I try to pedal from Sonoma to Napa at least once each year, but it’s been a while. Time to ride. The winding route through the Carneros wine region is for the most part flanked on both sides by vineyards. I sometimes think of it as the Grape Road. I had no reason to think … Continue reading "Lost in the Sloughs"
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I’ve been busy with lumber and power tools on a DIY project for a few days, but my ace support crew allowed me off leash today, so I headed up to Lake Ilsanjo in Annadel State Park. Read more at Bill Bikes
Read MoreI’ve come to the end of my “Travels on a Bicycle” archive of photographs. I’ll finish with some of my favourite photographs. Not all taken while on a bike ride, but all related to cycling. Malaysia I really like the composition of this one. The shot was taken by a photographer for Cycling Malaysia magazine … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 45: That’s a Wrap"
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After retiring a few years ago, I’ve made it a point to get away every two or three months for at least a couple of days of bicycling in parts unknown. The lockdown followed soon after I returned from riding in Nevada in February, and that caused me to cancel a couple of expeditions. Since then, … Continue reading "Blue Skies at Tolay"
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Out the Greenway and then via gravel to the wastewater pond where Santa Rosa Creek meets the Laguna de Santa Rosa. The gate—usually locked—was open today, allowing me to venture past the “No Trespassing” signs near the water treatment facility. More at Bill Bikes
Read MoreHouston was home from 2008 to 2010. Zulfa and I lived in this building on Main Street. You can’t get more downtown than that. Commerce Towers is marked by the red dot in the centre of the map below. I started cycling in Houston as a painless way to exercise following ACL replacement surgery. My … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 40: Downtown Houston"
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I had mentioned in an earlier post that I had a bit of a break from cycling earlier this year, so I’m still in the process of ramping back up to my pre-break mileage. Today’s ride was exciting, since it’s my first ride over 30 miles since sometime late last fall. The ride goes north … Continue reading "Building up the miles"
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George Floyd / “I can’t breathe” / Black Lives Matter demonstrators have marched through Santa Rosa every day for at least a week. For the most part the marchers have been peaceful, but on some nights the composition of the crowd alters noticeably. A few of those individuals with a different agenda have been responsible … Continue reading "BLM"
Read MoreMy entry into the Trike category of the June Challenge. Actually one of the few pictures I have of my early days. 61 years later, I’ve made it to two wheels. Who knows, maybe I’ll be back to three someday. Tried to get the same pose, but didn’t quite make it.
Read MoreTeam Hess coming to life early in the morning on Day 2. Some of us were still digesting the excellent barbecue dinner served out of this monster. Adios La Grange. It is usually pretty chilly as we roll over the Day 2 start line. This gentleman never fails to lift the spirits. He occupies the … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 19: The BP MS150 Day 2"
Read MoreThe MS 150 is a two-day ride of between 150 mi / 240 km and 180 mi / 290 km, depending on which of the three starting points you choose in Houston. Day One ends at the Fayette County Fairgrounds in La Grange. The final destination is the Texas State Capitol in Austin. It is … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 18: The BP MS150 Day 1"
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The prospects appeared excellent for a drive down to San Rafael today and a little two-wheeled excursion. And so it was. Warm weather. Some familiar scenery. Some terra incognita. I parked by the local Target and puttered around San Rafael. Crossed the big bridge to the East Bay and back. Pedaled through the tunnel to … Continue reading "Bay Heat"
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We’ve had two nights of “I can’t breathe” protests and some property destruction downtown. Nevertheless, I was surprised today to discover, as I was riding my usual route westbound on Sonoma Avenue, the street ahead was being blocked by a mass of protesters coming in my direction. Read more at Bill Bikes
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In late 1982 or early 1983, a camera-wielding friend photographed me and my Roberts in the driveway of the house where I lived in Illinois. Later she surprised me with a poster-size print of one of the photos. I happened to run across it — rolled up for almost 40 years — the other day … Continue reading "The more things change…."
