Wednesdays are generally time for the Wednesday Worlds™ our own version of the Special Olympics road ride up and down Mt. Veeder. But the last two have been re-designated Parakeet™ explorations.
The Parakeet™ is a ride we are looking to put together that utilizes dirt roads and trails in areas we wish were legal while at the same time allowing for a healthy dose of exploration, fun and adventure.
Last night was quite nice.
Lakoya Road to our friends Jen's house. Home-made iced tea and cookies await. Oh yeah and an incredible view! She was kind enough to sketch out our route (alomost exactly as we had previewed/Planned on Google Earth) and, with the sun setting, we were off.
One word wouldn't suffice, but here goes...INCREDIBLE.
We mosey'd up some fireroady/double track as it got progressively darker. In the middle we were skirting a ridge overlooking both Sonoma AND Napa Valley. As it got totally dark 2 out of 3 riders switched on the appropriate lights (sorry guys, I will remember my real light next time) and we continued. Soon it was down, down, down. Followed by a little bush whacking and voila a dirt road leading us right to Cavedale road!
A stop at the firestation and some hearty congratulations and admiration of not only the ride, but where we were and how we did it.
As it was almost 8:45 we headed down Trinity and toward Veeder to climb home.
Totally surreal experience as we climbed all of Veeder in total darkness. Leaving the lights off and climbing by memory and a very (very) faint yellow line in middle of the road. I was getting worked as we climbed way faster (it seemed) than ever. What kept me going was not wanting to be last and all alone on Veeder in total darkness (I mean it was just last week Curtis and I saw a mountain lion out there).
Andrew utilized his supreme night vision skills to lead us as well as identify a skunk running in front of us.
Lights were again used for the descent as we returned home around 9:30.
The smile from the adventure hasn't faded yet...The Parakeet™ is taking shape!
**photos courtesy of A. Brooks
2 comments:
What a great ride. I'm glade your getting out there.
two lights for three riders is more than enough. that was awesome. we'll do it again soon.
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