Giro di Pacifico 2015: July 2015

Thursday, 30 July 2015

An uber-early start for a job interview phonecall (which neccesitated me sitting in a dark car park at 0430 so as not wake my lovely wife...), and off to Mt St Helens. Hotel was a bit of a disappointment last night, as it was close to the I5 and a railway line, so we were not best rested for the strenuous day ahead...

Crossed purposes about which of many visitors centres we were headed for saw end, eventually, at Coldwater Lake, a nature trail just short of the Johnston Observatory. With temperatures soaring and a flat calm wind conditions, it was amazing to bask in the tranquility of the location. Dragonflies, birds, water boatmen and fish entertained us as we chilled before the big climb up.

(Cedar Wax Wing we think!)

Since the volcano last blew in 1980, the park has regenetated significantly, but not completely. You cannot help but be amazed by the St Helen's presence, with vapour still pouring ominously from its crater.

(Mrs A contemplates the possibility of... (who knows?))

Of course, we had to try the Elk burger at Fire Mountain Grill on the way back (in the mean time, one of us had tried to pedal through the 90+ degree heat - fool), and can highly recommend both burger and venue, but not riding in the heat!

(The Cycling Republic of California T-shirt has not gone down well in Oregon or Washington...)

Then one more moment taken to watch a Bald Eagle (with fish in talons!)...

... before heading to Morton (but via Toledo Airport, with Mt Rainier in the background!), and another Motel... (He had to get airplanes in somehow!)

Really looking forward to Vancouver and a long weekend!

Wednesday, 29 July 2015

Fat Moose!

A term of endearment... Good job it's not karaoke night - oh, it is... 'What you need is a sugar daddy, diamond ring and a big new Cadi..'. aaahhhhhgggh! Good job Jeff!

Wildlife Bonanza.

Some more photos from Tuesday's ride!

Bald Eagle...

Breakfast...

Ospreys...

Critter... (Probably not the right term...)

Sap Sucker (a real name we think...)

And some others...

And a bit of work for tomorrow's job interview...

Rim Riders!

Crater Lake is a volcanic depression called a caldera. Its depth of 1,943 feet (592 meters) makes it the deepest lake in the United States, and the ninth deepest in the world. It also has the most amazing trail which runs around its rim. The only trouble is that it is rather undulating.

Mrs A likes a challenge and all credit to her, agreed to cycle the whole +50km and 1000m of associate climb (if you think about it, that's 1km up in 25km, equivalent to a 4% gradient for half the ride!). Oh, and the ride started at 6000' up and climbed (several times) to 7500'!

Having left it late, the temperature was up and it was hard going. Add to that some road works which led to some interesting off road on our road bikes, it was one of the most challenging rides we have done together.

But the views made it worthwhile!

Eagle Eyed

The plan had been to start early for Crater Lake, but Mrs A's eagle eyes spotted a Bald Eagle hanging out on a telegraph pole. We stopped, an were amazed to also see nesting Ospreys and a wealth of local wild life. But mosquitoes were less welcome - won't learn that lesson again...

Sunday, 26 July 2015

Onwards and Upwards...

After a cheeky recovery snooze, we've taken the Street Car (not called Desire), to Castro.

And climbed up a phenomenal climb to Dolores Park - simply the best view in San Francisco!

Chillaxing with a few chums...

Across the Bridge and Back Again...

UAfter much uncertainty, I declared fit to run at 0400 this morning. Ably supported by Mrs A, we joined 30,000 other runners on the Embarcadero, for the start of the San Francisco Marathon and Half Marathon. What a buzz, as we all readied ourselves in the gloomy, overcast dawn.

0552 and we were on our way - remembering advice to run smart and not to forget my game plan. The run followed the three I had done on training, except with a few more hills (1000' of climb) and way more running buddies.

Crossing the bridge was challenging, with congestion compounded by random selfies! The hills were fine, with the only real challenge being the final push back in to Golden Gate Park.

Mrs A was there all the way, having cycled to support me - thank you! This was my first mass participation event and it was emotional - so many people running for so many good reasons, quite humbling.

So here it is, the moment of relief, with homage to Tim Hamilton (and Platoon)!

Saturday, 25 July 2015

Tout Sweet - Heaven!

What can I say?

Tramtastic.

Not looking too pink after yesterday I hope.

Cable Car-tastic

The best thing about being so close to the end of the cable car line in Powell Street is that when you awake at a ridiculously early time, you can beat the other tourists to the first car of the day.

Fab ride (albeit a much cooler day than yesterday) to Hyde, then breakfast in Boudin, famous for its sour dough. Then back to Powell from Mason - tick!

A down day today before tomorrow's half-marathon so time for some retail therapy. 05:53 start time for Wave 4 - Bid number 43161, should you want to track me... maybe not.