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Sonoma County gradually emerges from lockdown. Since the beginning of March, I’ve only undertaken one bike ride that didn’t involve starting at my front door and returning to the same spot. I was about ready to return to some rides requiring a drive to the trailhead, but that was slow to get going. We had … Continue reading "Emerging"
Read MoreSo, I’ve been following along here on cycle365 for awhile, but decided it’s about time that I leap into posting. It’s been a little while since I’ve used WordPress, so bear with me while I get my feet wet. Let me start out with a little bit of an introduction. My name’s Bob, and my … Continue reading "13 Mile Daily Loop"
Read MoreI had one more stop after Chico before I flew home. Los Gatos, in Silicon Valley, to visit a college friend. It was an easy drive from Chico to Los Gatos by way of the Rapha Cycle Club San Francisco. My friend mentioned the trail that runs through Los Gatos. A quick look at Google … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 8: Los Gatos Creek Trail"
Read MoreI went to university in Chico, California, many years ago. In 2016 I was in the United States to participate in the BP MS150 ride from Houston to Austin. On the way back to Malaysia after the BP MS150, I drove from San Francisco to Chico to visit old friends. My flight into SFO arrived … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 7: American River Bike Trail"
Read MoreDay 4. My legs were sore from the cumulative effects of climbing every day. I wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of 1,100m / 3,608ft of elevation over the course of the next 80km / 50mi. 35km / 22mi into the ride we rode onto the Mayhoffer Singletree Trail. The Mayhoffer turned into the Meadowlark Trail. t … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 6: Around Boulder Part 2"
Read MoreIn 2015 I went on a cycling vacation in and around Boulder organised by Cognoscenti. A week of riding, dining, and spectating. We stayed at the excellent St. Julien Hotel. The view from the patio was a sampler of things to come. What was described as the Day 1 “acclimatization spin” was a 57.5km / … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 5: Around Boulder Part 1"
Read MoreI will post one link a day until I run out. I have seven years of blog posts to choose from 😄. In May 2013 I was in Manhattan for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour. It was and still is America’s largest cycling event, with participation capped at 32,000 riders. The 40-mile / 64-kilometre … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 2: Nyack"
Read MoreMy friends and I are very happy to be back on our bikes again. The ‘new normal’ does have a silver lining. Falling behind other riders no longer counts as being dropped. Now it is social distancing 🤣 We still have a restriction on interstate travel so extended bike tours have to wait. In the … Continue reading "Virtual Tour 1: Golden"
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With Annadel State Park reopened—for those who can reach it by foot or bike—I hopped on the Ogre and headed up on a lovely Monday afternoon. A few hikers and bikers on the trails, but not many. Within one minute of arriving at Ilsanjo, I noticed two figures approaching on foot from the other direction. … Continue reading "Ilsanjo"
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After more than a month, Sonoma County’s lockdown has been slightly relaxed. Can you tell I’m smiling about being back on the Greenway? Read more at Bill Bikes Musical accompaniment. I’ve lost track, but I think no one has used this one.
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Another locked down day, another cruise around a nearby neighborhood, just a couple of blocks over (and slightly uphill) from home. Read more at Bill Bikes
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My ace support crew insisted she needed to take a drive today to visit an old friend of ours. It wasn’t exactly essential travel, but I decided not to debate. Instead I said, sure, you can drop me and the Ogre along the way and we’ll find our way home. Read more at Bill Bikes … Continue reading "Tour de Livestock"
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Seems I’ve been gone so long that I can’t figure out how to make a post!! Let’s hope I figure this out so my iPad doesn’t end up against the wall…..this is my third attempt. We (mostly me) have been riding north more. They are trying to keep folks off the trail. Today we made … Continue reading "Hello From Monterey Happy Earth Day"
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After several dreary days, it feels like the weather pattern has shifted. It must be spring. That means I need to slip out of lockdown and push pedals. With parks and paths still closed, the only route east requires riding along the shoulder of Highway 12. I usually take the back way, but it’s blocked. … Continue reading "Tour de Fleur"
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What is it with this month and the damn dogs, anyway? Is this what Eliot meant when he said April is the cruelest month? Are we in the dreaded dog days of April that everyone talks about? Being chased by three dogs today really does seem unfair, considering. No bites at least, but it’s enough … Continue reading "Three dog day"
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Greetings from Lockdown Day 31 and Counting. Due to all the closed parks and bike paths, I need to be creative in order to find safe routes and interesting destinations. Today I worked my way through traffic and pedaled north on Santa Rosa’s main drag, then kept going into the countryside. I swear the streets … Continue reading "Town and Country"
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Wandering routes seldom or never visited on two wheels, I stopped by the old, boarded up hospital on the hill. Perfect setting for a horror film. For real horror, I spied this along the street: Read more at Bill Bikes
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We had almost zero rain prior to the lockdown. Now that we’re under orders to stay at home, we’ve had several rainy days, which actually seems like reasonable timing. Back to sunny weather today. I was itching to get out for a ride, but our lockdown has been extended and some additional bike paths and … Continue reading "Tour de Murals"
Read MoreWhen all my favorite bike routes are blockaded due to self-isolation stay at home quarantine lockdown shelter in place shutdowns, there’s one loop that’s always available. Today I dressed up for the ride and chose my musical accompaniment with care.
