What's Next?

As I rolled through Golden Gate Park this morning, the blue sky popped with color behind the trees. Anxious for what the day would bring, I couldn't help but wonder what's next. Another 545 mile aidslifecycle? A Double Century perhaps? Maybe the Death Ride is finally mine. Then again I missed the Mt Tam Climb race again. Sigh, what am I waiting for?

I don't know really. Motivation I suppose. But there was no holding me back this morning. I jumped out of bed at 4:15am. Quitely got ready as to not wake up the household, and managed to roll away from Peet's close to 5am. I shot out in the darkness under the star lit skies towards, well, more darkness. The route to Fairfax is rather uneventful and seeing a car at that hour would actually be a highlight. I did once see an interesting character trying to ride his flat foot bike down the side streets once, unsuccessfully at that. But basically it's a safe start to a long morning. The goal is to loop around my buddie's old home (recently sold). Initially to taunt him really..as he sleeps I ride, that sort of thing. But it's become a core anchor of my long routes on either Mt Tam or into San Francisco.

40 Miles to go.

Heading away from Fairfax and over towards San Rafael I roll by the only other sickos crazy enough to be awake at this time. Yep, the CrossFit heads are already in full swing flinging exercise balls, etc at each other. We do the customary shake our heads at each other, as we each think the other guy is nuts to do what they're doing.  

And here's where it gets interesting. Flying down one-way Second St. I have two goals. One, beat the cars or at least keep them at distance until at least three lanes open up. Secondly, rip it up. For if I can go fast enough I can just barely make each light until just before highway 101. So there I go close to 5:30am doing my best time trial to the highway. Today, I make every light. Success. My legs are tight, and my lungs are searing as I'm drenched in sweat. Awesome.

Oh oh, 35 miles to go.  

You can't ride 40+ miles around here without running into some micro climates. As I arrived back in Corte Madera I ascended up the dreary fog covered Horse's Hill. These are the moments when I blast all my 700 lumens so I can see everything, including the hidden deers on the side of the road ready to pounce. Ok, well not really but they've been known to jump out of no where. Potential road kill aside, Mill Valley revealed a glamorous sunrise in the making over the East Bay. Do I stop and take a photo? Too cheesy? Luckily my decision was made easy for there were two speedy cyclists to chase through Sausalito. I can't let them go can I? Not today. I was on a roll.

25 miles, just keep pedaling. 

So I'm pedaling full speed, hanging about 30 yards back from Mr Surly Fixie. He's spinning faster then my head after a few shots of my neighbor's Tequila. And then there's Mr Lightweight. Mr weighs nothing, pricey bike, and his form dialed into perfection. Not a single wasted effort in any direction that doesn't push his bike forward. And here I am with them. In fact, I've found myself hanging with many riders I don't normally belong with these days. And is it just me or must they all race me into San Francisco? Can't we slow down and take turns, do some rotations? Do you really not want to be seen riding with a guy in mtb shorts? It's 6:20 in the morning, we're racing, and no one's talking. 

Crap, 20 miles to go and I'm racing. 

So I let them go. They zoomed up the hill while I laid back mesmerized at the three massive yachts competing for attention on the waters edge of Sausalito. But my ride wasn't over yet. Eventually I crossed over the bridge and hooked a lazy right towards the Legion of Honor, passing some of the finest homes that San Francisco has to offer along the way.

15 miles to go.

But my favorite treat of this ride has to be the new pavement winding down past the Cliff House along Ocean Beach. Cutting through the ocean breezes offered a refreshing antidote to the humidity throughout the ride. 

12 miles to go. Smiling, but I have to leave the fun now.

I always dread riding away from the beach. I mean really, how many people in their right minds head away from the beach? A beach is a place to go explore and have fun. But I managed to coerce myself away and darted into Golden Gate Park. It was here that the sun finally started to rise high enough above the clouds to make the sky contrast beautifully against your surroundings. 

As the sunlight spanked my head, I drank everything I had. Every effort today consumed me, and my body did it's best to keep me cool with sweat at every chance it could. At this point I was done thinking about what's next, and was still living off the rides I did with my kids this past weekend. Twenty unexpected miles between the two of them, including hill repeats, and a jaunt to the soccer fields. So sure, I'll choose something for next year, to cross off my bucket list. But the vision of seeing my kids smiling as they ride with me, or scream down some descents behind me in their best tucks, well, that's gotta be next. Again and again. 

Endless miles to go.