Last rides of 2014

The last days of 2014 were spectacular for riding.  I started off Christmas day with a great 75 mile ride with 6700′ of climbing by pedaling to Mill Valley and then climbing Railroad Grade up to the summit of Mt. Tam.  There were quite a few people up at the peak celebrating their Christmas day.  From the east peak of Mt. Tam, I continued across Ridgecrest and down to Alpine Lake.  By the time I got to Alpine Lake, I had that feeling that I was pretty much ready to be done, but I still had just under 30 more miles to go including some more climbing.  By the time I got to White’s Hill, I was feeling pretty good again knowing that there was still more to go, but it was slightly down hill.  It’s amazing what a very gradual descent will do to the psyche.  By the end of the day, I was ready for my Christmas recovery dinner.  Well earned.

Rolling around the Nicasio Reservior

The reservoir was spilling over the spillway thanks to a very wet December.  This day, however, was clear and dry.

Up Railroad Grade to that high point up yonder.

The Marin Headlands and San Francisco from Railroad Grade.

Bolinas from Ridgerest Dr.

Pedaling on the Cross Marin Trail

Black Mountain – 3 more miles

Here’s the route info:

A few days later, I decided, it was another blue sky day.  Seemed like a good day to pedal out to the lighthouse.

Had the road to myself

Looking south over one of the ranches and Drake’s Estero

Ten miles of beach – Pt. Reyes Beach

Pt. Reyes Beach from the park housing at the lighthouse

Here’s to great rides in 2015.

(What’s playing:  Talking Heads Gangster of Love)