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All the parks in Sonoma County where I regularly hike and bike are closed as part of our pandemic lockdown. I decided to take a look at a couple of the nearest parks. I knew I couldn’t get into them, but I wanted to investigate, trying various entrances. Here’s what I found. It must be … Continue reading "Parks Closed: Tour d’Apocalypse"
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Yesterday Sonoma County ordered all parks to close due to an excess of congregating by self-isolated, locked down, sheltered in place, stay at home folks. When closing parks, that meant every state park, county park, regional park, city park, etc, plus every open space, schoolyard, playground, and multi-use path in the county. Wait. What? Paths? … Continue reading "Closed: Tour de Lockdown"
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After taking two days off the saddle to keep pressure off her injured elbow, Rocky was ready to roll. We drove out to Sauvie Island to join the masses, surprised to find that we didn’t have the whole island to ourselves. I’ve never seen so many hikers and bikers out there, as everyone is looking … Continue reading "Rocky returns"
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Rachael’s fortunately doing fine after her brush with disaster. She slept poorly last night because she couldn’t lie comfortably, but today she doesn’t have any signs of injury other than the scrapes she walked off with yesterday. She took the day off her bike while her abrasions heal up and went for a 12 mile … Continue reading "Date night"
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I pedaled out the Greenway and back this morning. Saw quite a few people along the path. This guy is usually very good about social distancing, but it looks like everyone is taking extra precautions.
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Wednesday was mostly an errand day for me, as we started preparing to break camp and move on to The Dalles, our next temporary home. This is such a strange and unnerving time, and the first time I’ve had any misgivings about not having our own home. It might be nice to be sheltering in … Continue reading "A near miss for the missus"
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We didn’t buy anything, because the Butteville Store is closed for the season or the duration. I haven’t included a song, because I don’t know how to upload one. How are folks doing this? How-to instructions would be welcome. So, our ride through French Prairie is not a challenge ride of any kind. Still though, … Continue reading "French Prairie"
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Today’s cold ride to Powell Butte surprises me by having just enough snow to craft a small snowman at its summit. I’ve checked with the Rules Committee, and they’ve assured me that it’s fine to post another snowman for Greg. With it so cold today, it might as well still be February anyway. Also, I … Continue reading "Powell Butte"
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We’re a third of the way through March and I still haven’t come up with that perfect tune yet. And I can’t claim any coffeeneuring credit for today’s short ride either, Since I didn’t have time to stop for coffee or buy anything. And I hardly did any biking to speak of, so today’s tree … Continue reading "Unchallenged in March"
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As much as I enjoy Tolay Lake Regional Park, it takes at least 45 minutes to drive there. That means I don’t get there too often because when heading for a park I usually opt for something closer. Also, Tolay—with practically no shade—tends to be very hot in the summer and—with dirt ranch “roads”—tends to … Continue reading "Tour de Tolay"
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Lately I’ve been doing a preponderance of comparatively short off-pavement rides. Steep, rough trails make up for distance. Today I decided I wanted to stretch out the mileage a little on pavement. I haven’t been up toward Shiloh Ranch Regional Park or Foothill Regional Park since the wildfires in that area last year. Must be … Continue reading "Yellow"
