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Erma's Ride Reports 2003
Summaries of 175 rides by Erma riders
Reports of rides (Erma and otherwise) taken this year by the Erma's Diner riders (most recent at top), showing:
- Date of the ride
- Miles ridden
- Route taken (often cryptic)
- Riders who were there
- Report of the happenings
Submit Your Report
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Report archives:
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
1999
| 12/31/2003 |
64, 75* |
Irish Hill to Plymouth, Fiddletown and Mt. Aukum; returning via Steiner, Plymouth and Irish Hill |
John R*, Paul, Chuck |
| It was Paul's first time back on the saddle after his crash so we started out a little hesitantly, but when Paul chose to take the route from Fiddletown to Mt. Aukum it was apparent that he was in fine form. I think Paul's choice of the route was leveraged a bit by John‚s desire to rack up a lot more miles. What a way to finish off the year. Congratulations Paul! John added the Buena Vista loop just for kicks. (CG) |
| 12/28/2003 |
58, 25* |
Camanche, Mokelumni Hill, Hwy 49, Jackson, SC, Ione |
Jim & Penny*, Dave Rogers, Dave Neff |
| T'was a brisk Sunday morning but no risk of rain early and the 4-some expected JR to appear at any moment. Disappointed, we decided on the Camanche loop because J&P planned on a shorter ride than the double Daves wanted. We congratulated Jim on another successful semester of book-learnin'. The Daves said goodbye to J&P a few miles passed the Camanche store. They went left back to Ione; we went right. We took Campo Seco and Paloma Rds to Moke. Hill and then were treated with the long, winding descent on 49 to the river crossing, closing the gap on the Harley and autos that had a head start. Dave R. in fact passed the Harley, much to the anger (embarassment?) of the biker. All in all it was an excellent (and dry) outing. Missed the rest of you. (DN) |
| 12/26/2003 |
67, 53* |
Boxing Day Ride: Irish Hills Plymouth, Mt Aukum Tyler Fiddletown |
John R, Jim G, Steve H, Ed*, Mike and Charity |
There was no rain, some sun and lots od cold as we did JR's first annual Boxing Day ride. Instead of packing up our leftovers for the servants we worked our indiscretions of X-mas. Steve told Charity and Mike they would really enjoy Tyler on their tandem (smooth as a baby's bottom) and they went for it. Ed and our newly discovered scholar J.G. discussed the nuances of Shakespeare and medieval English while the rest of us just admired the clear blue sky. Ed turned around at Steiner mentioning he had to test the new Starbucks at Jerry and Erika's new winery on Shenandoah School Road as the rest of us went up to Mt Aukum. The ride on Tyler was just as good as promised with roaring streams and occassional deer. J.R. took off on Irish Hill as Steve's derailler went south but we all got home safely. SWH
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| 12/21/2003 |
|
Butte Mtn. Loop vice Shenandoah area. |
Carolle and Steve; Karen; John R (68),
Steve H; Charity and Mike (53), Jim (30), Chuck(24) |
Thanks to the rainy weather a few riders that rode today hadn't been on
their bikes for 4 weeks or more. Therefore, a route that would be relatively
kind to them was on the menu for today. Dr. Steve's suggestion to head for
the uncrowded Shenandoah area was accepted so off we rode. However , by the
time we reached the intersection of Five Mile Rd. and Highway 104, the
thick, damp, cold fog was moving in quite quickly. No one wanted to head
into that mess so we gave it a hard right rudder to avoid any more fog and
enjoyed a great day in the sunshine . On Sutter Creek-Ione Rd. the McGrath
tandem experience a flat thanks to a faulty valve stem that other riders
have experienced of late. Just before the descent into Sutter Creek , Chuck
wished everyone a Merry Xmas and headed back to celebrate an early Xmas with
his daughter Michelle before leaving for Seattle for the holidays with his
son Charlie and family. Sorry he had to leave the ride early but he'll be
getting in some miles after he returns from Seattle . After climbing Sutter
Hill Rd., while the McGraths and Karen headed up the highway, Jim started to
feel a bit punk so he had to abandon . Sorry Jim but Chris, home from DC,
was glad to have you home early. The ride around Butte Mtn. was quite warm
thanks to an abundance of sunshine and zero wind. Upon returning to Sutter
Creek Charity, Mike, Carolle, Steve, Karen, and JR had a bite to eat at
Crossroads while Steve H headed for home. After their snack, Charity and
Mike headed for Ione while, with the added fuel ,the McGraths and Rovanes
headed for Willow Creek and then Irish Hill. As usual the pace on Irish Hill
quickened with JR out front with the McGrath tandem and KR chasing furiously
. Having been off the bike for 4 weeks, Karen amazed everyone by ,once
again ,being able to dig deep and giving it a good go . Great ride as usual
which made going to work the next day not so bad after all. Seasons
greetings to all. (JR) |
| 12/9/2003 |
28 |
Tour of the three Clintons |
Steve H.,Gene, Paul |
The weather looked menacing so some folks stayed home but we wanted a route where we could always get back in case of rain. Soooo Paul took us on the Tour De Clintons. We solved world problems just as the Clintons tried and swapeed stories of guitar playing in the 70.s Sfter hiking up Sutter Hill and over to Jackson we headed up "Bill" Clinton all the way up to" Hilary " (East Clinton) and past Coco,s Curve without mishap. At the junction we went on to" Chelsea" (West Clinton) all the way to 88. These Clinton,s were circuitus, dangerous at times and I had no idea where he was taking us. (When is a ride not a ride?) We went up 88 and cut through to Pioneer Trail which is good climb up to climax-I always knew I would get there!-it just takes more time now. From there we went down to Shake Ridge and then Old Shake Ridge and cutting accross some other subdivision ending up on 49 and downhill to home. Ahead of the rain and many feet of climbing. Thanks Paul SWH
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| 12/7/2003 |
52 |
Ione,Irish Hill Plymouth Ostrum Fiddletown and return |
Steve H.,Mike and Charity |
It turned out this was the one day to ride this weekend but very few of us had the time and/or the faith. I suspect the marathon was great with good weather for the first time. Charity and Mike from Galt showed up hoping to see other tandems but they were all tucked away assuming rain. We had a liesurely ride through the vineyards complete with running commentary from your truly. They were fun to ride with and I hope to see them again. Maybe next week no rain. SWH
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| 12/7/2003 |
26.2 |
California Internatioinal Marathon |
Scott, PJ, Ed, Larry R, Kathy A, and about 5000 others |
| It turned out to be a perfect day for the marathon. We were all relieved. Thanks to Scott for riding again as a bike marshal--this year in the wheelchair crew. Larry again organized and led the advanced crew that sets the course ahead of the race. Kathy did her usual job riding back in the pack, following the first woman. PJ served double duty off the bike by putting out barricades the night before and working at an aid station during the race. The bike marshal crew saved the day more than once during the race. Thanks to all 30 of them for their hard work. The only disappointment: didn't see Dave Neff standing out in the median this year--weather too good, I guess. (Ed) |
| 11/30/2003 |
sadly , none |
None planned |
(rather coffee house customers) Chuck, Karen, John R |
| Well the stroke of good luck finally broke and bad weather ruined the Sunday ride. About 15 minutes before the scheduled start time the rain started and the wet stuff looked and felt like it would be around for quite awhile. So Chuck, KR, and JR headed for the coffee house , had a mocha , some good chit-chat, and then headed for home. Too bad the storm , which wasn't much (JR) |
| 11/28/2003 |
77, etc. |
Post Turkey Day Ride (Camanche Blues,Jackson, Butte Mtn., Sutter Cr.) |
Steve M, John R. (77); Ed, Ray, Mike A, Ken J. ( 60); Mark (40); Al Q. (47); Mike and Charity (45); Don S (25) |
| Despite reports of sprinkles on the windshield from Mike and Charity coming from Galt and from Mike and Ken coming from Sacto., mother nature was indeed kind to us by giving us great weather for this time of the year for Erma's Post Turkey Day Ride. We had a special guest today ....Mark Edwards of Santa Cruz who , along with his wife, was spending Thanksgiving in Pine Grove with his parents. Bill Tanner told him about Ermas and we're glad Mark was able to join us. We rode out Five Mile Rd. heading for Camanche Blues. At the wishing well on Stoney Cr. Don S. decided on a flatter route. At the end of Stoney Cr. Mike and Charity headed for port by taking Argonaut. Al Q. turned back when we got to Jackson despite encouragement from the bunch to ride a few more miles. Mark headed for PIne Grove after riding Butte Mtn. while the rest of us headed back into Jackson and then to Sutter Creek. Mark, glad you came out with ERMAS and enjoyed the route and the peleton and that you will be back for more miles during the Xmas and New Year's holidays. At the intersection of Ione-Sutter Cr.-Hiway 124 Ed, Ray, MIke, and KJ turned for Ione while Steve and JR went on and rode Willow Cr. and Irish Hlll. Good route and good weather made for a fine day . Even the motorists seemed to be in fine spirit. See ya next time. (JR) |
| 11/27/2003 |
40 |
Turkey Day Ride: Danvile PLeasanton Tassajara |
Steve Honeychurch and 300-400 more |
| The crowd began to gather at Californnia Peddler at 8:30 and really swelled at 9 with the arrival of multiple clubs and race teams. There seemed to be few individual jerseys, mostly groups of teams colofully gathering in groups. The Duros in their brightly colored red Wendys jerseys, the Silks in their gold,the Left Coast in their flourescent green,the Vaninnis junior team in their yellow and in true yuppiedom fashion the Morgan Stanley team with matching Red skunk works bicycles. Even the Christian Cycling.com team was there. Oh and me and my solitary Ermas jersey. It was a nice critical mass ride going out taking up two lanes of traffic (no one should be out in a car there at this time) We had our usual stop to pee by the side of the road at 580 before the race back but the difference is with all the devel;opment it goes in someones yard instead of vacant farmland. It was a great race back and I manage to hang in the second peleton by cunning getting on the wheel of a very fast tandem riden by Fred-the old Euro pro and my friend Marsha . You tandem riders would enjoy this-nothing like coming out of Blackhawk in back of a tandem at 55 mph and this only a gradual downhill. Safe ride this year for a change-no crashes of significance and hot apple cider at the end. SWH |
| 11/25/2003 |
46 |
S.C. Reverse Watercourse (Turner) New Chicago, Drytown Carbondale,Irish Hill, Pardee, Stoney CreekJackson |
Steve H.,Paul, Stockton Boy,Gene.Special Guest Karen |
| ARRP riders wondered "who is this woman waiting for someone?" She was waiting for us! I t was great to have Karen ride with us which cleaned up our mouths but pushed our legs. A great day for cycling as long as you had enough clothes on. Doing watercourse backwards gives a whole new view to the route tho" coming out of Drytown on 49 is not for the faint of heart. Going up Stoney Creek Steve broke his crank at the bottom bracket and had to stop every 100 yards to tighten it down again. Many comments on famous Italien workmanship followed with Paul giving his stories of his Fiat (Fix it again Toney) We did make it to the top tho" with the nce downhill back to S.C. We adjourned for coffee where some of Karens friends were waiting and found out that she really doesn't work everyday. SWH |
| 11/23/2003 |
50, 33* |
Camanche Blues, Irish Hill , Willow Creek |
Carolle and Steve; Dave B; Chuck; Karen; John R; Mike and Charity, Jim and Penny* |
| The plan for today was to take on a pretty tough route. We headed out 5 Mile Rd., Curran Rd. , and up to Camanche Blues with all intentions of heading up Stoney Creek to Jackson and then around Butte Mtn.. Well at Camanche Blues ,everyone's enthusiasm for that tough of ride had gradually evaporated. Newcomers to ERMAS, Charity and MIke, probably wanted to ride further but they were good sports and stayed with us to the end and are looking forward, like the rest of us ,to a longer ride on Friday .... if the weather will bless us with dry conditions. So the route was changed to head back to Ione and finish off a fine day for riding by at least giving Irish HIll and Willow Creek a go. At the "finish" in Ione ,with the bikes all loaded, we realized we should have done 10 more miles to equal JR's new age !Chuck was willing but all the dirty looks squelched that plan and we all headed home . It was a great day for a birthday ride and with such fine friends, turning 60 was quite pleasant indeed. Looking forward to the Post Turkey Day Ride this Friday so hope to see lots of you in attendance. "Keep on the sunnyside". (JR) |
| 11/22/2003 |
45 |
Usual Coffee |
Steve Honeychurch |
| I waited in the Ione parking lot until 9:15 andno one showed up but the day was sunny with a very definte chill in the air-something like Adm Byrd's expedition. Warming up going up to S.C. I decided to have a linger coup of moocha at the coffeee shop. The server said "you are riding on a day this cold?"It really was very pleasant except for part of S.C. -Volcano Road with smell of burning wood, trash papers or whatever could burn billowing smoke in the air. The downside of this is you take in large amount of this particulate matter in your lungs which gives many people including me exercised induced asthma. Turning around at Volcano I passed John R, Karen Steve M.,Carol and Gene just starting up. It seems now that John R. has entered his seventh decade of life he is on Hawaian Standard time and they started late from upcountry. See all you Saturday riders next week I hope. SWH |
| 11/18/2003 |
37 |
Wildlife |
Steve H.,Paul, Jim, and Gene |
| Gene rejoined our small peleton today as we had probably the only real ridable day of the week-if you don't mind a little "bite" in the air or in the case of Sutter Creek-Volcano Road a giant shark bite. When you blow your nose you could kill a squirrel if you hit it right. Once we were going up to Red Corral it was fine and Gene showed us why he is still an olympic champion. Coming down Newton's law takes effect however. At Bills we ran into Steve M. who had just gotten off jury duty and he didn't know exactly why he was excused as he put his already knotted rope back in the truck. Some lawyers may not have appreciated it. A long coffee hour ensued while we consider our new governor of Calley-Fornia. Soon we will all call it that. SWH |
| 11/16/2003 |
(77) John and Karen, (56) Steve and Carolle, (44) Steve H. |
Route Comanche Blue, Stoney Creek Jackson Butte, Jackson etc |
Steve H.,Steve and Carol M.,John and Karen |
It was a beautiful day after Saturday,s rain but most folks must have stayed in bed.as nobody was on the road. Heading over to Comanche stretching our legs. Pardee is closed for the seson so don't plan on water or bathrooms there until Feb 6 2004. Steve pulled away from the domestic partners going up Stoney Creek exercising the Calfee Dragonfly. There was an agenda involved for there was a release party for his Viognior in Lockford in the afternoon. Steve and Carol were trying to ride single bikes but Steve missed the regular instructions coming from his stoker tp push him along. John and Karen were getting maximum miles for the day touring the entire foothills. Who knows where they went? A perfect day to ride between storms. SWH
Heading down to Ione, I had to ask myself what month this was. The weather was warm and sunny and seasonably warm, with no rain in sight. We pulled into the parking lot too see Steve H. getting ready. I could not believe that more people didn‚t show up for today‚s ride. We couldn‚t ask for better weather, or better company.
We headed out across Marlette; I‚m sure glad I listened to Karen, and put my leg and arm warmers on, because it was about 50 degrees. Once we turned on Five Mile Rd, the temperature started warming up, just as John promised. We made our way over to Comanche Blues; we had to adjust Carolle‚s front derailleur, due to the fact it was stuck in the big chain ring. Once we made the adjustments, we headed up Stony Creek. Steve H had afternoon appointments, so he headed up to the high school, then back to Ione. As for Karen, Carolle, and myself (Who have not ridden for three weeks) the pace was painfully slow for John, (who is in top form) but he seemed to make the best of the situation by riding vulture circles around all three of us. Once in Jackson, we stopped at the bathrooms then headed up and around Butte Mt. The pace back to Sutter Creek was fast. I guess the thought of eating sandwiches at Back Roads Café pushed the pace higher than normal. We enjoyed a great lunch, then headed for home, well, some of us anyway, John and Karen wanted 80 miles for the day, as for Carolle and myself, we were content to ride 50 miles. Sorry more Erma‚s couldn‚t come out and enjoy the perfect weather. Hope to see you next week. SMc |
| 11/11/2003 |
39 |
SC, Ione, IH, Plymouth, Drytown, New Chicago, coffee |
Steve H, Paul, Don S, Jeff, Ron, Ed, PJ, Hux, Jerry Wier 87; John R 80 |
Somebody will have to keep an eye on me and be ready to pinch me or slap me back to my senses--I'm beginning to believe Steve Honeychurch. These AARP guys (no women this day) have created a great way to shape Tuesday mornings. Because John R was planning to start later in Ione, Steve planned a round-about "water route"--Irish Hill, Forest Home, Plymouth, Hwy 49, Drytown, Turner, New Chicago, back to Sutter Creek. It was a beautiful day (70 degrees), spectacular view of the snow-capped Sierra peaks, and a beautiful route--New Chicago is a narrow, tree-lined, classic European-like road. I stopped to talk to a woman with a for-sale sign in front of her house on New Chicago. Unfortunately, it (and its view of Pyramid Peak) had just sold--for $300K. Back in SC, we did the usual AARP thang of talking about naked women (earlier Steve handed out car parts posters with photos of twins on them) and drinking a favorite caffeine-based beverage in addition to trading veteran stories (all except PJ, who looked great in his new Phonak team gear, but kept saying, "What? What?" for some reason). I can see why this can become a Tuesday habit. (EH)
This was my first AARP Erma Ride and it was, as Jim Gray says, "just dandy". Thanks to Steve and the rest of the AARP peleton for riding down to Ione to hook up with me and then with Jerry on Irish Hill Rd.. By the way, Jerry was "shocked to see this massive group" heading towards him and was relieved to recognize a few of the riders. After returning to Sutter Creek, home base of the Tuesday bunch, Jeff decided to keep on riding and joined JW and JR for a few more miles. Lots of chit-chat up "the Creek Rd." and it was a good way to get to know Jeff. He enjoyed the ride with ERMAS and hopefully he'll be out again. In Volcano Jeff headed back to SC to meet a buddy to do some hiking while JW and JR headed up Volcano-Pioneer Rd.. In Pine Grove we stopped by Karen's work and got her to join us for a much needed lunch break at Sue's Coffee House. Karen was quite envious of our good fortune to be out riding but hey, someone has to have fun while others keep the GNP increasing. After lunch, in order to complete our intended route, we realized we needed to pick up the pace just a bit since daylight could be a problem . We definitely gave it a good go but in Sutter Creek we knew we had lost the fight and backed off the pace a bit. At the Ione-Sutter Cr.-Hiway 124 intersection JW headed for WC and home while JR headed for Ione and was lucky to have enough daylight to give it a go towards the prison and then back into Ione via 5 Mile Rd. and Marlette. Great day and I'm already looking forward to the next ride .... and to next year at this time when I will be officially retired and be able to join the ranks of the AARP Tuesday gang .(JR) |
| 11/8/2003 |
53 |
IH, WC, SC, Incognito, Stoney, Jackson Valley |
Ed, Lee, Ray |
| It was one of those days that you debated whether or not to get out of bed because of the rain. The roads were still dry, but it was windy and the dark clouds above threatened to unleash a downpour. After a quick phone call to Ed, we decided to take a chance and let the raindrops fall as they may. As Lee and I pulled into the parking lot, Ed's car was the only familiar car there. We opted to stay close to Ione in case the heavens opened up. We headed out for Irish Hill and Willow Creek under mild temperatures. Along the way we saw a few individuals, followed by scattered groups of cyclists going in opposite direction on Willow Creek and onto Tonzi. Someone yelled at Ed, but we couldn't tell who it was. As we turned onto Sutter-Ione and got to the high school, we saw the same group of cyclist had just come up Tonzi and found out it was a Wheelmen ride. The wind had picked up and was howling. It was reminiscent of a very windy ride we did over Stoney Creek last winter. With that in mind, we headed to Jackson to say "hi" to Judy and for our regular espresso fix. The trip down Stoney was challenging, and provided a pretty good workout. Headwinds and crosswinds battered us all the way down. When Lee took off up the hill, I opted to let him go and save something in the tank for the TT into BV. With the wind at our back, we flew into BV in record time. As we pulled into Ione, the white caps weren't present on Lake Ione, but we stayed dry all day. It turned out to be one of those rides, when at the end, we could say "Boy, I'm glad I didn't stay home!" (RC) |
| 11/2/2003 |
53, 37, 20 |
IH, WC, Sutter Creek, WC, IH. |
Dave N; Karen ; John (53); Chuck; Dave B; Steve H (37); Jim and Penny (20) |
| Rather cool in the parking lot so extra gear was in order for most of the ride. Karen's idea to ride "The Butte Mtn.Loop" was accepted warmly so off we headed for Irish Hill, Willow Cr., and then up to Sutter Creek. Jim and Penny called it a day at the Ione -Sutter Cr. intersection. Great to see Penny feeling and riding better! In Sutter Creek it was colder and darker and it looked as though the weather folk's prediction for rain by early afternoon was a correct one. So Dave Neff's suggestion to head back and retrace our route on Willow Cr. and Irish Hill became the route. This change in the game plan worked out "dandy" since Steve H and Dave B had to be back a bit early anyhow. At the Ione-Sutter Cr./Hiway 124 Chuck "abandoned" to go home and spend some quality time with Carol. So only the threesome of Dave N, KR, and JR continued spurred on by the thought of enjoying a burrito later in Ione. Good pace on WC and even more so on IH ....as usual. Back in Ione we quickly headed for the cantina but much to our chagrin it was "closed for repairs". Other than that minor disappointment the ride with special friends was a fine day indeed. (JR) |
| 11/1/2003 |
45, 40* |
SC, Jackson, Stoney, South Camanche, Curran |
Gene*, Michael*, Ray, Lee, Coconut, Ed |
| I was afraid of this ride--it looked as though it was going to be cold, and I hadn't been on the bike for two weeks, since being sick. Ray was in the same boat, but it doesn't seem to affect him as much. We compared notes and had both finally cleared out our lungs only a few days before and were very disappointed to miss the Halloween ride--the first one I've missed. But it also feels good to be well again. As it turned out, the day was not as cold as we thought and even turned out to be a sunny, warm, spring-like day. It helps that the time change and the later ride start makes our start the equivalent of 10am. I was afraid to try too long a ride, and MK and Gene had to get back, so we opted to head straight down Stoney from Judy's coffee shop (which won first prize for Halloween decoration). There, MK and GP headed straight in, while the rest of us turned left at wishing well and took South Camanche non-stop back via Curran and Jackson Valley. Fortunately, Ray was in "kinder, gentler" off-season mode heading down Stoney, but was back into Ray Train mode on Jackson Valley, doing all the pulling into the headwind. What a treat of a day it turned out to be--pleasant weather, a good, comfortable ride with lots of fun and catching up, inlcuding Coco's report of the Halloween ride, making me really eager to see the photos and even more disappointed that I missed the great costumes. (EH) |
| 10/28/2003 |
56 |
Plymouth-Omo Ranch-Cooks Station Shake Ridge-Plymouth |
Steve H.,Jim G..,Dave B.,Paul,Al the pal, Coconut Al |
| It was to be the last ride of the year up Omo Ranch with absolutely great but warm record-setting weather. After leaving beautiful downtown Plymouth and the new Plymouth Playground where the new Ermas bench will reside we meandered through the Shenandoah Valley counting the new wineries. Dave shot ahead as he wasn't used to not having a 25 lb bike and a 20 lb trailer on the back. We filled up at Mt Aukum as we knew if we went on to the school ground at Omo Ranch the sheriff and John Ashcroft would have our pictures in the post office. As it was we did meet an older fellow in a pickup truck who said he used to be the sheriff and would ride with us if he didn't have a "bum leg" The ride to Cooks station was scenic with abundant shade which w3aqs welcome. Going down to the Dewdrop CDF station for water we found no one was home -they were all down inS.C. fighting fires. The operative word down shake ridge was Attack! attack! attack! Young vs. old (experienced) which made for an exciting ride down. By the time we got to Plymouth we were spent! See nyou nhext week in Sutter Creek. SWH |
| 10/25/2003 |
50; *(?); **28 |
Standard Sat. Ride |
Jill; Al; Larry and Gayle; Steve and Carolle; Steve H; Dave B; Dave N; Karen ; John; Gail*; Debbie*; Bob*; Jim and Penny** |
| The Fifth Annual Erma's Diner Halloween Ride was a success and all who attended enjoyed the day . Even residents and motorists seemed to appreciate our festive mood . That is with the exception for one jerk some of us encountered on Shakeridge Rd.....now renamed by Dave B as Redneckridge Rd.. After lots of photos it was decided that "The Sat. Ride" would be the route for today. Before heading out the unseasonably warm weather made it necessary for Larry , a rabbit, and Gayle, a cat , to "modify" their homemade costumes a bit. Really GREAT costumes and it was too bad the temperature wasn't a bit more typical for this time of the year so they could have ridden in them all day. Other costumes included: a turkey (Jill); a turkey hunter (Al); scrub nurses (Steve and Carolle); wicked witch (Steve H); "Mr. Universe" (Dave N); a bumble bee (Gail); a rancher (Bob); spiders (Jim and Penny): Mickey and Minnie mouse (John and Karen). These all were great costumes but one other really stood out .... a Cal-Trans worker, Dave B. ! Not only did he have a Cal-Trans orange bike but also a orange trailer complete with a port-a-potty, broom, and a cooler with beer! As might be expected the pace was a little slower most of the time thanks to the extra clothing not needed today since the weather was so warm/hot. After a break in Volcano we pushed onward with Dave N., flexing his "Mr. Universe" muscles, leading the peleton up Ram's Horn Grade. Heading down Shakeridge, rather Redneckridge, Jill encountered a second tire problem which later caused her to "abandon" the Halloween Tour in Sutter Creek , no longer having any faith in her Panaracer tires .... good decision Jill. At the intersection of Hiway 124 and Ione-Sutter Cr. Rd., we regrouped and it became quite apparent the "Mr. Universe" was in a bit of bother .... his muscles had turned to flab, much like Gov. Arnold S.'s these days, literally retaining water due to condensation inside his massive body, and now was sporting a serious "dick-do". (For the record: actually Dave's body fan's battery "died" causing the loss of muscle tone). Back in Ione most of us headed for some delicious Mexican food as a reward for a good day of riding. Oh, the winning costume ???? "The envelope please .... the winner is .... everyone!!" Thanks for making the Halloween Ride so much fun. (JR) |
| 10/19/2003 |
68; Larry and Jeff 25 |
IH;WC; Ione-Sutter Cr.; Volcano; Rams Horn; Shakeridge etc. |
Chuck; Dave N; Dave B; Jill; Al; Karen; John R;Larry; and Jeff(Larry's son-in-law) |
| Chuck wanted to ride where it was cool so it was decided that a ride to Lockwood Jct. would be "cool". Along with Larry , we introduced his son in law, Jeff, to Erma Country by riding Irish Hill, Willow Creek, and part of Ione-Sutter Cr. Rd. before Larry and Jeff called it a day. Hopefully Jeff enjoyed the experience and that he still thinks Larry is a pretty good father in law after subjecting him to some hilly terrain. Chuck, after watching a Lance Armstrong interview about how he enjoyed getting his heart rate into the 190 range, decided to give it a try .... not once but twice ! First on Irish Hill and then again on "The Creek Rd" chasing Dave Neff ! He survived the experiment but looked to be in a bit of bother in Volcano. After the break in Volcano we headed up Ram's Horn Grade and at Daffodil Hill the decision was made to forget being "cool" and not head for Lockwood but head back Shakeridge. Good pace all the way back to Ione and ,as usual, it was another good ride with good weather to go along with good friends. See ya all on the Halloween Ride ....what surprize will happen this year? (JR) |
| 10/18/2003 |
39 |
Jackson Valley Stoney Creek, Incognito, S.C. Ione
|
Steve H. Ray, Ed |
| This was the first ride with new 9 a.m. ride time but people were still in bed except in Ione where it was the annual city garage sale where everyone put everything out for sale on their driveway and their neighbors all buy it-a zero sum game. The monster ride up Slug Gulch fizzled somewhat asEd was recuperating from his birthday party (he is entering his seventh decade of life!) and Ray was recuperating from his birthday bash with his midnight ascent of half dome. Great pictures Ray-the new Ansel Adams. Steve had to slow down going up Stoney Creek to let the wounded weekend warriors catch up. Judy at Incognito was happy to see us and fill us with smoothies and caps. Ed led us down from Sutter Creek to Ione as we struggled to stay behind (as opposed to passing) A nice well paced ride to clear out the vapors. Next week Holloween SWH |
| 10/18/2003 |
109 |
Foxy's Fall Century |
Steve & Carolle, Larry, Hux, Jim |
| Because the last two special event reports and the last ten or so regular reports I have humbly submited have joined the country's Magellan spacecraft somewhere in the deeper reaches of outer space, here is the short version. The weather was beautiful ( The usual hurrrrrricane was missing), the McGraths were awsome, Larry and Hux were too, because they were all so strong I never had my nose in wind at all, (thanks everyone), thanks to all their help I did my fastest century ever, the food was great, Steve did not kill the EEEEEDIIOT that almost tipped them over, it did seem that the Davis Bike Club was scraping the bucket for help when we found T. F. N. working the first rest stop ( just kidding Dave). It was just a great ride and we even made some new friends along the way. We do hope the couple from San Jose comes up to see us real soon. The ride started with our lovely tandem couple pulling about fifty people at twenty-five and ended with them pulling about as many at twenty. They probably would have killed me if Steve didn't have a cold. (JG) |
| 10/15/2003 |
50 |
Bowman, Clipper Gap, Applegate, Weimar, Colfax, Iowa Hill and back |
John B, Ed |
JB and I have been doing rides on our birthdays for quite a while now. For John's earlier this year, we did the Sierra Century. For mine this week, we did probably our all-time favorite foothill route. We meet at Machado's fruit stand just beyond Auburn next to I-80. That way, we're right next to the pies when we get back. This was a no-rush day, at least when it started. We both had to get back to Sacramento, but not until evening, so it seemed we had a whole, long, lazy day ahead of us--lazy with hills, that is. We sauntered on a side road to view the old Dry Creek powerhouse and were treated to a autumnal display of fire-red wild grape covering the lower half of the building. Then up past Christian Valley, Meadow Vista, Clipper Gap, and skirting Applegate to drop by a friend's house and get a tour of his estate along with refills. Then up through Weimar, Chicago Park, and to the edge of Colfax, where we turned toward Iowa Hill. Immediately, we were descending the 3-mile downhill that we've done before, but this time, new asphalt had been put down in patches. JB hit one. I heard his wheels skidding through the gravel and instinctively pulled on the brakes. Up ahead, he righted himself from an almost certain dump and yelled for me to watch out for the gravel. The sound of his wheels was enough for me. I was already slowed and watchful. We took it easy from then on, ending at the new bridge over the north fork of the American River. The river there is far down a steep V-shaped canyon. Far up we could just make out the gravel overflow showing the train track. Just upstream from the new bridge is the old one, a steel beam framework with a wooden deck. Still open for walkers. After some photos of the canyon and river, we headed up the other side, which John had done as part of the World's Toughest Century last year, but I had never done. The "hostess" at the campground there at the bottom told me that Iowa Hill was 6 miles. I was thinking that my half bottle of water would last me in these moderate temperatures for a quick 6-mi jog. After a mile of steep climbing, I changed my assessment radically. It was like a long, steady, unrelenting Slug Gulch. That steep part was only 2 miles long, but it felt like 10 and took longer than 10 would on the flat. But the rest of the ride to "town" was a pleasant and extremely scenic set of rollers, tending upward. We rolled through an area called the "Iowa Hill Tunnel." No, there's no rock tunnel. It's a tunnel of treels. It was like a Disney nature ride. We were "wow"ing right and left, pointing, pivoting our heads, slowing constantly to see everything--the ancient stone culvert, the acres of blackberries covering the roadside creek, the wild grapes that twined out of the blackberry vines, into the trees and then reached from tree to tree, forming arches and finally a canopy of color, shaping the sky into patches of blue and wispy cloud. After that, we broke out into pine and manzanita country. We knew we were reaching civilization when there was more than one mailbox every mile. Then we were in Iowa Hill. As far as we could tell, it consists of an old cabin that could be a museum or just a cabin. We couldn't tell. And then there's the "store." It's rustic. It's the definition of rustic. It has chairs on the porch. Not one matches another. Everything in the "store" had been rejected by a thrift store somewhere, and I mean that in the good sense. The entire town was there--either on the porch (half the town) or running the store (the other half). We went into the "store" part to buy some water, but there was none. In fact, there wasn't much of anything. If a house had a pantry as skimpy as this store's shelves, we'd take up a collection to help out the family. The woman behind the bar told us to come over to the "bar" side of the building if we wanted water. A guy at the bar asked if we were old enough. That was not to be his last age joke. But by the end of our stay there, they were sharing their wild grapes, their knowledge of the local roads, and their curiosity about a couple of guys dressed in lycra and riding skinny bikes. As we hung out at the bar, the school bus dropped off the owner's kids, and the town's population doubled instantly. We could tell it was getting crowded, so we started moving out, leaving our new best friends. By then, we'd dawdled so much that we figured we'd better head straight back. On the way down, JB had the same tire problem that Coco did recently--sidewall ripped away from the bead--beware of Hutchinson's. By the time we got it all figured out (we thought), we'd used all his and my tubes as well as (more importantly) all our CO2 cartridges (no pump). Bam. Another blowout. Nothing we could do. I rode the mile down to the "hostess" to see about a pump. I was in negotiation with her when JB rolled slowly and gingerly down on his near-flat tire. Eventually we got her Craftsman compressor to work and got JB's tire booted and holding enough air to finish the ride. But by then, it was time we were due in Auburn, especially for JB to get back to Sac. We climbed the 3 miles out of the canyon to Colfax and then hit it hard, making the 15-mi (downward-tending) run in just over 30 min. JB had to rush back to lead a practice at his church. He made it with 5 min to spare. I had time to buy a pie to take for dessert for my birthday dinner with family. What fun. What a birthday present. Thanks, JB. (Ed)
see pix: http://bdigitaldesign.com/e_birthday/ |
| 10/12/2003 |
64 |
Fiddletown/Mt.Aukum |
Jill; Al; Chuck; Jerry Wier; Karen; John R. |
| With each morning the sun is seemingly taking its sweet time showing up thus making getting out of the sack for the 8 o'clock start more difficult. However to have missed such a fine day to ride in Erma Country due to being lazy would have been a shame indeed. With 6 of the Sunday regulars riding the Wine and Cheese Century Chuck, KR, and JR were joined by 2 regular Sat. riders Jill and Al, who gave up the church pew for the bike seat, and Jerry Wier recently back from riding across Canada ( 4 months and 6,000 miles!) A bit cool at the start that prompted talk about starting @ 9 o'clock from now on until the warmer weather returns next year. By the time we reached Irish Hll the sun was doing a fine job in making the temperature for riding "first rate". Good pace all the way to Plymouth where we met up with Kevin et al. Headed for Fiddletown, gave "Chatter" his treats and then moved on to Mt. Aukum and took a short break. Good ride all the way back to Ione with everyone giving it a good go on Irish Hill. For a job well done most of us headed for a little treat at the Mexican restaurant. Good ride with good friends. Who could ask for more ! "Keep on the sunnyside"! (JR) |
| 10/11/2003 |
60 |
Sutter Creek, Jackson, Chinese Graveyard, Argonaut, Stoney, Campo Seco, Camanche, Curran |
Michael K, Ed |
| It's Ray's birthday. As MK and I shivered in the parking lot at Ione, we hoped Ray, who saw the sunrise from the top of Half Dome, had taken his down parka. MK put on all the clothes we had and started uphill to warm up. By Sutter-Ione Rd, we were comfortable. In fact, it turned out to be one of the prettiest days of the year. Even though I like the heat, I have to admit that this day was about perfect for cycling--clean air, moderate temps, late summer hinting of fall. At Jackson, we no longer needed to get inside to warm up, but couldn't resist a visit with Judy and "the mayor" of Jackson. Besides picking up my free espresso (I've now filled my coffee card twice), we got to chat a bit with a couple of marines stationed at 29 Palms about living in the desert. We decided to forego Hoffman and take the scenic route via Chinese Graveyard, Jackson Gate, and Argonaut to Stoney. A refil at Pardee and then the circuit (first time for MK) of Campo Seco and then over for a quick stop for refilling at Camance Village. Some good teamwork got us back to Ione feeling as though we had a good workout but without being drained. Great, smooth ride and conversation. (EH) |
| 10/7/2003 |
37 for everyone but Larry 61 |
Widlife |
Steve H., Gene, Paul, S. Boy, Al D.,Larry H., & Jim |
| Because the last three attemts at reporting rides have resulted in painfull cyber-derailments I am going to file the short form. The weather was terrific, Al brought out a very good rider who's name I forgot (sorry bout that), Larry took a day off and made a special guest appearance, and most importantly it was Gene's birthday! We all had a great time and really enjoyed hanging around with Al"s friend and hope he comes back out. Even if I did forget his name. Gene turned 77 today. While his physical abilities amaze and inspire all of us I must say after getting to know him that I am am just as inspired by what a great person he is. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Gene. As I said before my last three efforts went off into cyber-space and are probably dodging meteors somewhere, so here goes nothing. JG |
| 10/5/2003 |
22 |
Mt Diablo Challenge |
Steve H and 800+ |
| For those who have never ridden the Diablo Challenge, it is a hoot! It is a mass start with the elite and cat 1-3's in the front five ranks or so. That is the last you will see of them. For us mid pack folks it is a good climb with many people passing at the start but catching some others on the last leg. I did see another Ermas jersey on someione named Ken who said he works with John Rovane. I did manage to beat the three unicyclists which was not easy. Those guys are awesome! Got passed by a tandem with a 11 year old girl on the back-you figure. Try it sometime. (SWH) |
| 10/4/2003 |
67 |
The "coffee ride" sans coffee stop plus Irish Hill and Willow Creek |
Dave B., Larry Hayes, Chuck, Don and Paul |
The five of us left Ione at 8:15 a.m. in the midst of several Wheelmen who were riding a different route--we met them at Volcano later in the morning.
