2017 SMR 26

Rode to The Gate with Kitty and we discussed cycling when we both got interested in it, around 1983.

My right knee was really acting up today though and I had to turn around at Junction.  I described the symptoms to Diablo Wife and she thinks it might be IT Band thing... I looked it up and maybe, but I'm not sure.  It doesn't feel like arthritis, and it's not sore, I just get these zings of shooting pain on the outside... kind of like tendinitis but really sharp and sudden.  Usually it goes away and I keep riding but not today.  ITB people please tell me in the comments what it feels like.

Tarantella Tally:  FOUR but they were all dead.

Diablo Shout-out to Mileage Marker MORROW... doing a recovery Double Diablo after a tough training week.

This guy passed us so fast I checked for a motor.
Also - Cal Jersey autoblog.

2017 WNR 11

Just me and Justin today.
Too many people with too much work.
JB came by but started early and didn't wait.

Tarantulla Tally:  TWO of the buggers, above The Washout.


I seem to have been getting my clothing options wrong recently - dressed for a cold ride and I was too hot.

2017 SMR 25

Cold and windy to start out this morning - I wore my jacket, which was a little too much.

Wildlife Encounter:  a coyote at Little Pine Creek, and a bunny near The Pines picnic area

These Tieni Duro guys are always descending -
don't think I've ever seen them going up.

This driver ...  argh.

Had to be a little sneaky to get a shot of this guy with his...
HELMET ON BACKWARDS!!!

2017 WNR 10

Much cooler than last week.  Almost needed arm warmers or something.

Special guest riders:  Dan and Steve.

Tarantulla Tally: ZERO.  That makes exactly ZERO for the season.

Dan unleashes his furious attack at The Gate.

Justin did a triathlon last weekend.

Charlie did his second best time of the year.

Took a big pot hole hit coming down... no damage.

2017 SMR 24

Still feeling a little sore from Wednesday night's ride in the HEAT.

Plus my knee was aching a little.

And the air quality was bad thanks to Berkeley Hills fire.

So I quit at Juniper.

JB showed up with a soft tire.  Watch the how-to video.

This guy had no business passing us... turned around after about 1 mile.

Dudley.  Passed him.

This female rider had a super low gear - cranks looked like windmills.

Neighbor Mark, ignoring the speed limit.

Vintage guy Ted made some small talk with us.

Yup, that's smoke.

Hey, is that Colin?

Passing at the zig-zag... newb move.

2017 WNR 09

Hottest WNR of the year so far.  Only a dozen or so riders on The Mountain.

Tarantula Tally:  zero

Wildlife Encounter:  deer at the Upper Ranch

Colin blew his front tire at Mile 1 and had to go home.

Passed by... Fast guy

My new Camelbak.  It was nice having really cold iced tea,
but it didn't make the ride in the heat any easier.

2017 SMR 23

Cool to start, then windy, then hot, then pleasantly warm.

This rider assured us she didn't need any help.

This guy admired my Klein.
Older rider with a Mt. Diablo jersey and a Colnago - cool.

Traffic stop for downed tree removal near Livermore Overlook.

Oh look, it's one of THOSE bikes

Skin suit, time trial bike, aero helmet, aero shoe covers...
this guy was serious and fast.

Colonel Al discusses proper methods of counting
park visitors for getting state funds.

2017 WNR 08

OK, it's a hot one.  Frozen water bottles were melted before I even got started.

Hey - JB showed up.

Wildlife Encounter:  turkeys and deer

Shawn ignored the "NO PASSING" sign.

Still looking for the first tarantula of the season.

I always bunny hop these dots - executed perfectly tonight.