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DAY 12
Sometimes we ride in 3 states in one day...today we rode in 4 different planets

Yesterday          Tomorrow
ROUTE: Ft Bragg to Cloverdale CA DISTANCE: 75 Miles WINDS: SE 10...headwinds most of the day
WEATHER: Sunny and cool...high 70 TERRAIN: Rolling with 2 good climbs late in the day TOTAL CLIMBING: 4200 Feet

DAILY REPORT:  To say we had a diverse day would be an understatement...the photos in the text will support that statement.  It was hard to believe we were riding in the same day as we made our way through urban areas, breathtaking seaside cliffs, old growth redwood forests, and rolling brown hills that were the backdrop for scores of vineyards.  The temperature was fickle too.  When we departed we had the usual low 50s so arm warmers and light jacket were the dress of the day.  But when we entered the redwoods, the temperature dropped 20 degrees it seemed so everyone was bundling up or trying to get back into the sunshine as soon as possible.  By the time we got into the vineyard areas, the temperatures were a comfortable 70 degrees.  Heck, I didn't recognize anyone with out all their layers on that we've come accustomed to seeing on the road.

Our morning started with an early load and a ride to breakfast.  Most of the riders were on the road by 7:45 and before long we found ourselves in the middle of a Lung Association Ride sharing our route today.  Our first 20 miles bounced up and down and in and out of visual contact with the ocean.  Then we turned inland on hwy 128...and anytime you do inland around here it means slope.  The Lung Association Ride was with us until they broke off at the hwy 128 intersection where they continued down the coast and we turned inland.  At first we were riding along the water with the jagged rocks protruding out of the foaming surf, then we found ourselves in another redwood forest for about 10 miles.  Our first SAG was in the forest...the antithesis  of our SAG yesterday along the shoreline.  It was a beautiful spot in the redwoods where we celebrated our halfway point.

As I stated before, our contrasts were not over as we entered the California wine country.  Here we saw large vineyards dotting the landscape all nestled on the hillsides.  At one vineyard, I saw them loading freshly picked grapes...this time of year is called the "crush" for obvious reasons even to this corn farm boy.  I just wanted to take off my shoes and stomp right in...don't think they would have appreciated that, but it did cross my mind.  We weren't through with rollers either, and the brisk headwinds made the day even tougher than planned.

Even with all that, we still weren't through with contrasts by a long shot.  It wasn't long before we started shedding clothing as we peaked over the range.  The temperatures went up drastically after the second SAG and it began to look more like the California I remember when I was stationed in Sacramento.  Large golden hills with green live oaks to contrast the landscape.  This part of California is much dryer too...one match here and you'll burn up the entire state.

The final push into town required us to climb one final time before an invigorating, technical descent into Cloverdale.  The scenery was hard to take in due to the nature of the switchbacks on the descent...the eyes had to focus on the line to the bottom.  Congrats to everyone...they all made it down safely and we're ready to ride again tomorrow...bring on the climbs...no sweat.

Tomorrow we head to Petaluma...I'm looking forward to riding...hate that everyone else is having all the climbing fun.  See you then.

PS: Phil G. from North '02 lives in the area and brought us some maps of the cycling routes in the area...great to see you again Phil and thanks for the info and the wine.
HEARD DURING THE DAY:

"Mike, you have 'sense of humor cancer.'"

"I didn't think I signed up for a ski trip...it's frikin cold."

"It's 9 degrees in the forest!"
"That's 9 degrees with a 'C.'"
"It's cold anyway."

"John, today's ride is 'lost proof'...no turns."

"Bill, what are you chewing on?"
"The secret of longevity...redwood bark."
"So you may be the one the rangers were looking for.  They thought a beaver was gnawing on their ancient trees...and it was just you."

"OK, what am I the brunt of now?"
"Nothing, why do you ask?"
"When I left Bob was talking and when I was in the bathroom there was a lot of laughter...that's never a good sign."

 CAN'T BELIEVE I DID THAT:

We marked our half way point at a cider place...fresh apple cider to celebrate halfway through a tough but beautiful ride.  Mac was really looking forward to stopping and sipping a fine apple cider, but it was before the second SAG.  He and his riding buddies (Klaus and John H, which may explain the rest of the story) rolled into the second SAG and Mac asked Karen where the cider place was.  She told him and he said, "Gee, we must have missed it.  I really wanted a cider."  Karen and I looked at each other and just sighed...you guys could get lost on a velodrome.  But I could understand how you could miss the cider place...it was really setting in a clandestine place (right).

SCENES OF THE DAY?

Klaus has an answer for all the hills...a thoroughbred.

The word around here is Sonoma County has great wine and Napa has great auto parts!

OK you turkeys, shape up that pace line!

Just too many beautiful sights to ride fast.

What's over that next rise?

Where's Mike hiding this time?

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