Larry originally wanted to ride to Alaska (or some other equally outlandish route) but better sense prevailed, hence the ride we did. The 67 miles and 5200 feet of climbing were just right for the beautiful day, wonderful roads (mostly), and generally courteous traffic. BUT, of the five of us, only one, Chuck, had an uneventful ride. Larry unshipped his chain and twisted a link so bad his derailleur kept torquing each time the chain passed through it. So, we removed two links and reminded him that his big-big combination probably wouldn't work. He forgot. Bent his rear derrailleur and stopped for a second repair. It was successful. Don was next--he also unshipped his chain and had to stop on a hill--no biggie. Next up was Paul who abandoned the ride at Volcano. Then Dave's rear tire softened. So, at the top of Papa Bear plus some of the next hill, he stopped to put air in in only to find that his pump's gasket didn't hold air. So, Don to the rescue with his Topeak. The ride back to Ione was uneventful--thank goodness.
Wonderful ride, nonetheless--great companions, good route, fabuouls weather--what else is there in life???? (DB) |
| 10/4/2003 |
52, 60 |
Irish, Willow, Sutter Creek, Argonaut, Stoney, Jackson Valley, plus Coal Mine-Curran |
John B*, Ed*, Ray, Coconut, Jill, Lee, Al the Pal, Gene (37) |
| You can tell it's getting close to time-change season. This week, it was JB and Lee who were late risers. JB made it just after leaving time, so we waited for him. Then Lee pulled in. This week Gene was in plenty of time and Coconut abused all those who showed up after him, just like a reformed drunk scolding people for taking a drink. Because of the lateness and Lee's starting after us, we opted to do Irish-Willow to give him some rabbits to catch. Because of Coconut's explosive blowout on Marlette, we were slowed considerably, so Lee had no trouble catching up. Coconut being Coconut, he went to the closest house and asked for a ride into town. We were out by the trailer park, just this side of "Lake Ione." In other words, we were not in the upscale part of town. Turns out the gruff, bearded owner refused at first, notifying Coco that he hated bicyclists. Thanks to Coconut's diplomacy skills, persistence, in addition to being a fellow hunter, his antagonist relented and gave him a ride. By the end of their dialog, according to Coco, his new best friend was going to go hunting with him and was considering buying a bike to come out for a ride. At Willow Creek, we contested the first soapbox derby in quite a while. I don't know whether it was new technology or bike handling, but JB and Ray nearly tied (as far as I could tell from right behind them) with a new record by quite a bit, at least as far as I could remember. As we turned onto Sutter-Ione, we heard something that sounded like a turkey that had been hit by a logging truck and was dying in pain. It was actually Coconut yelling at us. He'd driven to Sutter Creek, replaced his destroyed tire, and had parked along the highway and was wondering where we were. Up to SC, where Gene turned back with Coco's keys to take his van to Ione, and over to Argonaut in haste since the clock was ticking for those who ahd to be back by 12:30. Then quickly down Stoney, with Ray taking the final hill just barely ahead of JB. Ray was "not" going to TT down to BV, but changed his mind when he saw his pace. He ended up making it in just over 7 minutes, not too far over his record of about 6 and a half. That group made it back at 12:37, plenty of time. Meanwhile, JB and I, wanting a bit more, turned off at Coal Mine, sipped espresso while overlooking the lake view at K's coffee shop at Camanche, then took Curran and Jackson Valley. JB and I missed out on the watermelon, chips and salsa provided by Jill and Coco, but we had a nice warm-down espresso run through Camanche and then over to Howard Park to view the site of the next day's "Goat-a-Rama" to round off a 60-miler. (EH) |
| 10/4/2003 |
195 |
Mt. Tam Double Century Test Ride |
Dave N. |
The Marin Cycling Club is planning on adding a DC leg to their Century event next August 7th and wanted a few volunteers to test ride it and critique the course, rest stop locations, etc. for them. The Marin CC provided full support and sag. 18 of us left San Rafael at 0500 on what will be a nice addition to the Triple Crown Series. The ride has about 14,200 ft. of gain, some of the finest scenery in Northern California and great descents that will test your handling skills if you wish. The morning loop wound up the fog-free northern slope of Tam through a conifer forest bathed in the rising sun - beautiful - before breaking out well above the fog on the way to the summit. Unfortunately on this day the views of the city and coastline were obscured. High on my list of fun was the descent on Hyw 1 to Muir Beach and then on thru Stinson Beach to Pt. Reyes Station. Traffic was light and courteous. We covered half the elevation gain in the first 83 miles, stopping at the Cheese Factory near Nicasio (Rest Stop #3) where one of the Club volunteers was sharing some cheese she had purchased. The afternoon loop again swung west and skirted Tomales Bay and points north before going inland for good. The climb up Coleman Valley Road at mile 122 was a test and reminded me of Slug Gulch. The remainder of the ride was less taxing climbing-wise and had some quick descents. My riding companion and I pulled into the finish at 8:35 pm. The ride was a bit easier than TT and Devil Mountain but harder than Knoxville or Eastern Sierra and as big as Tam itself on scenery. DN
photos: http://img.stimpy.net/pics/bike/mttamtestdouble2003/ |
| 9/30/2003 |
55 |
Omo Ranch Loop |
Steve H, Gene, Al the Pal, Coconut Al, Jim G, Paul M, Kevin S, Steve Mc |
WOW, I would like to thank Steve H for his route today!
I have never been up Omo Ranch road before today. And this will be a road I add to my schedule more often.(What an awsome road)
We meet at the bathrooms in Plymouth. The start time was to be 8:30am, but when Coco Al showed up he needed to replace his rear tire. Well, with his bad wing,(Or so he says) he needed a little help, so Steve H and Al the Pal jumped in to help. We headed out of the parking lot around 9:00am. With the late start, and Kevin and I both needing to get back by 1:00pm. We had two options. One, cut the ride short, or two, push the pace to finish in time. And wanting to ride with group we decided to push the pace after Mt. Aukum. We enjoyed great company, and perfect weather, for the ride up to Mt. Aukum. Once we turned up Omo Ranch Rd I knew I was in for quite an afternoon. Kevin and Al the pal pushed a very hard pace all the way up to Omo Ranch School, we regouped and decided to keep going. Once on Hwy 88 we enjoyed a very fast decent to Big Trees Market. We refueled, looked at the time (12:10) then decided a pace line would be the way to head in. We made it to Plymouth by 12:51. I want to thank Kevin and Al for the strong pulls, and for pushing me harder than I would have by myself. I can only hope everybody else had as much fun as we did. Thanks for a great route Steve. (Steve Mc) |
| 9/28/2003 |
64 |
Jackson Valley to Mokelumne Hill |
Steve & Carolle, Larry & Gayle, Dave B, Chuck, John, Karen, Paul, Don, and one guy on a Giant I can't remember his name |
Nice day, cool in the morning (John wore his nice Erma s arm warmers), never got too hot just really nice bike weather. A few Sacramento Bike-hikers showed up in the parking lot, we invited them along, but found their way to their fellow club members and were off. We were to see them several times during the day as our paths crisscrossed the beautiful foothills.
Anyway we all gathered in the parking lot to present Steve M with a Triple Crown jersey, courtesy of Larry (I think). Anyway Steve was surprised and pleased to be held in such esteem by his fellow Erma s. So Larry s idea for the ride was to go to the thriving metropolis of Mokelumne Hill (a multiplex at every stoplight) via Pardee Dam. So it is with high spirits that Larry & Gayle on their tandem, Steve & Carolle on theirs, Chuck, Dave B, Paul, John, Karen, someone on a Giant whose name I forgot and who left the ride early around Pardee Reservoir and your reporter Don.
We all rolled down Jackson Valley road, a very congenial group cruising along nicely and catching up with one another s lives. Somewhere along Jackson Valley Don remembered that Coal Mine was a very nice road and convinced Chuck to take up the call. Well when we approached Coal Mine someone started yelling Right Turn, Right Turn (no names here) and the whole Sunday peleton swung round (with some moans and groans, but again no names). But we all were delighted to find out that Coal Mine REALLY is a delightful road. And then on to Pardee.
At the dam we all waited for the green light like the responsible cyclists we are, and cruised across the dam in fine form. That is until a truck (small, but a truck none the less) starting coming from the other side. I checked my mirror and he did have a green light! Looks like we will have to pick up the pace across the dam if we want to stay off the road kill list. Any case no one was squished so on to Paloma Road. Nice road, we don t ride this road enough, stopped at the staging area when Larry and Steve suggested to convince this nice lady runner that the reason she hadn t seen much wildlife on this side of the lake were MOUNTAIN LIONS. Just what a runner wants to think about before leaving, get the adrenalin going, and warm up fast. From there we zipped up 26 to Mokelumne Hill and the Sierra Trading Post. Unfortunately this STP has a no bathroom policy (the fewer people who use it the easier to clean it apparently). So we all restocked our energy stores with the assorted cheese and crackers (Carolle) Twinkies (Don) Gatorade and power gel, almost everyone else, and headed on back down the hill.
We got spread out some coming down 26 but regrouped a Poloma Rd for a little pace line action. Coming back on Buna Vista Dave organized a double pace line that worked well for a while but the people in the slow lane weren t going slow enough (rare problem for us) so it sort of broke apart. On the last leg Chuck, Dave and John were the strong men off the front, seeming un-catch able to Don who made contact several times but couldn t stick, then Karen goes by like a rocket. She is determined to reel these guys in and once she sets her mind on something stand back cause she s gona do it. We got back to Ione about 1:30 feeling like we had all put in a good ride. Then Chuck comes out of the rest room, all changed in shorts, a polo shirt and we-juns, looking as fresh as the day he was born. Some people never leave slat marks or have helmet hair. Speaking of which Larry will NEVER be plagued by helmet hair again. He got Gayle to shave his noggin like a new born baby butt. Looks good Larry. Don S. |
| 9/27/2003 |
*67,**50 |
Coffee + WC/IH |
Ed*, Lee*, Ray*,MK**, Steve H (30), Gene (30) |
Hey Lee! Where's the Ride Report?!!!
Here's the back-up report: Yet another unusual Saturday morning ride. Highway 88 out of the valley was shrouded in FOG. We barely got out of it by the time we turned off on Highway124. By the way everyone was dressed (jackets and knee warmers) you'd think it was already November. We scrapped plans for the Pardee route due to the fog, and opted to go up instead. Dr. Grape and Gene needed to get back early, so they were just going to SC and up around Pine Gulch before heading back to Ione. Upon arriving in SC, we found ourselves in the middle of the annual "Strut Your Mutt" parade. I told everyone I was going up to the park to see all the fun activities they had planned for all the dogs, when Ed jokingly said "Let's attack!". Apparently, Lee didn't hear me when I said I was going to the park, and thought I really dropped the hammer and took off up the Creek Road. He spent the next 12 miles chasing a ghost. When he got to Volcano and realized I wasn't there he rode back to see where everyone was. Meanwhile, Ed, MK, and I rode tempo up to Volcano and ran into a whole bunch of cyclists going to a wedding in Volcano. The bride and groom were cyclists, and so were all their friends. Hmmm, sounds eerily familiar. They did a quick loop up Shake and down to SC before we caught up to them. I'm certain that their guest list wasn't as impressive as John and Karen's. No Spiderman, no Zorro, no Martha Stewart, no cavemen. Nothing. Just a bunch of folks on bikes. Volcano seemed to be the center of the cycling universe as every club in the Valley was passing through. MK said he was going to get a head startup RH, since Ed wanted to gloat by doing Charleston to get back at the absent John B. I wasn't fully convinced that Ed really wanted to do Charleston so we turned towards RH. Needless to say, enthusiasm for doing Charleston quickly dwindled as we got further and further down the road. At the top of Shake, MK was nowhere to be found, so Ed, Lee, and I did a quick run down Shake to see if we could catch him. We never saw him the rest of the day. Another quick run over Sutter-Ione before we headed off to do WC/IH. The day turned out pretty nice. A great way to bring in Fall. (RC) |
| 9/23/2003 |
36,28* |
Wilderness |
Steve Honeycjhurch. Gene* Steve M.,Paul , Stockton Boy |
| Everyone had time constraints today (broken well pumps, grandchildren,meetings etc) so the idea was to move along on a predictable route. Unfortunately Genes legs were not cooperating with this idea after a burning Saturday ride so he headed back after Red Corral. The rest of us had a great fast ride down Clinton. Steve M., was developing his new sprint tactic- taking the pull the entire way down to see if people would drop off. This didn't quite work out so it's back to the drawing board. No time for smoothies but come ride with us next Tuesday the 30th for the fall folies leaving out of Plymouth at 8:30 going up to Cooks station via Oma Ranch. SWH |
| 9/21/2003 |
40 |
Plymouth and back |
Chuck: Karen: John R |
| With the bad air, thanks to the fire in Yosemite, and too much physical work breaking set at Volcano on Saturday it was decided that a ride to Plymouth was just enough. In Plymouth there was some thought about going on to Mt. Aukum or to the flower farm but KR's legs and heart didn't think much of that idea. Good ride all the way back and as usual we gave it a good go on Irish Hill and "drained the tank". Back in Ione @ 11 and it was hot already and the air was poor so all in all we all were glad to be finished. (JR) |
| 9/20/2003 |
75*, 58 |
Stoney, Butte, Tabeau, Coco Curve, Jackson, SC + |
Ed*, Steve H, Ray, Michael K, Al the Pal, Lee, Vic, Dave R, Gene, Jill (45), Coconut Al (30) |
| Another kind of scattered ride in some ways. Ray and Lee were a little late or we would have missed Gene's arrival. Cyberless Gene was thinking the start was the same as the AARP rides. He pulled in at 8:20, so we didn't get rolling until 8:30 or so. I couldn't say anything since I was an hour late last week. Jill called Coco to alert him to the ride route. Yes, he replaced his fork and wheel and has actually been riding. We started out gently. With such a big group, there was lots to chat about. It turns out that Ray had food poisoning last week, so he was taking it easy--for a while, anyway. No wonder he was slowed to just above normal speed. After lots of discussion, we headed up Stoney Creek to rendezvous with Judy at Incognito along with Coco. Welcome back to the peloton, Al--much sooner than anyone would have predicted. It was also great to see Gene back in the group, along with the other long-time absentees, Vic and Dave. Turns out Al drove to the top of Stoney and rode down to the coffee house as a first test of his shoulder. Since it worked ok, he rode the rest of the way with us. Fun to hang with Judy and her treats, as usual. Then up to Butte and over to Clinton-Tabeau and down East Clinton, where we slowed to look at the scene of the crime from a few weeks ago. After we paid our resepects in passing to Coco Curve, the mini-race started after turning at Clinton, with Ray leading the way, even after regrouping at the junction. Through Jackson and via China Graveyard to SC. Some of the group took the straighter route back. Both Pal and Coco finished the ride on rubber. A deliciously uneventful ride--so much so that I decided to add some miles and did the Willow-Irish loop, since everyone else had to get back. I couldn't figure out why anyone would want to waste such a nice warm afternoon, but I had a smooth trip round the loop, with not a single car after a couple on WC. (EH) |
| 9/20/2003 |
200 |
Knoxville Double |
Michael Arrequin. Steve McGrath |
Finally, after three long years of trying. (For my self) And for Michael Arrequin (Hs first attempt). We now join the Erma s elite group: Dave Neff, Chuck Gray, and Larry Cralley as Official California Triple Crown Finishers. And Larry Hayes who has completed five doubles.
What a perfect way to complete the cycling seasons. Carolle and I arrived in Vacaville on Friday afternoon. The weather was hot and forecasted to be hotter tomorrow. (Lucky us) We checked into our hotel room, and then headed over to Pena Adobe Park to register for the ride. This is when we realized this was not your ordinary Bike club. The Quack Cyclist club is a first rate group, and put on the best Double Century I ve ever ridden. We meet with Scott Halverson (Ride Coordinator) to talk about the SAG duties. In all my years of cycling I ve never seen a club go out of their way like this group does. They gave Carolle money for water and gas! They supplied her with spare tires and tubes! And gave her an extra light in case someone needed it. (This would come into play later).
So, let me personally take this time to congratulate and thank Quack Cyclist Club for the best cycling event I ve ever ridden. Your attention to detail, and response to the cyclists needs were outstanding!! I would also like to thank all the volunteers who made this day possible. The support level on this ride could not have been better.
And to add to this awesome volunteer team of course were Carolle Mc, and Tanya Vandrick (Michael s friend); these two add such depth to the ride; I would like to thank these two for their support and encouragement through out the day. They truly made this day very enjoyable.
Once back at the hotel, I started getting my bike ready. That s when I found that my bike computer s battery was dead.
Saturday morning start time was 4:45am; the plan was to meet at the registration table at 5:00am and leave as a group. I was waiting at the front when Tanya showed up; she said Michael was almost ready. That s when I saw Michael walking towards us. He stopped, turned around, and then headed back towards his truck. Well, someone told Michael that everybody had already left, so he headed out. I waited until about 5:15am, not knowing Michael had left. So I headed out on my own. This was the first time I ve ever used my new light system. I turned on Lagoon Valley Rd, when I saw a cyclist changing a tire; we moved over to avoid him, and as I went past I saw it was Michael. He finished his repairs, and we were off. (The Erma s pelaton was growing) We rode over Hwy 80 then turned on Hillborn, this is where my new light stopped working. So I stayed close to Mike, using his light too see. Once we made it to Hwy 121 it was starting to get light, which made riding conditions better for me. We made it to the first rest stop just in time too see the sun peak over the mountains. It was time to shed the leg warmers and the long sleeve shirt. We headed out in a nice pace line across the valley. We turned up Howell Mt. Rd, which would be one of the many climbs of the day. Once at the top of Howell Mt. Rd we enjoyed a very fast ( Wicked steep ) decent down into Pope Valley, then over to the second rest stop, we refueled then headed up the famous Knoxville road! Where you ride 37 miles and climb 4000 . And too add enjoyment to that, we had 107-degree temps to deal with. A very hard section, but well worth the effort. We made it to the Lower Lake County Park, lunch rest stop at 12:00pm. They had a tub filled with ice water, for everybody to soak their feet in. This was hard to leave, but we refueled then headed out. I think they should have told us about the little two-mile climb right after lunch. And maybe I wouldn t have eaten so much. But once we made it to the top, the thirteen-mile decent was well worth the effort. We made our way to rest stop #4, which was at Guenoc Winery. Here we had valet parking for our bikes, and cold water sprayed on us to cool down! It was very hard to leave the comfort of the shade tree and grass. But we managed to climb back on the bikes and head out, knowing we only had 60 miles to go.
As we headed through Pope Valley, I was nursing a stomachache, which was caused by drinking too much V8 juice throughout the day. (Something I never drink.) I was thankful Michael was there, because he pulled me through this section. I think Mike just gets stronger as the day goes on. We made our way to rest stop #5. I downed a can of coke and had some snacks; it was time to put the lights back on the bike for the last 30 miles. We headed up the backside of Cardiac, which would be the last major climb for the day. It was just starting to get dark as we started our decent down Cardiac; we managed to hook up with two guys who had lights bright enough for all four of us. We followed these two straight into rest stop #6. At this point neither Mike nor I wanted to stop, so we continued on. We headed across Pleasant Valley Rd, I don t know much about the last twenty miles because I had my head down trying to stay on Michael s wheel. When we turned left on Cherry Glen I knew Pena Adobe Park was just over the freeway. (What a beautiful sight) We pulled into the park around 8:00pm. I can t thank Michael enough for all his support through out the day, and all his strong pulls. Again, thanks for a great day. Smc |
| 9/16/2003 |
37 |
S.C., Volcano, Big Trees, and back via Shake Ridge |
Gene, Paul, Steve H., Steve M., & Jim |
| The day started off with a beautiful morning and got better from there. Kenny is still on I.R. and Bill was a no show, but we had all the other regulars. As we started up the Creek road the big news of the day was Chris Horner ( thats right the guy we met in Plymouth ) won the San Francisco race on Sunday. When we stopped to pay our respects to Mayor Rose in Volcano we met some some young German tourists. When they asked how long we were staying in the area Dr. Steve said we all live up here and they seemed to be impressed. We also ran into the kid from Stockton there and he told them his wife had just arrived in their home town (small world). We all had a wonderfull time going up Ramshorn, especially the wall after Daffy Hill. But then again is there anyone in Erma's that is not in love with that part of the climb? The other big news is that Steve M. is going to complete the "Triple Crown" this weekend at the Knoxville Double. Because he is tapering down he only beat us up the hills by a few minutes this week. On the way down from Big Trees Steve kept running into friends and still kept up. After getting back to town it off to the coffee house for smoothees. Jim Gray |
| 9/14/2003 |
63 |
Aukum |
Carolle sans Steve who was @ work; Larry sans Gayle who was also @ work; Don of Modesto; Karen and John |
| After a brief discussion on which route would be on Erma's menu for today, Larry and Karen thought heading in the direction of Butte Mtn. and returning via Stoney Cr. would be a treat. The rest of us agreed. Larry, being a little more "hungry" for miles than the rest of us , wanted to head for Clinton/Tabeau, Rams Horn, Lockwood Jct. etc. but that plan was quickly tabled by Karen. Thank you Karen. To make the route fairly long, KB suggested IH and WC before heading towards Butte Mtn., so off we rode. At the intersection of Carbondale and IH, JR asked Larry if he had ridden the new surface on Old Sac. Rd. that is truly "smooth as a baby's butt". Well he hadn't and it sounded so good that he changed the route at that moment and off we rode to Mt. Aukum via Fiddletown. The route was as good as usual and the new surface is certainly a pleasure to ride since we no longer have to hug the center line , or ride in the oncoming lane, to avoid those ruts that were getting pretty rough. When you ride that stretch, notice how the new pavement starts ,or ends depending on which direction you're coming from, right at former Assemblyman Norn Water's house . Great guy and he still has some "pull"! Now to get some payment on that uphill/downhill portion since it's in need of a new surface too. The ride went well and everyone was glad to pull into the parking lot just before 1:30 since the temperature was climbing. Carolle, Don, KR, and JR cleaned up as good as possible and headed for that delicious Mexican restaurant around the corner while Larry headed home. Another fine day on the road which makes "back to work Monday" quite tolerable indeed. "Keep on the sunnyside".(JR) |
| 9/13/2003 |
60 |
SC, Jackson, Butte, Tabeau, Aqueduct, Charleston, Shake |
Ray, Michael K, John B, PJ (45), Ed (55), Jill (45) with cameo by Coconut |
Everyone who pays attention can learn something each day. Saturday challenged that idea, but eventually proved its wisdom. We all learned that there are different ways of organizing your time and life other than logic. We learned to relax and smell the coffee beans forced upon us by circumstances. We learned that Ray can sometimes really be sick, but it still doesn't slow him down that much. We learned from Jill how to let our emotions about bike riding out in the open. We learned from PJ how to stride confidently and masterfully through life. Mostly we were reminded and given plenty of practice about how to keep a bike upright and moving forward while belly-laughing uncontrollably.
Lesson 1--Telling Time. The toughest lesson was the big rubber-band-in-the-back-of-the-head I got when John B called me on my cell phone just as I was leaving home. I was "early" for a change. I was feeling relaxed and very good about myself. Life was looking bright, the day promising. It was even going to be hot, so I was excited about all the possibilities ahead. And then JB comes along and ruins everything. After asking me where I was, starting me speculating about whether his car broke down and he needed a ride, he asked me whether I'd "overslept too?" I had no idea what he was talking about. I was relaxed and driving my car down Broadway earlier than I typically do. But then the rubber band hit when i looked down at my clock in disbelief--it read "8:00", and John told me that they were all standing in the parking lot in Ione. A big neon "HUH???" appeared on my windshield and flashed. My entire life that morning was running through my brain. Suddenly I knew why Ray had called me just as my alarm had gone off. It wasn't that Ray was up early and disturbing my sleep after all. I had set my alarm an HOUR LATE and hadn't realized it the entire time I was getting ready.
The group was willing to rearrange our designated Stoney-Butte route to head to Sutter Creek first so I could meet the group there.
I regretted missing hearing the first flush of Italy and France stories from Ray. I would also miss PJ's return to the peloton after months of absence caused by house buying, youthful distraction, and a sprained ankle.
Lesson 2--Learning Directions. At SC, I headed down the road. A lone yellow jersey was headed up the big hill as I crested. Good timing. But it was Jill, who had started at home and had turned back after encountering no Erma riders. She was riding on spec, so good thing the route changed. We discussed timing, Coconut, and life for a while. Still no Erma group. We decided that she would head to SC and I'd start riding toward the highway. Just down the road a bit, I saw Ray, MK, and JB. At the same time an SUV passed with what appeared, on quick glimpse to be a bike inside. The trio was discussing PJ when we merged and wondering what he was doing in that SUV. Turns out some good samaritan picked him up (no one knew that his chain had broken until then). He leaned out the window and told them that his chain broke and that he'd meet them in SC.
We all wondered what he thought anyone could do with a broken chain in SC. None of us had a chain tool and there's no bike shop. Ahh, youth.
Lesson 3--How a Water Bottle Works. PJ and his bike pieces along with Jill awaited us in SC. As Jill borrowed JB's phone to call Coconut for help, PJ told us that he had not closed the top of his water bottle when he laid his bike inside the good samaritan's SUV--by the way, he's a realtor named Sweet, in case you're looking for real estate. The bottle did not contain water, but chocolate Spiz. When PJ went to pull his bike out, the spilled chocolate "looked like diarrhea," according to the embarrassed perpetrator. Fortunately, his winshield sunscreen was covering his binoculars and other valuable equipment, so it appeared to be the only thing affected. Mr. Sweet was gracious and let PJ out and handed him a card and told him to refer someone sometime.
Lesson 4--Make Friends with Jeep Owners with Broken Arms. Fortunately, Jill was there to call Al, who drove down and drove PJ to Bill's shop, thus shaping the next leg of our journey, including a "forced" coffee stop, which we deplored, of course. Joking, catching up with Coconut, joking with the owner, Judy, eating raspberry swirl cake and sipping smoothies and espresso. It was tough. One of the topics of conversation was how to account for PJ's miles since they were mostly in motor vehicles.
Lesson 5--Reading the Menu. Bill repaired PJ's chain pretty quickly, so PJ got to join us in refreshment and conversation. He enjoyed his drink and seemed relieved to be back as a functioning part of the peloton. However, his disconbobulation was still apparent when he went behind Judy's counter to wash his hands and whacked his head on the menu sign. By then, he knew his only choices were to write the ride report and gloss over all these things--or go through the full initiation back into the Diner.
Lesson 6--Men CAN cry. The bike ride finally really began, up Clinton Rd. By then it seemed like the day before that I'd been awaked by Ray's phone call. We re-warmed up climbing Butte. On the way down, Jill confessed that the downhills made her cry. That opened a discussion in which we all revealed our sensitivities and sentimentalities so that Jill would not feel so alone and vulnerable. We reassured her, between guffaws of sympathy, that we were "there" for her. For a while, she didn't know whether to cry harder or turn around and run, but she decided just to laugh instead.
Lesson 7--Decisive Route Picking. We continued to discuss PJ and his choices in life, but we got tired of it since he couldn't hear us. Again the route changed since our original choice would have taken us by Coconut Curve for the first time since Al's crash and it would also have been inconvenient for Jill to get back home. So we changed on the fly to climbing Tabeau all the way and taking Aqueduct over to Volcano. That was Ray's suggestion. Nearing the top of Tabeau in the increasing heat, Ray could be heard asking, "Who's idea was this route?" I forgot to mention that he had a fever and a headache to start with.
Lesson 8--Avoiding Peer Pressure. Down 88, over Aqueduct, and down past Grinding Rock, we rolled into Volcano to chat with Rosie a while. Bye to Jill, who thanked us for not just leaving Al in the dirt on the side of the road. JB was fired up and decided to to Charleston for the second time in as many rides through here. The rest of us started toward Rams Horn, but someone started the "I'll do it if you'll do it" routine. After chasing down PJ, we all turned back and started up Charleston. Filled with trepidation, I just looked down and kept my pedals going as well as I could, knowing that the sight of those steep grades would make me want to stop. Well, the entire group made it up Charleston, including PJ for his FIRST TIME. Congrats, PJ.
The quote for the rest of the day came from PJ at the top of Charleston: "That was quite challenging."
I wanted more riding and PJ came to my rescue, driving my car from SC to Ione. We took some fun, fast turns down Sutter-Ione, finally feeling as though we'd been riding for a while. Ray, MK, and I sat in the parking lot for quite a while, hearing stories about meeting Ray's meeting the Pinarello family, about the new Dogma he ordered, about all the sights he and his mom saw in Paris. Everyone agreed the ride was one of the fun highlights of the year--even if a bit warped in its organization and events. It was also one of the toughest with all that climbing. (EH) |
| 9/9/2003 |
36 |
Wildlife |
Steve H., Steve M., Paul, Bill, Gene, & Jim |
| The day after the ride I submited a reasonably funny report and when I hit the submit button everything just went south. So with this terrible cyber-derailment in mind heres the short version. The weather was great, we crossed paths with an adventure race in Volcano, the kid from Stockton, Paul and the two Steves got away from the rest of us on the way to Jackson and settled the town sprint between them. We stopped to see Bill and headed to see those two angels of mercy that make smoothees and lattes in Sutter Creek. Jim Gray |
| 9/7/2003 |
83 |
Irish, Willow, Sutter, Volcano, Lockwood, Plymouth & a fast return over Irish
|
John & Karen Rovane, Jim Gray, Dave the PBP Hero, Tim, and Chuck |
| It was just another great day starting with a preview of Dave's Paris Brest Paris photos and ending with burritos at the newest Ione restaurant. Thanks everyone for a very nice day in the cooler fall like sunshine. Chuck |
| 9/7/2003 |
100 |
Plumas County Annual Ride |
Larry and Gayle, Steve and Carolle |
Couldn't ask for a better route, or better people to ride with. Thanks Larry and Gayle for everything. We had a perfect weekend with Larry and Gayle, and the best ride I've ever had in my twenty ++ years of cycling. I will be back next year, this time we plan on staying up there longer.
Sorry for the short report, but my first report (Very detailed) got lost in cyber space...... Smc |
| 9/6/2003 |
*50, **67 |
Standard Coffee plus |
Steve H.,* John H.,* Ed,** John B.,** Al the Pal |
| Hey, we may be small, but lack of quantity doesn't mean lack of quality. It was a beautiful day for a ride and that seemed to be the theme echoed all day long. I think I heard each person say at different times, "What a great day for a ride." Ed would've liked it a little hotter, but I think it finally got warm enough for him to feel fairly comfortable. Steve, John, Ed and I left Ione figuring just to do the standard coffee, with a moderate pace and enjoying the company. When we got to SC who should be circling in the lot but Al the Pal. Then, as soon as we connect with Al, Coco comes rolling in in his jeep. We all had a chance to examine his sling (with a nasty looking bump on his shoulder) and hear how he's looking for a spare fork. Ed recommended the closest restaurant, and I told him it's time to get a new bike. The Pal joined us for the ride up to Volcano where the talk began about tackling Charleston. I realized I hadn't ridden it yet this year (once a year is enough), so while the smart ones headed up Rams Horn, I began the Charleston ascent. We regrouped on Shake and enjoyed a nice steady ride back to SC. We talked briefly with a couple of Sacto Wheelmen in SC about their "European" jerseys--jerseys they wore on their tour of Germany and Austria. It was then off to Ione passing by more Wheelmen scattered all over the road (hmmmm...). Al rode about half-way back with us then made the U-turn to SC. When we got to the highway, Ed and I parted company with Steve and John and the two of us headed off to do Willow Creek/Irish Hill. We were enjoying the new pavement on Carbondale when we came across a mini-cattle drive at the intersection of Carbondale and IH. Much to our surprise, some ranch lady started yelling at us. "Stop, stop right where you are. Stop right now!" I guess she thought we'd spook the cattle. There was also a road crew out painting new lines on the new pavement and apparently this gal had had a previous run-in with the crew. She launched into a profanity-laced tirade with a crew member that caused me to roll away and the mama cows to quicky shuttle their calves away from her. Like Ed said, "So much for the tranquil farm life." Once the cattle cleared the road, it felt good to ride away from the dust and epithets and enjoy the rest of ride into Ione. MK made a brief visit to the lot while Ed and I were packing up. He was out with his two girls enjoying the countryside and letting the oldest one drive. Here's to beautiful days and smart cows. (JB) |
| 9/2/2003 |
36 |
S.C., Willow Creek, Carbondale, Forrest Home, Plymouth, New Chicago & back |
Gene, Steve H., Bill, Paul, & Jim |
| My goodness what an eventful day! It all started with a parking lot visit from Al, who as most of you know is on the I.R. after tipping over last week. I do hope Al's recovery is a quick and complete one. This week our intreped little band of antiques er I mean old guys started up the hill towards Ione and we were struck with a mechanical right off the git when Paul broke his chain (how could it be expected to stand that much power) at the top of the hill. We quickly pulled our trusty chain tool out and did just a good enough job to get Paul another quarter mile up the road and almost make him tip over. He decided not to temp fate any farther and went back down the hill. I was very upset at the thought of causing Paul to tip over so I would like to say a hartfelt SORRY BOUT THAT. After losing Paul we enjoyed the new pavement on Carbondale and went on to Plymouth without any problems. While we were at the store the kid from Stockton spotted Chris Horner from team Saturn buying healthy snacks at our humble little store. Mr. Horner was very friendly and spent quite a while talking with us. We all wished him luck in San Francisco and headed off toward New Chicago or as I like to call it Steve's toaster oven. We just baked going through there. Fortunatly Bill was gracious enough to hang back with me because I had passed medium and was on my way to well done. Except for feeling like a heel for almost crashing Paul and getting cooked it really was a great day and really nice to meet Chris Horner! Jim Gray |
| 8/31/2003 |
Penny, Jim, Kenny 36, ereryone else 50? |
Ione.Irish Hill, Forest Home, Willow, Sutter Creek, and back for the short ride and add Butte Mtn. for the long ride |
Penny & Jim, Kenny, John & Karen, Carrole & Steve, Chuck, Don, Dave B. and I hope I'm not skiping anyone
|
A real short effort on this report because I don't really have lot to talk about. As some already know this was our (Penny & Jim) first outing since the death of Penny's father. We want to thank everybody for their warm wishes and friendship. Because it was the first outing in a few weeks both Penny and I wilted in the heat and took the short ride back. I hope the other folks had as good a time as we did. Jim Gray
|
| 8/31/2003 |
61; * (?) |
Butte Mtn. Loop Plus |
Carolle and Steve M; Don S; Chuck; Dave B; Karen; John R; Jim and Penny *: Ken G* |
The Butte Mtn. Loop was Erma's special entree for today's ride along with Irish Hill and Willow Creek as appetizers. Most riders would have been too stuffed with miles to take on WC, Carbondale, and IH as dessert. In Sutter Cr. Jim and Penny decided that a return trip to Ione at that time was a good idea. Ken agreed and headed for home with his good friends. Leaving Sutter Creek it became apparent that the HOT temperature was starting to move in and especially with Chuck reading aloud the increasing degrees every few minutes. Karen warned him nicely to cease with the weather reports so Chuck enlisted Steve's help in reading his computer and then announcing the current temperature .Ah, that Chuck knows how to get Karen's goat. From Sutter Cr. the ride was non-stop except for a brief stop for water on the return trip thru Jackson . When we reached the STOP sign back in Ione, and had to wait for traffic to clear before making the left turn, it became quite apparent why we all had consumed a lot of fluids .... the pavement was radiating the hot stuff like we hadn't felt in quite some time. Another fine day, thanks to all for making the ride pleasurable. "Keep on the sunnyside". (JR)
|
| 8/30/2003 |
50 |
Coffee Route |
Steve H.,Ed,Michael K. |
So what was unusual about this ride? No crashes, no injuries, no 911 Why should I bother riding if I can't use medical skills? Because it was fast. The only medical almost crisis was when Ed took off his socks. This was a ride of steady fast pacelines, minimal stops which is good to do once in awhile. Thanks to my fellow riders for pulling me along with minimal traffic. We were back in Ione before noon after 50 miles 4000 vertical feet and 3100 calories burned. See you in September SWH
|
| 8/23/2003 |
62, *68, **73 |
Sundy ride to Mt Aukum |
John R, Bob the animal, *Karen, Don, *Ken, Larry & Gail, **Steve M & Carole |
Sunday saw an intrepid crew of Erma s braving the summer heat for a nice ride up to Mt. Aukum. Steve M rode his single from Sutter Creek to Ione, to get some extra miles in, and since he was going to ride the group ride on the tandem with Carole, maybe just to jump a couple hills on Sutter Creek Ione back cutoff. The nine of us, John R, Karen, Ken, Bob the animal, Steve M, Carole, Larry and Gail on their tandem and your reporter Don, rolled out of Ione about 8 feeling good about John s plans to go through Fiddletown and up Lawrence get to Mt Aukum. John, Karen and Bob were riding strong towards Plymouth, playing the usual jump games on Irish Hill, Ken went off to join them along Old Sacramento and they had plenty of time for Breakfast at the biker bar in Plymouth before Don and the tandems rolled into town. After a short stop we all zipped up that tinny little hill and on to Fiddletown. We breezed through town then Ken and Karen took the lead up Tyler Rd. They must have been feeling exceptionally strong as they just sailed up the road. The rest of us mere mortals made the left turn on Lawrence and enjoyed what has to be one of the nicer roads in a region full of nice roads. But when we got to Mt Aukum no Ken and Karen! We waited and waited, John went back down Lawrence looking but came back empty, where had they gone? A little while later here Ken & Karen come looking fresh as ever. They had followed Tyler instead of Lawrence and, according to Ken taken a short detour up Slug Gulch. Now Ken must have found a short cut to the gulch because they only had an additional six miles on their computers but if Ken says it is true, it must be. So we talked for a while more then headed back down for Plymouth and Ione. The day was really starting to heat up so we didn t linger on the way back. It is always a pleasure to enjoy the many descents and few hills on the way home. We regrouped at the end of Irish Hill and cruised back into Ione where both Steve & Carole & Larry and Gail had provided cold drinks bless tandem riders. Bob the animal had been talking about riding up to Volcano and back after Mt. Aukum as this will be his last opportunity for a long ride. His mother is coming for a visit, and any adult son knows that going off on long bicycle rides leaving mom to watch TV is guarantied the create trouble with a capital T. But he was lured to a stop by the shade, drinks and good company at the parking lot. The long ride will have to wait for another, perhaps cooler, day.
