Happy New Year!

Yesterday Phil and I got out for our last mountain bike ride of 2008. I forgot my camera – aaargh – so didn’t get any photos to share. It was a sunny day, with bright blue skies a crisp temperature of about 55°. Most of the trail was dry (we rode on South Table Mountain) but we did hit a few muddy patches. Phil’s bike doesn’t clear mud very well, so he had some challenges. I ended up having kind of a nasty attack of exercise induced asthma due to the cool air, so we just rode one lap and called it a day.

Today we did our annual New Year’s Day ride up Lookout Mountain. For the last 5 years – if the roads are dry - we’ve gotten together with various friends to kick off the year with a ride. Jeffrey joined us today.

It was about 50°, but not very sunny, so it felt cooler. We saw at least 40 or 50 other riders – including a couple who greeted everyone they passed with a robust “Happy New Year!”

We are so lucky to live in a place with: world class cycling – both road and mountain bike options; generally good weather; and lots of active people so we don’t stand out as big crazy freaks!

One view from the top.

Phil racing the cars.

Jeffrey: "peace dude"

Riding in the mountains at this time of year presents special challenges when selecting gear. You need to be a little bit cool when you head out, because you heat up dramatically while climbing. If you are warm when you start riding, you'll overheat and sweat too much. Then the descent is bonechilling due to your wet clothes. So, we rode up in shirt sleeves (2 layers)and bundled up for the ride down.

We capped off the day with a visit to Woody’s, our favorite place for a post-ride beer and pizza treat.

A great way to start the year – biking, buddies and beer. Does it get better than that?