June 14 - Retirement Ride

This was my first solo, weekday ride after my retirement, and the first ride after AIDS/LifeCycle 10  (more on that in another post).  This also felt like the first day of summer.  My only concession to the cool morning was a pair of arm warmers, and after the first half-hour, I didn't really need them either.  The conditions on the road to Marshall were just about perfect - 60s, sunny, light breeze, grass still mostly green.  I took my time and enjoyed it.  The birds seemed to be enjoying it too, singing their hearts out.  My legs felt heavy, still tired from last week's trek to LA.

The climb and the downhill seemed to revive me, and I cruised along Tomales Bay.  I must have been lost in reverie, because before I know it I was at the Bovine Bakery, enjoying a Pain d 'Amande and coffee. There was only one other cyclist there, another kindred soul.  We ended up having a long conversation about racing, Lance, doping, the Tour of California, our favorite TdF stages - the usual.  Weekdays are sure quiet in west Marin.

I decided my legs had a little climbing left in them, so I headed for Olema. There's a big hole in the road near the Bear Valley turn, and they've closed  the right lane on a short section of the downhill after Olema, with stop signs at both ends.  Use caution of you go this way.

By the time I got to Nicasio, the temp. had risen into the 80's and my legs were shot, no snap at all.  I had a mocha gel and drank lots of water, and that was enough to get me to La Coppa.  By this time, I had a real salt craving.  I asked the barista who made my iced latte if he had any salt.  He looked at me king of funny, went in the back, and came out with a shaker.  I put some in my hand and licked it up.  Not very elegant, but it got the job done.  I used the 5 miles home as a recovery ride.