The original plan involved myself, my son (younger Kevin) and the other Kevin. We added Andrew (Chain Reaction alumnus) and were looking forward to a moderate, almost-casual ride up Old LaHonda, out 84 to San Gregorio, south on Stage to Pescadero, return via Haskins and then, for fun, added West Alpine. What we didn’t count on was some serious additional horse power at the front when hotshot Jeff Z went flying past me on West Old LaHonda, catching up with the rest of the guys at the top. Jeff is a serious motor and pulled us very quickly towards the coast, and kept us from getting too lazy anywhere else.
Up Old LaHonda, I was… slow. But things got better and better as we went along, with the two hills on Stage Road feeling pretty good! Still not sure why the hill closest to Pescadero is one of the few climbs that I seem to have a slight edge on younger Kevin, in either direction. Haskins is another matter though; that’s one climb I’ve never nailed, and I got to watch everyone ride away from me.
What about West Alpine? At that point Jeff Z, our motor, just disappeared ahead of us. Older Kevin rode home via 84, leaving myself, Andrew and younger Kevin to deal with West Alpine. For reasons unknown, I felt really good, even on the steeper pitches. I got to ride hard enough that I’ve got that “That was a tough ride!” pain when I walk down stairs.
