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Caption (above): Since we were amongst the first ones there we got first dibs on camping spots. I love waking up to a view of the lake. Unfortunately I didn’t sleep on a pad so had rocks and all kinds of crap stab me at night. It was also in the 30’s so my cheap target sleeping bag wasn’t particularly effective in keeping me warm.
Caption (above): This is how cold it was. People were hanging out in their sleeping bags.
Caption (above): The bike long course (56 miles) was warm and pretty tough. I have to say that it kicked my a** but the famed “nasty grade” wasn’t as tough as I thought it would be.
Caption (above): I’m glad Rahim was riding with me. For many years I’ve wanted picture with the Wildflower bike cutout. I never noticed that it was an Orbea bike like mine.
Caption (above): Rahim and his triumphant pose!
Caption (above): BBQ time
Caption (above): Learning how to open a beer with no opener
Caption (above): Rahim serenades us.
Caption (above): I can’t say I was feeling particularly motivated on the run. I opted for the Olympic distance run instead of the long course run.
Caption (above): Friends and beer
Caption (above): This picture looks fake.
Caption (above): Love the lake in the morning
Caption (above): Sporting the SF tri gear.
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The bay area is really amazing for cyclists. In our backyard is Napa which on top of being a wine lover’s paradise is also great for cyclists.
Caption (above): We got a good group to join us.
Caption (above): Love vineyard views.
Caption (above): The Silverado trail is a decent 30 mile stretch of road that is flat and has a bike shoulder. Highly recommend it for a fast ride.
Caption (above): Started in Napa and ended in Calistoga (and then back to Napa).
Caption (above): Post-ride drinks
Caption (above): Great views from Domaine-Carneros
Caption (above): Sofia and I
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As I am typing this I realize how much biking I did in April.
I went down to Santa Ynez, Ca to visit Sofia’s parents. Awesome thing was that Santa, Ynez is close to the Solvang time trial for the Tour De California. See:
Sofia’s dad is an avid cyclist so he took us to the time trial course which was fast and beautiful.
Caption (above): Sofia and I
Caption (above): Sofia and her dad
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Caption (above): Hello from 4,456 feet above the Santa Ynez valley. On Sunday Sofia’s dad took me to ride Figueroa Mountain.
Caption (above): I LOVE the wildflowers that were out in full force.
Caption (above): The climb to Figueroa Mountain was a b****. It was 4,400+ feet which is way taller than the highest mountain I had ever bikes (Mt tam at less than 2,500 feet).
Caption (above): Mr. Hendrix asked me to pose triumphantly. I was lightheaded so really felt I was about to fall back into the canyon. No telling if that is sweat or tears on my face.
Caption (above):
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Adding to the crazy sh** I’m up to I thought it would be a good idea to run with 12 people from Calistoga to Santa Cruz for a total 199 miles over 24 hours running day and night.
Caption (above):
Caption (above): Half of our team at the start line.
Caption (above): I should get a shirt with this on it.
Caption (above): KP on the run!
Caption (above): A church welcomes us in the middle of the night.
Caption (above): Recovering from a brutally hot leg.
Caption (above): This leg was killer!
Caption (above): Sleep wherever and whenever you can.
Caption (above): In Napa
Caption (above): Finishing up my first leg. Damn, it was warm out.
Caption (above): Team cheers us on!
Caption (above): This cracked me up.
Caption (above): Our team at the finish line.
This weekend was insane. We started on Saturday at 10am and ended Sunday at 4pm. I loved meeting new people and pushing ourselves was great. Despite the half marathon distance as you don’t sleep your body just breaks down. It was still incredibly awesome. I would do it again.
