Riding with Animals

No, I'm not referring to my teammates--although some of them are total beasts when it comes to training. Our January 9th ride was dubbed "Pig Farm" and this past Saturday's 35 mile ride is commonly known as the "Three Bears". To date, the "Three Bears" ride has been the most difficult--don't let the cute bears fool ya. Notice the expressions on their hirsute faces.

We met at the Orinda Bart Station and Captain Tony led the ride through the idyllic neighborhoods of Orinda and Moraga. At the outset, rolling hills became evident and the first nasty hill was going up Glorietta, which I had to walk a portion of the way (gasping, panting and swearing...). However, this was just a precursor to 'Da Bears, which were still a few miles away. Finally, as Janice and I turned on to Bear Creek Road, I had a feeling of forboding---soon enough, Mama, Papa and Baby Bear did not disappoint.
The hills seemed endless so I really could not say that there were only "3" bears---seemed like a herd to me (do bears come in herds?) The pluses were---only had to walk about 100 yards, there were others who were suffering along beside me, and best of all, the downhill segment was crazy fun! I white knuckled it all the way down, but such an exhilerating rush!!! I knew it held promise when I saw a sign warning trucks to use a low gear due to a steep downhill grade.

Kudos to Tony and Janice for giving me the moral support to get my butt over those hills!