Mt Tam with Cyclotourist and Gino, originally uploaded by BikeTinker.
I went for a ride on Mt Tam today with my friends David and Gino. I’d met David twice, and Gino never, in real life.
I grew up in Mill Valley, but lived in Santa Rosa for years before moving to Oregon, so it’s been a long time since I rode up Railroad Grade. The Bontrager was an Annadel machine – I’m not sure it’s ever been up Tam.
I loved it. David seemed to enjoy it, and we rode Hoo Koo E Koo simply because there’s a bike named for it. “A great bike,” said David. His wife had one.
I had started out with a “yeah this town used to be nice,” attitude after a dog walker gave us a dirty look after we gave him a friendly greeting. Later, though, EVERYONE was nice! Man do people like an ‘on your left’ or a friendly bell-ring.
At Avatar’s Punjabi Burrito (no photo, but this phone takes terrible pictures anyway), a woman stopped, and said, “are either of you from here?” Expecting a request for directions, I said, “I grew up here, but I haven’t lived here for years.” Deniability, right? In case she asks after some boutique that’s cropped up in the last 15 years.
She said, “you two are having the Perfect Mill Valley Experience, with the bikes, and this kind of food.”
We were like, “we just rode up Mt Tam, so I think you’re totally right.”
Great storytelling…and it looks like it must have been a great experience. Glad you were able to get that done and tell about it.
Thanks! I had a fantastic time. It’s a good incentive to ride bikes with people, and do “special” rides more often.
One of the best bike outings I’ve ever had. Fantastic weather, terrain and company!
Any pics to prove burritos happen: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cyclotourist/8418433752/