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I’ve pedaled past Helen Putnam Regional Park without stopping. I’ve pedaled into the parking lot and utilized the restrooms. But never have I bicycled through HPRP. It’s a relatively small, busy park on the edge of Petaluma, known mostly for hiking rather than biking. But I decided to give it a try today in more … Continue reading "HPRP"
Read MoreOkay, one more musical oldie while warming up for the March Challenge before I actually accomplish something new for this month’s challenge. This was my commute to campus nearly every morning before I retired, but in the dark for almost half the year. Looking back, I think the music (live performance of “Bicycle” by Livingston … Continue reading "Bill Bikes to Work"
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I won’t claim this for the Challenge of the Month, because the ride is a couple of years old, but I couldn’t resist jumping on Greg’s challenge for March. Note that in this one I don’t sing or dance. Yet…. The ride The music (on YouTube)
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What luck – with our long month this year, I’ve got time to squeeze one last rust photo, from my latest Heritage Tree Quest outing. Here, Rodriguez is leaning against one of a trio of rusting steel pillars bearing sculptures by Native American artists. Besides the usual assortment of fine trees today’s run netted a … Continue reading "Leaping out of February"
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I thought I was done with February, but these brilliant cycling days just keep coming in Portland. If I could share some of them with you, I would. Yesterday on our ride to Gresham we crossed a new but already nicely rusting steel bridge; saw six bunnies; and to top things off, saw another shady … Continue reading "Saving the best rust for last"
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In 2017, I met John from Berkeley when the Mad Marauders terrorized San Francisco. Earlier this year he spotted me while we were both riding the new bike lane on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Since then we’ve been trying to get together for a ride, and it finally worked out today. Read more at Bill … Continue reading "Mad Marauders mini-reunion"
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Not sure if advertising on side of beer delivery truck counts as a mural. Can we get a ruling from the judges? Little-known fact: Earlier in his life, Old Grumble-Face was sometimes known as the Emaciated Rasputin. Read more at Bill Bikes
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I confess. I’m having trouble keeping track of the personal themes this month, and who chose each theme. I think I already screwed it up. Now I’ve probably done it again. But I pedaled today and photographed rusty farm equipment and a duplex Little Free Library. Maybe I got something right. Read more at Bill … Continue reading "Thematically confused"
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Once when my ace support crew and I visited our son and his family in Yreka in far northern California, they drove us over the mountains to Scotts Valley via a quiet road that turned into dirt. It seemed like it would make a great bicycling route. Now, every time we’re in Yreka I try … Continue reading "Greenhorn Road"
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What did I have to do for Greg? My ace support crew and I had to drive 300 miles north to visit our son and his family. I had to pedal the Ogre into the mountains, up a steep road that turned into dirt. I had to search desperately in the shady ditches near the … Continue reading "The things I do for Greg"
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Well, with February fast drawing to a close I’d about given up on finding a silly snowman for Greg. We got lucky though on our ride to Chinook Landing yesterday. Doubly lucky too – this one looks right up Greg’s alley, with a goofy grin that makes him look like his alter ego G-2. Perfect! … Continue reading "Snowman!"
