Tasty waffles and cold feet

Last week (I will definitely get better about doing these) (soon) was the first 'official' Western Wheelers long distance training ride. What I find confusing is that the rides in the weeks before seemed a lot longer to me than these do, but who knows...

Anyhow, being somehow more 'official', there was a heckuva lot of people on this ride, despite the cold cold coldness. I wore four layers, and was (mostly) glad of it. Not too many climbs, but I did discover Stockbridge, off Alameda, which was challenging. Also I encountered fellow club member Antonio, who, while explaining to me why he disappeared from a previous club ride out to the coast, paused in his explanation as we went down a hill - and promptly, despite having just mentioned to me 'If you don't know where you're going, don't ride in front' - was last seen (by me) about two blocks ahead of most of the group, as the route turned right. That was the last time I saw him that day.

Other people whom I did not see included: both ride leaders, after the start. I have no idea what could have become of them.

Most importantly, of course, there was lunch. This was at Michael's, which I did not find too exciting in the past, but did fine on this visit. There was the pleasing counter staff, and the splendid Belgian waffle. I almost hated to eat it, it was so decorative, so I photgraphed it for posterity.

So the next day Nick wanted to go riding, thus despite the cold, off we went. A short way in the young man decided that he felt out of shape, and we cut the route a bit short, so once again my evil plan to take him up Mt. Eden road was foiled. Perhaps just as well - in the 9 miles we were out, I froze myself enough that it took fifteen minutes of hot water to thaw out my toes, which were completely numb. It was kind of disturbing. Last time I go riding in freezing temperatures without shoe covers, I guess.