Added note: We were all saddened by the news of the passing of Penny Gray s father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Penny and Jim in their sad time. Don S. |
| 8/23/2003 |
58 |
Stoney, Incognito, Butte, Tabeau, East Clinton, Clinton, Chinese Graveyard, Jackson Gate, SC, Sutter-Ione |
Ray, Ed, Michael, John B, Dave B, Steve H, Coconut |
The good news is that Dr. Steve was there. That was also the bad news since he seems to be the common factor on recent ambulance-punctuated rides. The other good news--Al did not have to be admitted to the hospital. The other bad news--his front wheel is crumbled and so is his shoulder. Here's the story...
The Butte-loop plus East Clinton has been a popular route lately, so I suggested doing it in reverse (climb Stoney Creek and descent Sutter-Ione). I was very unsure about my climbing, after being off the bike for a while, so I wanted to get it over with during warmup. Stoney was fine. We had a great time chatting with Judy and looking at her printouts of the Erma's group photos (and sipping, eating, and chatting). Butte and Tabeau were casual climbs. After regrouping, we started the swish down East Clinton. Ray, MK, and I arrived at Clinton, turned around and saw no one there. After just a few seconds, we knew something had gone wrong, so started riding back. JB was riding up to get us, telling us that Al had a bad crash. We knew his fork was askew at the start, so worried about the worst. He was lying face-up in the 2 feet of dirt between the pavement and the guardrail right at the worst turn on that road. He'd had a blowup and crumpled his rim too. He was stunned. Steve was on the cell to 911. Fortunately, Al started talking and moving limbs fairly quickly. But he was still not fully coherent and was very wobbly when the ambulance (after getting lost) finally arrived. In all, we had two fire vehicles, two CHP, and one ambulance. After the hour or more of waiting, tending to Al, and giving reports, etc., we took off again and reeled off the rest of the ride with Al's condition in the back of our minds. His jeep in the parking lot was a reminder, but at least he was in air conditioning and clean by then instead of lying in the sun on the side of the road. For most of us it was a normal fun ride, except for the crash. We were all glad we were nearby to help and that Al was not hurt worse, but still it kind of felt like the "missing man" formation pulling into Ione.
The latest news--Al went home the same day. CAT scan showed nothing wrong in his head (his helmet was cracked). Xray of his shoulder showed no collarbone fracture (perhaps unfortunately); instead his shoulder took the brunt and is at least dislocated. As of Sunday morning, he was home answering the phone, on pain medication. He has lots of bruising on back. Road rash on knees. He can't raise his left arm and will have to wait for a specialist exam to know what's going on inside his elbow. He's not feeling it right now, but he knows he's lucky it was not worse, even if his insurance hadn't taken effect yet (Jill now works at the same hospital he was taken to). (EH) |
| 8/20/2003 |
1200K |
Paris Brest Paris |
Dave Neff and lots of others |
The 15 th Paris-Brest-Paris (PBP) has been a quadrennial event since 1951, when it was restricted to amateur cyclists only. Prior to ’51 it was both a professional and an amateur event, originating in 1891. Since 1951, 581 Americans have finished, most but once or twice. Nearly 460 Americans started this year out of an international field of 4,069. The Davis club sent 86 +/- riders. Prior to the group Davis photo, most of the 12 or 13 of us riding Rex’s assembled for a group photo of our own.
rest of story & photos: http://ermasdiner.com/photos/ |
| 8/19/2003 |
36 |
Wilderness Route |
Steve H.,Paul M.,Steve M Al D.,.Joanne Seaver,Bill Seaver, Jay from Antioch,Stockton Boy
|
| We decided on a shorter route after last weeks extavaganza but this was a younger group (read faster) Paul kept telling us he was sickly with a bad back and had to leave early and we spent most of the day trying to catch him. Coconut Al showed up complete with his mishapened bike to keep us going strong. After going up to Volcano and saying hello to Rose we headed on out. From the top of Tabeaud rd. we mature folks showed the young un,s how downhill curves are negotiated rapidly and smoothly. A nice paceline down ensued to a stop at Bills. At Sutter Creek we all had our smoothies and some return to go back to w--k SWH |
| 8/17/2003 |
*70 miles, **50 miles, ***40 miles |
Take your pick |
*Steve/Carolle Mc, Larry/Gayle H, Bob/Debby?. **John Hambright. *** John and Karen R |
Wow, Looks like John R. wants to test my memory by asking me to write the report for last Sunday. So, here goes.
(Sorry if I forgot anything)
We pulled into the parking lot and was surprised to only see Larry and Gayle for the Sunday ride. It looked like it would be the two tandem's today. As we were unloading the bike, Bob and Debby (sorry, don't know your last name) pulled into the parking lot to join us. We headed up to Sutter Creek and stopped at the bathrooms, and that's were we ran into John and Karen.what a wonderful surprise. We all headed up the Creek Rd to Volcano. Once there we said good bye to John and Karen, and they headed home. The rest of us headed up Rams Horn, this is were John Hambright headed back down Shakeridge, then home. As for us, we climbed up to Fiddletown Rd, we enjoyed a well deserved descent down to Fiddletown, we regrouped, then headed to Plymouth. Once in Plymouth we enjoyed ice cream, chips, and Gatorade. We headed for Ione. Over Irish Hill my computer showed 105.. so the parking lot was a welcome sight. Thanks for another great day of cycling in Amador county. SMc |
| 8/16/2003 |
50 |
Standard coffee |
Ed (40), Michael (40), Steve H., Al (Coco), Jill, Lee, Dave B. John B.
|
One thing's for sure: each Erma ride brings new experiences. Ed was back from the Grand Canyon to join us on a return to the "standard" coffee route. Michael was also back and Dave B. joined the Saturday group showing his strength from mid-week training. All was well until SC. I stopped to pick up a double espresso and just the steam wafting from my cup seemed to give everyone a little lift. We started toward Volcano which is when the real adventures began. Somewhere along the road, Michael and Ed decided to return to Ione. I knew Michael's back was giving him fits and Ed's ankle was reminding him again of the stresses of hauling a 50-pound pack through Arizona. Al made the mistake of being friendly and waving to a buddy. When he looked down, he was headed off the road. He landed on his side with even his helmet taking a blow. As he was on the ground, Steve H. passed by and heard a voice but never saw Al. He was convinced Al was playing some sort of hide and seek waiting for a chance to sneak up on the others. All this happening behind Lee and me. We were together until Fabio when Lee showed the benefits of triathlon racing. When we all re-grouped at Volcano I got the word about Ed and Michael just as Al pulled up with a wobbly back wheel. Fortunately someone in the group had a spoke wrench (there were several cyclists riding out of Sutter Creek in addition to Ermas) and I was able to true it up enough to get him home. Al definitely gets the Tyler Hamilton award for this Saturday. Lee was coaxed by the non-Erma contingent into riding Charleston, so the rest of us turned toward Rams Horn. We met Lee on the way down Shake Ridge and enjoyed some steady pulls all the way back to SC. We all agreed when leaving SC that it would be a "non lactic acid producing" ride back to Ione, but that lasted as long as the first downhill. We did however, decide to stick to that plan as we came down the highway into Ione. Once back in the shade, Jill and Al did it again--they had cold, sliced watermelon and Steve H. had cold grapes. The perfect way to end a rather warm morning. BTW Jill, since you provided the watermelon, I wrote the report for you. (JB)
|
| 8/15/2003 |
50 |
Ione, Buena Vista, Jackson, Butte Mtn loop, Sutter Creek and return |
John B., Ron Morris |
| It was all John R's idea. How about getting away on a Friday and doing a modification of the standard coffee? It sounded really good to me and sounded just as good to my commuting buddy Ron, so we took off work and headed for the hills. Turned out JR's father had heart problems the night before so JR was not able to join us. The good news is his dad is doing much better (we're thinking of him JR). Ron had been up in the hills a number of times but had yet to ride Stony or Butte Mtn, so that's where we headed. Temperature wise it started out great, but you could tell it was going to be another hot one (incentive to keep moving). We took off toward BV and made the turn up Stony towards Pardee and Jackson. It felt like the perfect warmth to be climbing Stony and Ron was enjoying the new roads and new scenery. We stopped by Icognito for coffee and banana bread, and the first thing Judy said was, "It's not Saturday. What are you doing here?" We explained that it was really just another day in the office for us (pipe-dream), all the while thinking, "This is WAY better than dodging rocks, trucks and cars on Bradshaw at 6:30 in the morning." It was then off to Butte to make the loop (we did go up to the Tabeaud cutoff just to look at it) and back down to Jackson. After watering up again in Jackson we started up Jackson Gate and stopped to pick up some brochures at the little white B&B on the left (I can't remember the name). It must've left an impression because Ron and his wife booked some reservations. We again watered up in SC and headed off for the final leg to Ione. We were back in the lot close to noon, feeling like we'd just gotten in under the wire of the oncoming heat. Just another day in the office. That's my kind of work! (JB) |
| 8/13/2003 |
66 |
Ione to Mt. Aukum via Tyler Road, return via Shenandoah |
John Rovane, Chuck Gray, Jim Gray, Dave Brubaker |
Chuck arrived at the normal start place in Ione well before the 8 a.m. start time and caught some zzzz's listening to opera in his vehicle. Dave arrived about 10 minutes before 8 and interrupted Chuck's revelry. About then, Jim rolled in from the remote parking lot. John, the instigator of the ride, had not yet appeared, causing no end of consternation and ribald joking among the three stalwarts. A little after 8, bleary eyed John arrived, confessing to the greatest of all cyclists' sins: liking the bed too much.
The ride to Plymouth took a little longer than usual because we gossipped with the road crew on Carbondale road at the end of Irish Hill and stayed well clear of the tandem asphalt mix laying semis and trailers. Once clear of that obstacle, we pedaled in to Plymouth with hearts (and other parts) set on relief at the public restroom only to find it blocked off by some sort of ceremony that must have included all 30 +/- residents of Plymouth. So, we road on to Fiddletown to take care of necessary business, see the dog, chat with a brick layer, and head on up Tyler. On Tyler, we played tag with a Crystal water truck until reaching the junction of to road with Cedar Creek Road and a BRAND- SPANKING-NEW million dollar bridge across the creek. Caught us all by surprise! So much for the rustic road, wooden bridges, etc., siiiiiigh!
Besides the wide-bodied, two-wheeled white pickup truck that brushed by us several times on the ride to Mt. Aukum, the trip was uneventful--thank goodness.
Back at Ione, then home, shower, chores, etc., etc. DB |
| 8/12/2003 |
58 |
Sutter Creek, to Willow Creek, to Plymouth, Fiddletown, Lockwood, Volcano and back |
Gene, Steve H., Steve M., Kenny, Paul, & Jim |
| One thing about those A.A.R.P. rides is that you really never know what mischief is brewing in those gray hair covered brains. That is to say one really never knows what the route will be when one is surrounded by a bunch of creative thinkers with time on their hands. This week we headed up to Plymouth and then negotiated the route from there. Everyone had their own suggestions but after some debate we decided to head up to Lockwood Junction via Fiddletown. I really liked my suggestion best ( taking a nap ). But for whatever strange reason it was voted down. I think my idea did start to gain some support toward the top of Fiddletown road, but by then the polls had already closed. The most noteworthy event of the day was when Steve M. started having a little trouble with his chain. It seems he forgot to lube it after cleaning his bike. So inevitably it started to clatter a bit. After a little head scratching the agreed upon solution was a little butt butter generously applied. The lube seemed to do the trick and also helped protect the chain from any painfull saddle sores. As everybody knows a chain with saddle sores is just really difficult to deal with so lube your chains up every time! As everyone knows Kenny is getting stronger all the time. He made the mistake of trying to keep up with Steve M. and a stranger from Stockton on the long climb, I believe they made him pay for the effort. At the current rate of improvement I believe he might be able to keep up pretty darn soon. For the mortals off the back the climb was a little more laid back, we noticed a lot of things we missed always going the other way. After reaching the top of the climb we just kind of took life easy on the way back to Sutter Creek and the mandatory stop at the Coffee House. The weather was great and the company first rate, I am just greatfull we were able to keep Steve's chain from developing any troublesome saddle sores. JG |
| 8/9/2003 |
67,*65, **32 |
Ione S.C. Jackson Butte, Clinton Stoney Creek |
Steve H.,Al the Pal (really: Coconut), Jill, John B.,Steve M.* Carol M.** |
| It was a perfect day for riding as the heat had gone away so we could get a cool start. A smaller peleton than usual as people had gone on vacations and such. Four of us crested into Sutter Creek when we were met by Steve and Corol-Steve starting from home. After a quick stop for refueling we "winged" up the hill and over Jackson Gate to the Enigma coffee shop where Judy welcomed us and showed us the now famous group picture which resides on the wall-stop by sometime. Going around Butte Mountain we had a breif appearance of Anita ,Andy, Kevin and the Stockton early morning contigent coming down the other way. We also met a young jogger (female type) who is moving up here who want to find some people to bike with and filled her in on our fine attributes. After coming back to Jackson Carol decided to head back over Jackson Gate while the rest of us sped down Stoney Creek. The dip in the shower on hot days has now become traditional (don't tell EBMUD) and a nice paceline pulled by John and SteveM. took us home. Special treats followed -wonderful cold water melon courtesy of Jill with the most fantastic salsa made by their daughter Penney. How about some every week. SWH |
| 8/6/2003 |
62, 67, 50, 1 |
Butte Mtn. Loop and Points east for Mike and Kent |
Mike A, Kent Oliver (62): Jim and John R. (67) Paul (50)
Chuck (1)* sympathy mile for showing up. |
Well , since we're getting a little older, it has been suggested that from now on bring double of everything you might have in the way of cycling gear just in case someone forgets a very necessary item. Yesterday was a prime example when an extra pair of riding shoes would have come in really handy .... poor Chuck, so looking forward to a mid-week ride, forgot his riding shoes and had to head home. We missed your company Chuck.
As for the ride, The Butte Mtn. Loop was well received so we headed out 5 Mile to Stoney Cr.. Mike A and Kent Oliver , 2 super strong riders, headed out of the gates really quickly while Jim, Paul, and John rode a steady pace and let the young upstarts resembled Lance after his crash. We regrouped at the base of Stoney Cr. and again in Jackson. Heading up Clinton and onto Butte Mtn. Rd. we should have said goodbye to Mike and Kent since they decided to head for Volano but we didn't know of the plan. After Butte Mtn. the 3 of us headed back to Jackson where we waited for about 35 minutes for the twosome to show but gave up and headed towards Sutter Creek. While climbing up to Ione-Sutter Cr. Rd. the dynamic duo appeared out of nowhere . It was good to know that they were OK since we were concerned just a bit. They were still full of high octane fuel so they took off again for Ione. At the intersection Paul decided to head home and dive into his New York pizza while Jim and JR headed for Willow Cr. and Irish Hill. If Paul's pizza had been back in Ione I'm sure JR would have been riding solo but I'm glad to have had the chance to ride with my good buddy since it was like old times. Sure enjoyed the ride and I'm looking forward to next Wed. when we'll give it another go and this time Chuck will have gone over his pre-flight check list the nite before . Good ride, great fall type weather, and great friends, who could ask for more. "Keep on the sunnyside". (JR) |
| 8/5/2003 |
37 for everyone but Don 24 |
Wildlife |
Steve H., Gene, Kenny, Paul, Don & Jim |
The old guys er I mean the mature Tuesday group was well represented today. We were very pleasantly surprised by the appearance of Tyler ( Don ) the tough guy. After tipping over last Tuesday we feared he would have to go on the injured list for a while. Not only did he show up but he came to ride ( how impresive is that ). The only no show was our very own honerary old guy Steve M.. The effect of his not being on hand was a welcome slowing of the pace. Old guys are known for taking advantage of any break that comes their way. A wise man once said "old age and treachery will beat youth and enthusiasm every time". In Steve's absense we were blessed with an appearance of that young guy from Stockton. With help from the young guy and inspiration from Don we old timers dottered toward Volcano. The trip up the Creek Road is always nice and the really nice weather only made a great thing better. When we left Volcano Don went back down the hill so as not to make his boo boo, his doctor, or more importantly his wife mad at him. We hope he had a good time because after this week he has to go back to wo wo wor wor work, there I said it and don't make me say that horrible word ever again! Kenny decided somebody had to fill in for the absent honerary old guy and just flew up Red Corral. He really is getting stronger every week so all you fast guys watch out. After the traditional race down Tabeaud the bunch sprint to Jackson was on. Everyone took their turns at the front but in hindsight we would have been better off if we had made Paul pull the whole way down the hill, at the end he was riding like his back wheel was on fire and the flames were moving forward. There was no slowing him down. After stopping at Jackson Family Sports we took a low key ride through Jackson and back to Sutter Creek and the coffee shop. All in all it was a great day with great friends in a wonderfull area with great weather. What more can I say. I would like to add that we hope Don heals up quick and has a nice school year. And in closing I would also like to ask the deer to please do a little better job of staying out of the way. (J.G.)
|
| 8/3/2003 |
50 , 67 |
Ione to Lockwood and back via Fiddletown |
Karen & John R., Kenny, Chuck, & Pat ( 50 miles ) Carolle & Steve M., Jill & Al D., Larry, Dave N., Steve H., & Jim (67Miles) |
| What a nice day. The last few rides we have attempted have been a touch on the warm side. The temperature today was perfect. I think the weather had a hand in the large turnout. When I arrived in the parking lot it looked like the entire club was on hand. We had the usual debate on what route to take and settled on heading up to Volcano. The ride up to Sutter Creek was especially pleasant because I got to talk to Larry and Dave when they turned around to let me catch up and did I mention how nice the weather was. On the way to Volcano I got to hang out with John, Karen, Chuck, Al and Pat. Al told me about his daughter the cross country runner pounding the compitition at a meet in the Markleeville area, how cool is that! I spent the majority of the trip with Pat and had a great time catching up, and did I mention how nice the weather was. When we got to Volcano we were pleasantly surprised to cross paths with the Erma girls, Joyce, Gail and Debby. After getting caught gabbing with the ladies I had to hustle to catch up to the group on Ramshorn. At Daffy Hill the group split into two groups with Karen, John, Pat, Kenny, and Chuck heading down Shake Ridge. The rest of the group headed up toward Lockwood. The weather was just wonderfull! At lockwood the race was on or so I was lead to believe because I got dropped like yesterday's laundry. Dr. Grape took pity on me and rode at the back with me. On the way down Fiddletown road we must have seen every Harley ( or should I say fine examples of Milwaukee Iron, I don't want to get beat up) made in the last fifty years, unfortunatly one did tip over and cause quite a trafic mess. I hope everyone involved gets healthy quick. A quick regroup in downtown Fiddletown got everybody organized again and it was off to Plymouth and even more Milwaukee Iron. After much drooling on my part they finally pulled me away and the race down Old Sacramento was on, I should say Steve and Carolle were riding 25 miles an hour into a headwind and we were racing to stay on. At least it felt like a race to me. But the weather was great. Once we got to Irish Hill everything went really smooth for me and I even got to wave at our good friend, the lovely Mrs. Ward ( she lives on Irish Hill ). When we got to the parking lot we were doing the usual hooting and hollering and being ourselves. After everyone else left I said hi to the police officer standing in the parking lot and he told me the gathering going on in the park was a funeral, oops. He assured me that we had not offended anyone, but I still felt bad. But the weather was still great! JG |
| 8/2/2003 |
1 (rain mile), 101* |
Ione*, Sutter Ck*, Ione, Sutter Ck, Volcano, Sutter Ck, Jackson, Middle Bar, Paloma, Pardee, Coal Mine, Camanche, Curran, 5-Mile, Irish Hill, Forest Home, Irish Hill, 5-Mile, Ione |
Michael, John B, Ron, Phil, Brad, Ray*, Ed* |
Temporary Editor's Note: The following tales of what actually took place on this day are questionable at best. As Rod Serling might say, "In that land between shadow and light..." there were two Erma riders. What you are about to read might be true. It might not. Although the stories are similar, it could appear that these two gentlemen (and I use the word sarcastically) conspired while sipping espresso in Sutter Creek to concoct a tale so outrageous that it could only go down as Erma legend. Submitted for your approval, I leave you to your own interpretation. (JB)
Because these tales are so long (which again fosters the belief that it's entirely fiction), they have been set up to display in a separate pop-up window. Select the links below to begin your journey into the unknown...
Ed's Fantasy (http://ermasdiner.com/reports/ed.html)
Ray's Fable (http://ermasdiner.com/reports/ray.html) |
| 7/29/2003 |
37 |
S. C. to Ione past prison, and back to S. C. via Stoney Creek |
Don, Paul, Gene, Steve H., Steve M., Kenny, & Jim |
| What a day! This ride had just about all the drama anyone could want in a day. Even though we old guys er I mean mature riders are way careful every once in a while poo poo happens. It all started out in our regular gathering spot when we decided to head down towards Ione. Everything went fine until we made the turn on five mile road. After the turn we started our usual paceline and life was wonderfull until our good friend Don touched the wheel in front of him and tipped over in a very profound fashion. Or in other words the boy went down fairly hard. After some qiuck repair work by our resident first aid guy and some bike inspection we were back on the road. The ride was going well again until the hill leading to Pardee lake, that is when Don discovered his derailer hanger was a bit tweeked. After a few quick ajustments we were back on the road and I had started calling him Tyler because he was hanging tough and trying to climb Stoney Creek in obvious pain. When we got up to the lake it was decided that Tyler er I mean Don would hang out at the lake and wait for a ride. So we all thought we would just zoom up the hill as quickly as possible and go get Don. Or at least that was the plan. Fortunatly for Don the two Steves were up to the task. The rest of us floundered in the heat, or should I say the rest of us but Gene, he just powered by Paul and me. Kenny said it was a big effort to stay on his wheel after he was caught. By the time the four of us mortals got to the high school the two Steves were out of sight (a good thing for Don) so we took a cool off break under the big tree. It was really miserable climbing in that heat. Thank goodness Don had the smarts to stop and Steve H. had the horsepower to get himself up a hill most of us struggled up. After the tree break we set out for Sutter Creek via the direct route. After taking another twenty minute break trying to get across the highway we took an uneventful ride back to town. When we arrived in town Steve H. had already left to pick up Don, so the only thing we could do was go over to the coffee house and get cold drinks. Despite the fact that we all would have preferred being out in the heat helping Don and Steve we knew the best thing for us to do was to sit in the air conditioned comfort of the coffee house and wait for them. Somtimes we have to do things for our friends that are distasteful but we felt it our duty to support our friends no matter how comfortable the coffee house was (what great guys). We were REAL glad to see Don walk in with Steve, he was moving a little slow but he was moving. I hope you get healed up real quick! Some people say we are a bunch of old fools er I mean mature fools trying to act like kids. To that I say we might be old fools but we have a richer life for all our foolhardy activity and we never end up straddling hand rails on Real T.V. like the kids we our supposed to be emulating. (JG) |
| 7/27/2003 |
47 |
Ione, Comanche Blues, Stoney Creek, Sutter Creek, Ione |
Carolle & Steve, Larry, Kenny, Don, Penny & Jim |
| Well what can I Say, it seems the Erma's only come out when it is real tepid out. How Tepid you ask? Real Tepid, damn tepid, that's how tepid it was. The start of the ride was interesting because nobody seemed willing to just make the decision. So we discussed it on the trip down Marlette. At the end of the street we decided to go up Stoney Creek because Larry was the only one willing to brave the heat on the return down Irish Hill. I must say it was nice going the other way on the tandem, since Penny hurt herself it seems we only go the other way( we later found out why we go the other way). The ride around Ione and past Comanche Blues was very nice until Don broke a spoke. A few quick ajustments and we were on our way. When we regrouped at the store the wrenches came out and we were soon on our way. Everything was just wonderfull until halfway up Stoney Creek and I ran out of poop. A sorta quick break and a goo later I was back at it and feeling better. Steve & Carolle had a chain problem and fell behind us. When they caught up we had allready parked our bike. When we got going again Steve & Carolle stayed back with us and sent larry up to catch Kenny and Don. The four of us just noodled up the hill telling jokes and having a great time. By the time we got to the high school Kenny and Don were happily sleeping in their hammocks. After putting away the Hammocks we took a break at a store on the highway (an air conditioned store). After getting cold water we set off to Sutter Creek and then the road to Ione. After the store break I was my old self again and the ride back to town was real enjoyable. Many thanks to everyone for their patience and their freindship. It is always fun to watch Larry and Steve try to goad each other into a foolish sprint or should I say fun sprint. Except for getting tired on the big climb it was a great time with good friends. Thanks again everyone! (JG) |
| 7/26/2003 |
56 |
SC, Jackson, Butte, East Clinton, Stoney Creek |
ed, michael, ray, andy, anita, steve h, tim, coconut, jill, jb |
Whoa, I haven't laughed that much in a long time. I forgot just how funny (or merciless) Erma's can be. After being gone I don't know how many weeks, it was great to be back in the mix listening to the jokes coming from Al as well as the jokes directed at Al. There were also a few veiled threats towards anyone who knew and told of TDF results (none of us knew the results of the ITT yet). It must've worked because no one said a thing other than how much this year had been an "epic" race.
We had a great time on a slightly different "coffee" route heading first to Sutter Creek and then to Jackson for my first ever trip to the downtown coffee shop--now called Incognito. It was a leisurely break (I even had time to fill out my own coffee card) and before departing we all posed for a couple of group pictures by owner Judy. Someone made a crack about seeing Erma photos at the post office. We set off to do the Butte Mountain loop, with a nice little run down E Clinton, followed by Ray's great pull down Clinton. Ray continued with a strong surge into the wind all the way back to Jackson.
By this time it was definitely getting warm, so we all watered up and headed off to Stony. Pulling into the park and seeing the pool looked awfully inviting, but we opted instead for cold water and cold showers (Andy's thermometer was reading 103 on parts of Stony). Feeling slightly rejuvenated it was off to BV with the predictable headwind countered by Ray's pull. Back to Ione it was a steady pace, keeping the group legs loose and the lactic acid at bay. I didn't have time to stick around for the post-ride chips and chat, but thoroughly enjoyed the day--regretting not being out more often and at the same time looking forward to more of the same. Thanks! (JB) |
| 7/22/2003 |
38 |
Wilderness with a detour off Tabead |
Dr. Steve, Steve M., Kenny, Gene, Don, Paul, & Jim |
| Anytime the old farts er I mean ahh well I know the distinguished older gentlemen of Erma's get together one never really knows what adventures are in store. While this week never had a chance to measure up to the now world famous Volcano incident, but we did give it our best shot. We were not able to negotiate a final route in the parking lot so we decided to wait until we got to Volcano to make the final dicision. I do have to mention how lovely the Creek Road was to ride, it was cool and comfortable in contrast to what was surely coming. Dr. Steve was suggesting going up Ramshorn and going home via New Chicago, at the time I didn't see any problem with that idea because I always have my trusty triple with me ( so I am a sissy). At the last minute the voice of reason chimed in and suggested Red Corral. The suggestion only needed to be made once as a torrent of support soon followed. As it turned out I myself benifited the most from our last minute route choice because I just plain died about halfway up Red Corral. Thanks for your timely suggestion Gene, it made my day a lot easier. The run down to Jackson happened without me because I got dropped like yesterday's garbage, well they told me they had a good time. After the obligatory stop to see the air conditioner er I mean Bill at Jackson Valley Sports we took a warm but easy ride back to Sutter Creek and the cofee house. In the parking lot we ran into Kevin and his wife and dog. They were driving around having a family outing and they joined us for coffee. We had a lovely day even if I did get beat up a little bit, many thanks to everyone for their patience. (Jim Gray) |
| 7/20/2003 |
51 for everyone but Steve, 69 |
Ione past Plymouth to the Flower place and back |
Karen, John, Kenny, Carolle, Steve, Jim |
| The catch word for the day was tepid. Ever since Larry H. and I went totally brain dead and attemted to ride across Death Vally when the temperature was a moderate ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY TWO DEGREES we came the realization that the weather around here was not really hot it was just tepid. Well let me tell you the weather was tepid and a half for our ride today. My day started out when I decided to clean out my bike bag before the ride by dumping everything out and neatly putting everything but my helmet back in. So I got to play Euro pro for the day. It really wasn't that bad except for my newly sunburned forhead. Now when I walk down the street I look like a police car with the red light on. And so after making a fool of my self we took off. On the way up Irish Hill eagle eye Karen saw a deer shadowing us about twenty feet off the road and then she pointed out a bobcat crossing the street in front of us. When we started up the very first climb we really started to feel just how very, very tepid it was getting. We were all struggling and it really never got much better. After meeting the Steve & Carolle in Plymouth we headed up toward the flower place, and that was as far as we got. That's right we tool the easy way out because by then it was getting horribly tepid and I could feel my forhead getting cooked (well done as it turned out). The whole party rode down the hill on Old Sacramento and everything was lovely until I got a flat tire. My noggin was pretty well done by then as I had a terrible time fixing my tire (Steve just laughed). Afer the flat fiasco we made it down to Forest Home and stopped at John's secret watering hole since everybody was running dry (did I mention how tepid it was). After riding back over Irish hill everybody was well done exept ironman ( or maybe iron head) Steve, after everyone else was cooked and served he was last seen heading in the derection of Stony Creek. I really wanted to go with him, unfortunatly I promised my wife's dog I would play with him that afernoon, honest I really would have loved to join him, maybe next time. And if you believe that I have a lovely bridge to sell you. (JG) |
| 7/19/2003 |
68 |
standard to Lockwood, Fiddle, Hale, Shake, SC, Ione |
Ray, Michael K, Ed, Pal; 50: Steve H, Coconut; 35: Jill; cameos by Hux, Bev, Chris, & Tom; appearances by Delta Velo, SBC |
| Maybe this isn't the best way to train for the heat of Grand Canyon? After a hectic week of work and a zero week of training, I was worried with good reason. But Ray was even worse off since he'd t-boned a car at 28 MPH mid-week. He and his (old) bike seem to be ok, but he's still waiting to see how his body works and what the tests show. He had a pull in the hip/groin area that slowed him somewhat. Good thing it did; none of us would have been able to hold his wheel on the run back into the Ione Oven, and we needed all the help we could get. Speaking of help. Almost everyone had some kind of crash today. My body seemed to crash, picking the bottom of Hale for the Big Bonk. Talk about a grind! Jill's husband left her pumpless so she was riding on soft tires. Steve went down climbing out of the parking lot in SC. "Crash" and there was Steve (and the new Calfee) lying on the asphalt. Ray and I disagree about the cause (Campy crap versus Shimano crap--Steve has both). Just before Volcano, another crash. This time we found out what happens when Als collide--the smaller one goes down. MK and I were lagging, so we came around that final bend to find a gaggle of bikes looking down on The Pal on the asphalt. Steve and Al both tended to their scrapes in Volcano. We never did figure out how Steve's ear got black. Thank goodness for his thick skin--in more than one way. Speaking of skin...Steve had the peloton in a different kind of stitches with his tale of what Gene told the "smooth-skinned" woman on the AARP ride: "If you lost 50 lb, you'd have wrinkles too." Guess he's not a man of the cloth every day. Hux showed up at Sutter Creek just before we pulled out, having missed the start. In typical Hux fashion, we never saw him again. He did say that he thinks that the Terrible Two harmed him permanently. Volcano's where Bev and Chris showed up, riding from home, just back from England. Their friend Tom showed up a little later. They rode with us as long as their patience lasted up Rams Horn. We said goodbye to them, Steve, Coco, and Jill at Daffy. The foursome did Lockwood and a medium-fast run down Fiddletown, entirely towed by Ray. There, we assessed the time and the conditions and decided not to ride to 88, but to squeeze our climbing into Hale so Michael could get back and drive his new Honda Element (very cute--I almost flagged him down as he left to buy an ice cream). He's a different guy from the old Toyota guy. That was his change for the day--much less painful than all the others. By the time we got to the highway, we all just wanted to get to the parking lot and shade. (EH) |
| 7/15/2003 |
35 |
Wildlife in reverse route |
Dr. Steve, Paul, Gene, Kenny, & Jim |
| We had a little smaller turnout this week because our two honerary old farts Don and Steve M. were off on other adventures. We Erma riders are a resilient lot, even with our reduced numbers we bravely set off to face the heat, hills, one irate phone truck, and Gene's diplomacy. We started out towards Jackson because old guys need an easy warm up. After the easy warm up ride to Martel we finaly got our breath back after riding down Gene's hill into Jackson. Paul led us on the scenic route through town and it was time to start climbing Butte Mountain. While the weather was a tad on the warm side the ride up to Pine Grove was as lovely as ever. Steve suggested going by the Indian Grinding Rock on the way to see Rosie to add a little variety to our lives. It was just another Tuesday ride until we were sitting in Volcano talking to Rose when we were treated to a deminstration of diplomacy from Gene. I have to tell you this boy is smooth. He puts the s in suave, and the c in charming. He must be smooth because anybody else might have been killed by the recipient of his well-meant comment. Not Gene; he just shook it off and left her smiling (now that's smooth). The run down the Creek Road was the first opportunity I have had to ride the new pavement down the hill. What an improvement! We did the usual paceline back to town (and smoothies) and got crushed in the final sprint once again by Mario Ci-Paul-linni. He might have been slighted by the tour, but he is still plenty fast! (JG) |
| 7/13/2003 |
50, 60, 69 |
Larry's climbing route |
(50) Steve H, Don, (60) Larry and Gayle H, Kenny G, (69) Steve Mc |
| Ok, let me see if I can remember what we did last Sunday. I left from Sutter Creek and headed across Sutter Ione Rd. I hooked up with the Ione group about midway. We headed back to Sutter Creek, we took a small break at the batrooms, then headed up Ridge Rd bypass, then over to Jackson. This is were Larry decieded that this ride should have at least 5000 feet of climbing. I think he wanted to test Kenny's new bike, Very Nice bike Kenny. So we headed up Butte Mt then up Tabeau too Hwy 88. We headed down to Volcano for a little rest and great conversation. After a short break, Steve H, and Don headed back home via the creek rd, as for our group, the motto for the day was " up"... So we headed up Rams Horn grade, We regrouped at the top of Shakeridge. Now it was time to enjoy the tandem's awsome speed down Shakeridge Rd. We made it back to Sutter Creek in no time, we stopped at the bathrooms again for a break. I decieded to ride back accross Sutter Ione Rd. with tandem and Kenny. Once at Hwy 124 I said goodbye to the group and headed back to Sutter Creek. So, the elevation gain was 5700 for Larry and Gayle and Kenny, and for me, it was 6300. Not a bad day in the saddle. Another great day of cycling in Amador county, with great friends.Thanks!! SMc |
| 7/12/2003 |
60 |
Party Pardee |
Michael K, Ed, Coco, Pal, Dave B, Chuck, John R, Karen |
| It was great to see the old guard come out to add new blood to the Saturday mix. John, Karen, Chuck, and Dave all deciding to ride on Sat, having Sunday obligations. JR and I had discussed the route, choosing the Erma Party Pardee route. Once again, we were all just about to put final cleat to pedal when an Al drove into the parking lot right at leaving time. This time is was the Pal instead of the Coconut. Are they taking turns exhibiting Al-ness? Out we rolled at a moderate warm-up tempo that I could hold since it was definitely not chilly, promising to be over 100 eventually. We soaked up the morning atmosphere and chatter over Jackson Valley, Camanche, Curran to the stop at the coffee house, our new refilling spot, much more accommodating than Old Blue. After we rounded the big curve at the bottom of the first big hill after that, we were stopped by an unmarked CHP car and lectured about crossing the double yellow line. I was in front so didn't see, but apparently there were some eggregious violations of that rule in the lead pack. It reminds me that we should take that warning seriously. It was a blind curve, and there are a few crazy drivers up there. If we can't stay on the right side of the yellow, we need to slow down. A crash makes for an ugly ride. While the soap box is out, one more thing that reflects on the whole group is running stop signs. We go through some country ones where it's not a big deal, but in downtown Ione and other towns we frequent, we should be careful, not just because of the law, but out of respect for the other vehicles on the road as well as the Erma image. That CHP officer will not remember particular riders; he'll remember that "Erma's Diner" rode poorly. OK, soapbox back under the sofa, we did a "blow by" (read quick stop) at Burson to prep for the hills toward New Hogan, where the warming started, especially on the long hill by the dam. Everyone enjoyed the cold water at Valley Springs. We pacelined to Pardee, regrouped, jumped the hill, regrouped, pacelined to BV, sort of regrouped and pacelined home. For a day that was hot out in the sun (read: good Grand Canyon training), it was very nice in the shade at the parking lot. So nice that MK and I sat for quite a while and chatted about life and enjoyed the breeze. (EH) |
| 7/12/2003 |
40, 30 |
Up country route |
(40) Steve Mc, (30) Jill Dowlat
|
| Today was a very small group, just Jill and myself. We headed up the Creek road to Volcano, Jill had afternoon commitments, and headed back down the Creek road. I headed up Rams Horn to Lockwood, then enjoyed a very fast decent home. Sorry I missed the Ione group, but with the weather looking like it would hit 100, I decided to stay up country. Steve Mc |
| 7/8/2003 |
36 |
A.A.R.P. Wildlife Route |
Steve H.,Steve M., Paul, Gene, Don, Dave B., Kenny, & Jim |
