Left My Heart In...

Santa Rosa?

Actually it was more like my legs.

Eleven days. I have to keep reminding myself it was only 11 days ago. But right now, 11 days seems like a lifetime ago.

As I write this, looking out on yet another cold, gray and cloudy Michigan day, my spirits are at least buttressed by the memory of riding around in short sleeves and shorts, making new riding buddies, and drinking up barrels of amazing scenery (as well as a lot of good wine).

The Bike
It seemed as if I wasn't going to be as fortunate with obtaining a bike as the last time I had cycling wanderlust, but things aren't often what they seem. After a good lead and some calling around, I ended up renting a bike from Wine Country Bikes in Healdsburg, CA (see the latest Shop-Boy). The rental was a replica of the old reliable steed that had served the Triple Crankset so well in France, Trek's 5200. John, the owner of the shop, set me up with some old LOOK pedals and replaced my cleats, as I forgot my Keo pedals back home. Aside from that, the setup was standard Trek; Bontrager wheels and parts throughout coupled with Shimano's Ultegra gruppo (including yes, a triple crankset).

The Ride - The Land of Levi
Besides being the current hometown of my good friend, Mundi (short for Edmundo), Santa Rosa is better known in cycling circles for being the land of Levi Leipheimer. During the off season, Levi can be seen traversing the local roadways, often testing himself up Mt. Tamalpais or motor-training behind his wife's, Odessa, scooter.

For the past two years, Santa Rosa has even been used as a finishing/starting town for stages of the Amgen Tour of California. As such, I was more than eager to venture out. With bike in tow, we headed out to meet my riding buddies for the day. The expectation of having a 6 to 8 rider group quickly changed as we were pared down to 4 by the time we set off.

Brad, Anne Marie (aka n-ANNE-y), and Fiona, decided to take me on one of their local loops, which would include Sonoma Mountain Road. With few training miles in my legs (none of which were specifically set up for climbing), I had my trepidations about my form as I had definitely been following the Jan Ullrich school of off-season training (perpetually in need of losing 7-8 kilos). However, I had my ace in the hole, the triple, in case I really struggled.

Fan(s) Lined The Street On Our Departure

After cycling through some neighborhoods (like the retirement community of Oakmont), the road began to turn upward. We were met at the base of the first part of the climb by several participants of an April Fool's Day foot race; most of whom looked fresher at the end of their run (up and down a mountain) than I had earlier in the day (hhmm, was the joke on me, and why wasn't anyone letting me in on it?).

Sonoma Mountain Road had its share of tough inclines, but overall it was balanced out by some great descents and flat sections. On some of the steeper portions, the screaming of my legs and lungs was similarly balanced out by the serenity of the scenery. Surprisingly, I never even thought about using my granny gears (perhaps my form was actually better than what my namesake implies). Midway through the ride, I found out why motorists weren't much of a issue, as the road was partially closed due to what's described as a "geotechnical" road closure (see below).

Not Much To Look At...

Geotechnical Road Closure...Was That A 5.8? Just Ground Shifting

After looping back on Bennett Valley Rd. we ended up in Spring Lake Park (see below) before completing our ride. I couldn't have asked for a better ride, nicer weather, or better company to see me through the day. For Fiona, the day ended on our return as she had to work. The rest of us made our way back to Healdsburg to return the bike and to grab a late lunch. The afternoon was capped off by burritos and a trip to the Alderbrook vineyard for good wine, conversation, and some running around their picnic area. What a great day! Perhaps 2Pac said it best, California Love (mp3, contains explicit lyrics)

Brad, Fiona, Anne Marie, Granny

Future Wrench? Brand New Cyclist?