Iron Horse with more mileage and hills

Sunday, after many days of relentless rain - I got to sneak out and ride. Much needed since I was rained out the previous weekend.

My goal today was to ride the Iron Horse again, a bit further and, to add some hills by riding a few miles to the East. Noble goal! My ride is here.

I started my ride earlier in the day, got on the trail around 11 AM. Weather was cloudy with a stiff breeze out of the South. Pretty much a headwind for much of the early part of the ride, which was a nice challenge. Riding felt good, no pain nor numbness, just felt good. Got to a waterfalls that I recognized and WOW, much more water flowing over it now. Check out the picture from my earlier ride on the Iron Horse - quite a difference.

Cherry Trees at Happ McGee Park

Continued the ride at a moderate pace, about 12 mph. Got to the Happ McGee park where I turned around last time. Took a nice rest there this time. Water, rest, carb goo and bio break. Took a picture of the cherry trees which were just coming into full bloom. Very nice!

Continued the ride on Danville Blvd. Wow, why wasn't I riding this from Walnut Creek - great bike path on the side, few lights, few dogs and people and not many cars. Parallels the Iron Horse, but many less stops and cross streets. Great ride into Danville.

In Danville, I texted my friend David, who was riding with Different Spokes. They were riding Morgan Territory Road behind Mt. Diablo - a bit too hilly for me right now. They were about 30 minutes out, so I decided to get my missed hills in by riding up Camino Tassajara. Nice, slow, steady incline - just perfect. Did 5 more miles round trip and back to Danville, where I texted David again and I met up with the group at a nice deli a few blocks from where I stopped. Good to catch up with everyone. Nice leisurely 45 minute lunch.

Took about an hour to ride back on Danville Blvd and the Iron Horse to North Concord, my start/end point. I put a few extra miles in at the end, to bring my total to 38 miles. Great ride and overall felt great - no pain, no strain, no problems that night or next day. YES!!

Ride Statistics

• Total mileage: 38
• Time riding: 3:00
• Elevation gain: 600'
• Average speed: 12.8 mph
• Average cadence: 68
• Wind: Headwind of 10-15 mph. Heaviest wind I have ridden in, could feel it move the bike as I rode.
• Practiced fast pedaling as well as high gear riding on the flat parts
• Overall, felt great. No pains at all, no numbness, cramping. Slight pain in the left hip as usual. Was careful to rest every hour or so.