| The day started out great due to a terrific turnout with the exeption of that nameless kid from Stockton. I sure hope he finds his way back to Sutter Creek soon. Along with the usual cast of villains we had the newly retired Dave Brubaker ( we do hope attendence will be habit forming) and the triumphant return of Gene to our Tuesday foolishness. The ride up to Volcano was very nice with great scenery, good gossiping (all technical bike stuff), and those wonderful sections of new pavement. After a quick break in Volcano Dave and Steve M. had to wait for us mortals at the propane store. After regrouping we headed off to Jackson. Unlike last time nobody had any mechanicals going down the hill. At the bottom of the hill we of course started the paceline or as I like to call it, the Paul and Steve bunch sprint into Jackson, I think they go so hard because they just want to get to Jackson Family Sports so bad. So there I am sitting at the front of the paceline wondering when the sprint will start. Because I'm in front and at a terrible disadvantage I try to pick up the pace to dicourage any monkey business from behind. So here I am pedaling about as hard as my little legs would go confidently thinking I would slow down any break whan three blurs went by that were later identified as our two habitual sprinters followed by Dave, so much for strategy. The absolute highlight of the day came on the climb up Gene's hill leaving Jackson, when we started up the hill Steve H., Dave, and myself were in front of the line. What we did not know was we left Kenny with Bill and only Steve M. realized it and waited like the nice boy he is. As the group started up the hill Dave left us like we were standing still (as expected) and Steve H. and kept going up waiting for the other shoe to drop (Steve M.), we just kept going and looking in our mirrors waiting for the blur to go by. When we got to the top without being caught we decided that even if Steve wasn't trying to catch us we beat him up a climb and we were going to celebrate no matter what. No matter how pathetic and hollow our victory was when you are as old as we are, one takes what one can get. (JG) |
| 7/6/2003 |
63 Steve M., Don, Larry, Penny, & Jim 49 John H., John R., Karen & Chuck |
Ione to Mt. Aukum |
Larry H., Don, Steve M., John & Karen, John H., Chuck, Penny & Jim |
| They say any day riding with Erma is a great day and this Sunday was no execption. The weather was cooler than usual for this time of year and the company was top rate. We had three regular A.A.R.P. riders, me and two honerary members Steve & Don ( they both have jobs, yuck) to compliment the younger, still working members of our intrepid little group. It was really nice to see Chuck and John H. find time in their busy schedules to come out and play. It was equally nice to see John and Karen because we always seem to miss each other due to work, trips, or illness. The four riders previously mentioned along with Penny and Larry constituted our group of young folks that have to work during the week. The ride to Plymouth was made at a leisurely pace with John H. and Larry going off the front every once in a while. Everybody else seemed to be tired or getting over some virus or another. When we arrived in Plymouth we met Steve M., which gave Larry someone else to play chase with. We also spotted the cars belonging to our very own Erma's girls, I guess they wanted to do a harder ride than we were doing. After riding through the vineyards we had to say goodbye to the two Johns, Karen, and Chuck. With this elimination of the overworked and or under the weather group the stage was set for some really hard charging, unfortunatly for Steve, Larry, and Don the Gray's tandem put any notion of a fast trip to the store in Mt. Aukum quickly to rest. As usual we picked up the pace on the way back to the barn (like the old horses we are) and lost Steve at Plymouth. We bravely went forward even with our decreased number toward Ione. It seemed that we just kept shedding riders as we went along, Penny sugessted that I might try using some Beano before the rides as a means of not scaring people off. I thought maybe the problem might be somthing else but she assured me her solution wouldn't hurt anyway. And finally in our very own tribute to the Tour De France Larry and I just about took each other out within sight of the parking lot. I told you we could ride like professionals. It was really great to have everybody out today. I hope John sheds that ickey old virus and returns to his old fighting form real soon! Jim Gray |
| 7/5/2003 |
50 |
standard coffee |
Michael K, Ed, Coconut, Jill (25) |
| Ray's out of town, Dr. Grape is tweaking his new bike and his grapes, PJ's in a bathtub in Seattle, Lee disappeared, JB's in flight from Florida, the rest of the peloton are spread across the country or digesting barbecue somewhere. As MK and I put cleat to pedal to depart the parking lot, in roars a red jeep containing a Coconut and a bicycle. Jill--he blamed it on you--and then he tried to blame the traffic and then that he was going through withdrawals from shooting animals. Finally, he got himself and his gear ready and we left town. Just at downtown SC we met Jill. After a relatively short break (today, i was the one who had to get back) in SC, where we expected to see Steve M, but that was not to be. Jill took off a little early with her usual excuse of needing a headstart. Even with some consistent tempo riding, we didn't catch her until just before the end. No more headstarts, Jill; you don't need em. At Volcano, we did our now-traditional stop to say Hey to Rosie and to parade through the Canonball run display of cars with flames on them. There, Mike C and some of the SBCers, who were on the same route, caught up with us and said they'd "ride" with us up Rams Horn. I knew they couldn't ride that slowly, so, sure enough, we never saw them again. Jill had to get to a family barbecue in Fiddletown, so she rode back down the creek. The three of us talked and relaxed up RH. We were passed by a woman and man we saw in Volcano. She was the aggressive one, taunting us for "dogging" it. Women! They just don't get it; they're so competitive; they don't know how to relax and talk and just enjoy the scenery. We ignored her and continued to joke, knowing that we were saving ourselves for the run down Shake. After yesterday's hot 70-miler, I was glad for the paceline help. We had a fun run, working together all the way. MK pulled us down to SC via Gopher, where we refueled quickly for the S-I run. That was fun, as we took turns setting the pace all the way down and then into Ione. Very nice, tight ride, good work by everyone throughout. Finishing at 12:30 gave me plenty of time to get back to my events in Sacramento. One thing I forgot to mention was Michael's attempt to sweet-talk a "woman" rider we caught at one point, but I'll leave that one vague here to protect the innocent. Coco and I had some good laughs about it, but we'll have to tell you that story in person. (EH) |
| 7/4/2003 |
70, etc. |
July Fourth Sort of Standard Route |
Ed, Steve & Carolle (52), Steve H (32), Karen (30) |
| There were several riders getting ready when i arrived. But they were Stockton guys, including Mike C. They had been shut out of Howard Park because of festivities. Just after I broke the valve on my rear tube, Steve and Carolle arrived on the tandem, having ridden down from Pine Grove. They waited for me and we had a leisurely trip to SC, giving us a chance to discuss just how Terrible the "Two" was this year and Steve's new strategies for tackling it next time. As I pulled into SC, it was a good thing I had my dark glasses on or I would have been blinded by the golden dazzle of Steve H's new Calfee--yes, it's here. Yes, it's carbon and it's beautiful. His custom paint job is gold fading into grape. The gold is really bright metallic golden. Gold Country + Grape Country--get it? Everything is carbon on this one, including the bottle cages. Steve had to keep tweaking it as we rode. For example, his seat post kept slipping down. The farther we got, the more he looked as though he were riding a Sting Ray or a hog--his bars were so high compared to his slumped saddle. Up the creek, Karen joined, having started later from home in PG. We were shocked to learn that JR had what sounded like a scary trip to the hospital the day before, but so far checks out all right. Must be that budget mess. Rumor has it that he and Dave B might both be taking a golden handshake, if offered. The AARP ride might become the biggest one of the week. We were pleased to find that there was barely any traffic all day long. This was the lightest traffic of the year so far. At Volcano, we chatted with Rosie and others heading in to the cafe for sourdough pancakes (don't ask Rosie for her review of the food if you plan to eat there). S&C and KR rode straight home from there. SH and I took off up Rams Horn to continue "Doctor Grape's" shake-down ride. The shifting needs some work, but the handling was excellent. Back in SC, Steve took off to tinker with Doctor Grape and the real grapes. I took off for Willow-Irish, plus a little extra on Old Stockton to get some good heat training in. What a quiet day. It was like riding in a huge (very warm) cathedral all day. I saw no cars at all on Carbondale or Irish Hill and maybe one on Willow Creek. Even the highway was quiet. The few drivers we saw seemed in good, unhurried moods, very patient and courteous. Great day to ride--and good to catch up with everyone who was here. (EH) |
| 7/1/2003 |
51 |
Steve Honeychurch's new creative route |
Dave Brubaker, Steve H., Steve M., Kenny, Don, Paul, & Jim |
| Today we saw the official admittance of Dave to the old fart's club or Erma's A.A.R.P.. What a momentous occassion that is. Like being born or getting married or graduating from college. Joining the old guys is an event not soon forgotten. I think because Steve M. was tired from Santa Rosa and Ken and I were beat up from our Oregon trip Steve H. decided to get creative and come up with a new longer than usual route. It was however a good route. As we left the parking lot we were joined by a kid from the bay area named John. We invited him to join us and he did. We found out about the exuberance of youth when we stopped for water at Pardee lake, he jumped in the pool. The official old guys were gathering up our energy for the climb up Stoney Creek and the kid went swimming. The climb up to Jackson was uneventful until Steve H. decided to get somthing to drink at the coffeehouse in Jackson. It turned out to be closed. After much sobbing and wailing Steve was able to go up to Jackson Valley Sports. After a quick trip around Butte Mountain and the usual paceline fun with Paul and Steve M. we headed back to Sutter Creek and the coffeehouse for bannana smothees. We all hope Dave finds the time to come out regularly even though he did pick up the pace a bit. Maybe he will slow down a little bit after he has been retired a couple of weeks. Jim Gray |
| 6/29/2003 |
91 |
Ashland Triple Challenge |
Kenny G., Gayle & Larry H., Penny & Jim Gray |
| Being the typical Erma riders we are we thought we were being so very clever by going up to Oregon to beat the heat, it is amazing just how wrong we were. When Penny and I first hit town the temperature was a cool 103 degrees (no kidding)! At least we Erma's are fairly well prepared to deal with the heat, we do get more practice than most of the locals we met in Ashland. The heat was not the only highlight of our trip. We met a lot of really nice people, ate some great food, saw lots of beautiful scenery, and got to ride on some terrific roads. The ride started easily enough with a twenty plus mile climb and just kept going up. It was a lot like an Erma's ride, uphill both ways. And here I thought we were the only ones that did that. The two great saving graces were that the grades really were not too steep and the view was always great. I should mention the local roads were well maintained and that Siskiyoiu Velo was even able to get them swept. Every thing on this ride was top flight, the eats were good and the rest stops were well stocked. We even got the rare opportunity to meet the sag driver, a very nice and helpful individual. This ride is a great opportunity to check out a great area and ride some great roads while meeting a bunch of great people. If you anyone reading this wants to go to next year's event be aware that it is a small ride (about 300 riders), you must bring a camera, and you have to eat at Omar's while in Ashland. The Ashland Triple Challenge is a hard ride but well worth the effort. The one big dissapointment was that Larry and Gayle spent about ten minutes being interviewed by a local news station. When the news came on that night the station showed some lesser mortal on the tube (she was a very nice person), very dissapointing. I was already planning an autograph tour for them. So much for show biz! Jim Gray |
| 6/28/2003 |
80, 50* |
Sutter Creek, Volcano, Lockwood, Fiddle, Aukum, Plymouth, Irish |
Ray, Ed, Lee, Tim, Al the Pal*, Don (45) |
| coming...someday...from Lee...maybe... |
| 6/24/2003 |
40 |
Wildlife Route |
Paul, Steve H., Steve M., Karen, Don, Kenny,& Jim |
| What a day! The weather was warmer than the weekend but not terrible. It was just perfect on the Creek road and that new pavement was wonderful. The big highlight of our day was having Karen join us as a special guest, honorary old fart. It is always nice when young kids like Steve and Karen come out and lower the gray haired peloton's average age. The ride itself will be remembered for a while because we had two, that's right two flats on the day. While flats are always agggravating to the victim I for one always welcome any break, as long as it aint my tire. We were fortunate that nobody tipped over because Kenny's flat happened at high speed on Tabeud. After getting all together for the flatter run into Jackson we pacelined most of the way down the hill. That is until Steve and Paul took off like their back wheels were on fire and they were trying to stay in front of the flames. After the usual visit at Jackson Valley Sports we headed for Sutter Creek and the coffehouse. It was great having Karen along because she is better looking than most of us, fun to talk too, and she bought at the coffehouse, what a great girl! (JG) |
| 6/23/2003 |
35 |
training ride |
Al the Pal |
| I started this ride from Alpine meadows in Tahoe.On to Hwy 89 wich took me to Truckee from here I went on to Hwy 267 past North Star.Killer hill! Seemed to go forever!On the way to Kings beach I went ever so diligently spining my little legs,they started to hurt at the top of the hill.But the promise of that long downhill and the thought of a cozy warm fireplace kept me focus.You see!I happen to have run into the worst storm ever while on the bike.The temperture in Tahoe city was 38!So informed me the good Sammaritan by the name of Sandy.She saw my bicycle begin to slip and slide in the cumulated hail that littered the Hwy.She informed me she had just finished the aids ride and weather permitting....She will be training for that famos Death ride.I was taken to the front of the condo in almost hypothermic stage-I think.My ride was short but eventfull.I have never ridden in thunder,lightning,sleet,rain,snow and hail.All in the same ride.I dont recomend it but it sure is nice to know that other fellow cyclist watch for each other. (AL the PAL) |
| 6/22/2003 |
60 for everyone but the Mcgraths |
Ione to Mt. Aykum & back by Willow Creek |
Steve & Carolle M., Gale B. Debby & Bob, Dave B., Jim & Penny, Kenny G. |
| I have to agree with Steve Mcgrath's report on the weather for today's ride. It was a perfect summer day. The only real problem we had was that Bob got stuck in the traffic jam caused by the triathalon at Rancho Mistako park and was late arriving. Debby was understandably worried and we were finnaly able to call him on his cell phone. After making sure everything was dandy we rolled out slowly so Bob would be able to catch up. The big highlight of the day was Dave Brubaker's announcement of his impending retirement. We knew it was coming real soon but didn't know exactly when. Dave has always been a great person and great friend to myself and the Erma's as a whole, I hope he finds retirement to be everything he is hoping for and I hope he finds some time for the A.A.R.P rides in the near future. Today's ride was a little different because Gale actually graced us with one of her infrequent Erma rides. Penny and I are always bugging her about attending rides because we love her company and we still want to get even for the Iron Maiden incident (just kiddng Gale). We just had a great day, we found the Mcgrath's, had terrific weather, got to ride with folks we don't get to see every week, and had a great time. (JG) |
| 6/22/2003 |
50**, ***??miles |
Sutter Creek/ Mt. Aukum
|
** Steve Mc, Carolle Mc. ***Jim and Penny G, Kenny, Dave B. Gayle, Bob and Kathy |
| For the second time Caroll and I were the only ones to leave from Sutter Creek, We headed out with intent to hook up with the Ione group, we didn't know who would be riding up from Ione, since John R didn't feel good, and Karen, Larry, Gayle, and Chuck were out of town, we headed across Sutter Creek/Ione rd, then down Hwy 124 straight into Plymouth. We got to Plymouth and thought the group had already passed us by, due to the fact that we had bike problems, and our pace was anything but fast, we didn't get to Plymouth until 9:38. We waited for a couple of minutes, then decided to head home, just as we were clipping into the peddels, the Ione group pulled up. We were glad to be riding in the erma's peleton, and have another tandem to ride with. We used Jimmy's bike tool to do some fine tuning on the McGrath's tandem, and we were off to Mt. Aukum, the pace was perfect, keeping my heart rate below 120, and enjoying great conversation. Once at Mt. Aukum we indulged on chips and soda (great fuel for the ride home) We headed back to Plymouth at a perfect pace, once in Plymouth Carolle and I headed back to Sutter Creek. Another great day in Amador county, with great friends and cool temps, see you in a couple weeks. Thanks for a perfect day. SMc |
| 6/21/2003 |
80*, 60**, 38*** |
Bear Valley, Ebbetts Pass, Monitor Pass, Pacific Grade |
Ray*, Pam**, Mark**, S&J*** |
With Ed busy with the Shriner's Race, I thought this might be a perfect opportunity to venture to higher elevations and ride a few miles with S&J since I missed them at the Sierra Century.
The weather was uncharacteristically cool for a mid-June ride, especially at elevation. Thinking it was going to warm up, I left BV assuming I'd "...suffer for 10 minutes before it warmed up". Well...yes and no. Pam and Mark went on ahead while I rode up to the top of Ebbetts with S&J, catching up on trips planned abroad, ridiculously hard rides, and and their latest project: Condo remodelling. They did a fantastic job, and the place looks great! The ride up was beautiful. Patches of snow could still be seen in some shady areas. The fresh mountain air, snow capped peaks, and the absence of auto traffic made for a peaceful and refreshing climb. At the top, S&J decided to turn back early to in order to get a few more things done around the condo, while Pam, Mark, and I continued on to the bottom of Monitor. The descent was cool, but not unbearable (yet). At the botom of Monitor, while I was stripping down for the climb, and Pam and Mark were ready to turn back due to time constraints, who should I happen to see coming to a screeching halt with that "Hey, I know that jersey!" look, but Dave Neff! He had just finished both sides of Monitor, and was about to head up Ebbets. We talked for a few minutes before he took off with Pam and Mark up Ebbets. The climb up Monitor was warm (as usual), but the wind made the descent somewhat cool. I took my time climbing Ebbets, since there was no real reason to rush. It's always good to look around at the scenery sometimes. By the time I had arrived at the top, the sun was playing hide-and-seek behind the clouds, causing the temperature to drop dramatically. It was a chilly ride into Hermit Valley, so much that I didn't want to descend at full speed because it was too cold. With the cooler temperatures, grinding that gear up Pacific Grade with cold knees couldn't have been good. The last 10 miles to BV were equally as cold. In any case, it was still a great day, just cooler than expected. Thanks S&J for the hospitality! (RC) |
| 6/21/2003 |
50 |
Regular Saturday Coffee Route (sans coffee) |
Steve H.,Coconut Al, Tim Nelson from Ione |
| I drove into Ione just before 8 and it was like a scene from the book Earth Abides-nobody there-where were they? Al showed up along with Tim from Ione who has ridden with us last year several times and did a hookup with us on the Sierra Century on one of the famous (or infamous) Ray Trains. We decided to do the usual route figuring we should see someone. After checking out the farmers market we did a moderately fast rotating paceline to Volcano enjoying the unseasonably cool weather. Perfect for riding!! Going up Ramshorn a speedy women rider zoomed past us yelling yahoo! She was obviously leading out our man of iron, Steve M. Go Carol! We saw them only for a nanosecond and they were gone. Coming down Shake Ridge Al and Steve showed Tim the finer points of descending at speed but couldn't shake him-score one for training and youth. After arriving in Ione,Tim felt this was one great ride and vowed to be back. Next Saturday the Amador Winegrapegrowers Festival and don't miss Karen's production of Born Yesterday in Volcano. SWH |
| 6/21/2003 |
44 |
1st "Up country route" |
Steve Mc, Carolle Mc. |
| Today was the first alternate "up country ride", (And what a perfect day it was) we had a very small group, (just the two of us) we left Sutter Creek parking lot at 8:33am and headed up the creek rd at a very slow pace knowing the Ione group would catch us. We stopped in Volcano for a very short break, then headed up Rams Horn Grade, once at Daffy hill we headed back down Rams horn, at which time we saw three Erma'a, Steve H, Al the pal, and due to the fact that we were heading down the hill I was unable to identify the third person (sorry) Hope you guy's had as much fun on your ride as we did. We continued on to Red Corral, where we had a great lunch. We decided to head down Tabeaud rd, again at a very slow pace. Once in Jackson, we headed to Bill's (Jackson Family Sports) for some shopping. Than headed back to Sutter Creek, what a great day of cycling in Amador county, I forgot how fun cycling can be when you slow down and take time to smell the roses. and I for one can't wait until the Terribe Two is over and I can get back to this kind of riding, sorry we missed everybody today, hope to see you tomorrow. SMc |
| 6/21/2003 |
404 |
Ride The Rockies |
Anita, Andy, Scott, Heidi |
Ride the Rockies began on June 15th in Cortez with an easy 80 miles. A climb to the 10,224 ft Lizard Head Pass was beautiful but breathing was a little more difficult for the flatlander group. Training at 11 feet above sea level doesn't prepare you for this on day 1. We finished with a great downhill into Telluride.
Our second day was 65 miles to Montrose. A much easier day with 2100 feet of climbing. Our evening in Montrose was spent at the Bingo Parlor entertaining the locals with our lack of knowledge in how Bingo is played for real money.
Day 3 was the only day we slept in until 7:00 a.m. We had an easy 32 miles to Delta, had the community lunch and headed back to Montrose by bus to see if we could find as much excitement as the Bingo the night before. Cards were all we could come up with.
The alarm went off at 3:30 a.m. and breakfast was prepared by the hotel by 4:00 a.m. The bus picked us up at 4:30 a.m. and we drove to Delta to get our bikes and start on our 102 mile day. Beautiful vistas, deep canyons, lakes and ended the ride in Gunnison. The massage hot tub was waiting for the RTR participants and we all had massages and then found good food across the highway with live music just for our crowd. Carried our rain gear all day and only saw a few drops.
A day off in Gunnison was welcome. But on the recommendation from all our massage therapists, we took the bikes out for an easy 20 mile spin on a beautiful country road. Andy's spoke broke and kind locals drove him to town.
Lucky for us, there is a superb bike mechanic in Crested Butte named Rob and RTR had shuttle buses taking the participants up the mountain every 30-60 minutes. The spoke was fixed while we enjoyed a delicious lunch and real coffee and week took in the ski village ambiance.
Friday was a ride to Buena Vistaa(69 miles). The sky was clear and blue, the route looked easy enough with a 49 mile gradual uphill. At about mile 20 we hit several miles of road construction and it started to rain and hail, thunder and lightening at that point. None of us had ever seen so much mud on people, Pinerellos, Colnagos and even the basic Lemonds and Cannondales! By the next rest stop, the sun broke out, we rung out our clothes and headed up to 12,500 ft. Cottonwood Pass. The sun dried out most of our clothes, layers were peeled off and we all arrived feeling strong and acclimated. After glancing over our shoulders we decided there was only time for a bathroom and water stop quickly as we hoped to out run the next storm.
Just a couple miles down from the top, we were greeted by hail, rain, and more thunder and lightening. This would have been the most incredible 20 mile downhill if we wouldn't have been soaking wet and freezing cold. SAG wagons were covered with bikes on the roof racks and rear racks. A tour bus was brought up the road and parked on the side for anyone who wanted to warm up and then finish the ride. Our foursome made it to the finish without rain gear and a SAG. The bus ride to our hotel was fun since we met Nelson Vails, an Olymipic Silver Medalist who entertained us with stories of what we were to expect the final day. (He rides a Calfee, Steve) A hot tub and pizza delivered to the room was all we could get the energy for that night.
Our last day was a 4:00 a.m. wake-up and a 5:00 a.m. shuttle bus ride that took us to our start by 6:25 a.m! Then we had to get the dirt and grit off our chains(and frost off our seats) before we could even begin the ride. We had a 47 mile uphill with the high point at 11,318 feet. The final 12 miles were mostly downhill to Copper Mountain.
The event is extremely well organized. Colorado is a beautiful state with clean air and roads, friendly people but we're glad to be home to get some rest! (AH) |
| 6/21/2003 |
10 + 33 |
Shriners race + Ryer Island loop |
PJ, Ed, Michael K |
| Thanks again to PJ and the other bike marshals who helped patrol the annual Shriners race. Despite a shortge of both police and bikers, we had the smoothest race yet, including a course record (the pace, I think, was under 4:30/mi for the 8K course). For us on bikes, it's a major set of wind sprints to set up cones and guard streets just ahead of the runners. For a change of pace, PJ and I met Michael in Courtland for a favorite ride of mine and John B's (33 mi)--around Ryer Island, including a ferry ride across Steamboat Slough. Turned out to be the perfect followup to race. We did some really good flat-land time trialing as well as some chatting and sight seeing. We missed Ray, who rode in Bear Valley. We all agreed that we should ride down here more often. A very fun and nearly traffic-free route through farmland and along Delta waterways. (EH) |
| 6/17/2003 |
93 for Steve M., 42 for the mortal people |
The water route with Hale road for good measure
|
Kenny G., Steve H., Steve M., Paul, Stockton Boy, Jim G. |
| Paul made his triumphant return to our somewhat mature peloton (at least age wise). We missed him during his east coast trip so we were delighted to have him back. With Paul's return we had all the A.A.R.P. regulars except our great inspirational leader Gene, hopefully Geme will be able to ride with us next week. For the second week in a row Steve Honeychurch got his creative juices flowing and came up with a new route. The only problem with Steve's creativity is that when he gets creative I tend to sweat a lot. Steve's vision for the day was the water route by way of Hale road instead of Lockwood Junction. The ride went without a hitch until we hit Hale road and Paul had a tire give up the ghost in spectacular fashion, Steve said he thought somebody was shooting at them. After regrouping on Fiddletown road we struck out toward Plymouth and a goodie break. After eating most of Steve McGrath's potatoe chips we were off to show Kenny just how silly we really are. Ken had yet to have the pleasure of riding from Plymouth to Sutter Creek on the water route. I am sure he was thinking we would not do anything to stupid in the heat, I guess we fooled him. When we got to the Parking lot Steve M. announced that he was going to go for one hundred miles and asked for volunteers to join him, after the laughter died down we sent him on his way and did what civilized people do, we went to the coffee shop for smoothees. One last note I need to apologize to Paul for almost tipping him over,sorry bout dat. (JG) |
| 6/15/2003 |
68 |
Plymouth, Fiddletown, Ostrum Rd. to Mt. Aukum, Cooks Station, Plymouth |
Steve H., Dave B., Kenny G., Gayle & Larry H., and Penny & Jim |
It seemed like old times to start in Plymouth. The earliest Erma rides (before we were Erma's) allmost always started in Plymouth. We chose to start in beautiful downtown Plymouth because our intended target was the climb Omo Ranch to Hwy. 88. By starting in Plymouth the sissy of the group (me) would be spaired the climbing involved in getting back to Ione. We were very pleasantlly surprised to see the almost retired Dave Brubaker at the start. As you might imagine the conversation was mostly about what is good and bad about retirement until we hit the first steep hill on the way to Fiddletown, as usual Penny and I fell out the back so I can only speculate on what was discussed after that. We arrived at the store in Mt. Aukum without any problems, got some goodies and were quickly on our way to Omo Ranch rd.. Just Before the turn off for Fairplay I turned our drive chain into a pretzel by messing up a shift. Steve and Dave were already way ahead and missed the fun of watching Kenny and Larry help me fix the chain. After we finally got rolling Kenny bravely volunteered to ride up and catch the boys. About a mile from the school we saw Kenny coming back to tell us he caught the boys and they deciced to push on due to time constraints. We enjoyed a nice break at the school.
The kids that attend school there don't know how lucky they are. The ride to the top was as beutiful as it was uneventful. We were fortunate to catch the first warm day to do all that climbing, after all it's not really a climb if you don't have sweat dripping in your eyes. I must say I was a little skeptical about climbing another mile to get lunch or even another three feet for that matter, but I must admit Larry had a great idea. The folks at Cook's station were friendly, thay made great sandwiches, and the tinkleatorium was first rate. We hurried down 88 to get to Shake Ridge as sonn as possible and found the new pavement to be wonderfull. It was a nice change to find more bumps farther down the road. We had to throw our chain one last time on the one uphill on Shake Ridge. After that we had smooth sailing, we did however give the chain bug to Ken, he droped his a couple of miles later (maybe a little penicillin will clear that up). After getting all together at Lockwood we were off to the races. Penny and I followed Larry and Gayle down the hill. Larry said somthing about going to slow and I didn't have the heart to tell him we were going a lot faster than Penny and I did the week before. Getting over the last hill between Fiddletown and Plymouth was petty gruesome but it is always wonderful to coast the last couple of miles to the end. All in all it was a dandy day. We had wonderfull scenery, great company, a chance to see Dave (happy retirement), I got to tell Gayle one of my favorite jokes, and got a Father's day lunch out it to! (JG) |
| 6/15/2003 |
65, * G.O.K. |
Plymouth, Fiddletown, Mt Aukum,Omo Ranch,Cooks Station, Shake Ridge |
Steve H.,Dave B.,Jim and Penny*. Larry and Gail*, Ken G*. |
| Who could resist a ride starting in the beautiful city of Plymouth? Not me for I could even ride to the ride. The plan was to go up to Fiddletown and over Ostrum-so far so good. We refuel in Mt Aukum to begin our assault and Penny adjusted the mp3 player so we could enjoy some tunes on the way. Dave and Steve rode on ahead enjoying the climb which went by rapidly as the heat hadn't begun to build yet. At Omo Ranch we enjoyed the cooling water but began to worry where the tandems were. We headed back down the hill and met Kenny who said Professor Gray (With all A,s we now call him professor) broke his chain and had great difficulty fixing it. but would get there eventually. Since they were probably going to turn around according to Ken we decided to go on up. This is a ride we must do more often. It was shady and cool because of the altitude with only a mild grade. On the way down Shake Ridge was widened and newly paved making a wonderful descent through the S curves at the top. We parted at Shenandoah School and headed for cold adult beverages Try it-you'll like it. (SWH) |
| 6/15/2003 |
65 |
Mt. Aukum Loop |
Karen and John |
| Well today's ride was definitley a family outing .... albeit just the KR/JR family but we had a great time. Quite a few groups out riding Erma Country and most likely revisiting the Sierra Century route. As a matter of fact, some of the riders could have just been finishing"The Sierra" after finally recovering from the climb of Mount Slug Gulch. Heading north, a good size bunch of riders went by us on Irish Hill Rd. but made the mistake of taking a left turn on Carbondale and got right in the middle of a cattle drive and along with it you know what !!! Fortunately for us, a cowgirl asked Karen and me to wait a few minutes before making the same left turn(mistake) but we decided to take a right turn and avoid the cow poops. Plymouth's parking lot was quite full of cars belonging to riders, both Ermas and Wheelmen . Hopefully the Erma tandems et al had a good ride up to Hiway 88 which would have been a bit much for us at this time . The Mt. A route was a good one as usual but it got a little warm and of course there was a headwind no matter the direction. Karen made a good charge on the return on Irish Hill and made me work a lot harder than I should have so the parking lot in Ione was a welcomed sight indeed. Just as we were about to head "out of Dodge," Ray pulled up in his vehicle deciding a matinee ride was a good idea. With the temperature guage moving ever upward I thought for sure Ed's car would be showing up momentarily but Ray was on his own in testing his heat tolerance by heading up to Sutter Creek ....for a coffee he said but an XXL Gatoraide I suspect took its place. Hope the ride was good Ray . Hope everyone's Pappy's Day was a good one and see you next time. Keep on the sunnyside. (JR) |
| 6/15/2003 |
50 |
Afternoon Coffee, with a hint of Charleston |
Ray |
| I opted for an afternoon start on this last-minute, solo effort, pulling into the parking lot just in time to catch JR & KR as they were leaving. KR warned me that it was going to be a hot one. The Creek Road was pleasantly cool compared to Sutter-Ione. The new pavement is answered prayer. Funny how the road looks different in the afternoon when the sun casts shadows in places that are normally sunny in the morning. Lots of people milling about in Volcano, so I stopped just long enough to fill my bottles before reacquainting myself with Charleston. Climbing Charleston in the heat of the day is not the smartest thing to do. As if it wasn't steep enough, it felt like my tires were sticking to the pavement. Although not as long, definitely much harder than Slug. I was in cruise mode all the way back to Ione, unlike our usual frenetic pace on Saturdays. It was a good change of pace (literally). (RC) |
| 6/14/2003 |
50, 67*, 83** |
standard coffee plus |
Al the Pal (20), Coconut, PJ, Jill (40), John B, Ed*, Steve and Carolle** |
| It was the Saturday irregulars today. Ray and Michael couldn't be there, but John B was able to come out for a short ride. Steve and Carolle started in SC and met us on Sutter-Ione. Jill started from home and also met us near the top of Sutter-Ione. At SC, the Pal had to turn back because of family obligations. I'm not sure I missed Ray on the creek road, since the tandem pulled us at a pace that got me warmed up completely without pegging my heartrate. From there, JB got into that zone he seems to get into on the creek road--augmented, I think, by his excitement over the new pavement. By the time we hit Fabio, he and I looked back to see why it was so quiet. There was nobody there. We probably stopped too long in Volcano, so JB attacked Rams Horn too. Down Shake, the tandem again pulled us to the final hills--including powering over the bumps at a good clip. In SC, JB realized that he was late, so he and I took off and screamed down S-I. At the highway, S&C and I split to do Willow-Irish. That's where Steve and Carolle really showed their strength, powering over those hills faster than most single bikes can. That should be good training for Steve's Terrible Two next week--good luck to all who are riding that ride. At Ione, S&C went to the deli for lunch before heading to Stoney Creek to get back to their car in Sutter Creek. A little scattered, but a good mix of riding and sociability. (EH) |
| 6/10/2003 |
52 |
Steve Honeychurch's creative route |
Don, Kenny G., Gene, Steve M., Steve H., & Jim |
| As everyone was earing up to leave the parking lot in beautiful downtown Sutter Creek we were pleasantly surprised to see Paul driving up to say hello. He had recently returned from his cross country trip and was unable to ride because of business obligations. Even though he and his wife were short on time he made it a point to come by and say hi. The day also saw the triumphant return to the gray haired peloton of Gene. Steve H. decided we needed to ride a new route so he cooked up the idea of going to Jackson and Butte Mtn. then heading back to town and going over Hoffman to get to Ione. I suppose he thought his new route would be easier on the riders that climbed Slug a few days before (Steve H., Steve M., & Kenny G.). The weather was a little cool on the downhills and nobody complained of the heat. It isn't everyday you see a group of riders in long sleeves and jackets in June. Steve M. was getting sleepy so he went on ahead after pulling us from Buena Vista to Ione. The rest of us climbed to Sutter Creek at more mortal speeds and made it a point to get drinks at the coffee house (thanks Don). We had a nice day with almost winter winter weather, I am sure we will remember the cool temperature fondly the next time it gets real hot. I just want to add my congratulations to our A.A.R.P. riders that finished the Sierra Century Steve H., Kenny G., and Steve M. (honorary). I think Carol might have helped a little bit, anyone who has ridden a tandem will appreciate what an effort is involved in attemting a climb like Slug at the end of a hard ride. You would think somebody old enough to be an A.A.R.P. rider would have enough sense to stay away from places like Slug Gulch. (JG) |
| 6/8/2003 |
49 |
Ione-Buena Vista-I.Hill/W.Creek-Sutter Creek-Ione |
Steve & Carolle, Chuck, Dave Brubaker, JR & KB |
Well, for those of us who didn't feel up to the Sierra Century (and Steve & Carolle, who are just plain NUTS!), we had a nice mild route planned and the weather was perfect.
As all of our Erma friends showly advance towards AARP status, it's interesting to see how the conversation changes. Once upon a time, the guys may have discussed speeds, fast times & such things. Today however, the boys were comparing heart rates on the hills. How sad! They concluded "the smaller the better" and Steve won (?) - sorry Carolle. JR had the biggest -yippee for me! What ARE we talking about!
More advice from the McGrath's . . . don't follow the tandem on a hill if they're standing . . . apparently it's a "pull my finger" sorta thing! Personally, that's more than I needed to know, but thought I'd share!
After climbing to S.C. (in more heat than was necessary), I was one hurtin girl & made mention of my extra pounds killing me on the hills, to which my ever-optimistic husband responded "but you're doing great on the down-hills!" Gee, thanks! Whataguy! Guess we'll be having salad all week for dinner!
Painfully working our way back thru S.C. and towards the High School, Steve & Carolle opted for the cemetary route for, as Chuck said, "a quickie to raise the dead." If they had that much energy after the Sierra yesterday, then I'm more than imporessed. We picked them up again right at the intersection of Cemetary Road at the top of the hill which made Chuck skeptical, due to lack of time. Steve says "no problem - it was the best 7 seconds of her life!" Sorry again, Carolle!!
It was short but sweet (I'm talking about the RIDE!). Lots of laughs, good (if not too blue) humor and great friends. Glad to have Dave and Chuck back and looking forward to LOTS more riding! Thanks guys . . . kr |
| 6/7/2003 |
104, 122*, 96**, 68*** |
Sierra Century |
Ray, Ed, Michael K, Steve H, Coconut, Jill, PJ, Anita, Andy, Al the Pal, John H***, Dave N*, Ken G, Jim and Penny***, Larry and Gayle**, Scott, Cheryl, Steve and Carolle, Hux, Gail B***, Debby***, Bob K*** (rumored: Jerry, Sarah, Michael T?) |
RAY: Kudos to the Wheelmen for putting together a great event! Although it was rumored that there were other Erma regulars scattered along the route, we must have been playing hide-and-seek because I didn't see any of them (Sarah, where were you?!!!). For those of you in our little Erma Grupetto that rode most of the ride together (Steve, Anita, Andy, Al the Pal, Coco, John H.), thanks for the company; it's what makes the ride memorable. Special thanks to Ed and MK for watching my back and sharing the work up front. In typical Erma fashion, we ride hard and fast over roads we consider "our backyard". Most notably, Irish Hill (where Ed performed an exceptional "shadow" maneuver. Although entertaining, watching the poor guy suffer was almost unbearable), the Creek Road, the Fiddletown Flyer (it must look pretty cool watching the Erma train of 7 or 8 jerseys go flying past like a lead-out for Cipo), and the Omo-Plymouth Express. But my personal highlight of this year's SC was Slug Gulch. Yep, all those hard miles up and down Jesus-Maria and Sheep Ranch Road a few weeks ago really paid off, especially on the really steep sections. Unlike Ed, who had to "haul that huge carcass" up the hill, and MK, who "had to dig deep into the suitcase of courage" to finish the climb, I was in The Zone, "dancing on the pedals" doing my best Gilberto Simoni Giro d'Italia impersonation, flying past riders in a virtual stand-still. A few in our Erma peloton saw me take off, but I've never felt that good climbing Slug. It was scary-good. Again, thanks to all for a great day in the saddle. (RC)
p.s. Congrats PJ on your first century, I only wish Ed and I had been there to offer "support" on your maiden voyage up Slug Gulch!
