Winter Riding

So this winter isn't going to be like the winters of the past. No snow and plenty of sunshine. If that makes you a little jealous...it should. Christmas day was a 75 mile solo ride up the beast of a climb by the name of Balcom Canyon. It averages 18 percent for about two-thirds of a mile and climbs about 600 vertical feet. OUCH! When I hit the grade I had to look down at my wheels 'cause I thought I was riding with either a flat, or with my brakes rubbing. It was brutal.

The traffic was light and I had most of the roads to myself.

Today's ride was with the Rincon Triathlon Club. We did a nice, hilly ride into the Santa Barbara mountains for a cool, 65 miles. The legs felt better after yesterday's rest and the last 20 miles along the coast were just spectacular. Tons of surfers and dolphins, all playing with the big surf that is leading in a storm.

Hey now. For the next three months it's going to be all about the beach. We just moved down to Ventura, CA and will be spending the winter here. This is the land of sun and fun. AND lots of training and racing opportunities. The last 5 months have been more about the fishing, and I already have about as many miles on the bike in two weeks as I did in two months in Ketchikan. With any luck, I'll be bronzed and ripped by the time the spring racing season gets here.