July is a month full of exciting bicycle related events and traditions. There is FFBC’s yearly Fourth of July Pancake ride, the Annual Tour de Stooges, Pizza Rides on Wednesday nights, the Northwest Tandem Rally, Markleeville’s Death Ride and the Tour de France, just to name a few. This year marks the inaugural year of a new ride that “may” also become an annual event if Vanessa McDonnell is granted her wish. On July 12th Joyce Tanaka and Tina Boomershine led a ride to Harley’s Goat Farm, in Sebastopol, which happened to be the same day as the Death Ride. Twelve riders enjoyed amazing weather on that day as they climbed 6000 feet and covered 60 miles with their ride leaders. Because the ride was approximately half the climbing and distance of Markleeville’s event the group lovingly renamed it the “½ Death Ride of the FFBC”. Vanessa describes this ride as being one “for those who want to suffer, but not completely kill themselves.” Another perk from this ride was the cool watermelon slices served to the riders at the end of the ride. Let’s hope this ride becomes a new July tradition that is featured on the calendar for many years to come.
The group assembled for the annual 4th of July ride that began and ended at the
Newark Fire Station by the Silliman Center
Photo courtesy Walt Thomas
The group seated and enjoying the all-you-can-eat breakfast of IHOP pancakes, sausage and
coffee prepared by Alameda County Fire Station #27 Photo courtesy Walt Thomas
Tina Forsman and Pat Wai rode the Death Ride and completed five passes, which include
129 miles and 15,000+ feet of climbing!
Photo courtesy Pat Wai
This cute baby goat was only a couple of weeks old. We wanted to take him home
but nobody had space in their jersey pockets. Photo courtesy Vanessa McDonnell
A few more goats
Photo courtesy Vanessa McDonnell
The garden at Harley’s Goat Farm
Photo courtesy Vanessa McDonnell
Tom, Hannah, Cindy and Amy admiring the baby goat
Photo courtesy Vanessa McDonnell
Lots more climbing to go on Alpine Rd.
Photo courtesy Vanessa McDonnell
Yay! We found a bathroom!!!
Photo courtesy Amy Giles
Portapotties like we've never seen...
Photo courtesy Amy Giles
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End of 6000 ft of climbing over 60 miles Watermelon served by ride leader Joyce Tanaka
and appreciated by Tom Giles and even later appreciated by Amy Giles' chickens.
Two for one. Is that when you say "killing two birds with one stone?"
Photos courtesy Joyce Tanaka |