JIM GRAY: Upon arriving in foggy Plymouth for the start of the ride the big question on my mind was when did they move the ride to San Francisco? Don't get me wrong I was very gratefull for the cooler weather. You know the wheelmen are beginning to really gather a lot of influence when they can get weather made to order for their events. Being the local folks we didn't really need to bother with looking at the map to closely and got a big surprise when we saw riders turning left at the end of Old Sacramento road. Penny and I started running into old friends and acquaintances at the bottom of the hill leading out of Plymouth and happily kept at it until the after ride festivities. I think we saw just about everybody we have ever met in the world of cycling, it was just amazing. Many thanks to everyone that made it a point to say hi. Except for some shifting problems we had a glorious trip down Irish Hill road, it is just amazing how much easier it was with fresh legs. In Ione we were fortunate enough to see Bill from Jackson Family Sports and he was good enough to fix my shifting problems for me. It seems like every time I have bike delemas Bill always saves the day. I don't know if kinda sorta bike clubs can appoint a patron saint or not, but if we can Bill would certainly get my vote. St. Bill of Erma's, that dosen't sound to bad. The next big moment was getting caught by the fast kids. We gathered at Sutter Creek and pacelined a little way towards Volcano, special thanks to Ray and Ed for all the pushes. When the road got a little to steep for Penny and me, the fast kids went on ahead towing probably twenty outsiders. Just about everyone following the fast kids made it a point to thank us for the pull and comment on what a great paceline the fast kids were maintaining. A lot of people that got dropped asked what club we were and if we rode together all the time to be so smooth. The only real excitment Penny and I had came right after being dropped when we almost ran over a snake's head. We were hugging the edge to let another and I might say less attractive paceline pass by when a snake just popped out of the grass. I just happened to look down in time to see the front wheel miss by about six inches. I didn't hear any screaming so I don't think my wife saw the little critter. We almost had a snake served pancake style. After the snake incident our ride was pretty much uneventfull. We did a ton of socializing in Volcano and petered out on Ramshorn grade. We stopped at Daffy Hill for a shade break and saw Al, then we started up everybodies favorite wall and I almost saw god (I was pooped). I did discover a new function on my heart rate monitor, when we got to the top of that last rise after Daffy Hill my heart rate monitor was no longer showing numbers it was just scrolling the words" Hey fatboy you are done", I never knew it had that function. It was pretty obvious that our day was done so we headed staight to Plymouth from Fiddletown. Penny really wanted to go farther but I just did not want to argue with my monitor any more. I know my wife thinks I'm a sissy now but I just had to tell her even if it means being a sissy you just can't argue with modern technology. It was a great day with great friends. Great job Wheelmen! (JG)
ED: Our group got a bit of a late start after photo taking, but Ray did his best to make up for that by pulling us at 27 MPH to get himself warm on this surprisingly cold morning. The weather was overcast and cool until the sun broke out at Sutter Creek and the day turned out to be a sunny and warm one--very warm on Slug Gulch. Ray led the train again for the Fiddletown Flyer. This was the best group excursion ever (though not as fast as the time Ray and I did it 3 years ago). Ray pulled the entire way. We had great fun on Irish Hill, welcoming some outsiders to our roads. We had an excellent ride and a lot of fun, including taking full advantage of the 2 rest stops we stopped at (we bypassed the others). By the top of Slug, I was really warmed up, so I was able to help Ray a little on pacing the descent of Omo and down through Shenandoah. Wow, what a great run, including towing some hitchhikers, who got a very fast free ride all the way from Omo school to Plymouth. PJ, despite being off the bike for weeks, made the last-minute decision to register on-site and give it a try. He wasn't up with our main group most of the day, husbanding his energy wisely, as it turned out, because he finished HIS FIRST CENTURY, including Slug Gulch. Congrats, PJ. Now Coconut will have to stop calling you "that name." Besides the exciting runs over Irish, Fiddle, and Omo, I enjoyed and appreciated working with Michael and Ray throughout the day, being helped when I needed it and helping when I could. Also fun to ride with or at least meet up with the tandems and others along the way. (EH) |
| 6/3/2003 |
35, 72* |
A.A.R.P. Wildlife Route |
Steve H, Steve M, Jim, Don Strahan, Stockton Boy, Ed* |
When one arrives on a Tuesday for one of Erma's world famous A.A.R.P. rides one never really knows what or more precicely who to expect. There was much excitement in the gray haired peloton due to a rumor concerning the return to the open road of Sutter Creek's own cycling ledgend the lovely and talented Ms. Kunz (since she became a teacher we can't call her by her first name). When she did not make the starting line the many spectators on hand were disapointed but the group was delighted to see Don make his maiden Tuesday appearance. When we started up the Creek Road we encountered a group of saintly fellows working very hard to smooth out the ride by resurfacing part of the road. I know the Erma stokers will be especially greatfull for any improvement. After stopping in Volcano we went up Red Coral except for Steve and that guy from Stocton they took the hard fork in the road, we all know the hill I'm talking about. I did try to convince Ed to follow them but he was not feeling that foolish. Upon regrouping we rode down to Jackson Family Sports and really enjoyed the A.C.. Even though I wanted to stay until Bill closed I was enticed to leave when I was reminded of the iced tea awaiting in the Sutter Creek coffee house. On the way to the coffee house I was happy to see one of our A.W.O.L. members Gene driving up the hill. Hope to see you next week. When we got to the parking lot Ed decided to go brain dead and ride off into the heat one more time. He did try to convince me to join him (I deserved that from my previously mentioned trick) but I was set on iced tea. So while Steve M went home to sleep and Ed was bravely riding on in the heat the rest of us did the sensible thing and enjoyed cold drinks. We had the usual great time, we are really glad to have Don in the fold, we did however miss the leadership of our missing regulars and riding with Ms. Kunz. (JG)
We all eagerly awaited the promised arrival of Chrissie but to no avail; however Don Strahan showed up after an absence of a year. Don had to skip rides in the past because he has been gainfully employed but we welcomed him back. A cool ride up the creek started us out to Volcano. Don was reintroduced to Red Corral while Steve M.and Stockton Boy checked out Pine Grove Volcano Rd. to practice serious climbing. Steve is really ready for the T.T. Going down Tabeaud Stockton Boy very neatly T-boned one of dreaded squirrels at 30mph without even a quiver of the wheel. Steve was estatic! A stop at Bill's was enjoyed to get respite from the heat and then for smoothies while Jim entertained us with his unending array of stories. Maybe next week we will see Chrissie. (SWH) |
| 6/1/2003 |
75 Jim & Penny, 78 Ken, Larry & Gayle, 80 Steve & Carol |
Ione to Mt. Aukum with a Slug Gulch preview |
Kenny G., Larry & Galye H., Steve & Carol M., Jim & Penny G. |
The day started out hot and got hotter. The end.
Just kidding--we Erma's are far too long winded to write a report that short, however accurate it might be. When everyone arrived in Ione we were glad to see John, Karen, & Ed. We didn't know that they were committed to head up the hill when we had already promised the McGraths that we would meet them in Plymouth. After the initial disappointment we set out toward Plymouth to see what adventures the day might hold for us. As we were huffing up Irish Hill we were pleasantly surrprised to see the Stockton Bunch zipping up behind us. This is the second or third time we have met them at the same spot, a nice habit indeed. After bidding our stockton friends goodbye we pushed on toward Plymouth and the McGraths. We met up at the bottom of the hill and rode up to town together. Upon leaving Plmouth Penny unveiled her new tune making machine. Penny and I baked to music all the way to Mt. Aukum. Once at Mt Aukum it was decided that it was just warm enough to ride the Fairplay loop. Upon arrival in Fairplay it was decided that the best way to beat the heat was to tack on a few more miles and preview Slug Gulch. Penny and I decided that it just a little chilly to ride the extra two or three miles and took the short way back to the store. We just barley beat the fast kids back to the store, they were afraid Penny would drink all the cold Gatoraide. The trip down the hill was very pleasant except for the occasional bug dinner (we even had butterflies for dessert). We parted company with the McGrath's in Plymouth and headed down Old Sacramento road. Where the road dead ends at Jackson Hwy we decided to ride back on Willow Creek to be different. I don't know if it was any cooler but the change was welcome. When we got back to Ione the five of us just sat in the shade for about a half hour just cooling down. We had a real good day. I am reasonably sure we won't spoil for a while because we were fully cooked. It was a shame that the group ended up doing two separate rides, I only hope the other group had as good a time as I did and that we can avoid such snafus in the future. (J.G.) |
| 6/1/2003 |
47***, 57**, 67* |
not so standard coffee plus Willow-Irish |
John R***, Karen***, Cheryl**, Ed* |
There is something to be said for starting in Sutter Creek, shorter drive, sleep in and clean restrooms. I agree with Steve, an official Upcountry start in Sutter Creek is a great idea, count me in.
The route was planned to stay in the cooler parts of the county today so once connecting with JR, KR and Ed we headed up the creek road. It was a nice pace with lots of conversation. Ed was up ahead, KR and I in the middle and no JR, Karen went back to find him rescuing a butterfly off the hot pavement! We hit Volcano to find other riders and Rosie relaxing outside the closed store. Karen was in serious need of Gatorade so we headed over to the coffee house for the goodies. JR was NOT feeling his oats and decided to head back down the creek road and KR went with him. I sent him off with a few magic potions to get him back to Ione (remember to drink water & Emergen-C in this heat). Ed and I went on to Daffy Hill & down Shake. We decided to try to catch JR/KR in Sutter Creek (they were to give me a ride to SC from Ione). Thanks to Ed's pulls we made it down and up all the hills in good time but not in time to catch my ride. I decide to go down to the Hwy to get more miles. We hit it on the downs, kinda like being on a tandem the way we decended that road, LOTS O FUN!
Ed convinced me to go with him on Irish Hill Willow Creek and he would give a ride back to my car. It was a hot ride back to Ione and I was feeling the back to back rides. Once again I felt the pain as I hung onto Ed's wheel, knowing it would be alot more painful to lose that wheel and the draft. It was nice to not have to chase the wind break down. Thank you, Ed, for waiting for me.
Not much relaxing at the car as I promised Ed a coffee and pastry in SC so off we went.
It was a nice ride, sorry John was feeling so great and had to bail. See you all next Saturday for Sierra Century. (CDY) |
| 5/31/2003 |
65 |
Plymouth, Aukum, Tyler, Plymouth |
Ray, Michael K, Ed, Coconut, Jill, Steve H, Lee, Michael A |
| A well-balanced ride. Good pairings of riders for pacing and conversation throughout. A balance of sociability and speed, of smooth running and trouble. My wheel made a return appearance and worked perfectly--another thing to recommend the Ksyriums: the spokes are easy to install and the wheel is easy to true. Complete with a tighter cluster, the bike's rear end rolled and shifted perfectly, so it was time for trouble in the front end. At Plymouth, I realized how loose the bike's headset was and tried to repair with MA's help. After a phone call to Bill in Jackson, we realized that the repair efforts had made the headset irreparable. I tightened it as much as I could with the stem bolts and rode on. The day was promising to be too warm to miss. It was exactly that--in all the good ways. A brisk ride to Aukum. A tempo pace over Tyler for balance. But then on the downhill into Fiddletown, Ray and I were slingshotting each other's draft, until--swoosh--around that final bend and nobody remembered it but me, apparently. Michael followed me, but everyone else was going too fast to make the turn and shot on forward. Ray, out front, had a moment of hesitation and sideswiped a sign pole, whacking himself in the arm and knocking himself and his bike into a pile of gravel, but maintaining control. Apparently that made him angry, which he took out on us in his next pulls, including a 27-30+ mph pull (into headwind) out of Plymouth. Another very brisk traverse of Irish Hill--some TT-ing and some paceling, but all fast. Especially impressive today was how Jill jumped onto a nearly 30mph paceline as it passed her. Too bad Al had fallen off the same train. Other than the headset hiccup, a sterling day of increasing warmth in both the atmosphere and the riding. PS--Steve Rex had to work a bit, but he managed to fix the headset, Michael. (EH) |
| 5/31/2003 |
40 |
Sutter Creek Lockwood loop |
Cheryl, Steve and Carolle |
Carolle and I arrived at Sutter Creek around 8:00am, we decided to head over to Back Roads cafe and get a snack for breakfast. We headed back over to the bathrooms and waited for Cheryl, I told Carolle we should ride around and get warmed up. I decided to ride on some back street just off Church St., we headed back until the road turned into a gravel road, at which time I needed to turn around, (NOTE TO SELF; Always get off the tandem before turning around) when I started to turn we hit some debris in the road causing us to go down, and I couldn't get my foot out of the peddle fast enough, and we hit the ground. #@#@#@#@#@
Not a great way to start our Saturday morning, but once we started riding with Cheryl everything seemed ok. We left Sutter Creek at 9:00am; the plan was to head up the Creek rd. at a very casual pace. Cheryl told us that Ed and company (The early group) would be coming up this direction and would meet us somewhere on our route. Well, we managed to make it to Fabio hill in no time and wondered were the "animals" where. We continue on up to Volcano, we got to visit with Karen Rovane, who was painting in the amphitheater, and she said John was home pampering the dogs. (Surprise, Surprise) She assured us she would be riding tomorrow. We headed up Rams horn, confident that the early group would catch us on this climb. Well, they might have caught Carolle and I, but I'm not sure they would have caught Cheryl. We regrouped at the top and headed up upper Shake ridge Rd, now we were wondering if the early group had decided to take a different route, because Shirley between the strong pulls from Ray, Michael and Ed they should have caught us by now. We made it to the Fiddle town Rd. We then headed down
Shake ridge, this is where I told Cheryl we should make up for our slow pace coming up. We managed to make it down to Sutter Creek in record time, pushing speeds around 45+ miles per hour. Another perfect day for cycling, thanks Cheryl for waiting, and most of all riding with us, we had a great day. So much so that I'm going to add to the ride calendar an Alternate "Up Country ride" for Saturday and Sunday, starting from Sutter Creek, and will be leaving at 9:00am. (Smc) |
| 5/27/2003 |
42 |
Sutter Creek, Big Trees and return via Shake |
Steve H.,Paul, Jim G. and Stockton Boy Cameo by Chrissie |
| It was good to return to the fold after a three week absence of nothing to do but eat, drink,swim, eat drink etc.in the Caribbean. I left in winter and came home to summer. Since it was supposed to be hot-as in really hot we figured we would climb to coolness and shade which almost worked. It was a slow liesurely pace discussing all the usual important stuff to AARP riders (is there sex after death?etc)It was truly hot going up Rams Horn but thinking about a cool one at Big Trees kept us going. Alas Big Trees market was closed and we wereseriously behind in fluid. We did however find a good samaritin tending his garden who got a pitcher of cold water and filled both our bodies and our bottles. Now we were ready for the race downhill which was great until Jim blew a front tire on Shake Ridge. Jim, the old motocross veteran that he is got to a safe stop but got a couple nore grey hairs. After swapping out a new tupe we resumed our ride detouring to Oneto Road where I said hello to a lone jogger. She yelled "Steve is that you?" There was Chrissie complete with jogging shorts running along in 95 degree weather. She vowed she would join us since employment is difficult to find at this time. (we aren't taking any jobs) Will will be expecting her next week. Afterwards there was time for smoothies and comraderie in the coffee house. Nice to be back (SWH) |
| 5/26/2003 |
60*, 41**, 32 |
IH, WC, SC, WC, IH--sort of |
Ed*, Michael K**; 25: Steve H; 32: Al the Pal, Joel; 50: Peter, Bob, and their two guests |
They did it. They actually were there in the parking lot when I arrived. Peter and Bob had told me they wanted to ride, but whenever Bob says that, he always leaves a trap door so he can escape if something better shows up. But they were both there with two friends. Fortunately, we got to chat a bit and Bob got to see Blue Flames in person for the first time. Unfortunately, we didn't get to ride with them because of how things turned out.
Also pulling in after an hour of warm-up riding were Al the Pal and friend Joel, who waited (unfortunately for them) for me to get ready....
Finally a nearly perfect day this weekend. Sunny, warm, cloud-free from the start. This was to be the third "stage" of Michael's and my "Tour de Erma." What a raggedy route it was. See Chuck's report of yesterday. I had Steve's wheel. Steve brought my wheel. In the parking lot, I swapped the gear cluster from my broken wheel to the Spinergy wheel I won last year. Bob, Peter, and friends took off toward Daffy Hill, preferring not to do our extra loop. By the time I got my wheel together, we decided to chase B&P up toward Sutter Creek. Turns out that wheel didn't fit into my bike's rear dropouts, but I didn't figure that out until Michael pointed out a problem while we were almost to Sutter-Ione. I had to go back and grab Steve's wheel again, so MK and I rode back to Ione while Steve, Al, and Joel continued for a while (Joel had to be back by 11:30). Michael and I the restarted the ride on the original route--Irish Hill-Willow Creek. We met the other 3 on Willow and said goodbye since Steve also had to get back. Michael and I rode on to Sutter Creek and settled into the coffee shop porch to enjoy the day, some treats, and some conversation before starting back. At the highway, Michael was feeling his pace pushing from the last two days and returned to Ione. I was probably saved by the sore back I'd had for two days and felt great, so I continued over Willow and Irish and then added enough miles on Old Stockton to give me 60. What a treat to warm up (finally) and to ride with a loose, pain-free back (all stiffness disappeared after the coffee stop--thanks, double cap). Also thanks to Michael for towing me for most of three days and noticing the potentially dangerous problem with my wheel. Big thanks to Steve for letting me ride his wheel for 90 miles. And to Pam for saving my back. This is a Memorial Day weekend I'll remember for a while. (EH) |
| 5/25/2003 |
90, 57* |
Sheeps and Jesus |
Ray, Lee* |
There's nothing like a change of scenery and riding the unknown that can really make you feel alive and dead at the same time. This weekend's ride outside of Amador County is by far my most challenging ride of the year.
Lee and I decided to join several friends and go camping off the Stanislaus River just below Dorrington on Highway 4. I considered riding home from camp so I brought my road bike as well as a mountain bike. Saturday's riding activity included a teeth-rattling, bolt-loosening mountain bike ride over trails where Jeeps fear to tread, followed by a short 36-miler out and back up Highway 4. Lee missed out on my ride up the highway due to "other" activities (read: girlfriend), so was looking to get some miles in on Sunday morning since he was heading home later that afternoon. In short, after some discussion, I told him I'd ride down to Mokelumne Hill with him where he would continue to the Chevron Station in Valley Springs to the awaiting arms (and vehicle) of his girlfriend, while I'd ride back up to camp. This would be the first time when the ride"down" would be almost as difficult as the ride back up.
We got a very late start (10:30) since it was a last minute decision. I thought it would be better for a long ride on Sunday than deal with the Memorial Day traffic on Monday. So began the ride into the unknown. The selected route to Moke Hill went down (and eventually back up) roads I heard about but had no first hand knowledge of. By camping at river level, the ride immediately started out with a 5 mile climb back up to the Highway 4 with no warm up. The 10 miles from Dorrington through Arnold to Avery was fairly busy, but lightened considerably when we turned off on Sheep Ranch Road. Several people told me of the climb up Sheep Ranch Road. But I got a first-hand look at it, as Lee and I descended the 6.5 miles down to the river. At the bottom, I took a mental picture of the road back up, knowing that that was the way back to camp. Although we were "descending" in elevation to Moke Hill, there was a lot of climbing involved. I'm sure the profile looked like the serrated edge of a ripping saw. We climbed and descended all the way to Railroad Flat and to the "top" of Jesus Maria. JESUS MARIA?!!! Yes, as if having to climb back up Sheep Ranch was not enough, I'd have to climb back up Jesus Maria too. As long as I've been riding with Erma's Diner, I can recall only once in the last few years that we've ever gone to Jesus Maria on a weekend ride, and I missed it. (Unlike Steve H. and the AARP-ers who have the luxury of riding up Jesus Maria whenever they feel the need, turning it into an annual event). Expecting a downhill run all the way to Moke Hill, I said, "What's up with this big hill just before the highway?!" After 45 miles of what would have already been a challenging ride, we stopped at the school in Moke Hill for our first break. The "easy" part was over, and the real ride was about to begin.
I remember the look on Lee's face as we were sitting on the school bench. It was a combination of "Man, I'm glad I don't have to ride back up Jesus Maria and Sheep Ranch" and "Bummer dude, you've got a long way to go to get back to camp". It was nearly 2:00 pm when Lee and I parted company. He had 12 miles to go to get to Valley Springs to meet his girlfriend. I, on the other hand had 45 miles of a lot of climbing yet to go, beginning with 13 miles back up Jesus Maria. I was a little concerned about daylight because I thought I might have miscalculated the time it would take me to get back to Dorrington. As daunting of a task that lay ahead, I actually enjoyed the climb back up Jesus Maria. The scenery was spectacular. Bright orange fields of poppies intermixed with Lavender. Parts of the climb reminded me of Monitor Pass. Thankfully, I made it back to Railroad Flat Road in good time. However, it didn't come cheap. I expended a lot of my fuel reserves and trouble was brewing as I felt the pre-cramp stages in my legs. I worked through them, and it eventually passed. I stopped at the Forestry Station at the Sheep Ranch turnoff to refill my bottles, and met 2 other cyclists from Galt doing a loop out of Jackson. When I told them where I was headed, they had that same look Lee had back in Moke Hill.
As before, there were a few ups and downs before the river where the actual climb up Sheep Ranch began. Thanks to the topography maps at work, I knew the average gradient and length of the climb, the worse part being a constant 12% for about 1.5 miles, before "flattening out" to 7% for another 5 miles. Surprisingly, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was hot, and there was no shade for any relief. I got a few encouraging words and a "thumb-up" from the few cars that passed by. I still made it back to Highway 4 in good time, with only 15 miles left to go.
It was just after 5:00 pm and the traffic on the highway was not looking good, so I took a chance on a by-pass road (Moran Road) that ran parallel to the highway and dropped back in 6 miles up the road. This turned out to be a smart choice. It was much less traveled and offered me a few miles of quiet, easy climbing. The last 4 miles on the highway were miserable and I couldn't wait to get off. Boards Crossing Road came none too soon. It was a 5 mile downhill run back to camp. As much as I enjoyed it, descending in the cool shade tightened up all those over-worked muscles which took a long time in front of the fire to loosen them back up. 90 miles later I arrived back at camp. It was a full day of riding and it felt like it. The body felt like it needed to be resurrected, but the spirit soared. The word "sheep" and the name "Jesus" are often used in the same illustration, but I'm not sure they've ever been used in this context! (RC) |
| 5/25/2003 |
65 |
Ione to Mt. Aukum |
Cheryl, Karen, Carolle, Ed, John, Steve M, Michael K, Dave N, Chuck |
| John suggested an easy route in light of my delicate condition. A polite way of suggesting I was out of shape. Karen was even taking odds on my showing up, let alone being able to finish. The ride started out with cool temperatures and much banter about who was wearing too much clothing. With the promise of sun at higher elevations we headed for Mt. Aukum. It was an easy ride, or so I thought until Ed busted a very expensive wheel on one of the short climbs on Stiener road; too much torque on the pedals. Ed and Michael made a band-aid repair to the wheel literally- and turned back to see if they would have the good fortune to find Steve Honeychurch at home and get help with the wheel. It was a serendipitous event at Mt. Aukum where we ran into Joyce and Gayle. Gayle was able to document the occasion digitally. One can only guess at the number of Erma photos she must have on file. On the return from Mt. Aukum we ran into Ed and Michael at River Pines. Steve had been home working the vineyard and loaned Ed a wheel from one of his bikes. We all approved the mix of colors Ed presented with the new wheel and headed for home, Karen and Cheryl doing their best to test my delicate condition with hard pulls the whole way. It would have been fun to have been there to see who really won the sprint to the finish at Irish Hill, but the report back to the pack was that Steve M., Dave, and Michael tied at the finish line. Thanks everyone for a great time. (CG) |
| 5/24/2003 |
62, 45* |
Coal Mine, Stoney, Chinese Graveyard, SC, S-I, WC, IH |
Steve and Carolle*, Al the Pal*, Coconut, Jill, Michael K, Ed, Steve H, Pam, Vic, Mark, Tim |
| Ray and Lee are camping. Tim and Mark showed up to fill the gap. Both have ridden with us before, but not for quite a while. Showing for the second week in a row were Pam and Vic. We all enjoyed last week's ride so much that we did it again. It was a bit more ragged at the start this time. The Pal was in a hurry. Steve and Carolle were feeling chipper with another DC notched. Steve H looked relaxed after his cruise. By the time we hit Stoney, my back was really stiff and painful. Coco, MK, and I stopped at Pardee to refill and Coco helped me stretch out a bit. I made it to the coffee house--twingingly. Fortunately for me, Pam was there and willing to manipulate my back there on the coffee house floor. I felt better right away. The riding and the warmth loosened my back even more. By the time we hit Willow Creek, I felt great. Back in the parking lot, Pam helped me stretch out again and made me feel even better. Wow, what a difference. From hardly being able to walk, I felt flexible and pain-free. Thanks again, Pam. Oh yeah, the ride. Steve and Carolle pulled the entire Old Stockton-Jackson Valley to Coal Mine, looking very strong and moving fast. Michael and Coco nursed me up Stoney Creek, but otherwise, the group rode briskly the entire way, arriving about 1:00, about the same time as last week, despite my slowing things down. Pal had to ride straight back from Jackson. Steve and Carolle headed back at the highway for an appointment. Our tour of Willow Creek-Irish Hill was very fast, thanks especially to a very frisky Michael pulling pace. Sorry about dwelling on my back, but I'm very happy to feel normal and owe it all to Pam. Also fun to hang out with the gang over a variety of chips, cherries, and strawberries (thanks, Dowlats, Mark, and Vic). Great day. (EH) |
| 5/24/2003 |
102 |
Indian Valley Century |
Gayle & Larry, Lenny G., Penny & Jim |
| The Indian Valley Century is a typical small century except for the exceptional route on which it is held. Some people like going to the major events that are super organized and super crowded. I on the other hand have always favored the small less crowded and therefore usually more scenic rides. The Indian Valley Century seems to be finding its stride, while still growing the organizers seem to working out the bugs very quickly and the ride draws more people every year. This years trip started out when Penny, Kenny, and I found the Hayes' canpsite in Clio. After doing a little exploring and an occasional snowball fight we went out to dinner. After dinner Ken, Penny, and I went up the hill to Cresent Mills to spend the night. The next morning was as nice a morning as I have seen in the mountains. Usually there is a little fog in the valley but not on ride day. As a result we had to forgo the customary frostbite on the way to the first reststop. At the start we hooked up with some of Gayle's friends Sue and Chris (great people). Sue and Chris are mostly members of our misguided brethren the mountain bikers. Being the wonderful people we are(unbiased opinion) we didn't hold their strange biking habits against them and being the really good people they are it would have been impossible anyway (anyone on a tandem can't be all bad). We managed to get the mandatory flat tire out of the way in the first ten miles. With three tandems we did have a few chain derailments but nothing major. It was real easy to see how popular this ride is getting when we got to the second rest stop, it semed lilke everybody and their brother was there. The climb did turn out to be a bit of a challenge but not to bad. The only bad part of the climb was looking at the previous year's fire damage, a real shame. The top of the climb brought with it the promise of lunch or so we thought(small ride snafu) it seems more people went for the full century than anyone expected and slower folks like us were left with crumbs. This was not a big problem because the organizers just kept cooking at the metric turnaround and we really pigged out when we got back there. The extra miles were a little tough on Penny and I so the support we recieved from our friends and for that matter just about everybody on the ride was welcome indeed. With a little extra help we made it back to Greenville. This ride is one of the most friendly and most scenic rides around, it really is a must. And if you are lucky enough to go out to pizza with Sue and Chris after the ride it is even better. When you are having a hard time it is really nice to have patient friends like we had up there. Youse guys are da best. I can't wait till next year! (JG) |
| 5/20/2003 |
37 |
AARP Wildlife Route |
Jim Gray, Steve M, Paul, and Stockton Boy |
| I am a little late with this report due to finals and an old retired guy's memory. The day started with a phone call from Kenny G., after jumping through all kinds of hoops to be able to ride he forgot he had a dentist appointment (o well). When we all got together to negotiate the days itinerary Steve said he was feeling a little tired for some reason and didn"t want to do anything to hard. The wildlife route emerged victorious and away we went. The weather was just beautiful and the roads around Volcano and Pine Grove were as scenic as ever and we had the usual great time. Steve seened to be a little less tired when the road kicked up as he and the kid from Stockton beat me up really, really, really bad whenever the road went up. When we hit Jackson we made the customary stop at Jackson Valley Sports and Steve had to get some new shoes for his half bike after damaging the old ones at the Davis Double. He said he ran over something while riding in a long paceline, I think he probably just wore the rubber off chasing Dave Neff and the boys. I suppose riding a "double" would be a good reason to be tired but the argument would be more convincing if he didn't crush me like a bug on every hill. We had a great day hearing war stories about the "double" and just being with good friends on our bikes. Congrats to everyone that participated in the double century. (JG) |
| 5/18/2003 |
47 ....felt like 74, 53* |
Butte loop |
John R, Karen, Cheryl, Phil, Ed* |
Just a foursome today but what a fine foursome indeed!! Phil, who Anita introduced to Ermas, rode his fourth ride with ERMAS and was treated to new territory and new direction in Erma Country. Phil commented on how much fun he has had riding with our "club" , how pleasant everyone has been, and how no one gets dropped. That's nice to hear so we all are to be congratulated. As for today's ride ,"The Butte Mtn. Loop" was Erma's entree. We only rode 47 miles but it was a quality ride that felt like 74 miles. Phil, Karen, and Cheryl headed out of Ione in the "Hayes Tradition" while the old man of the bunch took a bit longer to get up to speed. Lots of good chit chat and not any complaining except for Cheryl's experience with being served a "senior breakfast" while in Reno !! No stops until after Butte Mtn. and then we took a short pause in Jackson. At that point we decided that WC and IH were not on today's "menu" so we gave it a good go all the way back to Ione. Good quality ride today despite the short miles. "Keep on the sunnyside" and see you all on the next ride. (JR)
I didn't want to get up early, but I did want to ride my bike. I figured that JR's planned route would give me time to get some of Irish and Willow in at least and maybe some of Sutter-Ione before I met the group. Didn't work. They cut it short, but I did IH-WC-SC and return same way on a spectacular day. Riding alone gave me more opportunity to look at the landscape. If you haven't been on irish Hill in last week or so, go out just to see the wildflowers. I've never seen such an abundance on that road before. And the thistles are just starting to bloom on Sutter-Ione. It looked hazy up toward the mountains, less hazy down in the valley, and felt perfect in between. Even the wind cooperated and was never a straight headwind. In fact, for the first time I can remember, it was a tailwind coming back on Irish Hill. That's the way to end a ride--wildflowers, clean air, and tailwind. (EH) |
| 5/17/2003 |
62 |
Coal Mine, Stoney, Chinese Graveyard, SC, S-I, WC, IH |
Michael K, Ed, Ray, Lee, Coconut, Jill, Vic, Pam |
With weather forecast in the low 80s, it looked to be another beautiful spring day. In addition to the regular cast of Saturday characters, it was great to see Pam again after such a long time since her last Erma ride. Also joining us was Vic Macko from Stockton. Admittedly, Pam was hesitant to join us since she hadn't been on her bike much at all this year. But when you're fit, you're fit. Teaching all those spinning classes has its benefits; maybe someday I'll find my way back to class. There was some indecision as to where to go, but Ed was definitely not looking to do another century. His only requirement was that we make a coffee stop. The Kings weren't playing until 5:00 (ugh!) so I wasn't in that much of a hurry to get back. We decided to go to Jackson via Stoney Creek. We considered Camanche but took Coal Mine instead to avoid the temptation of first stopping at the Coffee house above the Lake enroute to the coffee stop in Jackson. Jill decided she needed additional recovery from last week's century and parted with us at the Wishing Well. Our route coincided in part with the Sunrise Century, but you wouldn't have known it by the anti-social behavior of some cyclists who rode past without even a "good morning". We concluded they were ### riders who typically lack social graces anyway. We just rode on. After a brief stop at Pardee, I convinced Lee that it would be a great idea for him to try to see if he could make it up Stoney in 30 minutes. After conveniently dropping a chain on one of the hills, I told Lee to keep going and I decided to join the autobus with Ed, MK, and everyone else. Lee came close but didn't quite make it in 30 min, but now has something to shoot for. We pulled into the Jackson to find a car show in downtown, so we detoured up the hill and around to get to the coffee house. There were a 5 or 6 burly, leather-clad, bandana-wearing, Buck knife wielding, long bearded (ala Jim Gray), tattooed, Harley Hog-types just ahead of us in line. I tried to convince Lee to comment on their choice of the large non-fat, extra whip, carmel frazzleberry foo-foo frappucinos they had just ordered, but he declined to say anything.
Instead of going straight to Jackson Gate, Coco offered to lead us out through Chinese Graveyard Road. Thinking he was pulling a "Steve 'smooth as a baby's bottom' Honeychurch", we were a little skeptical about his promises of a well maintained road. It actually turned out to be a nice change of scenery which dropped us back into Jackson Gate by Teresa's Restaurant. (Okay Coco, we believe you).
The triple espressos kicked in over Sutter-Ione. It was fast and furious as usual. Energy was high, so Ed and I sprinted for the stop sign. Last week's 100 miler did a lot for MK, as he was looking much as he did prior to his crash. Fresh asphalt was being laid on the highway so the road was temporarily closed to vehicle traffic into Ione. It didn't matter since we were headed for Willow Creek/Irish Hill anyway. The wind was kicking up as we made our way to the IH race course. We were all feeling pretty good, since we had 40 miles less on our legs than last week at IH. Again it was fast and furious to the highway, ending in another sprint at the end. We got Pam back by 1:00 as promised, with even a few minutes to spare to join us in our post-ride parking lot potato chip fest. Thanks to all, it was a great day to be on the bike. Vic, it was good riding with you. Pam, it's always great seeing you, come out and join us again soon because it may be a while before you see me back in Spin class! (RC) |
| 5/17/2003 |
203 |
Davis Double |
Dave N, Michael A, Hux, Steve Mc |
I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday then riding a double century with great friends. (Thanks: Dave, Michael, Hux, Tanya, and of course Carolle) The only thing that could have made this day better would be to have Larry and Chuck riding with us. (Next year.)
We started our day at 5:00am, at the Davis High school parking lot. The plan was to leave before 5:30am. Dave said this would be a good time to leave so we could hook up with the tandems and fast groups, I don‚t think there‚s a group faster than Dave, this guy is a machine. Carolle was there and ready for a long day in the car, but today she would have a co pilot, Michael‚s friend Tanya, what a wonderful person, and a perfect addition to the awesome vehicle support team. We managed to roll out at 5:20am, by this time it was light enough to see without our lights. Looks like another ride I won‚t get to use my new light system; the pace out of town was its usual fast pace (Larry Hayes' style) with Dave and Michael doing most of the work. At one point I told Hux "this pace should slow down soon." Well, I've never ridden a double century with Dave, and being that Dave has just completed his brevets, qualifying him for the PBP (Congratulations Dave) his most recent being a 400k in 30 hours!! So as you can see, this was just a little Saturday ride for Dave, and when you fuel that with the strength of Michael, who is no slouch to these long rides, and has also been training in the brevet series. So for me, it looked to be a long day trying to hang on to their back wheel. We made it to the first rest stop, refueled and headed out; we had a stretch of road that the wind was actually at our backs. (This would be the only time this happened today) We climbed Cardiac to the second rest stop, this is where Hux started to tell us to go on head, because the pace was faster then he wanted. on After a very short break we continued up to the top of Cardiac, this would be the last time Hux would continue with us, he wanted to do his own ride, at his own pace. I should have taken Hux‚s cue, as it would not get any easier keeping up with the two animals. We continued on to lunch, Carolle and Tanya were saying how much they wished they could be riding their bikes, so I offered my bike, and told them I would take over their duties as SAG support, but Carolle wouldn't let me off that easy. We were rolling out from lunch as Hux was coming in. (he was still smiling) We started out slow, letting our food digest a little, but it wasn't long before Michael and Dave were putting the hammer down again, and this where I had to tell myself back off and ride your own ride, and away they went. I was following a couple of guys down a long decent just before Resurrection hill, when I hit something in the road, and blew out both front and rear tires. (Brand New Michelin Pro Race Tires) I had to put several tire patches on the inside of both tires as a boot. Carolle came just in time to give one more tube and the use of the floor pump. I told Carolle to go on head and let Dave and Michael know what happened and not to wait for me, but Dave and Michael being the gentlemen they are decided to wait at the top of Resurrection. Repairs complete and I was off, not sure my tires would hold up for the remainder of the ride (75 miles to go). Once at the top of Resurrection hill, I grabbed a quick bite and we were off. We managed to hook up with a very fast tandem for the next 30 miles, got to love those tandems!!
