Friday, June 15, 2007

to brown


I finally went on a real ride yesterday (recently I’ve just been transporting myself around town via bicycle.) I rode up the Brown Mountain dirt/fire road. I left home in the late afternoon. One of the many reasons that I like this ride so much and that I’m willing to do it over and over again and that I can’t wait to ride it again is that it’s only seven miles from home, so I can ride to the trail pretty easily. It just doesn’t seem so fun to put the bike in the car and then drive it somewhere and then get it out and set it up and on and on… just too many steps. I’d rather avoid the middleman. Above is the view off the back side. Below is the view off the front – note downtown los angeles – isn’t she beautiful?

It was a pretty hot day and I was having a hard time motivating for the ride. It would have been pretty easy to stay home and watch The Simpsons. But, since I’ve been reading about so many adventures on all your blogs, I seemed to be magically pushed out the door. Thanks. It was a great ride. It felt nice to spin with my clipless pedals. Normally, for easy riding around town I use toe clips. Oh, by the way, the speed wobbles on the front wheel are back, argh! I guess my French isn’t so good after all.

The hillsides are definitely starting to dry out now. Summer is fast approaching and we didn’t get much rain this year (I think we had record low rainfall this season). There are still a few flowers up there, though. The Lupine is hanging in there in the shady spots and getting blasted in the sun. Our Lord’s Candles (Yucca whipplei) are beautiful right now (see below.)

After the ride I dropped by the pub. I had no money but Justin, Tracie, and Bryce kindly provided.

3 comments:

amidnightrider said...

Isn't it nice to have friends like Justin, Tracey and Bryce?

Now about that Guiness. Is that an ale next to it? Looks like a great combo for a black and tan.

Unknown said...

Good for you for getting out there and riding even though you might have just stayed home to watch the Simpsons! Great scenery. I'm a NorCal native...but I admit there's some neat stuff in SoCal.

mindful mule said...

Yes, it's nice to have a few friendly folks around, because "making your way in the world today takes everything you've got, taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot..." If I remember correctly, that was IPA next to the Guinness. Black and Tan's are fun, though. I haven't had one in a while.

And, yeah, it's almost always worth it to get ourselves out their on the bike. Especially with all this summer light.

Thank you both for stopping by and for your comments.