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Finally, a rusty object that I can get my bicycle up next to. I found this prize on my latest PHTQ outing, embarrassingly truncated after only finding two new heritage trees. This is my third rust submission for the month, so MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! Still keeping my eyes peeled for those elusive shadowy sheep and snowman … Continue reading "A rusty bucket"
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In order to repair the dam, the park maintenance crew drained Lake Ilsanjo in Annadel State Park to a level as low as possible. According to Cap’n Will (he and Jeff often swim the lake) if you tried to swim it right now you’d scrape your chest across rocks on the bottom. I suggested he … Continue reading "Ilsanjo"
Read MoreI didn’t have any particular aspiration to copy anyone’s personal Challenge this month, but that changed a little today. My buddy Jeff has been almost entirely out of the saddle for months and months after a long series of medical issues. Last time we rode together was when he was rehabbing about ten months ago, … Continue reading "Cloning themes"
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Today’s ride has three goals: honor many but not all of our presidents, and support the Holiday Challenge; copycat some of the themes of this month’s choose your own adventure challenge; and visit another set of trees in my Portland Heritage Tree Quest. I think I did quite well: one dead President, (Teddy Roosevelt, shown … Continue reading "Triple challenge on Presidents Day"
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I drove to and from Nevada in order to undertake some riding from a temporary base in Las Vegas. In both directions on the drive I made sure I had enough extra time to be able to stop in the desert whenever I spotted something worth exploring. I could pause for a quick photo, or … Continue reading "Desert Highway"
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I had three rides planned from my temporary base in Las Vegas. On Friday I bicycled the River Mountains Loop. Yesterday I rode through Red Rock Canyon. Today I intended to ride through Valley of Fire State Park. Unfortunately, by Saturday evening the weather forecast deteriorated considerably. The wind was already blowing like crazy when … Continue reading "Valley of Fire"
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Yesterday I rode the River Mountains Loop. For the second ride from my temporary base in Las Vegas, I chose Red Rock Canyon. According to what I read online, that National Conservation Area featured a paved road for cars through a stunningly scenic area. But it was a wide, low-speed, one-way loop with plenty of … Continue reading "Red Rock Canyon"
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This past autumn I started scouting around for possible bicycling getaways to have up my sleeve when wintertime rains began to inundate Santa Rosa. One of the destinations that caught my eye? The River Mountains Loop trail outside Las Vegas. Although I had never considered Vegas as a cycling destination, a little more research revealed … Continue reading "River Mountains Loop"
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Because I knew I’d have plenty of time to drive across the desert from Mojave to Las Vegas, I kept my eyes open for interesting sites to explore by bike along the way. In addition to my planned ride to Zzyzx, I figured I might find some out-of-the-way, oddball places to spend a little time … Continue reading "Baker"
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Definition of rust 1a: the reddish brittle coating formed on iron especially when chemically attacked by moist air and composed essentially of hydrated ferric oxide b: a comparable coating produced on a metal other than iron by corrosion c: something resembling rust : ACCRETION 2: corrosive or injurious influence or effect 3: any of numerous … Continue reading "Challeng of the month: Desert rust"
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On my two-day drive to the Las Vegas area for a few days of bicycling, I expected to have plenty of time for some short rides at places of interest en route. In particular, I wanted to explore the Mojave National Preserve, a place I’d never visited. While studying maps, I discovered within the Preserve … Continue reading "Zzyzx"
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I should be home tomorrow, so I can finally start catching up on several days of riding, taking photos, and pondering the theme — now chosen, I think — for the month. Meanwhile, here are the last two teases. Valley of Fire and Desert Highway
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Actually, I’m surprised that I haven’t come across more rusty relics here in Southern Arizona this month. It seemed like we were biking past agricultural implements rusting away in the basin or mining relics up in the hills every day in late January – it’s why I came up with this theme, thinking I was … Continue reading "Rusty Tucson"
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After today’s ride, one plus and one minus. The bad news. Didn’t see anybody in a corn jerkers t-shirt, didn’t meet anyone from Hoopeston. Bummer. The good news. I have a theme for this month’s Challenge! Yay! I’m way behind in posting rides and photos, but will try to catch up soon and reveal the … Continue reading "A Theme at Last!"
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Pedaled for more than five hours today. Constantly thinking about a theme. I think I need some suggestions. Let me know if you have any ideas. PS: TRUE STORY! When I stopped to take this photo, a couple about my age politely inquired if I knew how far it was to the dam. One thing … Continue reading "Need help with theme, plus a true story about Minnesota"
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Gotta come up with my own personal theme for the February Challenge. Hmmm. Hmmm. Hmmm…. Four serious teases for themes
Read MoreThis afternoon, we added air to Violet’s almost flat tires. I was thinking I may get a chance to ride soon on a Tuesday or Thursday when Jim attends an Adult Day Center. That was my only goal for today, as I cannot leave him home alone. Right after that my son stopped by to … Continue reading "Perfect Timing!"
