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We met at Starbucks in Santa Clara – Patrick, Stevie, Audrey (just returned from a business trip to DC and about to head back out the next day!), CC, Real, Aussie Rob (on his self-proclaimed “Winnebago” BMW which can still overtake a sport bike if a certain rider chose to do so… and has done so according to local lore), newcomer Lauretta and her husband, Mike, Nancy, Robin, and Tyler. Todd also joined us for coffee and to share pics of his most recent 9-day, 4,000 mile trip around the NorthWest – an amazing journey that had many of us jealous except for the fact that the amount of twist-of-the-wrist required for such an outing took its toll on the rider’s wrists and he had a flare up of carpal tunnel syndrome. Two weeks of no riding for Todd… talk about a sad face. But I have a feeling he’ll be back in the saddle in no time… doctor’s orders or not! We scooted down 101 to Alum Rock and gassed up at the base just to make sure none of the more tank-challenged would run out of gas (there are no services between SJ to Livermore) and headed up to the top of Hamilton. It’s only about 23 miles to the peak but the road is quite challenging with its twists and turns and very tight switchbacks that can catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention… or even if you are. You know how you’re supposed to look through a turn? Well, it felt like you looked so far around on a couple of those turns, you were looking at your own rear end! Again, some pot holes that had a few riders wondering what might have been lost in them (Jimmy Hoffa??) or how far down they really went. They were well marked and circled in pink paint but coming around a corner, that didn’t help much. But everyone dodged all those potential alignment bullets and made it to the top with pleased looks on their faces. We hung out at the top and caught the ½ hour tour that explained the background of the Lick Observatory and saw some of the amazing photos that have been taken from the summit – lightning storms, sunrises and sunsets, snow covered mountains – all breathtaking! Audrey had to head back to her regularly appointed life duties (but we were glad she managed to tear herself away and come with us even if only for a part of the day).The rest of us headed down the backside which I think is a little bit shorter than coming up the front but crammed with just as many turns and snaking switchbacks and then some. A couple of packs of sport bikes passed us along the way although not a whole lot faster than we were going! We stopped at The Junction, a great little spot for a burger or sandwich and something to coif your thirst – btw, if you’re in a hurry to eat, don’t stop here as it’s the only place around and is well populated by bicyclists and motorcyclists galore and you will have to wait a little bit to get your food. Everyone sat at the table and got acquainted with Lauretta and Mike who were finally able to pry themselves away from their lives and home in the Santa Cruz mountains to join us for this ride. Lauretta and I have been emailing for so long, we felt like we’d already known each other!! Real shared a few stories about his recent trip to France, and everyone talked about their upcoming trips planned for the summer. We piled out of the restaurant and draped ourselves over the picnic tables outside in the shade and spent some time just kicking back. It was not a high-energy, pushing kind of day. CC found her power nap spot as the boys exchanged notes on rides and bikes… and the girls did too! Finally, we found the strength to get back into our riding gear (it was quite warm in this section of the valley) and headed out via Mines Rd. which is a total blast of a road, alternating between two narrow lanes and a wide, one-lane road with great series of right/left leans and views of the valleys below and a lovely breeze making it’s way through the hills, cooling off the temperature quite a bit. I remember the first time I road Mines Rd. was with a group and we stopped along the way to look at the view. One of the guys, who shall remain nameless, looked around at the expansive countryside and said, “This would be a good place to hide a body.” We all stepped a bit further away from him at that point and vowed to not get on his bad side! And the last time I ventured onto Mines Rd. was with Patrick and Stevie last February where we encountered snow and black ice on the road. So this particular day, it was truly a joy to experience Mines Rd. as it should be experienced – nice weather and dry pavement! We ventured into Livermore and stopped to refuel the beasts, and again, headed out 84 where a few more of our merry band headed for parts home, while Patrick, Stevie, Lauretta, Mike, Rob, and Tyler headed down Niles Canyon into Fremont, finally stopping at the Florence for a beverage. We found out that this was Aussie Rob’s first time in a real biker bar so we were glad we could de-virginize someone for the day. From there, everyone headed back to their respective lives, once again sated with the day’s adventure and the glow of a ride well done. Hope to see some of you at Hollister over Fourth of July. Until then, keep the shiny side up and enjoy life!!
Peace,
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My,
oh my, what a ride! Under 100 miles but probably more challenging than
some of the longer-mile days we’ve done! If you haven’t done
Hamilton, you should do it just to say you did it!