The Game is Afoot

Today is Wednesday May 27 and Len and I began our shake down ride, the prelude to our cross country ride starting in August. I am composing on my mini Sony laptop and the keyboard is small and somewhat difficult to get used to. I suppose that will prevent us from being verbose ... we'll see.

We began the day in Reno at the Java Jungle, a favorite post workout hangout for members of the Sierra Nevada Masters swim team. It was a beautiful morning overlooking the Truckee River as it pass through Wingfield Park in downtown Reno. We were on the road by 8:30. The beginning of the ride took us through pasture land in southwest Reno which at this time of year is unbelievably green. We were serenaded by the birds inhabiting bushes and trees along the route and by the rush of water as it courses through irrigation ditches.

Washoe Hill was our first serious but relatively short climb (see photo) after which we left route 395 to enjoy the pastoral setting and mountains of the west side of Washoe valley. During a short break, we spoke to two members of the Reno Wheelmen who were most interested in our plans for a cross country trip. Shortly thereafter we encountered Wayne Avery on his way back from climbing the Geiger Grade and riding through Carson City.

We stopped for lunch just before entering the Carson Valley and traveling along Jacks Valley Road through Genoa, Nevada's oldest settlement(see photo). Later in the day as thunder storms built up over the eastern ridge of the Sierra Nevada, we arrived at Woodfords Station. There we stopped for about 30 minutes waiting to see if any serious rain developed. It did not so we rode the last 6 miles into Markleeville, encountering only a few drops of rain.

We stayed at the Creekside Lodge and had dinner next door. I am happy to report that all of our equipment functioned as anticipated and that we had no bike problems. Thus far, excess weight has not been a problem (more on that tomorrow after we do the climb to Virginia City from the southern approach via highway 50) and we've identified only three or four small items we'll need for the long trip. For all trip photos see: http://picasaweb.google.com/djames68/20090527ShakeDownRideDay1?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzrwpn5lZyWJA#