Yesterday I came across an article about the default Windows XP screen display, that green hillside setting that it’s estimated has been seen by over 1 billion people. You can read about it here. The image is called “Bliss” and it got me thinking… is it really that different from what I see most every time I get out on my bike?
So today I set out on a somewhat challenging ride that, as I approached the coast, became blissful. I actually took the time to stop at many places along the way, taking photos, looking for that shot you might see in an advertisement (or on a computer screen).
The ride itself was the reverse Pescadero wit h West Alpine added as a kicker. Head up Old LaHonda, down 84 to San Gregorio, south on Stage Road, east on Pescadero Road over Haskins the hard way, then up West Alpine, north on Skyline and back down 84 into Woodside. A tough 67 miles but surprisingly a bit tougher than normal when you don’t stick to it but instead make frequent stops along the way.
I love the Indian paintbrushes, bluebells, and different permeations of California poppies that I get to see on the rocky outcrops on upper West Alpine. That road is tough to ride up after you’ve already been in the saddle for a considerable time, but I got to remind myself if it was easy to get to and flat to ride, it would be overrun like the Sawyer Camp Trail.