A little whine with the wine

Great ride this weekend in the gorgeous Napa Valley -- 53 miles with "one" hill. We all know what that means. I counted at least 4. Then there's the "rolling hills" -- which are not made any less flat when you put a fun word like "roll" in front of them. [But it's nothing compared to what's coming this weekend!]

After an early morning start, with a gorgeous view:


a group of us met in a little Napa town called Yountville, with its lovely views, and quaint little streets, all the better for getting lost on. It was nice, sunny day and about 20 of us started off down the road, led by our fearless leader.


We couldn't have asked for better weather (nor would we have asked for more hills). The best part to me was that we rode parts of last years ride that we passed through on Days 1 and 2. It was nice to be there again -- along the creeks and vineyards and with good friends.


Nine percent doesn't sound like all that much to me. Out of a hundred percents, it's only nine of them. You know when you're driving along some windy highway and you see a sign that says, "9% grade: trucks use low gear"? They say that because 9% is really steep. I know because that's the kind of hill we climbed. But not before we had about 12 miles of lots of uphill -- a steady climb out of the Napa Valey into the hills. 12.53 miles of that. Then a quick stop to get some blacksmithing and wagon-making in Pope Valley.

Actually we stopped for water and some snacks at a little store in Pope Valley, then head out on the road for the Big Hill. 9% Grade, and a promised 3.77 miles. I calculated that when my odometer hit 29.84 miles, I would be at the top of the hill. Imagine my surprise when 29.84 came and went. I thought about stopping at that point and giving up. Lots of people walk up hills. But I decided that all the messages that were playing in my head were not going to get me up any faster. So I focused on my good strong legs, and making the odometer move, and I just kept going. And finally, the hill ended, I turned right, and guess what? More hills! No more 9%-ers though. When we finally got to the top of the long series of hills, it was time to go back down. I think I topped out at 37 mph. Probably would have gone a bit faster -- it actually felt a little safer than some of the down hills I've been on -- but I was worried about missing a turn, and having to climb back up that hill I was screaming down.

After the ride, a few of us went into Yountville (someone said it sounds like a Dr. Seuss town -- all the Younts down in Yountville) where there was some sort of festival going on, and we ate some lunch, had a beer, and enjoyed the live music. A very mediocre little reggae band was gracing us with their renditions of Steve Miller's the Joker, reggae style. We suddenly found ourselves in the midst of a real-live, bona fide RUBIX CUBE CONTEST! It was probably more exciting than that 37 mph hill. A quick internet search reveals that there are many "Speed Solvers" out there. This guy at the table next to us was doing it one handed:
Whoever finished first (there were four of them) slammed his or her cube down on the table, and the others groaned in response. I don't remember seeing them eating or drinking, but they did draw a crowd.

Sunday was a day off for me -- except for the workout I got cleaning my house (and sneezing), I took it easy. And cooked lots of good food. Veggie Curry, stir-fry vegetables, miso soup, and grilled brocolli and brussels sprouts with carmelized tofu.

Monday: spinning, a.m. +lift, p.m.
Tuesday: spinning
Wednesday: spinning
Thursday: lift
Friday: pilates
Saturday 54.5 miles
Sunday: OFF