One Last Oakland Ride

I've been out of it lately. Maybe the long days of unemployment have been atrophying my spirit to get out of bed. But more likely it's been the fact that I've been continuing the Thanksgiving tradition into the long weekend and eating too much at every meal. Nonetheless, this lethargy has kept me from going on any real rides of late. I tried to catch up with some group rides through some East Bay bike groups on Facebook, but those all fell through. Finally today, I got out there one last time before I embark for the East Coast.

Figuring today was going to be my last day seeing these roads for a bit I'd figured I'd do some of my favorites. With chores to do I didn't really have much time to hop over on the other side, so instead I just did my favorite up, up Shepherd's Canyon and down my favorite descent, down Old Tunnel Road. I felt slow, for whatever reason (probably continual Tofurkey gut), but it didn't matter, I got out, which always feels good.

Ungreen Shepherd's Canyon (just up the path from previous pic)

On the ride up I had some time to think about this upcoming trip. Of late I've been second guessing this extended trip away from the Bay after getting here so soon. I made the decision sort of rashly my tour buddy James, a never-ending cycle tourist at this point, was in town and inspired me to get back on the bike and get out there. Yet, all this time to think, I have found myself trying to count my chips and see where they lay, and I realized, I have completely given up on a writing career, which sucks. Being here in Oakland, I feel revitalized, I have left the grey snowy confines of Western NY behind and have found sunnier skies here and something about being here inspires me to pursue this now.

The steep up Satori. A short tough climb.

I trickled along Skyline at a mere trot at this point, just trying to make sense of these racing thoughts. It's like starting all over again, leaving then coming back, as if this tour is still only a continuation of my previous tour. It doesn't have to be that way though, I can settle down for a bit. Touring will always be an option, but should not be my life. Getting on the bike, made me realize, some time off the bike might do me good, not in the sense of not cycling, but rather in being ambitious in all walks of life, not just the two-wheeled kind.

Skyline views, it was hazy and wet in the city, but dry on the Hills.

Peering through the trees as I came up on Old Tunnel Road I made this realization, but thought even further of how great it is to get to enjoy this break for a minute. To spend another month without a real home, without real responsibilities, and to get to see some of my favorite old friends. This might be my last big trip for a little while (or so I say for now), but I'm going to embrace it. I felt the wind through my hair and the wind on my knuckles and thought of the joy of just me and the quiet snowy trees of Upstate NY as I track my way home for the holidays.

Old Tunnel Road.

I got home around 3 PM, with plenty of time to pack up the rest of the few things I had to put away. It did fit in only two bike trips, which is great. Tomorrow will be my last night in Cali for a month, the transition period has felt shorter than expected. Back to the East Coast, but only for a bit.

Expect a sweet kit list tomorrow for those interested.