Tuesday, November 22, 2022

Old Stomping Grounds

Back in the day, specifically when I lived in Cupertino, Stevens Canyon was one of my favourite roads to ride on my bike. Nice and shady in the summer, not too long but not too short, and almost no traffic to speak of. Pretty much the ideal afternoon spin.

I haven't really been back there much since I moved, though. It's a bit out of the way from where I am now, and there's plenty of nice roads around here to keep me busy.

That said, I figured it was time to revisit it.

Most of the times I rode up there, I'd ride as far as the gate at the end and turn around, as there was only a short amount of poorly maintained pavement beyond it which soon gave way to a dirt trail. Not ideal for a road bike.

Of course, that didn't stop me from riding up there on a road bike once. It was rather challenging, particularly due to the lack of traction from the slick tires.

But these days I have a mighty gravel steed, and so no dirt path can stand in my way of enjoying the ride.

Even the leaves on the trail were no match for me.

They were quite pretty though.

I can see my house from up here (not really). What you can also see is that the sun was starting to set, which happens frustratingly early around this time of year.

Everyone who's anyone in the bay area cycling world will know this rock on sight.

It started getting a bit chilly on the way down Montebello, thanks to the complete lack of sunshine. I almost thought about dropping down into the city and making my way home via the direct route, but after a short pit stop near the reservoir I managed to warm up quite a bit and continued along my originally planned route.

In all this was a pretty fantastic ride, and I'm glad I got back out to see the old stomping grounds again.

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