As we left one of the last rest stops, I overheard a group of cyclist say "Get on with that group (Us) because they ride very strong." Well, I was the first to take a turn up front, (23mph) then came Michael, (24mph) then it was three people that hooked up with us, (21mph) now it was Dave's turn and he decided to crank it up to 25mph!! (And this was at mile 180!) Like I said earlier "this guy is a machine" one by one the vast group of about fifteen started dwindling, until all that was let was the "Erma's Group" we continued on for about four miles when Michael had a flat. We pulled off to the side and Michael repaired the tire. We made it to the second to last rest stop and enjoyed cookies and soda, we decided to ride straight through to the finish, it was a beautiful site to see the Davis water tower (in the daylight). we pulled on to Oak Ave. to large groups of well wishers clapping for everybody. What a great day of cycling, and perfect company. I look forward to riding the Terrible Two with Dave and Michael, well, at least until the first climb. I would like to give a special thanks to the Davis Bike club for a great day. And very special thanks to Carolle and Tanya for their continued support throughout the day. They were awesome. SMc |
| 5/13/2003 |
45 |
A.A.R.P. Water Route |
Paul, Steve McGrath, Jim, & AL (which one?) |
| What a lovely day. Things did start off on a bad note when I had to inform the assembled multitude (both of em) of the news of Kenny G's tragic situation. He actually went out and got a, dare I say it. a,a,a,a,a,job. There I said it. What ever would posess a regular thinking person or even an old phone guy to do something as rash as getting a,a,a, job is beyond me. After a few moments of the proper anguish and some belly laughs we were on or way. Because Steve H. is still off gallivanting around the world we were a day late and a leader short. After a heartfelt debate we decided to do the "Water Route" in honor of our absent hero, and because Steve M. wanted to do some climbing. It was a pleasant surprise to see Al ride into the parking lot while the debate was going on. The ride up to Volcano was real pleasant, there is actually water in the creek. Our stay in Vocano was a short one, then on to mighty Ramshorn. The trip up Ramshorn was uneventfull until Daffy Hill, that's when Al turned off and headed home. At Lockwood everyone was telling me how slowly they were going to take the downhill to Fiddletown. I guess I will just have to take their word on it because Steve and Paul were putting out the barbecue and saying googbye to their guests by the time I got there(how embarrassing Olive). As we covered the last few miles toward Sutter Creek we were discussing how much Steve H. would have enjoyed our route today. It is just to bad that the bylaws for Erma's A.A.R.P. rides only allow the "Water Ride" to be attempted once a month(sorry Steve). While we really missed Gene and Steve and that guy from Stockton and Kenny (oh the shame of it), Al steped up for us and was a welcome addition to the day's festivities. (JG) |
| 5/11/2003 |
50 |
Mother's Day ride |
Carolle & Steve McGRath; Chuck Gray |
| I could have not asked for better weather for our "Mother's Day" ride. Chuck, Steve and I enjoyed the beautiful day as we headed towards Sutter Creek and on to Volcano. Hoping for a Gatorade in Volcano, unfortulately we were to early for the store. So off to Rams Horn, and a fast trip down Shakeridge Rd. I must admit, decending on the tandem is more fun than the single bike. I actually had to stear! As for Mother's Day, I got a call from my Airforce daughter while climbing Rams Horm...after a few minutes of talking and trying to breath and steer at the same time, I told her I would call her back. Chuck was impressed that I could talk and climb at the same time...so was I! Back to the car and another great day for cycling and friends!!! (CMc) |
| 5/10/2003 |
103 |
Sierra Century route |
Ray, Ed. Michael K, Dave N (94), Coconut, Jill (83), Al the Pal, with cameos by Michael A and Michael T and a lot of Wheelpersons |
Great to be back in the Erma fold again after too long an absence. But some things never change. Ray is still the same old dominant Ray. Al forewarned me on the climb to Sutter Creek that Ray didn't like coming into Volcano second best. He didn't, but I hope he at least broke a sweat in doing so. We dropped Al on Fabio and Ray started to pull away but the crest came none too soon. Then it was time to just hang onto his wheel. Same tune on the run into Fiddletown. Ed's report didn't mention the snow in the shade at the Omo Ranch school; though it won't be there long. I won't stay away as long before the next Ermas ride and look to see more of you then. (DN)
I'm not a fan of starting earlier, but at least it was finally a sunny day with no threat of rain, even if it wasn't 80 degrees in the parking lot. This was to be another "Ray's in a hurry" ride because Ray had tickets to the Kings game. As it turned out, Ray could go straight from Ione to the game and didn't mind just taking a hose shower, so he said the pressure was off--somewhat--especially with an 8:00 start. In the parking lot, there were some of the usual suspects (Jill, Coco, Pal, Michael K), but to our surprise--Dave Neff. He's finished with his qualifying rides for PBP (the last was the 600K, which he rode in that rain storm last weekend). So you know he was ready to ride. Sure enough, between Dave and Ray (sort of in a hurry and sort of not), it was a fast-paced day of riding. But at the same time, we were not rushed at the rest stops. We chatted with a bunch of other riders all the way along since it was the Sierra Century workers' ride. We saw them off and on all the way along, including some acquaintances I hadn't seen for quite a while. We had all teased each other by email about doing the full Sierra Century. It turned out to be one of those "who flinches first" rides. Nobody flinched, so we ended up at the top of Slug Gulch, realizing that we had 20 more miles after the downhill slalom to Plymouth. Those who remember it from last year (the last time we saw John Drumm, I think) will recall the Plymouth street fair with fondness--especially those who tasted the wine. This year Ray and I had espressos instead (very good), and Coconut bought a phone, of all things. Jill and Coco were surprised to find their children there at the fair. Jill was happy since it meant a ride home for her. She made Al ride to Ione with us. Dave showed that he's ready for a 1200 K ride right now, but it turned out he had to rush, so took the highway to Ione. The Pal showed by all his vociferous complaining that he's taken over Chrissie's old role as chief sandbagger. Ray was Ray: "I felt pretty good all day"--meaning he was doing most of the pulling and never pulled over for relief--and still took all the sprints. Michael had one of those break-through rides, showing that he's now fully back from his early-season crash. I hung in there despite some energy slumps from the cooler weather at the higher elevations, showing that the Wildflower Century was a good training ride. Michaels A and T rode the workers ride, starting in Plymouth. We caught up with them in SC and then Volcano. The day was spectacular--clear air, blue skies with huge white clouds. Since most of us hadn't ridden in the area for 2 weeks, the change in the vegetation was dramatic. Where once was a carpet of green in the meadows and pastures was a wild explosion of grass, weeds, and wildflowers. And after 103 miles, Ray hoses off and rushes to Sacramento to see what? A DOUBLE overtime basketball game. That's what the month of May is for. (EH) |
| 5/6/2003 |
38 |
Tabeaud Memorial ride "AARP" |
Paul M, Kevin S and Steve Mc |
| Today's weather was very deceiving, I was getting ready for the ride and the sun was shining, causing me to believe it would only get warmer through out the day, so the choice of clothing was short sleeves and pants. (I would pay for this decision later) Without Steve H, (Vacation) and Jim G. (Sick) we had a hard time deciding on our route for the day. I told them I wanted a lot of climbing, Paul had an afternoon meeting, and since this was my one year anniversary since the squirrel accident, and Kevin s one and a half year anniversary from his dog accident, we decided the route should include Tabeaud Rd. So we headed up the Creek Rd to Volcano, where we had a great visit with Rose. We then headed up to Red Coral, then down to Tabeaud Rd. The decent was very controlled; we paid our respects to Kevin in his respective crash site , then continued on down, Paul thought it would be appropriate for Kevin and I to hug each other at the site of my accident, but we decided it was best to just be very thankful we were still here and riding today. Once we were past the crash sites the pace picked up, with Paul leading the way. We stopped at Bill's for great conversation and warmth, and of course to swap horror stories of each others bike crashes. Once back in Sutter Creek I was grateful to put on my sweat shirt and pants, and turn the heater on in my car. Another great day for cycling, thank you guys very much for a great ride. Hope to see you next week (Smc) |
| 5/4/2003 |
68 |
Larry's Great Idea: BV, Stoney, Jackson - Clinton - Tabeau - Pine Grove - Red Corral - Volcano - Rams Horn - Shake |
Steve & Carolle, Larry & Gayle, Michael A, Sarah & Jerry, Louis |
Who wudda thunk....gray skies, clouds, chilly and the threat of rain + Erma's die-hard riders = Great cycling day (with certain reservations!). Clear skies at 0600 in Stockton promised a delightful spring day of riding in the hills. By the time J & S along with strong, young rider, Louis, arrived in Ione to find our usual parking lot blocked off by a big rig in anticipation of Ione's Homecoming Parade, the clouds were gathering and temps lowering. Heading to the overflow lot we were happy to see some of the familiar Erma colors heading out, and by the time we were ready to roll, Steve & Carolle, Larry & Gayle and Michael A. returned to scoop us up for a return to Ermaland ride. Their initial plans of heading to Mt. Aukum were shelved when we mentioned that Louis was looking for "lots of miles, lots of hills" so Larry came up with a great hilly route and off we went. Thoroughly enjoyed the light banter from the terrible tandems...they do egg each other on and inspire us all with their amazing downhill speeds (and pretty impressive ups as well) Heard a loud bang mid-hill above Pardee Dam - certain one of those redneck pickup truck drivers had tried to pick us off with his sidearm, but it was an explosive blow-out on S & C's front wheel. Carolle was certain since it happened on "Steve's wheel" it was mostly his fault. While Steve made short work of the repair (the tube was blown completely open) the rest of us were enthralled by an amazing display from the bulls residing in fields on opposite sides of the road. With a captive audience of humans to observe, these bulls put on such a demonstrative, noisy ritual of rutting, moaning, barking, snarfing and pawing the dirt.....we all tried to project what Bull A was trying to say to Bull B....something along the lines of "my heifers are cuter than yours." "Keep your hooves off my women, buddy" or "My b---- are bigger than yours!" Whatever, it was quite a show - Gayle & I were certain these two huge dudes were going to take the fence down to protect their fair maidens. Steve was careful to note Larry's way cool small Topeak floor pump, and immediately put it on his "Gotta have it because Larry has it" list.
On to Jackson for a short stop in the Plaza, with Larry outlining more hills to come for Louis. We hadn't done the ride to Pine Grove in that direction, and it was quiet, incredibly green & beautiful and provided plenty of uphill efforts to try to keep our core warm. Steve pointed out the location of his infamous 'squirrel decapitation incident" and we observed a moment of silence in honor of that furry little friend who so innocently tried to cross the road. We wondered what JR & KR were up to tucked away in their house, S & C pointed out Mt. Zion that was in their backyard.
Rumor has it that JR & KR opted out of the Sunday ride due to possible 'inclement weather.' Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
It was getting plenty cool by the time we got to Pine Grove, and we were happy to retreat to the deli for some inside dining and warm-up time. Gayle & I passed on the traditional sandwich for some belly warming mac & cheese, and I noted several bags of salty, carbo laden crunchy snacks cluttering the table. Down Red Corral we hit our highest speeds and lowest temps of the day.....a teeth chattering experience to be sure! Rolling through Volcano (I've never not stopped there, but we had just rested & eaten) we headed up Rams Horn which quickly warmed us up. Zipping jackets back on we awaited the tandems....Steve swears that Carolle took a little nap on the way up Rams Horn - he felt her forehead hit his back. Gayle was fantastizing about riding stoker while sipping a cold soda, listening to music and reading a trashy novel. Whatever time they lost on the trip up they more than made up on the trip down.....Bye Bye Tandems! Wow, can they ever go on the downhills. I poked along in my usual ER Nurse, "don't want to go too fast and get hurt" mode. Papa Bear........Grrrrrrrrr. The tandems stopped in SC for various reasons....going to the bank, going to the BR, so the rest went on anxious now to close this chapter and claim a bit of the day. Getting a bit tired for the last leg from SC to Ione, but enjoyed a great paceline (I actually hung on, and thank you men for holding back for me) on the highway. Louis started the pull, Michael spelled him, and we all happily rolled into the parking lot to find the sun we had been chasing all day finally came out. A good return to Ermaland, great to see some long lost Erma friends, and enjoy the spirited discourses that colored the day. Thank you Steve & Carolle, Larry & Gayle, & Michael. Louis, did you get enough hills? (SS)
I think we all know that we should never listen to the news for a weather report. The forcast for today was 70 degrees, I think the high for the day was around 50 degrees, so for those who choose to stay home, you missed a great ride, cold, but fun. Today was the annual Ione home coming parade, so we had to park in the overflow parking lot. When Carolle and I pulled into the parking lot we saw Larry, Gayle, and Michael, I knew it would be fun day. Fortunately Michael rode 100 miles the day before, and was content to hang back with us and relax. The ride started out nice and slow, the route for the day was decided by Lewis in that he wanted lots of hills, so we headed towards Beuna Vista, because the clouds looked ugly up country. our first climb for the day would be Stoney Creek, Carolle and I were riding up one hill next to Larry and Gayle when we had a major blow out on the front tire. (Pinched tube) we repired the tube and continued on, once in Jackson we headed up Bute Mt. At Clinton we turned right and rode up Tabeau, then up Hwy 88 to Red Corral, we injoyed a wounderful lunch at the deli. Once we were refueled we headed down to Volcano, then up Rams Horns to Shakeridge. We had a fast decent down Shakeridge Rd. When we got to Sutter Creek the sun started coming out,(better late than never) we headed Back to Ione. We had 6378 feet of climbing today. I would like to thank everybody for waiting for us today. What a great ride, with great people. As always, it make's for a perfict day when I can ride with Larry and Gayle. And I always enjoy riding with Michael,(he's always able too push me a litte harder) and I look forward to riding the Davis Double with Mike. We had a great day with Jerry and Sara, Did'nt get a chance to ride much with Lewis, as he and Michael were always so far out in front. Another great day for cycling. (Smc) |
| 4/29/2003 |
40 |
Steve Honeychurch Bon Voyage Sutter Creek, Buena Vista, Ione and back loop |
Steve H., Steve M., Paul, Stockton Boy, & Jim |
| What a crazy day! The day was even more special than the usual wonderful AARP experience because besides wishing Steve H. a wonderful vacation we had a "Special Guest Rider," Steve M. The day started off sunny and warm and then changed about every ten minutes. We started off toward Jackson with our usual easy warm up on I think the name of that rode is Legkiller Road or something like that. Upon arrival in Jackson we met Steve M. I think he said he had just come from someplace he called "work," whatever that is. After the gentle warmup we started out with it only seemed reasonable to go the easiest way to Stoney Creek. Thats right friends we wimped out and went straight up Hoffman. I must say Hoffman was much easier at the start of the festivities than on mile seventy or eighty. By the time we started down Stoney Creek the sky just got darker and darker. The rain held off until we left the entrance for Pardee lake, it really got after it until we got to the Buena Vista store. After a quick break and some colorfull comments about the weather we pacelined all the way to the gas station in Ione in dry weather. After a quick change of attire (the sun came out) it was on to Sutter Creek, our speacial guest and the Stockton Boy made themselves scarce and left the rest of us eldery gentleman to stuggle up the hill on our own. By the time we got to the top of the hill above the high school the weather had decided to start changing again and we decided that was our cue to finish up and hit the coffee house. To sum up we had great weather about 80% of the the time, we missed Kenny who had other pressing issues, we got to hang out with Steve M., and had the usual AARP good time. (J.G.) |
| 4/27/2003 |
95 |
Wildflower Century |
John B, Ed (also: Larry and Gayle (100), Al the Pal (100)) |
The Wildflower has been my favorite century since the mid 70s and a favorite of John's since the early 80s. This year will ensure that it will remain at the top of the list. The only thing that could have been better this year (besides my conditioning) was the temperature, but a clear, sunny day in the low 70s isn't bad when earlier in the week rain threatened. NOAA's forecast called for a window of zero chance of rain between 7AM and 7PM on Sunday. Once again, NOAA was right on. One weather front was moving off at sunrise and another was coming in as we drove home. Not only was the weather perfectly timed, but the recent rains ensured that the namesake wildflowers were more abundant than I can ever remember, especially on top of Table Mountain. JB and I have a tradition of staying at a funky motel on Skyway. It's pink, decorated with huge cartoon-like bugs, run by a guy stuck in the 1950's with a jukebox and other memorabilia from that era. The rooms are small, clean and very frilly with tiny convenient kitchens. Well--no more. It's changed hands. The place is a mess. When we went to our nonsmoking room, it reeked. No phone, no nuthin. We turned right around and went back. We began to see the picture: it was one of those motels that takes in long-term people paid for by the government. We got our money back. Sleeping in the van would be preferable. Fortunately, the Oxford Suites had a cancelation. We had a big suite, free drinks, free breakfast, clean room--all for not much more than we would have paid at the sleazy place. Our other tradition of eating at the vegie-Mex restaurant is still a good one. This year, I ended up buying a painting by a local artist there too.
We woke up about the time Larry and Gayle were leaving. After prep and breakfast, we rolled out and rode at tempo up Humboldt hill and then over to the road to Honey Run, where we picked up some quick pacelines, last one pulled by a racing couple, pulling us up to the climb. We tempo'd (JB faster than I) up Honey Run, cresting at (appropriately) Paradise. At the rest stop, we were offered our chance to manipulate the legs of a tall, attractive woman from New Zealand by way of Reno. We'll tell you that story later. Down the big downhill, I ended up in front for sheer mass. A woman screamed over at me: "You sure block a lot of wind." Next comes the rolling hill circuit around to Thermalito--always a headwind. We rode with a couple, a paceline, another paceline, all of which dissolved for different reasons. All overlapped each other perfectly for our purposes. A tandem came by just in time to pick us up when the final paceline was stopped by a dropped bottle. What a relief. I was worried about burning out my legs; JB was having some stomach issues. Up Table Mountain, JB was fast; I was slow but steady. Heading across, we caught L&G and rode with them to lunch and then down into the Valley of the Headwind. Thanks Larry and Gayle for all that pulling. At Durham, they decided to take their time. JB got into a zone and pulled us at 21 mph into a strong headwind, passing everybody who had ever passed us, none even able to stay on his wheel. One big group that had stopped and then started right after we passed caught us and we worked with them the rest of the way to Chico--a great help into the swirling side-head-winds. We got only 95 mi since we started from our hotel and rode a straighter route back to it before going to the delicious dinner put on by Chico Velo. To top it off, they brought in all the leftover rest stop food (bags of chips, cookies, fruit) and put out Ziploc bags and let the riders take home whatever they wanted. We also heard that Al the Pal was there, but never saw him. (EH)
The only thing I'd add is my inability to remember how truly long (and sometimes steep) both Honey Run and Table Mountain are. I need Ed to reel me in and remind me. And personally, rides like the Wildflower make me truly thankful for all the great riding and training we get with Ermas in and around Amador. (JB) |
| 4/27/2003 |
61, 48* |
Ione Stoney Creek Butte Mt, S.C ,Willow Creek, Irish Hill |
Steve H. John abd Karen R., Paul Molinelli,Jim* and Penney G* |
It was a little sparser group than usual probably because they were all at church or Wildflower(we expect a report from both) The weather was perfect even with spring and summer being cancelled for the year it seems. J.R picked Stoney Creek as he felt it would be theraputic for Penny's backache. "You vill like this, Ya?" I used to know a physical therapist like that--She was murdered by one of her patients! It really was not bad going up as the scenery with all the rain in the past few days was excellent and there was a cool breeze. Karen and Steve reached the top first and John gave a rare permission for Karen to have a cup of mocha at Incognito, which we all enjoyed thoroughly. The proprietess told us that Ray and "his friends" were all in on Saturday so now we (or at least Ray) are well know there. On to Butte Mountain where Jim gave us a lesson that tandems are faster than half-bikes going downhill- 53 mph. A nice paceline was formed coming back and then Paul and Steve introduced Karen and John to China Grade. Many social problems were solved today as a nice easy pace enabled us to actually talk! Coming down to Ione Jim and Penny went for R & R while John took us over Willow Creek and his favorite Irish Hill and then home. SWH
(When I went to submit a report for yesterday's ride I noticed that Steve H had already sent in one. Thanks Steve. However, since my report is already, here comes another report.) Well, with 4" of snow in beautiful Pine Gove this fine Monday, one day certainly does make a difference .... Sunday was an outstanding day for riding. With the fine weather it was too bad we didn't have more riders in the peleton but some of our gang ventured to Chico, some had ridden on Sat., and others, actually only CHUCK, are WORKING TOO HARD. Knock it off Chuck and dust off that Colnago !
After a little "I don't care, where do you want to go?" the Butte Mtn. Loop was "approved". "Stoney" isn't one of Jim's favorite routes so thanks Jim and Penny for being such good sports.( I knew by his expressions that Steve H didn't want to go to Mt. Aukum and I didn't want the Pardee area). Since Jim and Penny handled SC so well I'm sure they will look forward to that route in the future and Jim will only be stronger on Erma's Senior Tueday Ride so watch out you lucky devils . At the top of Stoney JR decided to keep the legs moving and went back to escort the tandem and Paul while Karen jumped at the offer from SH to head for ye olde coffee shoppe ..... Steve's treat too!! The trek around Butte Mtn. went well followed by a well deserved quick pace back into Jackson. Steve and Paul suggested China Grade to avoid "beautiful downtown Jackson" and this was a new route for me and definitley a keeper and one we should try coming form Sutter Creek too. At the intersection of Hiway 124 and Ione-Sutter Cr. Rd. we parted company with Jim and Penny and headed for Willow Cr. and Irish Hill Rd.. SH enjoyed riding north on WC since he had never ridden it in that direction . SH and JR gave Irish Hill a good go and the south breeze made the effort a bit more difficult but very worthwhile .... I think. (The extra miles that our Tues.Senior Riders are getting are making it tough on us weekenders). Steve definitely missed his Sat. ride since back in Ione he thought for sure Karen would have pastries "awaiten". Would you settle for a Balance Bar Steve? Thanks to all and Mother Nature for making today's ride so enjoyable. (JR) |
| 4/26/2003 |
50, **56, *40 |
Standard Coffee/Ione-SC-Volcano- Jackosn-Stoney Creek |
John H, Coconut Al, Jill*, Hux, Michael, Ray**, Lee** |
I arrived early in the parking lot-who'd of thunk it. This provided me with a chance to see the "Soul"bergs, who were starting out early. They feined lack of fitness and said they needed the head start. We never saw them the rest of the day, apparently they are not too out of shape. Not too many riders showed up, with Ed, John Burge, and Al the Pal leaving for the Wildflower. Steve H. must have been home drooling over pictures of his on-order new Calfee.
It was great to see John H. back out. I always enjoy his rose colored glass perspective on life. I keep hoping some of his optimism rubs off on me--no luck so far.
A slow warm up to SC. Some last minute route plans at the bathrooms lead us up the creek road. Jill was not feeling well, although her strong riding did not show it. Ray was the kindest and gentlest I've ever seen him on the creek road. Jill was loving the moderate pace.
In Volcano some major indescion as to route. By now I was aware that I was not really into the ride. Ray, Lee, and Coco talked of heading to Jackson and then down Stoney. The others were going to finish the standard coffee route. The image of my being dropped somewhere in the Stoney no-mans land was not appealing. Yet, I was cold and did not want to go higher. After much deliberation I set off to catch those climbing the Horn.
At the top, Coco appeared out of nowhere. Turns out he'd decided to uncouple from the Ray train. Jill informed us that John H. had lost some screws to his "thingee, on his peddle thing." Turned out he had lost two of the three screws on his left cleat. Quick wits and the screwdriver he had brought enabled him to take one screw from his right cleat, leaving both cleats with two out of three. (It seems an unnamed bike shop had failed to tighten the new cleats properly.)
The top of Shake was cold and windy. I did my best to pull the group down. A wind, that in reality would not have ruffled a bad comb over felt to me like the exhaust from an F-17.
I got a tip of the tongue taste of what Ray does for all of us time and time again. Nothing instills admiration quite like failing miserably at something that someone else succeeds at effortlessly. I was totally spent at the bottom. Captain Coco ordered Jill to go straight home--I think out of concern for her health. That left just the four boys.
Shared pulls with Coco made Sutter-Ione a breeze instead of a headwind. At the highway, Hux, turned right and headed home. Coco, John H., and I headed down the Highway. A couple more shared pulls with Coco ended with his leading me out at the last stretch. It was a fun, fairly fast finish.
Back in the lot, Coco left quickly, he had to get to lumber yard before it closed--something about building a better turkey trap. A short, but enjoyable, chat with John H. finished my day. I missed not following the Ray train out of Volcano, but feeling good in the parking lot indicated I had done the right thing--for a change. (MK)
After everyone chose Shake Ridge over Red Corral, and with no one around to object, Lee and I decided to take on Pine Grove-Volcano Road just for kicks. The steepness of the climb quickly took our minds off the less than Spring-like temperatures. Since it was only the two of us, we kept the pace up and rode straight into Jackson, making great time over Irish Town and Clinton Road. We stopped in at the coffee house in Jackson to warm up, say hi to Judy, and a Triple E before Hoffman and Stoney Creek. The wind was howling as we made our way down Stoney and down to Buena Vista. Just for a change of scenery, we decided to turn right towards Lake Amador. As soon as we crossed 88, I remembered why we don't go this way. There are way too many cars and highway into Ione is not much to look at. We got back to the parking lot just as JH was pulling out. Apart from the climb up PG-Vol Road, it was mostly tempo riding, nothing particularly eventful except for the cooler temperatures. The "Don't bring a jacket and suffer for 10 minutes" rule really didn't apply today. Hopefully next week we'll actually get spring weather. (RC). |
| 4/26/2003 |
50 |
"Return to Ermaland" pre-Erma Ride Ride |
Sarah & Jerry |
With a bit of the "am I up to Erma Standards?" jitters heralding the Solbergs return to Ermaland, Jerry & I set off with some degree of trepitation, but great anticipation to see some old cycling pals and visit our favorite spring cylcing routes. We weren't sure when the Erma's started, so arrived a little late for an 8:00 start, and much too early for the 9:00 start that we realized was supposed to happen. We decided to leave early with full knowledge that we would be scooped up by the Erma pelaton somewhere along the way. Hated to think we would be an albatross on this maiden 2003 Amador Co. ride (excluding the very relaxed Party Pardee with frequent rest stops ride). The big rains of the previous days had truly cleansed the foothills, and with bright sun, but brisk temps, we welcomed the hills to Sutter Creek to warm us up. Those were truly contented California cows we saw lazing around the green pastures, and several wild turkeys along the way.
Stop in Sutter Creek was brief, because it was cool, and we wanted to check out the main event - the Big Duck Race taking place in the park. Love small town celebrations! Lots of folks wearing orange bills & flipper feet.
The creek road certainly lived up to it's reputation - very cool, and the clouds were rolling over to inspire us to keep spinning to keep the core warm. The creek is so full with spring runoff and the new rains - really provided nice background music.
Very quiet in Volcano - not even Rosie to greet us. We had to stand against the park fence in the sun to warm us and to get away from the tourist cigarette smoke at the store. We waited sure the Ermas would roll in at any time, but were getting so chilled decided to head for Rams Horn and hope our very slow pace up there would allow them to catch us. I think the Ermas were taking much longer rest stops with a bigger group, and that is why we never connected, because we certainly weren't setting any pace records. We were pleasantly surprised to find we felt fine going up Rams Horn (even removed the jackets for awhile). The cruise down Shake Ridge was fast and BRISK......quite cool in parts, and Papa Bear still makes me moan (sorry Ed, I just can't acknowledge this climb as a gift I give myself to pay for all that downhill)
We cruised right through Sutter Creek....lots of tourists, then the final climbs heading back. Wondered where our Erma pals were, but anxious to get home to enjoy a piece of what was turning into a delightful spring day for some gardening.
Jerry pulled our 'pelaton' of two into Ione where we fondly patted some familiar cars and wished the group well. (Sorry to miss you Ray & Co.) Topped off this fine bicyling day with buying a half flat of the biggest, sweetest, tastiest strawberries this season on Hwy 88 & 12.
Hope to roll with the group now that we realize we can do this again......it's like.....well riding a bike! (Sarah & Jerry) |
| 4/22/2003 |
37 |
A.A.R.P. Wildlife route |
Stockton Boy, Paul M. Steve H. Kenny G. & Jim G. |
| Dispite the negitive weather reports the night before Tuesday morning arrived with lots of sunshine. The sunshine was witness to our return to sanity. Yes friends we dropped back to one of our regular somewhat sane itineraries a week after our monumental extra curricular expedition to Jesus Maria. The only problem we had was the sunshine seemed to stop at Sutter Creek. I suppose the Chamber Of Commerce was only willing to pay for Sutter Creek. Right after leaving beautiful downtown Sutter Creek it just kept getting colder and colder. The road to volcano was as scenic as it was cold. Everybody made it to Volcano with only mild cases of frostbite. It seems the Volcano Chamber of Commerce was waiting to purchase sunshine for a future auto show. After checking in with Rose we set out on red corral. When we got to the top we were getting warmer until we started down the highway towards Tabeau. The only excitment on Tabeau was when we came upon a line crew from P. G. & E., Kenny and I talked shop all the way to the bottom and of course Paul sneaking up on Steve at the last moment to keep his winning streak alive. The usual paceline was met by our official A.A.R.P. senior citizen dogs. I was afraid I would be met by the corinary care unit, dem old timers go dern fast. Thankfully Steve wanted to stop in at Jackson Vally Sports and give me much needed break(thank goodness for Bill). Then a quick trip back to Sutter Creek and the sunshine was followed by much appreciated hot coffee(thanks Steve). To some up, the day really was just a typical, ordinary, everyday terrific time with the A.A.R.P. crew. J.G. |
| 4/20/2003 |
*5 miles,**52 miles |
Lockwood reverse |
* Carolle Mc., ** Steve Mc. |
| Happy Easter!! Carolle and I drove down to Ione for the 8:00am start. Everybody must have been home hiding there Easter eggs because we were the only ones there. We unloaded the bikes and tried to agree on a route that both of us would like. Carolle woke up feeling under the weather, but agreed to ride out to Plymouth and back. Once out on West Marlette, I looked at Carolle s face and knew it would be a long day for both of us if she road to Plymouth, so I suggested we ride out Five Mile Rd. then back through Castle Oaks, back to the car (Carolle was in a bitter sweet attitude to go home). I loaded up Carolle s bike onto the rack on our car, gave her my route that I would be riding home. The route decided was up to Plymouth, then to Fiddletown, and up to Shakeridge Rd. Once to Shakeridge, I headed down towards Volcano and made the climb back into Pine Grove. It was a great day for cycling as I ended up with 52 miles and over five thousand feet of climbing. As for all of you that enjoyed the holiday with your families, you missed an awesome ride. Hope to see you soon, have a wonderful week. (SMc) |
| 4/19/2003 |
77 |
Ione to Mt. Akum with the Fairplay loop |
Steve & Carol M. Larry H. Kenny G. Jim Penny G, Hux |
The Tandem folks thought it would be nice to get some extra miles so we called an early start so we would not be a hindrance to the fast kids. Well that is everybody but Steve & Carol, even though they can keep up with the fast kids they graciously came out early to hang out with the other tandems. The first hitch happened when Gayle was feeling under the weather when she woke up. Undaunted, Larry showed up with one of his, well I hate to say it in mixed company, uh er ahhh half bikes. We do hope Gayle is feeling better soon. We started out in something we have not seen to much of lately, I think they call it sunshine. After the early grunt over Irish Hill we met Hux. After complimenting his beautiful blue Rex bike (my unbiased opinion) we all struck out toward Plymouth. After a quick break we were back on the rode to Mt Aukum. The weather was great and the wildflowers were beautiful, the only problem we encountered was having to wait on a certain Co- motion tandem. After eating lots of Peeps at the store we pressed on toward Fairplay. The great scenery impressed Kenny as it was his first trip through the area. The downhill into Fairplay was an eye-opener when we encountered the new stop sign at the bottom of the hill. I should mention we lost Hux in Mt. Aukum. When we got back to the Mt. Aukum Store the Steve announced he needed to get back in time to take Irma's Pocket Rocket (Jordan) to a Basketball game. After they left us in some swirling dust they kicked with sheer speed we took a pretty quick trip back to Plymouth. In Plymouth the fast kids swoooped in on us at high speed. It was really great to see everybody! After a little visiting we left before the group. They blew by on Forest Home and were gone. Everyone waited around in Ione and Anita even had her usual goodies, what a nice girl. I should mention her goodies are always yummy. Thanks again Anita! All in all we had a great day with nice weather and good people, who could ask for more. Two last notes, I hope Ray has a good time at his game and I hope Jordan has a great game. (J.G.)
For those of us who had afternoon obligations, this early start was perfect. We hoped to meet up with the rest of the Erma s group, but my thought is they were riding too fast.
Today was one of the better club rides this year. We had perfect riding weather, great company, a good route, and of course, Larry (On his single bike) pushing the pace through-out the day, and I bit every time. We left the parking lot around 8:00am and headed towards Mt.Aukum. By the time we got done with the first climb on Irish Hill, it was time to shed some of our winter clothing. Just before we turned on Carbondale we saw Hux riding towards us, (I told Carolle that Larry had someone to play with now). We continued on to Plymouth stopping long enough to use the rest rooms, and then it was on to Mt. Aukum. Once at Mt. Aukum, we enjoyed the sunshine, and a well deserved snack. We discussed our favorite Easter candy, mine being the marshmallow Peep s! It was unanimous, Penny, Jim, Hux and Larry agreed, and the next thing you know, Larry was treating all of us to a packet of blue Peep s. (Sorry you weren t hear Karen)What a way to refuel before riding up to Fairplay. It was a fast loop to Fairplay with a fun down hill. Carolle has never ridden this loop before and I had only ridden it once coming down on the Sierra Century. Once back in Mt Aukum I told the group that Carolle and I needed to get back to take Jordan to his basketball game. So I told Carolle to just put your head down and peddle and I would do the driving. (What a fast ride back to Ione for the McGrath tandem!) As the rest of the group enjoyed their ride back from Mt Aukum we were focused on time. We managed to get home in time for the game. I would like to thank everybody for a perfect day, and I m very sorry we didn t hook up with the others, hope you had a great day also. (SMc) |
| 4/19/2003 |
70, 79* |
Volcano, Lockwood, Fiddle, Ostrom, Plymouth |
Michael*, Ed*, John B*, Ray, Lee, Anita, Andy, Coco, Jill, Karen, John R, Steve H (69), Paul (69), PJ (30), Al the Pal (50) |
| Ray had tickets to the playoff game, so wanted to push the pace a bit. The group was willing to give it a go. PJ joined at SC. He and the Pal turned back at Daffy. JB was feeling good early but the Ray Train began to heat its boilers on the creek road, but only for a little warm up. At Lockwood, Ray always gets serious. The curves near the top were made more interesting by a patch of gravel right on the curve and a truck trying to use the side of the road that we were on (ok, we crossed the centerline). Ray chugged moderately for him up the hills before the full-on descent, so most of the group was on the train when it really took off. I gave Ray a break toward the end so he had fresh legs for the sprint to the finish line banner at the entrance to Fiddletown (a tradition now). I was amazed when I got out front that Ray had pulled us all that way in that headwind, which was stronger than the usual one there. After regrouping, we decided on Ostrom over Tyler and slushed down to Plymouth. From there Ray got even stronger, pulling what turned out to be just three of us left down from Plymouth. The headwind was even stronger on Old Sacramento, and we were going a steady 25mph. JB gave Ray a break and managed to hold the 25 mph. I didn't dare pull out of the line for fear of being blown back to Plymouth. From there, we rode casually until we saw the tandem group in front of us, and Ray kicked in again, powering us up to them just before Forest Home. We still didn't see the others behind us. At the end of FH, we split. Ray went in alone, while MK, JB, and I turned right to meet Lucinda, JB's wife, for a little additional riding. She's still building to join an Erma ride some day. That gave all of us some casual time to chat and just look around and enjoy the spectacular spring day that it turned out to be, exploring the "town" of Carbondale and then joking with Lucinda. Unfortunately, the three of us missed Anita's apple cake. (EH) |
| 4/15/2003 |
75 |
2nd annual Steve Honeychurch Jesus Maria ride |
Louis Frain, Bill & Joanne Seaver, Stocton Boy, Paul M. Gene, Steve H. Kenny G. & Jim G. |
| Did you say Jesus Maria? Yes I did say Jesus H. Tap Dancing Maria! They say there are a lot of young smart guys in the world but not to many old fools, you don't get old by being a fool. So the burning question of the day is why a group of mature individuals would do somthing as silly as riding Jesus Maria road and actually have a great time in the process? The answer to this question is our smooth talking leader. Steve charmed us in to it. It's a good thing he is not a used car salesman--we all would be driving A.M.C. Pacers to the rides! It really is unfair to blame it all on Steve. The big turnout is proof that the idea was a popular one. The day started out sunny and cool. As we rolled out everyone was greatfull for the sunshine. Except for a couple of minor mechanical problems we rolled into Mokelumne Hill without a hitch. Then it was time to turn onto Jesus Maria. The scenery was beautiful, and my triple made the steep parts easier than I remembered. It should be noted that Kenny is just coming back from a serious illness and did struggle a little bit. The rest of the group were real troopers for being patient and waiting for us when it was really starting to get cold and the clouds were moving in quick. After a great visit at the fire house we had a really great ride back. The traffic was very light and the rain never came. All in all it was a great day, we got to meet some terrific people, the weather was great, and Kenny got to see he really is coming back. I have to admit I thought Steve was out of his mind when he suggested this ride, he was right and I was wrong. It was a great day. Many thanks to everyone that participated and most of all thank you Steve, I will try not to doubt you in the future. (JG) |
| 4/12/2003 |
43 |
Pine Grove, Ione and more |
Steve McGrath
|
Everybody missed a great ride today (A bit Windy, but dry) I rode down from home on dry roads, once in Ione I knew I would be the only one riding today. It was 8:00am when Carolle pulled up into the parking lot, my first thought was she was ready to ride. But noticed she had the dogs in the car, she had come down to give me a weather report, (you can't find better support than this). I headed out towards Buena Vista, the plan was to ride up Stoney Creek to Jackson than up Tabeau, but Carolle came by to give me some food before she headed home, at this point the car looked to be a better means of transportation than my bike, so I loaded up the bike and called it a day, there's always tomorrow. SMc...
|
| 4/8/2003 |
38 |
Looking for Snow-Volcano,Daffodil Hill. Lockwood, Big Trees Shake and return |
Steve H.,Gene, Paul M, and Stockton Boy |
| It is the time of year where all rides are scenic and this was no exception. Paul picked up Gene from the rental car folks in Jackson as his K-car died again-this is like the movie Groundhog Day. We were a little slow starting because of fogotton gloves and trading joles ie What does a snail say when riding a turtle. Answer: Wheee! At Volcano we met folks looking for all the excitment that the Sacramento Bee described Saturday. Not on Tuesday Folks! Daffodil Hill was closed because of snow they said. No snow could be found and the flowers look fine but they are closed for the season so it's safe to ride again. We continued on up to Big Trees where there were remnants of snow beside the road. This is a gorgeous ride this time of year-warm but with shade trees and snow piles. After fueling at Big Trees it was all paceline downhill to the coffee house.Next week the big-un Jesus Maria! (SWH) |
| 4/7/2003 |
*40, **71,***50 |
Sutter Creek and more |
Steve Mc. Carolle Mc. (*) Michael T.(**) Scott and Mark (***) |
What a difference a day makes, Carolle and I showed up excatly at 8:00am, thinking nobody would show up today, but there was Mike T. and he was ready to ride. Carolle told him he might want to get started with out us, since we would be riding a short and slow ride today, but Mike said he would ride with us and just add miles at the end of our ride. We were riding up Sutter/Ione rd. when Mark aned Scott caught up with us and rode to Sutter Creek with us, at which time they decided to head up to Volcano. Our route was up to Sutter Creek then over to Jackson and down Stony Creek, I tried to get Carolle to turn left towards Pardee, but she would not bite. Carolle and I headed for Ione, and Mike T. headed towards Plymouth. We did'nt have the beautiful sunshine or hundreds of fellow cyclist. But we did have great day of cycling in Amador county, Thanks, see you next week. SMc
|
| 4/5/2003 |
65, +40* |
Party Pardee (photos coming) |
John R*, Karen*, Larry and Gayle, Jim and Penny, Kenny?, Steve* and Carolle*, Ray, Ed, Michael K, Lee, PJ, Steve H, Paul, John B, JB's friend Ron, Hux, Sarah, Jerry, Richard, Coconut, Jill, Chris, Anita, Andy, Gail, Joyce, Bob K and a cast of thousands |
Did I miss anyone? The weather turned perfect (if a bit chilly in the AM) just in time. The sun, clouds, clear air, spectacular views, and couple thousand guests in our area made for a special day and ride. Some of us chose to get our money's worth of food, photo, music, and fun post ride. Some (who?) chose to keep riding and do the "traditional" ride to Plymouth and back for a total century. There'll be a report. Meanwhile, anyone with brief highlights of 2003 Pardee, send em in. Congrats to new grannies S&J. (EH)
100-MILERS: I agree with Ed, Beautiful weather, green hills and flowers in bloom made for a perfict day for cycling. I would like to thank the Sacramento Bike Hikers club for a perfict day, and a very special thanks to Larry, who took time out of his busy schedule to come say hello to the Ermas group and take a group photo for us. (Which I will post once I learn this software).
