Happy legs

Ever since my Bend adventure at the beginning of the month I've been craving to do some fun stuff. My race season is over & it's more than time to unwind and have unstructured fun.

This last weekend I was on Kauai and did 2 rides there. Even though the few main roads on the Garden Island have an adequate shoulder, the side roads offer tranquility, time to enjoy the wonderful landscape, and frogs. Well I should say frogs & chickens. The frogs are usually pancake flat from having been squished while most of the feral chickens are skittish enough to usually fend for themselves - though not always as some clumps of feathers along the way answered that age old question.

Friday's & Saturday's rides.

Today I found myself in San Jose all day and though I was mostly in for putzing around & exploring, I found the attraction of the east foothills calling. So there I was spinning my way toward the hills and I found myself at the base of Sierra Road.

For those in the know Sierra Road has been a part of every TOC since it's inception. This May Stage 4 finished (the red portion of the map) at the top of the climb; 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of almost 1800; yielding a grade of just under 10% on average. I didn't have the luxury to share my Garmin story (data) because I (as it turns out conveniently) forgot to put it on the charger from the previous island rides. But this is the route I rode.

And try as I might to go up easily rather than make it a hammerfest - the best I can describe it was pleasant suffering. Steeper at the bottom than midway or at the top, but recovery isn't really an option as the effort takes its collective toll all the way up. Without the exact numbers I know my HR was pretty much at the limit as sweat dripped a trail like a leaky radiator all the way up. Paint from the lonely deserted summit has almost completely faded from the fans paying tribute to their favorite racers.

The descent is always the reward for the climb and I only saw 2 riders climbing up the easier grade. There are many similar climbs in the hills surrounding the south bay area (Mt Hamilton, Metcalf Rd, the numerous climbs to Skyline Blvd, etc), each with a slightly distinct flavor to them. I lived right near here while going to college here 30 years ago and I don't ever remember getting out and up this climb before.

You can be sure I will return & expend more calories here in the future.