At long last the first ride of the 2012 training season has arrived! A total of 10 riders showed up nice and early to our Nob Hill rally point - a new record for the Penultimates! Both old faces (John M, Jeff, Eric, Andrew, Val, Greg, David) and new (Adam, Gary, TJ). Today's ride was a 37 mile loop around the city with a little hill work thrown in (details here). It was a truly gorgeous morning - slightly overcast from last nights rains and still a little cool.
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| About a quarter of the way in - still all smiles |
We first headed due east across the city to hook up with Tramway for the slow uphill climb heading north. Then - surprise! - we then took a right and headed on the steep road up to the base of the tram - a steep one mile stretch of road with average grade of 3.2%. That will teach everyone to look at the route before we head out!
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| Making it look easy. |
This spur is where the true riders (Jeff, Greg) are separated from the poseurs (me). But, we all made it to the top though and enjoyed some nourishing Fig Newman's (who kindly sent us a case of deliciousness at the beginning of our season) and enjoyed the view of the city and the Rio Grande Valley.
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| Enjoying a little break after the climb. |
Next up was the fun part - the long 8 mile decent into the valley! Dropping down the spur onto Tramway and then whizzing down the long road cruising along at 25-30 mph. Our rally point was at the Alameda trail head where we took another quick break before heading briefly down the Bosque trail before picking up the North Diversion Channel trail. We headed south enjoying the newly finished road underpasses along the trail.
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| About 3/4 of the way in - still smiles from the long downhill. |
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