We departed Healdsburg after a filling breakfast of eggs, croissants, yogurt and fruit. The route took us through lovely vineyards including Jimtown and Alexander Valley-- saw some recognizable brands like Fetzer, Simi, and others that I can no longer remember because I'm so tired.
Our lunch location was Cloverdale. At that point we had options for the afternoon ride. I decided to take the longer route with three early climbs and 2 later climbs (cat 3 and cat 5). It was a challenging climb but I actually felt pretty good. The final 16 miles were pretty flat until we turned the corner at mile 65 and had a steep stair-step climb that nearly killed me. It felt harder than the 5-mile climb from earlier in the afternoon -- maybe because I was tired.
We finished at Vichy Springs (total for the day--69 miles, about 3300 feet of climbing). The springs had tubs that could be filled with fizzy spring water with a slightly sulfur smell...but relaxing after the long day.
Had dinner in Ukiah's own brewpub and ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. No one was up for karaoke tonight!
In the picture are Stan, me, and Laurie (not pictured is Brad, our support person from BA). Laurie is part of the "biker chicks" group (their name, not mine) who do trips every year-- about 5 or 6 altogether and the rest of the time ride 3-4 times a week at home ( LA area)-- they're quite the lively group! The chicks now have 2 honorary guys-- Stan and the 78 year old father of one of the chicks.
-- Baad Kitty
