Millerton Loop

The Millerton Loop is a nice, intermediate ride out Friant Rd., past the dam, over to Auberry, and back on down to Copper. There are a couple hard climbs, but not show-stoppers. However, were on a heavier bike, they most certainly would have been. And that is the thing that amazed me: I loved the ride. It was beautiful and a blast, but I couldn't imagine being out there on a heavier bike. And yet, there they were-- the die-hards pounding their way through on mountain bikes.

It was my first big ride on Blue; she's been a commuter bike until now, and made one appearance in a tri last weekend. I was excited to get her out there. I didn't quite realize how much practice I needed at shifting.

The trick, as I was told yet subsequently didn't pay enough attention to, is not to shift to the lowest gear on the front and the highest gear on the back; the chain is pulled in a diagonal and it makes no logical sense to do it. Plus, it'll de-chain you.

Yeah, that happened. It was plain ignorance on my part. I couldn't remember how many clicks moved what where, and the next thing I knew, I was spinning a whole lotta nothin'. It wasn't a big deal getting the chain back in place-- really simple, actually-- but not a fun diversion when you're kicking arse in the Tour de France in your mind.

Advice: Go early; it seems the traffic picks up right around 10, and those roads are famous for ridiculous drivers. Also, bring along plenty of fluid (I had two bottles with me)-- you'll go through them. And I snorked down a gel pack about half-way through. Great boost.