At the opening of the deYoung
I parked my beloved ibis mojo in front of the deYoung Museum for a day of professional development today, only to find nothing left but the krypto-lock cable cut clean and lying on the floor.
As if reeling from a dream, I first spoke to the security guards, whose reaction was “Damn, I have a lock just like that! I need to get me a new one!” They suggested I go directly to the police station. As it was 5 blocks away, I resolved to walk back home and drive back to the Richmond side, which was the nearest station in the area. It was getting dark fast, and my heart started to accept the reality of the situation. The officer was nice enough, but from his routine response, I doubt my bike will show up again.
I am going to be hurting for some time. I can’t even think of replacing my only mountain bike. For those of you who ride, especially who have a favorite trail ride, you’ll understand what I’m feeling. I always made sure I spent some miles on it every so often even when I was doing training for century rides. A mountain bike is a soul-mate for those endless climbs, a guide through the hairiest descents.
I’ll try remembering the good times we had. They’ve stolen my bike, but they haven’t taken the heart that still aches to get back on these beautiful trails!
This year I decided to support the BBP rather than ride it. I truly enjoyed every mile of the ride last year, even with the scorching heat and burning legs, I cannot find another ride that compares to the Buddhist Bike Pilgrimage in its incredible support, good company, and the time on and off the bike that I could place myself in the rest of this universe.
As a SAG, I was able to follow the ride, offer assistance, and ride along with Leon and Nikki as they took a break from their own pilgrimage. They made the first leg of the ride, some 30 miles. But with the temperature rising and the steady pace of the riders, Leon and Nikki got on the SAG and we had a great time.
At the last rest stop of Day One, there were so many people who needed to get sagged, Leon decided to get on his bike and ride to the finish. Nikki and I drove the last leg, circling around to pick up or provide water for the remaining riders. It was great fun for us as we sped around the corners, looking for riders, and breathing the warm air from wide-open windows.
We made it to the KOA camp and had a relaxed time. It was much different arriving there as a driver. Last year, I nearly cried seeing my wife waiting for me at the camp. In fact, I first saw our car, and then it didn’t take too long to find her. That was the best feeling. I’ve ridden many centuries much tougher than this one, but seeing her there at the end made it the best. She wasn’t there at the camp, but she came to meet us this time at the second rest stop in Petaluma. That was over an hour of driving north, and she brought sushi for us. I will never forget that. She was the ultimate SAG!
I don’t know what next year will hold, but I hope to be on the ride in some form or other.
Lunch break
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for a training ride. With the Buddhist Bike Pilgrimage approaching on Saturday September 26th, the need for some miles in the log are growing in importance.
Paradise Loop done
This was my first ride that I lead, a relatively easy one for those who have done it many many times. I chose Tiburon (or Paradise Loop) for the estimated time 4.5 hrs, difficulty (mostly rollers) and scenic views. Today we had gorgeous clear blue skies over most of the San Francisco Bay, except for an unusual blanket of fog that lingered below the Golden Gate and remained in the Bay itself throughout most of the day.
Valenda's ride
Sam, David, Steven, and Valenda, who just happened to be in town for work from Boston, and was looking for some training miles for an upcoming multi-day ride in Oregon. David was a volunteer and took a lot of the photos during last year’s ride. Steven, I had met along last year’s pilgrimage. Sam was new to dharmawheels, but he was pumped up to sign up for this year’s ride.
Backview
Valenda will not be around for the Pilgrimage, she mentioned how today’s ride was one of the most fun rides she had ever done. All in all, I am glad everyone stayed together, rode hard, and had a good time. I am looking forward to leading more training rides in the near future.
Back to the fog
Cali takes in the sun at Sports Basement
Today I planned to meet my brother at Sports Basement at the Presidio to help him find a bike to start his new hobby. I had a some extra anxiety because I was reminded that Bella’s (now named Cali) owner worked there.
What chance it would be to find the little girl trotting around the aisles or outside the parking lot. As it turns out, a woman was walking a lean black lab who looked so much like Bella. I immediately recognized the patch of white at her chest and her stride that always seemed a little overly enthusiastic.
So I followed the woman and the dog inside and then lost them to some hidden door. I had to ask another employee if so-n-so was working today.
Soon, he came out and I introduced myself as one of the people who fostered Cali before she found a permanent home. He was very nice and got his wife to bring Cali out to meet me. I couldn’t tell if she remembered me, as she was licking my hand and rubbing against me, but she was doing that with mostly anybody. She is such a friendly girl. Her fur has taken a more sleek black look, and her body and limbs have stretched out so she is not so much puppy-like but more like a mini-lab. She will be growing much more, as she is only 5 months now.
We went outside with her family, and my brother just arrived. She greeted him as if they went way back as well. Oh she is such as happy dog, and she has a sweet life there. I am glad that we were a part of the start of her new life!
What a good girl!
Fog covering the bay
Summer in the City has been foggy and cold.
We San Franciscans know how to appreciate and celebrate a break of sunlight, a blue sky, a street festival, picnic, free concert, or a drink on any given weeknight.
In between the trainings, classes, and planning sessions that fill up my days, I have found an escape in taking my bike down to the explore this beautiful City or the lands across the Golden Gate Bridge. Short or long, these rides provide therapy for my thoughts and anxieties. Questions, doubts, and fears fade away when I stare at the steep road ahead of me. All I know is the pain in my legs, the sweat on my brow, the size of my lungs, and the grip on my handlebars. I also get to admire the landscapes and find beauty in the unexpected as I roll through places like the Headlands or the view of the City from Twin Peaks.
In these moments, I don’t mind the fog. I accept the wind. I savor the drizzle. When I am home again, I know that life is no different.
Here is another test. Wonder if this will show up on openwidesky.com or /echow?
This is just a test to see if the blog is working
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