m ok.  After my nap, I unloaded everything. Back to normal routine.

Apr 19, 2017

After the nice day last Saturday, we had rain, rain and more rain along with cold.  Today was warmer and dry so after running errands in the morning, I climbed on the bike with no particular ride in mind. However, I had to give Dan some idea of where I’d be so, “heading east on 120, maybe to Rim of the World.”

Once I got rolling, I just kept on.  Turns out the wind was at my back which I discovered when I turned around at the 12 mile point (which was beyond Rim of the World but not much).  A cold wind it was too.  Ah well, such is the life of a cyclist.  After a bit, I didn’t think too much more about it except to push a bit to get home before it got colder.

I am so fortunate to live where I do.  Even though it has been an extremely wet winter thus making it harder to get out for rides (I mean, who wants to ride in the wet AND the cold in the mountains–not me), the water has brought forth the green grasses and the pretty wildflowers.

Added up my miles on the new bike thus far – just over 400 since March 19.

Last year the people at Black Oak Casino donated for my ride across America with Bike the US for MS.  Since I was unable to complete that ride, I asked them if they’d support my cause again this year.  They have!  I just received a check for $150.  Thank you for supporting me once more.  Good people from the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuks.  They are very supportive of folks in our community.

A dry day with prediction of rain tomorrow.  So, what else?  I jumped on the bike thinking I’d do “the Groveland Loop.”  Just a local ride of about 20 miles with about 2000’ of climbing – I don’t know the grades on the roads but some of them are STEEP.  Anyway, I headed out and there’s a rider coming toward me, a female rider, who???  It’s Therese!  What a pleasant surprise.  She was preparing for Mr. Frog’s Wild Ride which is coming up in a few days.  So, we rode together, chatted a bit and enjoyed one another’s company.  Then Therese rode home while I continued on “the Groveland Loop.”

This ride takes me through the Pine Mountain Lake development.  I don’t know who laid out the roads for the development but I think they didn’t concern themselves with anything other than a motorized vehicle using the roads.  As I was going along, I decided to take a slight detour into The Marina.  I’m glad I did. It was deserted except for me and my bike.  Peaceful.  After a short break to eat my banana and take a few photos, I continued.

Leaving the PML development, I was on Hwy 120 heading east.  There are some roads that parallel 120. I like to take these to get off the main highway.  One of them is East Sprague which has a creek running alongside it.  Most of the year, the creek is dry but there was plenty of water this day…such a relaxing sound.

The final leg of this journey takes me past Tangled Hearts, a local eatery.  Usually, I ride by when they are closed but today my timing was right so I stopped for lunch.  Owner and baker, Amy, was at the register so we enjoyed doing a little catching up.  She and her sweetheart (tangled hearts, get it) seem to be doing well in spite of the Big Oak Flat Road in Yosemite being closed due to the road’s collapse from all the rain this year.  The closure of the road with no estimated repair date is hurting many of the businesses in our area so I’m glad they are doing ok.

As I finished up the day, I stopped to get photos of the storm clouds and was able to get a bird of prey just after it launched off a tree.  Too bad my camera isn’t able to get better shots of far away stuff.

just launched

flying away

I ended up with 28 miles for the day.

From the website for the Tierra Bella:

“100K (62.6 miles, 2853 ft)

With the 100K, you do much of your climbing in the morning as you start with a climb to Gilroy Hot Springs. After a descent down Canada Road, you will pass back north of Gilroy before looping around Uvas and Chesbro Reservoirs. Then a quick return to Gavilan College.”

Here are elevations for all the rides that day.  I did the 100K (62 miles).

I have done this ride and ridden on many of these roads in the past. It was a treat to be able to ride in this area again!  Bonus was the great day.

At one of the rest stops, I sat down to remove leggings and was talking to one of the workers. It came up that I’ll be cycling across the country and raising funds for Bike the US for MS when another man came and sat down. He overheard the conversation and thanked me for raising funds to help find a cure for MS.  Turns out he has MS which, of course, opened up another conversation. Turns out he has already used the brand new drug that is out on the market and has had a positive result.  So inspiring!!

This was a creek running alongside the road.  I am so enjoying all the water this year.  (big smile)