Today the Erma's group was out in force, I think I counted 22 from our club. We all started together and rode through the first photo opp. at which time the group started to split. As for Carolle, John, Karen and myself it was time to hold back and pace the ride, and save some energy for the end. This worked well until the Ermas group went flying by, then I saw Steve H and Al working to catch them, this is when the kid in me said to Carolle, "Let's help them catch up" we pushed the pace up and Steve followed. We were able to ride with the Erma's group until we hit the hill at Hogan Dam and that's when the group slowed down and rode with us to the lunch break. After lunch it was back to conserving energy, as we still had 50 miles to ride. Once we made it back to Ione we headed straight through to Plymouth, and I got too tell you, this was hard to ride by Howard Park and listen to the music playing and know the car was right there, but Carolle and Karen were determined to ride 100 mile's and I did'nt want to be the one to spoil there day, (and Carolle needed me to shift and steer the tandem). We made it back to Howard Park around 4:00pm, for those of you who enjoyed the dinner and music, all I can say is you missed the best century ride this year. Thanks to everybody for a perfict day. (SMc) |
| 4/1/2003 |
36 |
Wildlife-Storm Version |
Steve H,.Paul, Al the Pal, Stockton Boy |
We all welcomed Al and our returnee from Hawaii and traded many stories even before staring. The weatherman said the storm would not arrive until the afternoon but you know what?
He lied! WEhad a nice slow ride going up Volcano Rd when we were accosted by a strange dark skin mustached man in a well worn jeep who was wearing camoflage and carrying a weapon with dead animals enclosed. Fortunately we wern't armed but slowly recognized Coconut Al who resembled Taliban Al -no relation-who showed off his recent kill-a turkey no less. After stopping in Volcano we went up to Red Corral when the rains slowly began to fall. It got worse and we got faster doing a rotating paceline as fast as we could but it was to no avail-we got wet. Skipped Bills and headed to the coffee house where hot mochas warmed us up. Next week new ride time 8:30 (SWH) |
| 3/30/2003 |
40, 55, 64 |
Mt. Aulum loop |
Pat J., Cheryl, Karen, John, Gayle H, Larry H. Penny, Jim |
| Dispite the usual confusion caused by the new time everything started out well. Most of the confusion was caused by yours truely because I forgot to call Kenny (sorry about that). The sunglasses were absolutely essential due to the wonderfull warm weather and bare early season white legs displayed as a result. In spite of our small number and the glare off those white legs we bravely set out for our day of adventure. As we started up Irish hill we were suprised to see the lovely Anita pulling a whole bunch of them Stockton fellers up to our group. It was especially nice to see Keven on a bike after being out for so long. Our two groups split up at the end of Irish Hill so that ment it was time for Pat to attack. Larry & gayle went with him and the break was gone, that was the last we saw of anybody till Plymouth. As the teams designated sprinter, Pats work was done after his mighty sprint and headed back to Ione. After Pats departure the rest of our intreped little band rode bravely on. On the last uphill section of Stiener road Gayle forgot her own strenth and put too much power into their chain, it was toast. John stepped forward with his chain tool and Larry promptly broke it too (are these guys stong or what). After waiting around for repairs, John, Karen, & Cheryl rode back toward Ione. Alone and undaunted, the two tandems went on to Mt. Aukum and sandwiches. After a well earned rest we started down the hill (yippee) somewhat quickly. The return ride down Stiener was wonderful. When we stopped for a break in Plymouth we met a couple from Nevada that said they were planning to ride Pardee next week. Even though they had half bikes they said they would bring a full bike for Pardee, they even said they had seen our website (our fame knows no bounds). The trip back was real easy (honest) because fat guys somtimes get to hot. It really was getting warm so we just kind of took a slow ride back to town secure in the knowledge we upheld Erma's honor once again. (JG) |
| 3/29/2003 |
61, 30* |
Party Pardee |
Ray*, Al the Pal*, John H, Chuck, Steve H, Michael K, Ed, PJ, Coconut, Jill, Paul, Lee |
| Big turn out. Full spring day. Ray had to leave early to be a member of a wedding. When we saw the Bike Hikers leaving town to ride the volunteer version of Party Pardee, we decided to ride it too. How warm was it? So warm that for the first time this year, I started with no warm gear at all and didn't even carry any. Sunscreen, lots of water, sweat. This is how to bicycle. Ray gave us a workout getting to Camanche since he had to cram his ride into about two hours. But there's always time to stop for espresso and sit and enjoy those green hills and blue water, looking out over the lake. We discussed the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Coconut and Paul's henpecked status. We split at Buena Vista Rd. Ray and Pal, taking the low road back. After regrouping at Burson, Lee took off the front a few times and got in some extra miles by making some wrong turns and coming back to us. Unfortunately for our mileage tallies, he didn't have a computer. The group hung together through the hills and over Hogan into Valley Springs. At the Pardee turn, Jill went down and got some road rash as a souvenir, but felt lucky it wasn't worse. The usual headwinds coming back from Wishing Well, but with lots of riders taking pulls, the group stuck together and finished strongly and intact, everyone agreeing that the route, the day, and the company was the best we could have wished for. (EH) |
| 3/29/2003 |
200 |
Solvang Double |
Steve McGrath |
What a great way to start the cycling season. Carolle and I arrived in Solvang around 1:00pm on Friday. We checked into the hotel, and then unloaded our bikes; walked over to the registration room (Which was two doors down from ours) both Carolle and I checked in for the ride two hours early, one of the perks of having your wife work the event. We decided to go out for a bike ride and look at the route (well the start of it anyway). We headed left from the Royal Copenhagen Inn, and then headed out of Solvang, we followed the route until we had made the first two turns, then headed back towards Solvang, taking time to enjoy the views, and take some pictures. The wind was blowing around 25-30 mph, and we where riding straight into it. This worried me, thinking it would be like this tomorrow. We rode about 14 miles, got back to the hotel, cleaned up and went out too dinner.
I would like to thank Planet Ultra and all the people that volunteered for this event. They made this ride very enjoyable and fun, we where well fed, the SAG support was awesome. But most of all I would like to thank Carolle for her support and encouragement though out the day, Carolle continues too make these rides fun and adds a great deal of depth to the support of the events. I could not ask for a better support team. THANK YOU!!
The 6:10am start time was great, the sun was up (no lights) and the weather was warm, and there was no wind (Yet) while I was sitting there waiting for my group to get started, I realized, there's no better group then Erma's, and how I wished this was one of our events. Note to self: do not try and get an early start as you get placed in with the Brevet riders and the Riders who are trying to set records for the double Century (these people don't talk much, too me anyway). I was the second group to roll out of Royal Copenhagen's parking lot, exactly 6:10am, I found myself looking out at the views trying to calm my nerves, because I knew it was going too be a long day, and like I said, this group didn't talk too much, they just rode fast. We made our way out of Solvang and over too a road called Foxen Canyon Rd, this is where we enjoyed the rolling hills of SantaYnez Valley, it was like riding in a painting. We made it to the first CP1 (Check Point 1) around 7:45am, and when I pulled up there was Carolle directing the cyclist off the road. The weather was warm and it was time too shed the long sleeves, leg warmers and the long fingered gloves. After a short break I headed out again, this time on my own, but it wasn't long before I hooked up with another group. We headed through Santa Maria at which time a strong group started catching us, once they caught us I saw that it was a tandem leading the way, this is when the ride gets fun and fast, I stayed with this group until we got to CP2, I checked in, grabbed some food and was off again. At about the 86 mile point I could tell we where getting close to the ocean, I could see the three smoke stacks in Morro Bay as we where riding down Santa Rosa/Hwy 1. We made our way through Morro Bay, riding down along the ocean on Main Street. Once out of town we headed south towards CP3 (115.5 mile) time for lunch, when I pulled up I saw Carolle serving the Hammer-Gel to the cyclist. She was able to take a break and have lunch with me; we enjoyed a short lunch together. They had Subway sandwiches, which was a nice change from PPJ sandwiches I'd been eating all morning. After lunch Carolle was free from working the CP's, and they had her working as SAG support for the last half of the ride. This worked out perfect because I knew that she would take good care of us for the last 80 miles. Once we left Los Osos Valley we headed south and went through Pismo Beach, this is where I got to enjoy the ocean views for the last time on the ride, and with the weather in the 80's, the sun shining on the water, I was tempted to sit and watch the ocean for a while, but at this point all I had on my mind was finishing the ride before dark. We left Pismo beach via Hwy.1 heading towards Guadalupe, this is where the CP4 was.
Once we left CP4 the roads started getting long, from Hwy1/ Guadalupe St south, which was 144.7 miles out, the next turn would be at the 160.0-mile point, and I could look out and see the whole road. I made it to the last and final CP5, at this point none of the food looked appetizing anymore, I forced down some food, signed in and headed for home, thinking it should be all down hill from here. But the ride organizers thought they would add a little four-mile climb at (8% grade) 175.5 miles into the ride, and as for me, my legs felt every stroke of the pedals. But once on the summit the views where well worth the effort, then it was all down hill back to Solvang, arriving back in Solvang at 5:35pm with day-light too spare. (Smc) Also see: http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/smcg12003/vwp2?.tok=bcmNhVRBSavwAhn4&.dir=/Cycling&.dnm=180+miles.jpg&.src=ph |
| 3/25/2003 |
37 |
A.A.R.P. |
Gene, Paul, and Jim |
| We had a thin turnout this week. Kevin is still on I.R, Kenny had a cold, and Steve was not able to come out and play. They picked a terrible day to miss because the weather was perfect. It was "Three Bears" weather, the creek road wasn't too cold, the red corral climb wasn't too hot, and the run down from Tabeaud (thank god I had a map to look that one up) was just right. Since we didn't have little Stevie Honeychurch to push the pace, we took an easy ride to Volcano. After saying hi to Rose we took off for Red Corral. After some serious whining on my part, Gene promised to go a little easier than last time. After the climb we had an uneventfull ride to Jackson where we stopped to see Bill. Unfortunatly Bill had to attend a funeral. There seems to be a lot of that going around lately. All in all we had the usual great A.A.R.P. experience. We really missed our absentees and hope everyone is back shortly. All you folks that missed this day missed one of the best weather days ever. I hope Kevin's back is feeling better and I hope little Stevie can come out and play next week on a ride other than Jesus Maria. One last note, on Tuesday even the dogs that chase us are old timers. (JG) |
| 3/22/2003 |
59, 55*, |
abbreviated Party Pardee |
John H (54), Gene (40), Ray, John B, Michael K, Ed, Dave B, Chuck*, Steve M*, Carolle*, John R*, Karen R*, Anita, Andy, Coco, Jill |
| Note to self: if Ray says he has something to do in the afternoon of a ride and will have to hurry to get back, make a hair appointment that day. I guess it could have been worse. We could have not stopped for triple espressos at Camanche--or stopped at all, for that matter. Ray was the most relentless I can remember--because he had a bachelor (golf) party to get to. It was actually a good--though painful at times--workout. Thanks, Ray--I think. The huge group gathered because of the threat of Sunday rain, so it was a combination Saturday-Sunday ride. Hambone got there early and did the BV loop to "warm up." Good to see him looking so fit on his flashy Orbea. At Camanche, Ray, JB, MK, and I took advantage of the first fully spring day to sip espresso and enjoy the view overlooking the lake. It was an impressive sight to see the big line of Erma riders go by after they regrouped at Camache Blue. JB and I had some computer issues to discuss until Ray reminded us that we'd never see the group again at our pace and took to the front and prevented further conversation. I was glad to see the group ahead of us at the Campo Seco turnoff so we could slow down. Hambone and Gene turned there to loop back over Pardee as the rest of us continued to Burson and then around to the La Contenta/Hogan portion of the PP route. Perhaps the scenic highlight of the day was the vistas of poppies and other wildflowers on Silver Rapids Rd. We were enjoying the splashes of poppy orange along the banks of the creek--then we turned the corner near the dam and saw a huge canyon wall of poppies in bloom. It as as if we were riding through a painting. But we were soon enough riding through our panting as we ascended the long grade to the top of the dike. Ray kept remembering his appointment and accelerating uphill. We were rewarded, though, with his pull down from the dam level into Vally Springs. We quickly refueled and were off right after the full group showed up. Up to Pardee, over the dam, up the hill (Ray would not give me a headstart). Most of us regrouped at the Pardee junction and swooped past wishing well and were pulled at 25mph into a headwind to BV by JB and then Ray. Dave B and JB pulled the regathered group out Jackson Valley. Ray finally realized that he would be on time and relaxed the pace a bit, so we cruised in from the highway, where the remainder of the group had just arrived after coming straight in via the dump road. Banana bread and conversation for those who had the time. Shorts, t-shirts. Sun. Warmth. Even I had just shorts and jersey today. Spring is officially here. Good to have such a big group of riders out too. Everybody is already fit and looking forward to the actual Party Pardee in two weeks, especially Steve M, who will have the Solvang DC chalked up by then. (EH) |
| 3/18/2003 |
43 |
Middle Bar B.V. Ione S.C |
Steve H., Gene, Paul M., Ken G., Jim G. |
| We had enough of all these smooth as a baby,s bottom roads and decided it was time for some real butt bumping adventure. Do I hear Middle Bar? For those who have not ridden it lately it is a paved rad in the very loose sense of the term. Something like the Romans or Etruscans built with no maintenance since. After getting our heartbeats up going up Sutter Hill Paul took us on a scenic tour of the back roads of Jackson on rads and by cemeterys we didn't know existed. Next time he will charge us a guide fee. After going up 49 we descended down Middle Bar which is enough to jar any orthopedic or dental appliance loose. The scenery was spactacular once you could get your eyeballs straight again. The climb up was what Ken calls "exhilerating" Once to Paloma it is one very fast ride in a paceline to Pardee. Refueling and relieving at Pardee was necessary before going into B.V and climbing up to Lake Amador. Jim was feeling his oats going home up to S.c. but probably to be first for coffee and banana smoothie time. Coming next month JESUS MARIA! SWH |
| 3/16/2003 |
45, *28 |
B.V.,COMANCHE,Stony Creek, S.C. Ione |
Steve H., Paula M., Steve & Carol, Pat J.* |
| There were four bikes (five riders) whok new the weather reports were of doubtful value and were rewarded with a fine fast ride. We were a little delayed starting as the fearsome Steve and Carol duo each thought the other was in charge of water and the result was a trip to the store. They made up for in speed as usual as we wheel sucked a good way out to Comanche Blue. We watched as Pat lay flat on the ground doing his mantra at Comanche Blue then took off for the wishing well moving smartly. Pat said goodbye at the well and headed back as rain was threatening. Going up Stony Creek we were passed by Mike C. and Ray R. doing their mountain goat routine. Steve got to the top first and after waiting and reading the unabridged version of War and Peace decided to go look for the others who were coming up. We decided to skip Jackson as the Daffodil Days was going on with reportedly large crowds. We decended straight through S.C. at high speed and tried to keep up with tandem going down to Ione. What is faster then a tandem going down into Ione? Paul Molinelli with spinning downhill. Got home in time to see just a dash a rain. SWH |
| 3/11/2003 |
38 |
Tuesday AARP
|
Steve H., Gene, Paul, Kenny G. and Jim |
| The five of us left downtown Sutter Creek en route to Jackson. The first easy climb out of town always makes a perfect easy warm up for tired old retired legs. When we arrived in Jackson it was time to head down Stoney Creek. Being the cautious older gentleman we are, we proceeded down the hill very slowly (especially Steve). Then a leisurely trip through Beuna Vista was followed by an equally slow trip trip past the prison and into Ione (at about 20 M.P.H. the whole way). The trip back to Sutter Creek was a little more civilized until Paul mentioned getting coffee in Sutter Creek. The pace shot right back up as Ken and I were forced to catch up in Sutter Creek (coffee is taken very seriously on AARP rides). As usual we had a great day and even passed some poor people working. Those poor devils; how do they do it. (JG--yes, Jimmy "Lead Bottom" Gray--is no longer a virgin) |
| 3/9/2003 |
65 |
Aukum |
JR, KR, CG, CAROLE, STEVE, LARRY H, KEN, JIM & PENNY, Hambone |
We got great weather with a 9:10 AM start and the chill lifting off Marlette. Our destination: Mount Aukum.
Chuck had already ridden 37 miles from his house to join us. (Something about a double century in Solvang)
We were warm by the time we reached Carbondale. We followed the usual route via Old Sacramento. As ride leader I found it prudent to stay behind the girls as they might have gotten lost. It seemed to be no problem for them.
As a less frequent attendee, I had lots of catching up to do both in conversation and in ride pace. Thank you all for all of your consideration.
Plymouth was a perfect place to lounge and consider the next few miles. The pace to Mount Aukum was steady. The pines provided their usual perfume spread amongst the riders by a light tail wind.
The store was hospitable and all riders seemed fresh with plenty of leg to spare for the ride back.
How can you top the road from Steiner to Shenandoah School and back to Plymouth?
We had a cooler return with clouds and a breeze in our face.
The short stop in Plymouth was extended by a visit with Michael Trone and his friend who had returned from the Omo Ranch loop.
Chuck and Steve turned at Latrobe to head for his house with Carole heading to Ione to pick up the car. She was then headed to Folsom
We rolled through the rest of the route with some "speed play" and competition for the next hillock through Irish Hill.
Motivation for reaching the parking lot was heightened when we left at 9 AM and Penny announced: "I have brownies!"
Triple chocolate for sure.!
Thanks to everyone for a great return. The mileage was painless for these old legs thanks to "the best damn company in tight shorts and funny hats." (Hambone) |
| 3/8/2003 |
71, 50 |
standard + Lockwood, Fiddle, Ostrom, Plymouth |
50: Steve and Carolle, Gene, Jill (30), Phil, Mary (new); 71: John B, Ed, Ray, Michael K, Lee, PJ, Dave B, Coconut Al; 60: Paul |
| This was such a good day to ride that several men risked the wrath of the undone honey-do list to stay for the entirety. No one was sorry. Ray was determined to ride to Lockwood, even if he had to do it alone--after 2 weeks of aborted attempts to get there. This was the day to do it--completely spring conditions--warmth--ahhhh--and green grass overpowering the brown, daffodils, narcissus, fruit and nut trees in bloom. Phil was back with reinforcements--friend Mary from Santa Cruz (Erma's reputation gets around). Jill joined in SC since she had to blow her ax at a gig in the afternoon. Gene actually rode with us instead of doing the Flat 50 alone. And JB was there to round out a birthday weekend that included riding the Sierra Century the day before for his actual birthday present, with a Slug for frosting. JB rode extremely well, showing that he's at least in mid-season form already--something he seems to be able to do with only a week's training. He and I did a quick espresso stop to make mocha Spizes for the creek road. You know it's a warm day when there are no cold spots on the creek road. We took over Volcano when we arrived. Everybody seemed to be out cheerful, enjoying the weather. Up Rams Horn for the last time before Daffy Hill opens. The traffic was actually lighter than it had been on Friday, a pleasant surprise. At Daffy, some of those who had appointments or shorter training schedules, took Shake down (Jill, Gene, Phil, Mary, Steve and Carolle). Some others who had schedules ignored them at the urging of the group and the weather (Dave, JB, PJ, Michael). The rest of us just wanted to keep riding in warmth. I was actually showing skin--as much as I dared without blinding someone. The Lockwood-Fiddletown Turnpike belonged to us. The group stayed together essentially the entire Ray-gunned 10-mile slooosh. JB and I gave him a breather here and there, but I don't think he needed it, as he pointed out emphatically by hammering into the final curve and under the finishing banner on the edge of town. We were going so fast my eyes were bouncing in my head and my crank arm came loose. Paul went straight over to Plymouth as the rest of us headed over Ostrom to tour the wine country. After Plymouth replenishment, Ray was really warmed up, I guess, and pulled us the entire way down to Latrobe at an average speed of 25 mph--into a headwind. I guess his training is coming along. On Irish, Michael, Al, and I hung back and did a steady pace while the others tackled the IHRR, with JB and Ray emerging from the pack at the end from what I hear. By then, I was warmed up and wanted to add another 10-20 miles, but the road race must have put a few legs into the fire, so we cruised home to chips and loose pants. A few of us had time to chat while others had to rush off to their postponed duties. Wow. Great ride. This was the day we've been waiting for since winter began. (EH) |
| 3/8/2003 |
103 |
Solvang Century |
Steve H. and brother Denis and 4000 others |
| For those who haven't done the Solvang Century it is one of most beautiful andfast rides around. As it goes through the Santa Ynez Valley it is mostly on rural roads going by beautiful vineyards (god!more damn grapes) and horse farms. It is mostly rollers and made for tandems. Many very fast riders which we latched on to for fast legs. Only two real hills-they call it the wall- we would call it a mini rams horn. Good route for your first double of the year for those who have more muscle cells than glial cells. Try it. SWH |
| 3/4/2003 |
35 |
Wildlife |
Steve H.,Jim G., Ken, Paul M., Gene |
| It was good to get back with the group and on the road with good friends again after a rather grim two weeks (for me at least) Jim brought along his old friend,Ken from the ranks of telephone linmen Ken who used to ride with us with the founding fathers-you know who you are. The road to Volcano was its usual chilly self but the conversation warmed us up as Gene and Ken connected up from times long since past. W.W.II Seabees etc. Gene mades us all work to hang on going up to Red Corral--he must be traing for a race again.Lots of good converstion tho" Jim is finding this uphill stuff is a piece of cake when your bike only weighs half as much as usual. As usuual Steve thought he could finally beat us all on Tabeaud wis th his "superior cornering and accelleration" but then Sir Issac Newton and his damned law took over again as Paul flew by at warp speed on the straight downhill--maybe someday. After stopping by Bill's and meeting his grandchild we went on to Sutter Creek for a prolonged coffee hour and solved the world's problems. Coming soon next month Jesus Maria! by popular demand. SWH |
| 3/2/2003 |
See riders |
The Flat 50 in Reverse; Campo Seco Loop; WC/IH Loop |
Jimmy & Penny (50), Peter S. & Susan (50), Chuck (100), Dr. Steve (67), Steve M. (82+24), Carolle (67), Larry & Gayle (67), JR & KR (88) |
So many firsts! Our first ride of March, Susan's (my able stoker and fiancee) first Erma's ride and - the first time in history - Tandems outnumbered single bikes! Well, OK at least matched in number, with double the riders. I must say, the hospitality and genuine warmth of the Erma's crowd was greatly appreciated. Susan couldn't get over how very nice everyone was to her - a really positive welcome. Aww, I knew you guys would come through. She clearly saw that club riding needn't be all one-upsmanship and fierce competition. It was great to see & ride with you all again after so long, and I'm sure we will be back! (PS)
What a day . . . for those of you who missed out, you missed the best weather of 2003 yet! If the planned ride wasn't tough enough, Steve M. & Chuck added stud miles and we also had the wind to contend with. I think the general opinion is that the Flat 50 is best done in Reverse, getting down the highway before the traffic and getting the boring half done and over quickly. The Camanche side is so much more scenic! It was good to have Peter S. back in the saddle, this time on a tandem with fiance, Susan. For those training for Centuries & Doubles, it was a great route, but I have to admit, if Chuck hadn't parked in Plymouth, I don't think I would have taken on those last 17 miles, but was sure glad I did when it was over, although JR kicked my butt all along IH Road. Thanks to Penny for leaving baked goodies on everyone's bumper. Great job everyone . . . thanks for the ride!!! kr |
| 3/1/2003 |
50 |
standard coffee + false starts |
Ray, Michael K, Ed, Jill, Coco, Al Pal, John B, Lee, Andy, Anita, Gene |
| Quite a group to face the cold wind on the first day of March (although none of us realized it yet). Gene took off alone to do Flat 50 in reverse. For the rest of us, it was a relaxing warm-up from Ione to Sutter Creek, with chit-chat and catching up along the way. We picked up "Big Al" in SC, the man that every foothills resident knows personally (just ask 'em). Up the creek road there were a few teasing jumps to the front by the "other Al", and the moderately up-tempo pace was lead by Ray all the way. Somewhere along the creek Hux decided it was time to turn back to Sacto and tag the end of his ride with animal miles. After an intriguing analysis of quality goose guns in Volcano (talk to Big Al), it was up Ram's Horn with high hopes (pun intended) of heading on to Lockwood. We gathered at Daffy where Jill and Al (the other Al) headed down Shake. The rest of us decided to continue up to Lockwood, but as soon as we left the reality of cold March wind began to set in. The idea of looping around Willow Creek and Irish Hill at lower, warmer elevations was sounding so much more toasty. It didn't take long for all of us to make the about face and head down Shake. Ray, Lee, and I ended up in front and began the pursuit of Jill and Al. There were great headwind pulls all the way down. Nice job, guys. We gathered again and headed down to SC where Ray had to stop and buy a box of Girl Scout cookies. His aerodynamic tuck was ruined by the rectangular box sticking out of his back, but somehow it didn't seem to matter as he pulled Ed, Al, and me down to the highway. Again, it was decision time--off to Willow Creek or down to Ione. Michael and Jill made the decision right away, and they were followed by Anita and Andy. Off to the parking lot. After thinking it through a little bit longer, Ed and I decided to follow them down, and the rest of the group (Ray, Lee, Al, and Al) turned to Willow Creek. Somewhere along the route though they made the decision to make it unanimous, and they joined us all in Ione a few minutes later. We all got a reminder that though the sun is out, not all of winter has left us yet. I'm ready for summer right now. (JB) |
| 2/23/2003 |
38*, 60 |
Ione, Buena Vista, Pardee Dam, Campo Secco, back to Ione and Irish Hill Willow Creek |
Steve Honeychurch, John Hambright, Al the Pal, Joel*, JR, KR, Cheryl, Jim& Penny, Dave Brubaker |
JR convinced me to pick the route sans the ride report and here I am writing the report, I guess he has learned a few things all those years at the capitol.
It was the coming out ride for JH and we tried to hold the pace down so he didn't get his heart racing, he pushed the pace and we couldn't keep up with him. It was a beautiful day, perfect weather and great group. The route was great, not too much climbing for the tandem and John H for his test ride and those of us who have not been out on the bike that much. Everyone stuck together all day with lots of chatter and a few pace lines when the winds were in our face. Dave B put the challenge out there for everyone to join him in the Sequoia Century on June 1, KR,JR and I all accepted. JR says it is a beutiful ride and very difficult, now we have a reason to TRAIN for big miles and lots of climbing.
Hambright took the lead coming out of Campo Secco with Steve and I on his wheel, Steve went around to slow JH down but John couldn't go slow, he took off. A few minutes later we hear a loud KABANG!, JH tire blew, Steve informed JH that that was a "sign" to take it easy. The question of the day was, How many Ermas does it take to change a flat with sliced tire?
We hit the parking lot to drop off JH and Steve, refill some water and off we went to do Irish Hill Willow Creek. Everyone started off a little slow and some of us wondering why we didn't get in car while we had the chance. I was a nice loop with JR making friends with all the barking chasing dogs along the way. We ended with a nice pull from JR down into Ione and back to car for some Espresso cake from my goodie box in car. CY |
| 2/22/2003 |
60,**50,***55,****75,*****90,******106 + 24 animal |
Party Pardee Plus |
*Carolle,**Gene,***Al, Chris **** Ed, *****John Burge, PJ, ******Steve Mc |
I started this ride upcountry with temperatures in the high 30s, but the sun was shining. As I headed down to Ione the temperature was very comfortable. I meet Carolle in Ione around 8:40 and no one was there yet, we started thinking it might be just the two of us, but at 8:50 everybody started showing up. Gene showed up and wanted to ride the flat fifty, hope you got your fifty miles in before the wind started up.
We headed out around 9:15 and the route was going to be the Party Pardee loop. The warm up was a bit fast but Carolle managed to get thru it. We made it to the new Camanche coffee shop. (Ed needed fuel) It was time to start shedding the winter clothes, for me anyway. We headed down towards Camanche parkway when Ed had a blow out on his rear tire; I think the paint might be to hot for the tires and this might be causing the flats. Anyway, Ed finished fixing the flat and we where on the way again. By the time we got to Burson the wind was starting to pick up. We headed up Hogan Dam then dropped down to Valley Springs. We enjoyed a great lunch in the. We headed out of Valley Springs straight into a headwind. Once we got to Stoney Creek, we enjoyed a fast descent to Buena Vista, Al and Chris headed straight back to Ione and the rest of us continued to enjoy the headwind. Once we got back to Ione I loaded up the Tandem and got my "Half bike" out, Ed, John, PJ and myself head out towards Plymouth, now this is where the ride took a turn for the worst. We where headed up Irish Hill, we had just started the first climb when Ed started dropping back, My first thought was he just wanted to do his own pace, and when John dropped off I assumed he was staying back for Ed. I continued on to the end of Irish Hill, PJ showed up then John. We all looked at each other and asked, where's Ed? We waited for about five minutes then headed back to look for him. We made it back to the beginning of Irish hill and did not see Ed; John tried to call Ed, no answer, so we all headed back up Irish Hill again looking on the side of the road in case he might have crashed. We got to the end of Irish Hill again and still not Ed. Carolle showed up with the car and told us that Ed's car was gone from the parking lot. ??? The three of us headed back down Irish hill for the fourth time, the race was on, with PJ pushing the pace to see what the old guy's could do, and we managed to stay close. So other than the "Missing Link"-Ed, it was a great day for cycling. Thanks to all for a wonderful day. SMc |
| 2/17/2003 |
Steve McGrath (55 miles); Carolle McGrath (35 miles) |
SC, Jackson, Stoney |
Steve McGrath (55 miles); Carolle McGrath (35 miles) |
Today was one of those days I had aspirations of riding many miles. But when I got out there my body told me something different. The unfortunate part was that Carolle was feeling good and would have rode further if she wasn t stuck on the back of the tandem and forced to ride my ride. We meet Ray, Ed and PJ in the parking lot at 9:00am. They where headed up to Volcano then to Lockwood and beyond. Carolle and I told the main peloton that we where going to ride to Sutter Creek than head over to Valley Springs, but once we got to the end of Stoney Creek my body told me it was time to go home and get some rest. Carolle being the perfect stoker agreed to head back. (What choice did she have?)
Another great weekend of cycling in Amador County. (Smc) |
| 2/17/2003 |
90 |
Here to there and everywhere (SC, Jackson, Butte, Tabeau, Volcano, Lockwood, Fiddle, Aukum, Plymouth, Forest Home, Irish) |
Ed, Ray, PJ (Steve and Carolle in separate report) |
The man in the full moon was smiling at me tonight, because it was the first time he got to see me drive home from an Erma's ride. That's right, today's ride took us all the way into the sunset. An absolutely delicious ride, and my longest Erma's ride to boot.
As I drove to Ione this morning, I smiled at then sun and said "Ha-ha, what do those weather people think they know anyway?" I knew we would not have to worry a rain on our parade.
Ray, Ed, and I along with the tandem of Steve and Carolle (we split with them at Sutter Creek; hopefully they will write about how their time on the tandy went) filed out of Ione at 9:21, digital time.
Conversation topics dumped en route to Sutter Creek: office politics, blah blah blah. I can now see the benefit of longer rides... by the time we get up to the 70 and 80 mile range, who cares about anything but the weather, whether we have enough food and water, and which route to take? Oui, oui, tis good to get the socio-politico-cultural baggage out of our systems so we can more easily and truly enjoy the beauty of the earth, sky, sun and laugh again with a lighter heart than before the day began. Today I learned more why people feel compelled to jog 500 miles in Death Valley or do the Death Ride.
To get back to the ride itself, Ed is preparing for a double century the first weekend in March so we followed his lead in picking the routes, with Ray's instant mileage-calculating to aid in decision-making. If it was up to me to decide the route, we would probably still be on the road somewhere along the way to Carson City, NV, my southern foothills geography is so stuck in the infantile stages I actually thought Fiddletown was Plymouth.
From Sutter Creek (so long, Steve and Carolle!) we made our way along Jackson Gate to Incognito for espresso shots and guitar playing and couch loafing. Ed had half a mind to call John Burge and say we'd wait for him at the coffee shop but one thing led to another and other ideas went bye-bye as most ideas tend to do, and we were back on the road again, this time to Butte which eventually led us to take Tabeau, 88, and Aqueduct and to my first time down the Black Chasm (what a great name! It's also know by its other name: "See if you can set a speedometer PR before yo' mama's face pops in your head and yells: goodness' sakes: why in tarnation you goin' so fast for, boy?!).
We ended up in Volcano and this was my first time approching Volcano from the non-standard coffee direction. Always nice for a change. Like the saying goes: "Perspective is everything."
It was nice and sunny but it is still winter so I was cold and ready to get back on the bike after grabbing water and a sports drink (I like to keep my reports free of plugs for brands name products, unlike certain riders with companies all over their torso and back. I'm kidding- I only need to find 24 other people who want an Erma's Diner jersey so I can represent, baby!) When Ed and Ray decided they'd had enough fun poking at my girlie triple gear (Ray- "I only see them on girl's bikes" and Ed- "That's why we don't like riding next to you." to which I reply, "Girl Power!")
Off we go up Rams Horn after the usual snicker ha-ha yeah yeah and by that point climbing was starting to make it seem I was a hamster in a wheel going round but getting nowhere so I was glad to eventualy see the Fiddletown turn emerge from round the bend: ah-ha, SPEED! The usual orders from the experts: "Tempo, tempo, tempo" No, not "temple" PJ and no not "simple" PJ (can you tell I'm a lip-reader yet?) TEMPO!
I must have been listenening because we had a nice smooth ride down to Violinvilla and got the motivation we needed to determine the the next 40 miles of our route (it was oh, about 3 o'clock, I'd say, mid-afternoon to be safe).
From Fiddletown we made our way to Mt. Aukum with a brief stop to replace a flat. Upon leaving Fiddletown I realized I was beginning to feel weak all of a sudden and made the (obvious) decision that I wasn't properly fueled, so I stuffed myself with some bars and gels and more of that lime-colored liquid and felt 100% better about ten minutes later. (I've discovered the hard way that an inability to finish a ride doesn't have as much to do with strength, physical prowess, of stamina but rather proper nutrition and pacing.) At the Mt. Aukem gas station we got chips and soda and watched the guys who had finished their workday buy their beer and rumble away in their Chevys and Ford, of course not waiting til getting home to the missus to scarf down a couple cans.
Down the mount we go, heading into the remaining crucial 20 miles and finishing kick. We take at right at Steiner and make a loop which gives us a taste of how the rest of the ride will feel: flat with rolling hills. I was glad to shift from the slow climbing to the flats, and as we got into wine country, I was starting to feel better and better, and was determined not to let Ray and Ed do all the pulling this time. Quick stop in Plymouth (sunlight becoming a factor now) and into the vineyards for good strong drafting. Something about riding those hills at the time of day, just before dusk, made time almost stand still, like the sun would never set, but rather perpetually tease the horizon with its gentle rays.
Yes, I was able to pull for a little bit and felt glad that I could make life easier for someone else. I even "established the momentum" for the Irish Hill jaunt, Ed said, during which the sun stopped playing around and anounced: "I think I'll set now."
Determined to get "90" on both Ray's and my speedometer, we passed E Marlette until we knew we would have enough and turned around at the top of a hill, from which, when we looked at Ione, saw our beloved base camp aglow in the soft sunset of a clear and cool winter's evening, the lights of the city sparkling next to the still-visible colors of the surrounding countryside. For a moment, I was in a state of ecstasy, in my body and on my bike, but also outside of it and unaware that I had a form others could see. It was truly delight in the most exhilirating way, a delight that born of the fruit of our voluntary labor, and which truly proves Blake's universal maxim:
"Energy Is Pure Delight."
(PJR) |
| 2/16/2003 |
Steve 90; Carolle 50 |
Plymouth |
Steve & Carolle McGrath |
| For those who didn t show up because they though the roads where wet (after last nights storm) or that it might rain today, well, all I can say is you missed a near perfect day. Carolle and I left the parking at 9:05am in hopes that someone else might show up. We decided to head towards Mt. Aukum, we made it to the first hill on Irish Hill and had to take all our winter gear off. We enjoyed a wonderful tail wind all the way to Plymouth. Once in Plymouth we decided to head home so Carolle could drive down to Sacramento and get her shopping done. This was perfect for me because I wanted more miles, so we rode back to Ione and enjoyed a great lunch. Carolle headed home to get ready and I rode my bike down to Sacramento to meet up with Carolle. Hope to see you next week (Smc) |
| 2/15/2003 |
70, 50, 40, 100+ |
standard coffee plus extension and variation |
Michael K, Ray, Ed, PJ (70); Steve H (50); John R, Karen (40); Hux (50 + over 50 animal); (Steve M, Carolle, Jim and Penny, Larry and Gayle, Andy, Anita, Kenny G in separate report) |
Welcome back, Michael. Back after a month off from his crash, Michael fit right into the Saturday peloton as if he hadn't been away. In fact, he insisted on a longer ride--well, maybe I'm exaggerating. In fact, maybe we forced him into it. But he did it and was mostly glad--until he goes back and has to tell his wife that he overdid it again. PJ was also game for a big go, even though he ran out of food and balance at one point. Ray was "weakened" by his week of stomach flu, but lost 8 lb to compensate, so there was no telling any difference. The parking lot was overflowing with riders who came out to compensate for the certain rain on Sunday. The tandem couples were all there, but Steve and Carolle were on "half bikes," as Jim calls them. Also back in the peloton after a much longer layoff than MK was Kenny G--no, not the sax player--who looked ready and happy to ride again. He opted for tandem ride, as did Steve and Carolle and Andy and Anita. We'll hear what they did separately, I assume. We saw a rider just as we turned onto the highway at the diner. It was Hux. We told him that the tandem group was back at the parking lot, but he missed them and had to work hard to catch us again on Sutter-Ione. He stayed with us the rest of the day, dropping off at Hwy 16 and Carbondale to ride back home in Sac. We met JR and KR on Sutter-Ione too. They woke up late and started in Sutter Creek. Up the creek, Steve and Hux took off as the rabbits. We weren't in a hurry, chatting with J/KR, catching up. Then the tempo settled in, launching Ray at Fabio. PJ, MK, and I caught Ray and his rabbits with about a mile to go. At Daffy, we opted to head down in face of darkening skies and MK's limited training. After a quick refuel at SC, we headed down, again chasing honey-rabbit, who had latched onto some Delta Velo wheels. We passed most of the DV's, Ray catching his gloating rabbit just before the highway. There, I figured if MK was strong enough to stay on Ray's wheel through all that, he could do another 20 miles, so we headed to Willow, adding Forest Home to give us a round number (and when I was talked out of riding to Plymouth too). Great uniform tempo riding over Irish and Five Mile with Ray and me doing the pulls. This was PJ's most comfortable longer ride, apparently, even though he did suffer from low food supplies and balance issues, he rode strongly and comfortably all day. And in the parking lot, delicious scones that Anita had sacrificed her Friday night to bake for us. Thanks again, Anita--wish you had been there. The tandem pack had disappeared by the time we arrived in Ione, as had Steve, who went straight in from on the highway. Great to ride with JR/KR and at least catch a glimpse of the other Sunday standard riders. I hope we can all ride on the same route again soon. And thanks to the weather gurus, who were actually right about the rain holding off until after we finished. In fact, we did our final 20-30 miles under blue skies and in sunshine. Life is good. And to get an idea how good, see MK's contribution below, in which he summarizes our ride and discussion in metaphor. (EH)
"Comeback Cameo" report:
Steady smooth climb. Two more patrons with A tickets.