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Well, I’m still looking around for something rusty so I can start on my own challenge. While I’m waiting though, I’ll take a stab at Em’s theme, with my own twist. The featured photo, taken in on our ride from Douglas to Bisbee, brings together Mesquite, Mistletoe, and Mountains. MMM!
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I thought I was done for the month until coming across this riddled rock in Tombstone, with the shadow of an ocotillo fanned across it. I could have shoved the bike into the frame but it seemed cleaner without it. And, if you like birds, you might check out the rest of this day’s ride … Continue reading "Oh, holey rock"
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Looks like a stretch of rain-free weather on the horizon, so I should be able to get out and about on two wheels without driving a few hundred miles. Today I took a short spin on the Brush Creek Trail, through Howarth Park, and into Spring Lake Park. On that route I can always find … Continue reading "Winter Lake"
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As ever, there’s always more I want to do in Death Valley. I already have ideas for rides during my next visit, which I hope isn’t too far in the future. Meanwhile, here are some random thoughts about pedaling through the lowest, hottest, driest national park. Read more at Bill Bikes
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Well, not really. There are probably a few left to be discovered here, but this is the last one I’ll tell you about. It’s almost February, and time to move on to a different challenge. And actually, the rock that gets me in the door today is pretty modest. Maybe the least interesting thing we … Continue reading "The last rock in Arizona"
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Less wind last night. No rain. No urinating coyote. I slept better. This morning I took down the tent, packed up, and was on the move by about 8:00. My plan involved driving up Big Pine Road, turning down to Eureka Dunes, and parking there. Assuming entire Sahara deserts of sand didn’t block my route, … Continue reading "Death Valley: Steel Pass Road"
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We’ve been riding but nothing unusual or especially interesting…..so here are some photos from the month.
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The wind blew and rustled the tent most of the night. I slept poorly. As forecast, it rained briefly, or perhaps a disgruntled coyote urinated on the tent — I didn’t bother to get up to check — in retaliation for my dubious decision to avoid the long walk to the bio-hazard restroom in the … Continue reading "Death Valley: Racetrack Road"
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After arriving in Death Valley and setting up base camp at Mesquite Springs, I wanted to get out and pedal for a couple of hours. In particular, I wanted another crack at Big Pine Road, which gave me and the Long Haul Trucker a great deal of trouble back in 2012. I wasn’t planning to … Continue reading "Death Valley: Big Pine Road"
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What, you’ve never heard of Winkelman? After this you’ll surely want to look it up to see where it is and what’s there. I’m talking serious attractions here: a huge, colorful copper mine; a smelter smokestack 1,001 feet high that you can see for miles; the railroad that Dwight Yoakam rode on his video of … Continue reading "Some blue rocks in Winkelman"
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Rocks, sand, and sweat. I’ve been to Death Valley, so I know what bicycling is like in that environment. I’ve lost track of the total number of times I’ve visited the biggest, hottest, lowest National Park, but I know this was the fifth time I’ve done some pedaling there. Read more at Bill Bikes
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Just a few days ago we biked past Hoover Dam, awed by the dam itself but also by the huge new Hoover Dam Bridge that finally rerouted the highway that used to run across the narrow top of the dam. It worked fine when the dam was young, cars were small, and people living out … Continue reading "Stuck in a dam rut"
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We’ve seen a few rocks this month, but none that excited me enough to write home about it. Until we came across this beauty, on our ride from Boulder City to Boulder Dam (it’s really called Hoover Dam, but I like its older name better). Pretty irresistable rock, don’t, you think?
