Sunday Casseroll Ride
Up early Sunday morning for the group ride. The temp outside is 39 degrees and I’m wondering why I’m doing this. I guess I wasn’t the only one, as only one other rider, Ken, was able to ride. I go inside Starbucks and try to warm up with some tea.
After a brief chat about bikes and such, we take off. Ken suggests doing his Sunland route, which sounds good to me. It sounds like a great loop with a little climbing mixed in. The first part of the route takes us up the Arroyo towards the Rose Bowl. I’m still wearing my full layers at this point. Wool long-sleeve base layer, wool jersey, arm warmers and a jacket. By the time we pass the Rose Bowl I’m overheating and it’s time to shed the jacket. This was a bad call. It wasn’t long before we climb Chevy Chase and begin a 2 mile or so descent. Oh well, now I know.
By the time we get to the bottom my feet are freezing. This was the first time I’ve ever felt that. I managed to get a shot of Ken on his Rambouillet towards the bottom of the hill. This was my view of Ken all day. Not always this close either.
So we finish our loop and get back to South Pasadena. We split up and go our separate ways. As I’m riding home I realize that I’m feeling pretty good, and not ready to head home after all. So I decide to ride out to Arcadia again. Almost the same route as my Saturday ride. Once I get to Arcadia I head south and catch the Rio Hondo Bike Path.
This section of the bike path goes right alongside the runway for El Monte Airport. There’s even a viewing area halfway down the runway.
I took some flying lessons here earlier in the year, so I sat and watched some planes taking off and landing. It’s fun to watch them and think of all the things they are doing in those tense moments. But it made me want to start my lessons again. Better not stay here too long!
Taking Off
Time to get outta here. I need to get home.
By the time I got home I’d logged 55 miles. Here’s the route and the stats.
Alhambra to Arcadia-The Long Way
The bike and gear are ready for next weekends Brevet, but I’m not so sure that I am. I think I pulled a muscle somewhere in the later part of the ride, and it was bugging me all the next day. I’m not sure if it’s worth pushing it and riding. This week I’ll see how I feel and decide as the ride gets closer.
