During the last couple of weeks I have made about 4 or 5 fairly short but strongly-completed rides (60-90 minutes) in the area. My stories at this point are unexciting, I think, and these journal entries probably aren't moistening anyone's thighs but I've spent a lot of time (if you knew how much time I've invested in this, you would be astonished) working at home preparing the business, the adventure and the gear. There are only 19 days until departure and I am beginning to get butterflies! It has been important for me to test equipment, evaluate failures and essentially hone the systems, especially on these shorter trips near home. I promise you that things will start to get lively once I get on the road, start making rookie mistakes, and end up wading in shit. I just hope that whatever happens this summer, it makes for good reading.
In Fremont Older, because it is not very technically challenging, I like to practice my skills by putting myself in safe situations that are right at the edge of my ability. I remember vividly that on my first few trips to the preserve in early 1998, I could not ride a moderate section of trail
called Nob Hill. Since then, I've attacked that hill and practiced it again and again. Now I can ride up and down it five times in a row without problem. The photo of me clearing an apparently easy lower section belies the awkward angle and ruts in the trail that have tossed me on my arse more than once.After I ride Nob Hill for a while, I hit the Seven Springs loop as hard as I can. It's twisty and fun, not to mention beautiful. If you live in Santa Clara or San Jose, go hike it, ride it, whatever. You will not regret the experience.
Come up here, enjoy the air, climb to the top and feel insignificant.
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