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Today the weather turned cool, gray, breezy, and sprinkling rain. I decided it was perfect for a (very) short ride up at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. When the rain picked up, I decided enough was enough, and headed for home. Read more at Bill Bikes (Part 1 and Part 2)
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Quick spin for last day of the year. Ran into John, a former colleague and fellow retiree. Stopped by Bud and Marsha’s on the way home to learn how she broke her toe. Now to guzzle hard cider tonight in preparation for early morning hike up Bald Mountain tomorrow. Read more at Bill Bikes
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It’s hard to believe it’s almost 2020! It seems like only yesterday that our software shop was anxiously awaiting the new millennium to see if all our hard work over the last year had paid off or if our company’s systems were going to hemorrhage under a barrage of Y2K bugs. before we ring in … Continue reading "One last red before we go"
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Late this morning I drove down to the former Hamilton Army airfield—now a pleasant residential neighborhood with old hangars transformed into tidy businesses and offices—where I’ve pedaled a couple times before. Having already explored some of the trails through marshes and wetlands along the Bay in that area, I wanted to revisit some of that … Continue reading "mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful"
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The weather has relented considerably — highs in the 50 range, give or take a few degrees — and very little wind for a change. Although more in the high 20’s for morning rides — still quite better than its been. Out for some rides — nothing too outstanding to look at — but great … Continue reading "Late December Rides"
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The Trail House is our local coffee shop / brew pub / bike shop near the Annadel mountain bike trails. Lots of serious mountain bikers hang there. Serious I’m not, but I’ve been known to frequent the joint with Jeff and/or Cap’n Will. This year the Trail House sponsored its Second Annual Lighted Bicycle Parade, … Continue reading "Lighted Bicycle Parade"
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Well the trial is over. It took a full three weeks. We ended last Friday about 5pm. I have to say it was an experience and one that I will not soon forget. I will give a brief overview at the end of this post…… The weekend was still rainy but yesterday and today I … Continue reading "Back On My Bike…."
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After our rainy season officially began a few weeks ago, we had no rain, only fire. By Thanksgiving we remained barely above zero percent of average accumulated rainfall through that date. Then the rain arrived with a vengeance. After about a week of non-stop downpour, we hit one hundred percent of average rainfall for the … Continue reading "Autumn Lake"
Read MoreWe are still here!! Until the past two weeks I was riding Surly Girl daily…..you know the ‘normal’ ride. However, two weeks ago I was selected for Jury Duty in Salinas. The case is lasting at a minimum three weeks…..that means NO BIKE RIDES for me. The only good news is that just about that … Continue reading "MIA In Monterey"
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Yesterday we received the first serious rainfall of the season, which means fire weather might be behind us. Also thanks to the rain, our creeks are flowing again after the usual dry summer. And the rain brought cooler weather. The high today only reached about 50° F. I almost decided to phone RJ, Rich, and … Continue reading "Oh, summer"
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When I bicycled the grand opening of the new bike path on the Richmond – San Rafael Bridge last week, I expected to be able to photograph some interesting views from the top deck on the summit of the structure. Along with several hundred (maybe a couple thousand) other cyclists, I enjoyed the inaugural ride, … Continue reading "Bike the Bridge, again"
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After decades during which bicycles were forbidden from crossing the Richmond – San Rafael Bridge, today the bike and pedestrian path across the bridge held its long-awaited grand opening, celebrated by hundreds if not thousands of cyclists. I was one of them. Read more at Bill Bikes
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Marin County might be the wealthiest in California, but you wouldn’t know it from this odd little pocket east of Novato. After riding nearby last week, I consulted a map to double-check my route. It didn’t take long to notice this hidden—practically remote—area along the Petaluma River and the northwest shore of the Bay. The … Continue reading "Black Point"
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I haven’t been up to the burn zone since full containment was attained a couple of days ago, but I’ve certainly bicycled through the area on multiple occasions in the past. Here’s a collection of some of my photos of locales as seen before they were consumed by the Kincade Fire…. Read more at Bill … Continue reading "Fire Tour"
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Around here the official rainy season begins on 1 October. Based on annual averages, by now we should have received some significant rainfall. Not the case. Not a drop has fallen, and we’re dry. Dangerously dry. Santa Rosa and northern Sonoma County just survived—barely—the impact of multiple days of “public safety” power shutdowns, mandatory evacuations, … Continue reading "Rush Creek Open Space"
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