Alameda Ride

I took advantage of a break in the rain (I've seen more rain here in 10 days than I saw in 21 days in New Zealand, where it is supposed to rain all the time) to take my first ride since getting back from New Zealand. Decided to do a flat ride in Alameda (ride is here) - 20 miles total, good chance to practice good form on the bike. Rode around the old Naval Air Station a bit, discovered the Hanger 1 Distillery and Rosenblum Cellars - hell, have to go back and sample the goods next time. If you haven't been to Alameda, specifically the area that was the old Naval Air Station, you really should go. It's an amazing area - rather in disrepair now, but amazing views of the Oakland Estuary, SF Bay and of course, San Francisco. It's really quite desolate and that has a charm and allure in itself.

I rode along the beach, then over the bridge to Bay Farm Island. Dummy me - I kinda knew that this was a drawbridge and you do NOT want to ride a bike over the grate of a drawbridge. Luckily, there was a walkway on the right so I could stop, just before the grate and gracefully lift my bike over to the walkway and less than gracefully, get my bod over there. Unfortunately, caught my brand new leg warmers on a piece of metal fence, but such is life. The good news is that only the bike warmers and not my leg, got a hole in them. Got over to where it was safe and continued my ride. Alameda is a really cool place to ride if you want a flat ride - not many cars nor traffic lights. Nice riding, nice scenery too.

On Bay Farm Island, I rode just up to the airport, then looped west to the Bay, then back to the bridge to Alameda. Little did I know there is a separate bridge, next to the car bridge, just for pedestrians and bikes - imagine that! I was delighted! Much safer and no more holes in my leg warmers.

Got back to the car, just before the rain. Good ride, definitely felt it in my legs. Kept my pace where I could breathe normally (a goal for my endurance training) and kept the cadence around 90 for much of the ride.

Ride Stats

• Distance: 20.5 miles
• Time: 90 minutes
• Average Speed: approx 14 mph
• Average Cadence: 80

Holiday Post

I wish you all a warm holiday season filled with love, friends and family! Enjoy the time. A big wish for a happy and healthy new year - live it to the fullest.

I've been on a vacation for a few weeks, back now and ready to dig into more dedicated training for the ride. Fundraising is kicking up too, so let your friends know about a great opportunity to help out by sponsoring me on the Ride.

More fun accounts of my rides to come soon. In the meantime, I'll be enjoying the holidays too.

Be well.