Photos here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsk8QnQAG Preparing for the ride, I had a couple things on my mind, my knee and the weather.The forecast was for isolated areas of rain in the afternoon but otherwise cool and clear; I'd want to bring my rain jacket in case I got stuck in the rain. I've got a nice biking rain jacket but it is a pretty bulky item to carry on the bike. I found that I could roll it up and stuff it into my new Dill Pickle saddle bag. My goal for the day was 'slow and steady' as my knee was hurting a little from carrying my bike down the BART stairs on my commutes. Turns out neither of these concerns were a problem! The day started extra early, at 02:00, with our neighbors partying, laughing outside, crashing into another neighbor's parked car, then later yelling, fighting, police, flashing lights, handcuffs, more yelling... that went on until it was time for me to wake up at 03:20. I was volunteering at the start control; my shift started at 05:15 so I needed to arrive at the Bridge Plaza by then. I give myself an hour to ride to the start so I rolled from the house at 04:15. I had no flats or mechanicals so I arrived with time to spare. The start control mayhem was typical; before long Rob administered the oath not to do stupid stuff and we were off. It's always so nice to finally be rolling. Before long the 100+ group was at the first hill in Mill Valley. This is where sub groups start to form. I was chatting with Gabe here and we ended up riding together the rest of the day. The route takes us North through fairfax and on past Samuel P. Taylor with its smooth pavement, redwoods and beautiful views; the same area that I rode with Lucinda a couple weekends ago. We circled around toward Nicasio Reservoir where my friend Steffen was working the "Secret" control; a control point meant to keep cheaters from shortcutting the route. At this point the sun was out; still chilly but getting more comfortable, time to take off the vest and long-fingered gloves. There's another climb, the highest of the day, between Nicasio reservoir and Petaluma. Slow and steadily I pedaled. My knee was feeling fine!. Before long I was at the second control of the day: Petaluma Safeway. I was in and out quickly: pee stop, water bottles filled, ready-made sandwich and a snickers bar. I didn't stop to eat there, choosing to eat on the road. Gabe saw me leaving and followed me out. We rolled along the most boring part of the ride from Petaluma to Healdsburg. The first section is a straight, gentle climb with mild headwinds. Later the course winds through Santa Rosa streets; not great biking but it's how you get to Healdsburg where there's another Safeway control, the Northern-most point on the ride. I picked up another ready-made sandwich, water, half-caf mocha and a box of Girl Scout cookies from the girls out front. I kept half the cookies and left the other half for the other riders that were coming and going. At this point we had caught up with Ian and Carlin who were riding with one of the fast packs up to that point. Phil joined our group and we all rolled out together at a humane pace into the rolling hills of Western Sonoma County wine country. Before long we were at Stumptown Brewery in Guerneville, along the Russian River. I offered up a round of beer and fished in Gabe and Phil: Ian was rolling on to meet his dad who lives in the area and wanted to ride with him a bit. Carlin wanted to keep up his momentum so he rolled on, too. Beer was great - relaxing and plenty of calories! We rolled out and Phil quickly reverse-dropped us saying he'd see us later. Turns out he had just put in a long work week and decided to take a roadside power nap. We'd see Phil again at Bodega Bay. Gabe and I took turns pulling each other along the Russian River. Clouds were building around us. We had a few rain drops land, but that was it. There was the usual headwinds but they weren't too bad. The hills were green and happy cows were happy. We saw Ian's dad riding in the opposite direction; Ian must be ahead of us a little. Before long we were at the coast highway. A left turn and large, dark, thunderheads were now in our crosshairs off in the distance. We climbed from the river valley, past the pipe-smoking salmon sign that's been there every time I've ridden by. Up the hill to the dramatic and beautiful vista of the Sonoma Coast. Gabe picked the perfect spot to get a flat. It was nice to rest, eat girl scout cookies, lube my squeaky chain, drink water and enjoy the view. When Gabe had replaced his tube we rolled on toward the dark clouds of Mordor, I mean Bodega Head. There were a bunch of other rando-types hanging out, including Ian, at Diekman's store in Bodega Bay. Sugary goodness purchased we rested for a bit to refuel. A few sprinkles landed on us here but didn't last long. Phil arrived but didn't stay long before taking off ahead of us. We passed him on the hills between Bodega and Valley Ford but he was never far behind us. Shortly after Valley Ford we opted to take Middle Road, a remote, hilly section that rarely has car traffic and is quite nice and peaceful. We rolled, climbed and descended with the cows, sheep, hawks, vultures; greens below, blue and white above. Soon we were descending into the town of Tomales but didn't stop there. Marshall Store was closing at 5PM and it was going to be close. We zipped through Tomales and onward to the wind-tunnel that leads to Tomales bay. The wind wasn't too bad, though, so we made good time. We pushed on to the last receipt control at Marshall, arriving at 16:58, about two minutes to spare, but the front doors were locked! I peered through the window to see Carlos inside laughing at me! I found the open side door and snuck in just under the wire. We needed receipts and food and drinks. We got all the supplies we needed, got our brevet cards stamped and the receipts. There was another group of randos at the tables outside enjoying the final sunlight of the day. Phil arrived and was able to get his card stamped and quickly rolled on. Mick pulled in on his recumbent and was saddened to find that the store was closed and he wouldn't get any chowder. But, I purchased more than I could eat so he DID get some. Calories consumed, it was time for us to put on our nighttime gear and keep moving. From Marshall to Point Reyes Station is classic rolling Highway One. The curvy descents are a blast and the short curvy climbs hurt, especially with about 125mi on the legs. We pressed on, made the left turn at Point Reyes Station toward Nicasio reservoir again. It was golden hour and the towering cumulus clouds over Black Mountain made for a dramatic sunset. We stopped for some photos and then pressed on. Darkness set in as we rounded Nicasio reservoir where we caught up to Jack who joined our small group for the remainder of the ride. A brief potty stop in Nicasio and a heavy dose of sugary bars and gels perked me up and helped me with the last couple of climbs of the night. Jack took a vote and majority ruled: we stopped in Corte Madera for pizza slices, warmth, and network connections to check in with family. Pizza powered us the rest of the way through Mill Valley, Sausalito and over the Golden Gate bridge to the finish control at the pavillion where we started. The finish control volunteers were great: efficient and funny and with lots of food and drinks. I didn't stay long; Lucinda had computer problems and I was still full from the Pizza. I love the final 8-ish miles from the GGB to home. The ride is complete, usually successfully getting me credit for the ride. Credit that doesn't earn me travel points, doesn't get me a trophy, no money or fame, but somehow still motivates me to pedal my bike ridiculous distances. I've spent the day outside, moving, breathing hard, sharing the experience with like-minded friends and acquaintances. The ride home from the finish is my chance to enjoy replaying the day with its challenges and accomplishments knowing that a hot shower and rest is very near.