This morning, the shortest day of the year, it was dark, lonesome, and freezing cold at about 34F. On such days I did what we usually do when it feels like the nose is about to snap off and fingers are without feeling ... I headed straight up Page Mill.
Unlike most days, Page Mill did not get warmer as I gained elevation. Frost was sparkling in the grassy fields beneath the oak trees all the way up to Montebello Ridge, and even the road was frosty most of the way up.
I was rewarded with one of the most beautiful sunrises of the year as I approached Gate 4. Bright red and orange with surprisingly sharp and vivid azure sky mixed in. I wished I had my camera along, but alas, I have no record and you would have had to be there and suffered with me to appreciate its magnificence. I clocked in at Gate 4 37:30 mins after leaving downtown Los Altos (1:20 behind my fastest time), which felt like a good way to finish what may be my last ride of the year ... unless inspiration hits again next week.
I reached Montebello ridge after 49:30 mins, and chatted a bit with another lonely rider I caught up to on the way up from Gate 4. Then a cautious decent on a sparkling road froze my face into a mask, which still has some remaining traces after a hot shower, coffee, and an hour at work.
Hope to see you sorry denizens of the Cornichon team out there next time. Keep in mind that you now can ride 4 days a week in the most excellent company of David and I. Both of us ride Tuesdays and Fridays, David on Wednesdays and I venture out on Thursdays to accommodate extra long distance swims on Wednesdays (did 3*150 + 600 + 500 + 200 last Wedn). Should you feel like a swim, join me in the slow lane on Wednesdays.
Have a happy new year and a joyful holiday!
--- Rune
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1 comment:
Sorry I missed out. I went to work instead to talk with some real Norwegians before they went home for the holiday.
It was definitely colder this morning than any other morning this week so far!
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