Silver dollar just under the sand.
Turn around point of proposed comeback cameo.
Proposition fails.
Creek inclination, against current.
Fabio bonk, I can't believe it wasn't butter.
Plenty of recoup on Horn of same.
Treading water, treading water, slip behind majestic paddle wheels.
Muddy waters part, banks slip away.
Transportaion complete, release.
Strap on skis, hooked to cigarette power boat.
Bouys distant- overtaken.
Whitecaps. Whitecaps. Wake pulls me along.
Ship wreckage on the starboard.
Sweet satisfaction.
Cool down, not much let down.
Lip umbrella at full dew point.
Silver dollar unearthed.
Nonchalance needs practice.
More ribbon to real in.
Finally, Patriarch says home.
Relief.
Motion stops. Transportation reversed.
Reality. Sadness. Anticipation!
(MK) |
| 2/15/2003 |
50 |
Camanche; Pardee; Campo Seco |
(90 miles)Steve McGrath & (50 miles)Carolle McGrath; Jimmy & Penny Gray; Larry & Gayle Hayes; Anita & Andy; Kenny |
| Today seemed to be the only dry day of riding for the weekend, so there was a full parking lot. There were two people missing, John and Karen R. Rumor has it, they where loving life and living large on Valentine s Day and had to sleep in, but as Steve H informed us they would be meeting us in Sutter Creek. There were two routes to choose from today, one with climbing upcountry, and the other with less climbing in the flatlands. We choose the option for less climbing, and headed out toward Camanche North Shore. As always, it didn t take much to get Larry too push the pace. When we got to Camanche Parkway we turned left and headed up to Pardee Dam, at which time I heard Gayle tell me see if I could keep up . With the sun shining in our faces we looped around downtown Campo Seco and back toward Buena Vista. Thanks to Jim and Penny for pulling Larry, Gayle and Carolle to Buena Vista. They must have been exceeding the speed limit at times, because it was all I could do to catch them. We caught our breath and headed to the cars, each of us taking turns to block the wind. Anita and Andy had chores to do at home or so they say. The rest of us went to Mike s Mexican restaurant for lunch. It was a beautiful day to ride with great friends. Thanks again to all! (Smc) |
| 2/11/2003 |
34, 25# |
Backwards Wildlife |
Steve H.,Jim G.,Paul M., Gene# |
| We figured it was the last chance to ride between storms and Gene did not want the cold of going up Sutter Creek-Volcano so we started up Sutter Hill-big mistake for Gene as his legs were fried. Partly because since he is the oldest he is the only one without a triple of course and his lowest cog didn't work! After repairs at Bills he dropped out going up Clinton. The rest of us soldiered on and after topping out at Tabeau went down to aqueduct Paul demonstrating that mass x gravity = speed squared or something like that.Jim tried to catch him but maybe the coefficient % friction (beard) x speed =slower descxent time defeated him. Afterward we adjourned for coffee and discussed other weighty topics like "Is there sex after death?" and such. (SWH) |
| 2/10/2003 |
50 |
standard coffee sans coffee |
Steve M, Steve H, Ed, PJ |
| Many still had to work on the first of the two consecutive presidents rides. For three of the four of us, this was the day following a day of wine tasting in Shenandoah. Instead of wine tasting, Steve M had been riding his own century-plus. The weekend weather was perfect after the morning chill, and today got even better. After we passed through the Freezer on creek road, it was full-on spring temperatures. We could have used shorts to change into afterward. No one was too chipper in the early going except Steve M. The new Blue Flames insisted on "floating" up the creek again and then down Shake. Steve M did the first climb of Charleston of the year, as far as I know and met us at the top. Steve M had to go straight back from SC, so he missed BF's first flat. Good to get that out of the way. PJ's getting smarter and feistier. Steve had to go prune some grapes. I'm wondering what took me so long to get a light bike. (EH) |
| 2/9/2003 |
104; 81; 65; 56 |
JR's Favorite .... (Irish H, WC,Sutter Cr.,Volcano, Lockwood , Fiddletown, etc. |
(104) Steve M. (81) Carolle, Karen, John R, Chuck, Mike A, Ken J.. (65) Larry and Gayle, Anita, Andy, Phil. (56)Jim and Penny |
Fourteen riders headed out of Ione on a fairly cold, clear, beautiful, and SUNNY
February day. What a great treat to ride without FOG or WIND ! The little warmup along Marlette Rd. was anything but a warmup since it was its usual cold self with most riders wishing they had brought along their long fingured gloves. Fortunately the long gloves wouldn't be needed for very long since once we started those nice hills on Irish Hill Rd. we warmed up really quickly and started shedding the cold weather "stuff". All went smoothly to Sutter Creek where we refreshed a bit and put the cold weather "stuff" back on for the trek up "The Creek Rd." (it wasn't that cold actually). The conditions in Volcano were perfect and it was tough to headout after taking in some great sunshine. Mike A, Ken J, and Phil went up Rams Horn Gr. as if being chased by the US Postal team .... very impressive indeed. Anita was considering giving Charleston a go but Andy was not buying into that nor was the rest of the peleton. Anita, you'll have to wait until Dave N rides since he favors that climb for some reason. At Daffodil Hill the peleton divided equally with 7 heading back Shake Ridge and the other 7 heading up to Lockwood Jct.. Hope the trip down "Shake" was as much fun as ours down Fiddletown Rd.. It had been awhile since most of us had been down "her" and it was definitely a reward for the earlier hard work. After JR fed his dog friends , "Chatter" and "Symatha", we decided against the original plan which included Ostrom Rd. and head straightaway for Plymouth.
Even after 70 miles that didn't stop the legs from giving it a good go on Irish Hill and Karen was really hooked up !!! As we headed back on 5 Mile Rd. we remembered that Anita had promised to leave some of her world famous blueberry bread in Mike's truck and that's when Mike and KJ again took off . Anita, those guys did save us some and the it was DELCICIOUS .... we thank you a bunch. To all who rode, thanks for another fine day on the road with Ermas and I'm already looking forward to the next ride. So until then, "keep on the sunnyside" ! (JR) |
| 2/8/2003 |
50 |
standard coffee |
Ray, Dave B, Steve and Carolle, Jill, Ed (44), Cheryl (32) |
Brrrr...Although the sun was out, the chill was still on. I probably should have stayed home today, but like a moth, I was drawn to the Flame. It was an easy spin up Sutter-Ione as we headed for SC. Dave B. was back and hopefully will join us on a more regular basis. We found Ed and CY shortly after turning off the highway. We were mesmerzed by the flickering of the flames as Ed floated up the hill. Before long, Jill found us and informed us that Coco was making some rite of passage (hunting wild pig).
Up to Volcano, one by one the Blue Flame burned off the residue of riders until only I was left to try to extinguish its fire. My hope was only to keep warm. But by Fabio the Flame was an inferno of blue fire, worthy of the hellfire Dante wrote of. I would have made a much better adversary if not for my infirmed condition. I could only prevent from not being consumed as the wild fire raged on. Fortunately for me, Volcano was near. CY returned to SC at the top of Fabio to cool herself in the icy chill of Refrigerator Road. After a brief respite to apply fire retardant, the Flame quietly built intensity going up Ram's Horn. At the top of Shake we had to leave without our tandem ally, time was an issue since the Flame desired alcohol to burn even hotter (Ed and CY were off to go Barrel Tasting). We were warned that we should have had worn our asbestos shorts because we were in for a little charbroiling. Singed off the back were Jill and Dave, and again I found myself alone to bear the heat. As if trying to extinguish Hell's fury with a squirt gun, the fire raged on. Even Papa Bear was no match for the wheels of fire. The road itself seemingly lay down flat as the Flame floated up the hill like a piece of ash in a gentle breeze. At the top, the Flame vanished down the hill and out of site, leaving us with nothing but charred reminders that there was a new element in Amador County for us mere mortals to contend with. The Cerulean Fire, The Blue Flame. (ouch! Hot! Hot! ~RC)
|
| 2/4/2003 |
36 , *30 |
AARP Wildlife, *Working Stiffs Shake Ridge |
S. Honeychurch.Gene, Paul M., Jim G. Ed*, John B.* |
The usual AARP group was rounded out by the addition of Ed and John Burge. It was Ed's bicycle "coming out" party if I can use that term. It is indeed good looking for a steel bike with its custom paint job and black crank. We had as expected a "cool time" going up the creek road Ed getting used to a bike which weighs 6 pounds less than the previous. It was good to see John out enjoying the great weather in the foothills. At Volcano we split up as the working stiffs had a deadline. Coing down Tabeau Steve won the Steve M. award as a squirrel was intent on hari-kari and after two tries managed to run right between the spokes at 25 mph. Score one for bladed spokes as they nicely transect the squirrels spinal cord as opposed to mine. Paul as usual was demonstrating Newtons Law going downhill passing anything and anyone going less than 40 mph.Even Jim could not keep up. We adjourned to the Jackson coffee house for our fix before returning up Jackson Gate and home. (SWH)
So this is what it's like to ride on Tue AM--a great way to start the day, even if it is a work day. JB and I got back to work at 1 pm. More important, it was my first ride on "Blue Flames," my new Rex. It felt "new" and a little awkward after 8 years of a different setup, saddle etc. on Pink Flames. But by Fabio hill, it was breaking me in nicely. I was amazed how much I could feel the difference in the lightness and the new wheels. My old wheels are heavy and need to be pushed; the new ones just slice through the air. The bike is super stiff and responsive and rock solid on descents. In a word: WOW. (EH) |
| 2/2/2003 |
53 **89 miles |
Fast?,flat fifty Comanchee, Liberty 104, |
Steve(Hurricane) Honeychurch, John(Windy) Rovane, Karen(Breezy) Rovane, Chuck(Typhoon) Grey, Jim (Galeforce)Gray,Penny(Stormy)Gray, **Steve(Whirlwind)McGrath |
It seemed like a great idea at the time-the day was gorgeous,clear and you could see all the way to the Farallons or at least to Mt. Diablo. Why not do the fast flat fifty and admire ther scenery around Comanche Lake. Very few objections at that time. Indeed the ride was wonderful around the lake. as we took our time looking at all the green hills and clear blue water. Jim and Penny were enjoying ther perfect tandem course at this time. We stoped at the store on Liberty and 88 to refresh. The only mishap is when Steve M. had a blowout but between three of us we got it fixed promptly. The next leg was a little different- like tacking into the wind with one rail dipped into the water the entire leg trying to maintain a straight course. If that wasn't fun enough the next leg has us going with a windspeed of about 35 knots-unfortunately our ground speed was only 5 knots. No one could pull the paceline for more than three to four minutes. Indeed we had to pull into a cay to relieve our selves and straighten our backs. It was agreed this was one of the more "memorable" flat rides. The ride back on 104 sped up some and by the time we hit Amador County we were sailing with the wind. Steve M.was pulling hard dropping riders as he trained for his goal this year. Americas Cup. Next ride-smooth as a baby's bottom-Hale Rd-It won't seem so bad now. (SWH)
This was a weekend too enjoy all the elements that Mother Nature had to offer, but with those elements theirs a price too pay. Yesterday, we had clouds, with rain, Today; we had a beautiful sunny day, but lots of wind. (At least 40 mph) well, maybe 20 mph. We decided in the parking lot that the flat fifty would be a great ride since it was sunny. (Little did we know there was wind in the flat lands)Just before leaving the parking lot I had a flat, Chuck being the gentleman he is offered me a new tube, we repaired the tire and where on the way. We headed towards Comanche Blues; I was riding along side of Karen when I got my second flat,(time for new tires) this time we needed to boot the tire, thanks Steve H. for eating your energy bar so I could use the rapper as a boot. As always, the group stayed with me and even gave me another tube (thanks Karen) and helped install the tube. We enjoyed a great pace along Comanche Lake, but once we got over the hill and started dropping down towards Hwy. 88 the wind started picking up. We got to the store on Hwy 88 and huddled behind the store trying to get out of the wind. We headed across Liberty rd. with a strong cross wind, so drafting was out of the question. When we turned on Clay Station rd. it was straight into the wind, (we all took turns out front) once we where on Hwy 104 all I could think of was getting back to Ione and out of the wind, Chuck and Steve H forced me to push the pace all the way to Five Mile rd.( these guy's are strong) We regrouped and headed back to the parking lot, Carolle Mc and Cheyenne (new puppy) where waiting for us. Carolle had to take the weekend off due to a chest cold. Hope she s back next week. Other than the wind, it was a great day of riding, thanks to all for your help and patience. (Smc) |
| 2/1/2003 |
57, 74* |
SC, Volcano, Irishtown, Clinton, Jackson Gate, with WC-IH option |
Ray*, Ed*, Lee*, Al the Pal, Coconut Al, Jill, Steve M, Phil (new), Bev, Chris, John S |
| What we learned: If you keep riding long enough, the sun will come out. Ray and I agreed to ride rain or shine (as long as it was light rain). It was cloudy and dry in the valley. It was cloudy and dry in Pine Grove and Sutter Creek. So right in between, in Ione, what was it? Drizzle. So we were surprised at how many showed up, especially Steve M, doing his usual ride to the ride. There was also some new guy who turned out to be Phil, recommended to Erma's by John Hambone and Anita, since he is a rep for a drug company, same as Anita. We started in drizzle. We were reunited with the racing Bev and semi-racing Chris, back from drizzly Australia on Sutter-Ione Rd and they rode with us this time. Up the creek. Guess what. We were in Bizarro World or something--the creek road wasn't cold. In fact, it was dry and much warmer than below. In Volcano, a pickup driver pulled up and told us that John S, who had started in SC, had to turn back because of a mechanical after only 5 miles or so. Rosie was glad to see us as we sat and chatted with her for a while, deciding which hill to climb to leave. It was a split decision: Most went to Red Corral. Ray, Lee, and I rode up Pine Grove-Volcano Rd. It was tough enough climb without Ray's derailleur misfunctioning so he couldn't stand the whole way. It finally broke as we approached the "town" of Clinton, leaving him with two gears. That didn't stop Ray from pulling most of the way down Clinton, though. Ray headed to the bike shop. I headed to the coffee shop. Most of the others headed home since it had begun to rain on the descent of Clinton. In fact, there were pellets in the rain for a while. That left Phil, who was cramping but game for whatever, Steve M, Lee, Ray, and me. Up Jackson Gate and down Sutter-Ione. A miracle happened on that road. First the sky seemed to be lightening generally. Then the sun was almost breaking through. Then a tiny patch of blue appeared over Tonzi. Top of the hill down into the little valley we could see our shadows and sun. By the highway, it was a clear, warm day. Inspired by the new sun and warmth, I suggested Willow-Irish. At the highway, we split again. Steve and Phil headed to warmth and dry clothes. Ray, Lee, and I headed toward Willow Creek. What a day. I think we rode through every type of weather all in one day. It was actually fun to ride in the rain and fantasize about Paris-Roubaix--until we had to stop in Jackson and get cold. But we eventually warmed again. Ray, Lee, and I ended the day that had started in gloom and drizzle by lounging in the sunny parking lot, talking, and eating chips. And guess what--when I got home, there was a message from Chuck telling me my bike was ready, so I now have it and might ride it tomorrow. (EH) |
| 1/26/2003 |
65, 30* |
Volcano to Red Corrall, & Down Stoney Creek |
Chuck, John, Karen, Jim, Carolle, Steve McG, Michael A, Ed*, Cheryl*, Michael Thurmond (45) |
Great pre-Super-bowl game ride with friends. We even took time to stop off and see Steve and Carolle's new puppy. A few lines from the Erma Brigade Poem seem to describe the day:
"Forward, Erma's Brigade!"
Was any rider dismay'd?
Not a one would say
That he had blunder'd:
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to ride or die:
So out of the town of Ione
Pedaled Erma's Brigade.--
The Erma's bikes trundled--
Flash'd all their spokes bare,
Flash'd as they turn'd in air
Saluting all canines there--
Plung'd in the fog and smoke
Right thro' the haze they broke;
Wheelmen and Bike Hikers
Reel'd from the spinning-spoke
Shatter'd and sunder'd.
Then they rode back--
The exhausted Ione hunters.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wondered.
Honor the charge they made,
Honor the Bike Brigade,
Noble six that thundered.
(CG) |
| 1/25/2003 |
54, 51 |
What route? |
Gayle and Larry, Penny and Jim, Steve H, Jill, Coconut Al, PJ R, Steve M, Ed with cameos by Carolle and new puppy |
| Super Bowl skewed the ride by bringing out the tandems and sending Ray to the slopes while Michael K is still recovering. The weather was overcast at first but started breaking up almost immediately. It turned out to be a very warm day for January. The route got decided, undecided, and redecided about 50 times (approx once each mile). Instead of following SWH's original (and perpetual) Red Corral, we rode straight to Jackson from SC, then around Butte and up to East Clinton to do the upper Clinton loop, followed by a paceline back to Jackson, where I picked up the triple E I ordered at Incognito on the way up. PJ, Jill, and Coco took off too soon, up Hoffman. Then the route changed again to Jackson Gate. We ended up in three groups: Steve and I getting him back for an appointment, the tandems and SMc, and the stray three, who arrived not long after the tandems in Ione. They came down Stoney and back via dump road. A bit scattered but a fun family-style day on bikes. (EH) |
| 1/20/2003 |
*39, **30+ |
MLK day ride |
Cheryl, Ed, Steve H, Steve and Carolle Mc.(*) Gene (**) |
| I HAD A DREAM and that dream was too ride in the sunshine and the sunshine only, after two days of starting our ride in the fog. Carolle and I got to the Ione parking lot about 8:40 and sat in the car secretly hoping no one would show up, so we could go up to Sutter Creek and ride from there. Our hopes were swayed when Gene drove in. We suggested our idea to Gene and he was all for it, when Steve H and Ed showed up the three of us suggested our idea and they agreed. And since Cheryl was meeting us in Sutter Creek at 10:00 (how perfect) we headed up to Sutter Creek, parked our cars by the park and rode the bikes over too Ed's favorite spot in town, the Coffee shop. Cheryl showed just as we where headed out of the coffee shop. W ith Ed, Dr. Steve and Gene fueled up with double espressos, we decided on our route and headed up. We started our warm up with Old Ridge road (what a lung buster) then on to Butte Mtn and up Tabeau. All in the sunshine!!! At which time Gene decided to head back via Irishtown Road. We headed down to Volcano for a cookie refueling before heading up Rams Horn (for the third time in three days for the McGraths), and our legs felt every stroke of the pedals. The group was gracious and waited for the McGrath tandem at the top of the hill. We pulled the leg warmers back up and enjoyed the speedy decent down Shake Ridge Rd. We made it back to the cars and looked at our odometer and were disappointed to see only 38.78 miles. Why did it feel like 70? Maybe it was the 4000 + feet of climbing today. In any event, thanks to all for agreeing to start in the sunshine. Had a great ride with great people. Look forward to riding with everyone next week. SMc / CMC |
| 1/19/2003 |
64 |
Standard Mt. Aukum Ride |
Jim and Penny, Larry and Gayle |
| As John said, the tandems took the Polar Route. Sorry guys, my back is just not up for that much climbing yet. Hopefully soon we will be able to join you. A special thanks to Larry and Gayle for staying with us. Yes, it was cold to start. By the time we finished Irish Hill, Jim had frost on his beard and sleeves. We finally hit the sunshine at Plymouth and our enjoyment was enhanced once we left and Jim pulled out his surprise - a walkman with speakers. So, as long as there wasn't too much road noise, we all sang along with George Thoroughgood and ZZ Top. Had a short stop in Mt. Aukum, debated on whether or not to take the road over to Fiddletown in hopes of meeting up with the rest of the gang or heading home. Well, luckily we decided to head straight in, especially since the group's route had been modified. If there was any doubt as to whether we should have attempted climbing Ram's Horn or not, the first climb up Irish Hill proved that we made the right choice - I think both tandem couples took turns whining and wondering if we were going to make it over the next hill. Ugh! But, we did make it back, and decided to go out to lunch to warm up. All in all, had a great time, but was sorry we missed everyone. (PG) |
| 1/19/2003 |
50 |
Standard Sat. Ride sans coffee stop |
Carolle, Steve M, Dave N,Chuck, Karen, John R |
JR's planned route for today was changed while driving down from sunny Pine Grove due to some extremely U-G-L-Y fog starting just below 1000'! "Ermas" got underway promptly and headed for Sutter Creek at a rapid pace set by Karen to find "el sol" as quickly as possible. It wasn't until halfway up Ione-Sutter Cr. Rd. that I realized that the tandems, consisting of Larry and Gayle and Jim and Penny ,had decided to ride at a lower elevation (The Polar Route?). We missed them and hope they had a good ride and found some sunshine . We broke into beautiful sunshine but a little closer to Sutter Creek than hoped for. Even "The Creek Rd." , which is usually referred to as "The Refrigerator Rd." this time of the year, was quite pleasant indeed. Volcano was really warm (Rosie was even having a cold 7 UP) and the temperature was ideal for the climb on Rams Horn Grade. As we headed down Shake Ridge the air got cooler and cooler and by the time we headed down Ione-Sutter Cr. Rd. we had all the winter gear back on. Since the fog bank had not retreated even a bit, this made Ermas parking lot still quite unpleasant so the after-ride chit-chat was cut short. The Grays and Hayes were still out on the road and hopefully all went well . Good ride, once we hit the sunshine, and it was sure great to have Dave N back in Erma's peleton. See you next weekend and keep in mind the title of one of my favorite songs, "Keep on the Sunnyside". (JR)
It was impressive too see so many people leave their warm house s too come out and ride in the fog, what was even more impressive too see was the up country people coming out of the sunshine too ride in the fog.
It was great too see Jim, Penny, Larry and Gayle in the parking lot, I was looking forward too riding with the tandems (whishing we had brought ours). We left the parking lot looking for sun, and knew exactly where it was, we got too Sutter Ione Rd. and headed up towards the sunshine, I think it was at the first hill that I asked Karen if we would wait for the tandems at the top of the hill, and that s when she told me they would be riding a different route, hope you guy s had a great ride. Once in Sutter Creek it was time too shed our winter clothing. The discussion was whether or not too ride up the Creek Rd, it was decided that the Creek Rd was warmer than Ione so we headed up to Volcano. (I did hear Carolle and Karen talking about the time change and being able too ride during the middle of the week again) In Volcano Carolle decided she would ride home and get ready for the Raider game, she didn t think she could get home in time if she went on the long route. But as always, the group was willing too compromise and cut the route short in order too keep Carolle riding, not to mention that if we continued on with John s route we would have too ride longer in the fog, so we headed up Rams horn and straight down Shake Ridge. Back on Sutter Ione Rd. we dawned our winter gear and descended back into the fog. Thanks for a great ride, and lots of hard pushes from Dave and John R. (Smc) |
| 1/18/2003 |
50 |
standard coffee |
Carolle, Steve M, Steve H, Coconut, Jill, Al the Pal, Michael, Ray, Lee, Anita, Andy, P.J., Ed |
Add two Steves, two Als, one each of the other names along with a flat, a crash, fog, sun, lots of other cyclists, cold, warmth, banana bread, coffee cake, and Spiz--shake well, take with Advil. The delays started with PJ's flat in the parking lot. The Pal established good Karma that he'd cash in later in the ride by helping PJ fix the tire. We zipped through SC in record time, seeing some Bike Hikers and a stray Delta Velo with a bad tire too. All was going well up the creek road until those of us near the front of the pace line heard a crash just below Fabio. Michael had kissed Lee's wheel and been slammed on his side, shoulder, and back. After getting over being stunned, he got back in the saddle, but unable to breathe deeply without pain. In Volcano, we decided to head down Shake rather than go farther up (in addition to chatting with the Delta Velo guys, including Mike C and Bob F). To my surprise, Michael stayed right with us at the front all the way down, but was paying for the effort by SC, so Al and Jill got his truck for him. Down Sutter-Ione, another mishap. Pal broke a chain and had to be pushed back the last 5 miles or so. Ray did the bulk of the pushing with Lee and me helping. Down the highway, Al pulled in behind me and rode the suction into town. Anita's banana bread and coffee cake give us a treat for returning to the land of fog and cold. Despite the fits and starts, we had a fast run down Shake and most of Sutter-Ione, and rumor is that Steve H and the other carrots had a fast run up the creek, but I'll leave it to you whether to take Steve's word. Preliminary reports are that the Spiz (the new energy drink) worked well. It did for me, and I think it did for PJ and MK. (EH)
PS--MK's trip to the ER showed no breaks, no collapsed lung. Road rash and deep bruising. He'll be back soon. |
| 1/14/2003 |
36 |
Wildlife Route |
Steve H.,Jim G., Paul M.,Stockton Boy |
| After last weeks extravaganza it was decied something a little more low key was in order. Volcano Rd was not cold this a.m. for a nice change in winter. In Volcano there was much discussion over the experiences shared using large caliber automatic weapons (a male military bonding thing) Paul topped it all retelling of his experiences with a large group of Italians all practicing with their automatic weapons in a deserted place when the deputies all showed up. After the climb up Red Corral Paul was really moving out while Stockton Boy and Jim discussed their motorcycle racing histories while yours truly pulled them along. A breather at Bills was followed by a cameo appearance by Carol M. in Jackson cheering us on. A nice descent in S.C. in a pace line ensued followed by coffee and conversation. SWH |
| 1/12/2003 |
66 |
Mt. Aukum Loop |
Carolle, Steve M , Karen, John R |
| Well those who were misled by KCRA's or other's weather "guessers", or unfortunately were "under-the-weather" like Chuck, you missed a great Sunday ride. Hey, here's a thought .... it's not too late to make a New Year's resolution ....try this: "I will not heed a weather forecast, especially the night before an Erma ride." This ride was blessed with ample sun, good temperature, and not one rain drop. The ride turned out to be a "Pine Grove Residence Only Ride" since only Carolle, Steve , Karen, and John were on the roll. Steve, already in mid-season form, rode to the ride and ended with a "ton" of miles this weekend after having also ridden on Sat.. The pace up to Plymouth was the usual casual/moderate pace with lots of chatting and pure enjoyment in riding on such a fine day. With the 49'ers playing while we were riding and the Raiders playing in the afternoon the traffic was quite light. On Sat., Karen and Cheryl rode " KR's Lunchtime Loop" from Pine Grove since they had heard that Sunday was "going to be a washout". Karen was so convinced that Sunday was going to be a "no ride day" that she wasn't quite hooked up to ride today. Cheryl must have been in the same mode since, despite an early wakeup call from KR on Sunday telling her "it was a go", decided to stay put in Pioneer. Shame on you CY! Nevertheless Karen, as usual, gave it a good go, dug deep , and even pulled the tandem and JR down her favorite section from Plymouth. In Mt. Aukum, our only stop, we took a short break before the "McGrath Express" pulled KR and JR most of the way back to Ione. It felt great to get in 66 miles and only wished that more of our Erma friends had been on today's ride.....See ya next Sunday. (JR) |
| 1/11/2003 |
35, 53, +44 (SMc) |
Campo Seco (FINALLY)
|
Steve and Carolle, Coconut Al and Jill, Ed, Ray and Michael |
I hate to say it- but this Erma's ride left a bitter taste in my mouth!
A relatively small turn out for what turned out to be moderate weather. Steve got in some early year Animal miles by riding down to join us in Ione.
From Ione it was the usual straight ascent to SC. Ed and Al talked shop about property and homes. The ride was almost usual. Carolle's red shirt sleeves precluded our passing the cattlemen who were trying to herd a stray bull that had gotten out on the road at the bottom of the big hill. Judging by the size of this beast, it was probably best we just rode slowly behind the truck and enjoyed the round up.
A short stop at the bathrooms lead to the decision to continue on to Jackson for coffee. Ed and Jill enjoyed a lively conversation about music and Jill's bassoon playing.
At Jackson Gate, Steve advised us that he, Carolle and Jill would go straight down Stoney, with Steve riding home afterwards.
Ed, Ray, Al and I continued to Incognito, although my creaky bike would not allow us to travel incognito. Upon arrival at the coffee shop I was feeling manly and thought I would partake in my virgin espresso experience--there's a lot to be said for chastity. Having never drunk coffee, I immediately burnt my tongue on the first sip of a triple espresso. As Ed so glibly put it, "I didn't think we needed to give you an instruction manual." Well, the drink was simply awful and provided the alluded to bitter taste in my mouth.
The coffee shop gals, Judy and Aloma, suggested that we take a picture of the Erma's group so they can hang it in the shop. Perhaps autographed copies can be sold to the tourists.
From there the four of us proceeded down Stoney. At the turn off to Campo Seco, we actual turned off!! This was the first time I had been in this direction; normally the best laid plans change at that point and we end up going straight. The Campo Seco route was different and pleasant. A stop on the dam provided, for me, a never before seen view of the dry side. After some knee knocking over-the-edge peeking, we continued on through the North Camanche route.
Ray and Ed smelled a new coffee shop at Camanche Village. A short time later found the three of us with another triple espresso in front of us. Al kept warning me that I was venturing down the wrong caffeine road. One sip of my second triple and I knew next time I would have to order warm water in a coffee cup and visualize. Ed and Ray split mine, giving them a little more than six shots each for the ride. The patio provided a panoramic view and a great spot to take in the wonders of winter riding. Only Ed will enjoy the spot once the warmer weather arrives.
Back in via Jackson Valley Road. The aromatic scent of Lake Ione announced to the senses that we were home. No white caps on Lake Ione as there had been a few weeks back, just a slimy film--reminiscent of what I had seen earlier on top of my espressos.
Thanks to Ed and Ray for maintaining a slower pace, one which my failing body was able to hang on to without much pain. (MK) |
| 1/7/2003 |
44 and 4500 ft of climbing |
watercourse-Volcano. Lockwood, Fiddletown Drytown,Turner Rd |
Steve H.,Gene, Paul M. Jim gray. Ross from Stockton , Stockton Boy |
| Everyone said where shall we go? We all took leave of our senses and said Let's do the long ride with the fiords and test our swimming skills. The rd to Volcano was COLD-I mean like we were being cryogenic in preparation for eternal life-or death. Ross took off showing his old road racing skills but did wait for us in Volcano. After hellos and goodbye to Rosie we quickly got warm going up Rams horn and Lockwood discussing the usual big issues of the day. I think Jim should get one unit of credit towards his degree in philosophy. No breakneck speed fown Fiddletown as we were watching for ice or gravel--there was none. After refueling at Plymouth we braved hwy 49 which wasn't bad. Some of our group had never been up New Chicago which was absolutely breath taking--in many ways. The multiple fiords were no more than 10 inches deep which cooled us off but no life preservers were necessary. Those last four " rollers" on Turner Rd are real killers but we felt great when we pulled into Sutter Creek. SWH |
| 1/5/2003 |
60, 43* |
Sutter Creek, Butte, Sutter Creek, Willow, Irish |
John R, Karen, Cheryl*, Ed*, Jim*, Chuck, Steve and Carolle |
I was the appointed ride leader via JR- warning! ride leaders have to write the report, I opted for some of my favorite roads. Ione to SC right out the gate, with a short regrouping and potty stop in SC. KR and I took the hwy with all others taking the short cut, we made it to the light before them and hit it on a green turn so off we went. JR, KR and Chuck played a little game of ring around Jackson Gate and the Hwy as they searched for each other. It was a fun swoosh down JG into town. Ed preordered his triple shot at the old elephant and we were off to Butte Mnt everyone taking it at a nice pace and chatting. The tandem offered a nice pace down Clinton back into Jackson were Ed got his Espresso and the rest of us refilled water, shared espresso laced cliff bars and sun screen. The group sort of spread out on Jackson Gate with the tandem out front and JR and Chuck right behind them. Some how JR got confused (must have been an almost senior moment) once he hit the Hwy. All I could see in my mirror was KR, JR, and Jimmy all stopped and off their bikes. JR lost track of his good buddy Chuck- where oh where did he go? Ed and I kept going to try to catch the tandem and Chuck- JR had turned around to find him. We caught Chuck, told him what was happening and he turned around to show John he really was out front. Once we got everyone headed in the right direction the ride back to the Ione Hwy was fast and fun as always. I had KR convinced to go left at the hwy with Ed, Jimmy and myself and call it a good ride with quality miles. BUT NO everyone had to bait her with a comments about a whimpy ride and low miles and she bit. Then Chuck threw in another comment about cooking her once she agreed to go. I'm not sure but I think KR, Carrolle and Steve had a little too much fun cooking the cook Chuck and JR. So were you two well done when you hit the parking lot? CY
|
| 1/4/2003 |
50, 35* |
Espresso Route |
Steve H, Ray, Lee, Steve M, Carolle M, Gene, Ed, Al the Pal*, John S* (with cameos by Rosie, Jill, Char, and Coconut) |
| Note to self: Don't wait 5 days to write the Ride Report...what route did we take again? Oh yeah, there was some discussion as to where we were headed. Al and John were starting in SC, so we thought we'd meet them somewhere on Sutter-Ione Rd. It was an easy warm up. Lee is quickly becoming an Erma regular, Steve and Carolle were riding solo (i.e. no tandem), and even Gene showed up. We regrouped at "the Gate" (top of the 2nd to last hill where we tend to stop from time to time) to decide if espresso was on the agenda. Al and John finally showed up, and we would take our espresso to go only if it wasn't crowded. It was, so we decide to venture up the Creek Road. Just as we were pulling out, we ran into Coconut Al & Company. They were headed to BV to start their ride. Hopefully they'll be back with us next week. The Creek Road is still cold. Very cold. It was mostly tempo riding up to Volcano. Lee ultimately quickened the pace, but it was a good way to stay warm. Al and John decided to keep going, and met us up at the top of Shake. Lee decided it was much more enjoyable in the autobus going up RH. Due to the recent low snowfall, a little more caution (not much) through "the turn" was in order. We all shared a pull at the front, at the same time, on the look out for Ed's possible new homestead. Al did well to make the break once we hit Mama bear. As we waited to collect everyone at the top of Papa bear, Ed needed to get back for his house-hunting appointment, so he kept going (READ: Carrot). As Al and John turned for SC, the rest of us rode straight in. I was on a mission, and only able to convince Lee and Steve H. that "carrot-chasing" would be "fun". Didn't catch Ed on the first hill at the high school, didn't see him on the hill at "the Gate", doubt was creeping in at the "big" hill, hope was fleeting after the S-turns, lactic acid was building up just before the highway, but as we made the turn on the highway, I caught a glimpse of the big carrot just as he disappeared around the corner. With hope renewed, and doubt removed, the chase was back on. Damn the speed limit, full speed ahead! On the long straight-a-way into Ione, he was within sight. Just one more minute, or one more hill! He was just out of reach! @#$%*&! Maximum heart rate? It's good to be alive! What a way to start the year! I'm glad I ride a bike. (RC) |
| 1/1/2003 |
52, 73*, etc. |
Irish Hill, Willow Creek, Sutter Creek, Stoney Creek, Buena Vista |
John, Karen, Ray, Michael, Ed, Cheryl, Carolle, Jim and Penny*, Larry and Gayle*, Anita, Andy, Kevin, Steve H, Ray R, Hux, Lee |
A perfect day--little traffic, good weather, big and diverse group of riders, even espresso. We started with Irish Hill and Willow Creek. Then up to Sutter Creek. The tandems, to avoid the climbing kept going to do the "flat 50." I was slow enough that Ray had a double shot waiting for me in SC. A few others of the inveterate coffee group (Anita, Steve) stopped for coffee too. No one was in a great hurry. After lots of indecision (Michael, Cheryl), eventually we all set off to Argonaut when everyone seemed to have lost interest in Butte. Down Stoney with the ever-present and never-taken Pardee option. We descended Stoney at our varying paces, regathered at Pardee entrance and then TT'd behind Ray down to BV. Some took shorter routes in from there. Ray, Michael, and I gathered up the stragglers when everyone else took off, sniffing the barn, I guess--or maybe Anita's pastries. Keep training and baking, Anita. Some of us hung around for the standard tailgate party with chips, salsa, and banana bread, basking in a beautiful start to the cycling year. (EH)
Well, the tandems started off with the main group, but opted for an "easier" and "flatter" 50 miles than what was proposed at the beginning of the ride (Sutter Creek, Butte Mountain, etc.). We found ourselves taking a much needed leisurely and enjoyable pace to Comanche Blues. At Comanche Blues we debated whether to continue the normal Comanche Blues route or to try the "new" 50 mile flat route back towards Rancho Seco. We opted for the less traveled route. The scenery was great, the company was even better. The only downs were Larry and Gayle had 2 flats, the only store along the way was closed (read lack of potty stops), and my back was not happy with being back on a bike. However, the mental health benefits gained from the ride far outshadowed the discomfort resulting from the ride (hopefully Larry's back is forgiving him too). All in all - it was a great way to start off the new year. (PG) |
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