So after realizing I had peaked for STP, and suffering through a hilly century last weekend, i somehow managed to sign myself up for a metric with over 7000' of climbing this weekend.

I was clearly not in the best of form to even be on this ride, so my goal was just to take it steady and enjoy the day..

It was also Joe's first organized, ride. he was doing the half metric option in the portola valley foothills. So we started out together until just after the first rest step. This meant a very *casual* pace for the first 90 minutes or so (which helps explain my low overall pace) as he laboured on the smaller climbs. After we parted ways i knew i was well back in the pack of the metric riders, and started the long climb up Page Mill. Was a nice climb, followed by a fun technical descent over road that wasn't in spectacular condition.. Still, probably the most technical descent road i've been down yet and i had a blast.

A couple of smaller climbs and then the route started sharing glimpses of the ocean, which i always thoroughly enjoy, having grown up in the Australian outback, the ocean still holds a ton of drawing power to me.. instills a sense of wonder.

The climb back over Tunitas Creek road was gorgeous. An old logging road that seems like the only traffic it gets on weekends is cyclists. It's about 10 miles of consistent climb, nothing to harsh.. mostly sub 5%, but kicking up to 8-10 in sections. The real challenge of it was that it was unrelenting,sustained climbing. I took a break on the way up to enjoy the surrounds, and give my weary legs a breather.

I think this might be my last organized ride for the year.. As I said i clearly peaked for STP this year, and I'd rather see the rest of the year out with opportune recreational rides as opposed to challenging courses :)