As summer turns to fall here in Sparks, a few miles from the
California/Nevada border, the thermals quiet down and the days are cool enough
for a nice turn on the bike. In fact it was 34 degrees on Saturday as I headed
into the parking lot at the base of Squaw Valley and the Tahoe Sierra Century (http://www.tahoesierracentury.com/).
I was signed up for the 100 km out and return over Donner Summit and back again.


Turned out to be a spectacular ride as promised, with a grueling switch back
climb up the eastern face from Donner Lake and a long slow climb back up the
western face of the Sierras, after a light lunch at Cisco Grove. The best part
for me was the last ten miles, uphill and into the wind. My legs just took over
knowing just what their favorite cadence was and I went along for a fast ride
back to Squaw, shifting gears according to what my legs told me to do. It was
nice putting someone else in charge.


Two days before I did a forty five mile out and return on my own up the main
open part of the Tahoe to Pyramid Lake trail (http://www.tpbikeway.org/)
from east Sparks to Verdi and back. Nice to have such a for the most part well
maintained bike oath through town and away from traffic. It was well used west
of Reno with many folks getting their exercise climbing the Sierras.


I'm getting ready for the upcoming competition season in Australia, but
hopefully there will be some flying days left in California.


Hard biking in the big city:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/24/nyregion/thecity/24bike.html