mountain bike headquarters home page

Subject: Spring be Sprung Date: Sat, 24 Apr 1999 08:39:05 -0700

The East Bay Boys, minus a badly hockey-whacked Danny, decided to do an alternate and check out the Headlands. We met at the Mill Valley Middle School, where, when Michael arrived, El Mule-o was preparing for the ride with all van doors open, Aretha's Greatest Hits wafting out over the golden light morning, and an admiring crew of Marin jogging moms all dancing to the R &B Siren Diva of all time.

The weather permitted no question that this was to be the day to remember. The huge off shore winds of the night before had died down to a steady breeze and the air was clear, clear, clear. It was a balmy 74 degrees out, and the light rays, unbent by air born particulate matter were carrying Aretha's soul songs straight into the hearts of all who could hear her, which was many, thanks to the eight speakers and the quality amplification. Michael carried his Marin Mountain Bike Map and was given responsibility for the route. Eric asked that we go down Highway One from the Diaz Ridge intersection rather than up to the Zen Center driveway as a route alternative to Middle Green Gulch. Michael accused Eric of always having to have his own way, but all was resolved amicably.

Up into downtown Mill Valley, and around Cascade to Tenderfoot. We started to climb and discussed the three levels of technical challenges on Tenderfoot. The first series is the relatively mild series of four rutted sections of trail that merely require picking a good line and being ready to apply power at the correct moments. These were cleared without difficulty. The second is the three part steep over-root with serious drop-off to the left followed by the narrow climb to the very-tight switchback followed by the steep narrow climb to the impossible-for-all-but-Libor-and-Hans rock-with-a-big-fall-to-the-right. We didn't clear any of those, but El Mule-o managed to avoid falling off the edge as he did the last time he tried the first one of the series. The third series is the many-roots-that-just-want- to-hurt-you in three parts followed by the final climb up the impossible-roots and the switchback-with-the-big-round-exposed-root-right-in-the-middle-of-it-pointin g-the-wrong-way. We walked those as well. If anybody can ride these uphill, I'd love a demonstration! I'm sure you're out there.

Pipeline was its normal charming self and we worked our way around to the ridge and down to Diaz Rock. We spent too long enjoying the fantastic views of the Farralons, Mt. Tam and the entire East Bay in stark relief due to the incredibly clean air. Diaz was a first for El Mule-o, so lots of pictures were required. Eric took Michael's camera and caught some pictures of Michael going down the face and making the big turn near the end of the trail. Carrying the camera in the back pocket of his jersey Eric made a mental note not to fall and destroy the camera. These mental notes can be dangerous predictors. With Michael waiting on the pavement at the edge of Highway One, El Mule-o slowed to 2 mph and rode over the downed fence post, and crossed over the grass between the dirt and the pavement. I should say "almost crossed over." The grass hid the perfect wheel shaped rut. Planting his front wheel firmly in the rut, Eric did a flawless slow-mo endo, up and over the bars, watching his life and Kelley's camera's life flash before his visor. "Fall left! Fall left!" he thought as he inexhorably soared up and over. Fall left he did, saving the camera, but trashing left forearm, left knee, speedometer bracket, and ego in the rapid denouement. If the FKFW choose to bestow it, the White Jersey was earned. Blood running from the inch and a half gash was photographed at over a GU pack.

Pavement seems to be Eric's weak suit, reinforcing his dislike for and distrust of the road. When I see pavement I should just walk. On to the beach and up through the Zen Center, we passed a couple of equestrian ladies who asked us to stop and let them go by because one of their horses was just learning about trails and bikes. Michael made his "my bike loves horses" joke and they were greatly amused. Once up to the ridge Eric saw the same ladies approaching from having come up Coastal. A long interview ensued with the two ladies taking cards and sharing mutual backgrounds with Eric and Michael in jazz. Two new friends there!

Stopping for lunch on the peak, we reveled in this day of all days. Everything was perfect. Lots of candy and lots of views. All was sweet. Down MiWok to Tennessee Valley, up Old Springs and down MiWok into Rodeo Valley, up Coastal to Conzelman, and on to our goal of the day. The great (not for slackers) Slacker Hill. The little brute took it out of us but the views and weather on the top gave back much more. We stayed too long for our schedule's health, but what the heck. A day like this only comes along once in a great while. Binocular study of sailing ships, East Bay hills, Farralons, downtown SF, Mts. Diablo and Hamilton; all lay at our feet. Finally reality struck us back to earth and we rode back down the Slacker, down Coastal, stopping for water at the Equestrian Stables, and up Bobcat to Alta Ave. and the way out.

Rambling on the downhill El Mule-o, having foolishly mentioned "we haven't had any technicals on this ride" managed to run over a stick that went through the center AND sidewall of his rear tire. This was a first for Muleman, having his puncture career limited to single holes and flesh wounds, previously. Using his repair kit Velox rim tape for tire boots, a fresh tube, and CO2, the boys were soon back in the ruts and rambling. Down to the graveyard via the overgrown water tank trail left a few bushes in the teeth but was fun. Following the bike path back was the relaxing finish to the great day.

STATS: 32 miles 4810 elevation gain (To our amazement, both our altimeters had identical readings!!) Big views Two nice equestrian ladies One two-hole flat One slow-mo endo One gashed knee No pain

Eric Muhler The Grand Vizier

ericmuhler@btceastbay.org

http://www.btceastbay.org