Today was the first Sunday ride without Kevin in some time, a mostly-solo version of the “usual” Old LaHonda/Pescadero/Tunitas loop, sometimes known as a “reference ride” because I’ve done it so many times that I can get a good sense of what shape I’m in.

Today? It wasn’t about going fast; it was about enjoying a really beautiful day in the sun! Oh sure, I was a bit disappointed that I could only do 22:16 up Old LaHonda, and my Haskins time similarly just a bit off the mark, but I met a lot of nice people along the way, including Sarah and Mary, two long-time Chain Reaction customers, first at the Pescadero food stop (they were leaving shortly after I arrived) and then later, I caught up to them at the base of Tunitas Creek. That was especially fortuitous, as it gave me an excuse to be social instead of “drilling it” (trying to get a good time up Tunitas). Even better, Mary performed the “cookie face test” photo (of me) in Pescadero. Sadly, this particular cookie failed.

Descending Kings was fun; little traffic, great conditions, so a fast ride down. Better yet was seeing the Woodside Corgis on Olive Hill (as seen in the photo at the top). All in all, a very nice ride, but looking forward to Kevin being back on the bike. –Mike–