As the first golden rays of sunrise kissed the horizon, Chuck and I set off on an epic climb to the top of Mount Hamilton. The crisp morning air was invigorating, but as we rolled past Sierra Road, I could almost feel the icy glare she threw my way—clearly unimpressed that I bypassed her curves and hilly challenges without so much as a nod of acknowledgment. One day, Sierra. One day. The climb up Hamilton was full of surprises. Along the way, we encountered a scientist from the USGS wielding a mysterious instrument at various points on the mountain. Naturally, curiosity got the best of us, and after a long conversation at the summit, we discovered he was measuring gravity—yes, gravity! Turns out, those tiny fluctuations help reveal the deep secrets of the Calaveras Fault. Who knew a bike ride could turn into a geology lesson? Feeling inspired (and maybe a little weightless from all the gravity talk), Chuck and I tackled both sides of Hamilton, reveling in the unseasonably perfect January weather. Of course, Sierra’s frosty attitude lingered in my mind—and on my descent—making the chill just a little sharper. But in the end, it was a spectacular day on two wheels, with strong legs, great company, and a finish that felt just as grand as the sunrise that started it all.