Hills R Us ACTC Ride: 2008 07 02

Hills R Us 2008 07 02_5147, originally uploaded by rhanke.

One of the many suggestions by my coach was for me to join a bicycle club so I would be able to ride with a group of people. This has really helped me by making the rides enjoyable. It is great to talk with the other members and learn of their biking experiences. It has also helped in learning the area so I now know so many different routes.

I joined the Almaden Cycle Touring Club (ACTC - www.actc.org) and they have rides every day that one can join. They also have a system of hills the have put together called goats that members try to ride. The rider who does the most goats gets a price.

Today on our ride we did Soda Springs (5.6 miles, 2400 feet of climbing) and Montevina (3.5 miles, 1700 ft). Both were very tough.

Big Basin Redwoods State Park: 2008 06 26

Big Basin 2008 06 26_5146, originally uploaded by rhanke.

This has to be my favorite ride. Starting in the village of Saratoga, one rides up 7 miles on Highway 9 to Skyline (2,600 feet). From there one drops down and connects with 236 to ride into Big Basin. I always like to ride into Bolder Creek and stop for coffee. The other day we stopped for lunch. Riding between the Redwoods and looking up is just amazing.

David Beckham 2008 06 14

Beckham 2008 06 14_4967, originally uploaded by rhanke.

David has to be one of the greatest soccer players. His passing during the game was spot on. It was great to watch him play against the San Jose Earthquakes.

No Hands Jeffrey: 2008 06 30

No Hands Jeffrey 2008 06 30_5136, originally uploaded by rhanke.

In 3 weeks I will be taking my son to Yellowstone on a bike trip from Trek Travel. Here he is getting ready as we ride around the block. He likes to ride hands free.

ACTC Roaster Ride to Bid Basin: 2008 06 23

ACTC Roaster 2008 06 23_5099, originally uploaded by rhanke.

I have been riding with a great club, ACTC (www.actc.org). Here is a group of us at lunch when we rode out to Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

Richard 2008 06 08_4894

Richard 2008 06 08_4894, originally uploaded by rhanke.

Next day after climbing Mt. Hamilton I did the Tour for Cure. I did 100 miles plus since I rode from home to the start in Palo Alto.

Mt Hamilton top: 2008 06 07

Mt Hamilton top 2008 06 07_4903, originally uploaded by rhanke.

Preperation for the Cross country trip is in full swing. On June 7, I biked to the top of Mt. Hamilton, twice. I did both the front and back side. In total I did 10,000 feet of climbing. From the top of Mt. Hamilton (4,200 feet), San Jose can be seen in the distance.