Spring Up Little Mustard

This week, with the rain finally abating, the mustard in the vineyard rows is tall, reaching for the trellises. The fields are aglow with the drama: spring is coming. And today, I saw the orange promise of California poppies. Wet and then sunny and warm and then wet. All that sleeping energy stirs.

Last Friday I re-visited my personal "progress measuring tool" - Pine Flat Road. This road, about 7 miles from Healdsburg, goes into the Mayacamas Mountains – 11 miles in and 3100 feet up. I've been trying to find the end for a couple of months, attacking once a week or so. Each time I've gotten a little further, 6 miles in mid-January, then 9, finally 11 a few weeks ago. But I never saw the gate at the end – until last Friday. While there was snow on the side of the road up there, and snow scattered across the north face of Mt. Saint Helena, it was a crisp, beautiful day, well above freezing. But there was sand left on the road too - road crews responding to ice. A source for a little tension on the descent, but no ice in the shadows! The gate is actually at the edge of the Geysers steam field and the view east is of northern Napa County. It felt like a major milestone to get there.

(I did walk 400 yards of the last mile! The grade is about 14% and that was just too much for my legs. Next time!)

Needless to say it is a thrilling descent with opportunities for really scary moments. I had to check my exuberance on the upper portion because of the sand, but all in all it was a beautiful afternoon. Feeling good, loving being out, finding strength as I think about all the reasons to do the AIDS ride ... I can't think of a more motivating set of benefits.

Please consider making a donation and sponsoring my efforts to support AIDS/HIV services in Northern California.

Weekly Goals for Feb......... Results (3/4)
75-100 mi ................................ 58
8-10 hrs .................................. 6
25-40 longest .......................... 52

(Goals are from the ALC/6 training guide.)

[And thanks to Pink Martini's "Hang on Little Tomato"...]