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Bill Bikes My bicycling expeditions and jaunts |
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Clear Blue Equinox, September 2020
Fresh air: A Photographic Log
22 September 2020
All the fires in Sonoma County, the North Bay, and the greater Bay Area are under control, completely contained, mostly extinguished, and not putting out much smoke. On the other hand, big fires farther away to the north, east, and south continue to rage across thousands of acres. Depending on prevailing winds, some days are quite a bit smokier than others.Today, the first day of autumn, the wind brought a nearly perfect AQI of 4 and clear blue sky.
The Ogre and I took advantage of atmospheric conditions to undertake a slow cruise out Channel Drive. After I pedaled across the narrow pedestrian bridge, I discovered a construction project (new dog park, according to the sign) completely blocking the path during ongoing work. I had to find a detour route into Oakmont. After circling all the way around that senior subdivision, I crossed Highway 12 and pedaled up the fairly steep grade on Pythian Road to the parking lot at the Hood Mountain trailhead. I was just up there with my ace support crew yesterday, hiking the new Lawson trail. From there I cruised back down Pythian Road and decided to swing into the county Juvenile Justice complex (and detention center). Two different staffers made it clear they frowned on visiting bicyclists. After exiting those premises I scooted up Highway 12 to Ledson Winery. Very quiet at the winery—all wineries around here—these days. From there I returned to Oakmont and retraced my path, skirted the dog park construction project, picked up Channel Drive, and eventually made it home.
Not an extremely exciting ride, but a very pleasant clear blue autumnal equinox on the Ogre.
On the way up Pythian Road to the parking lot at the Hood Mountain trailhead.
Beyond the vineyard, that's Hood Mountain and Gunsight Rock.
Closeup of Gunsight Rock, which is actually two side-by-side rocks near the summit.
Probably my favorite hike in all of Sonoma County, although I don't go straight up this sheer face.
Reflectie on the way down Pythian Road from the trailhead.
I was just cruising along on a public street, but two different Juvy staffers stopped me and insisted I needed to stay away from the juvenile cell blocks.
I look crazy and dangerous and out of control. Don't mess with me.
Back out on Highway 12 and taking another look at Hood Mountain and Gunsight Rock.
My humble abode at the foot of Hood Mountain.
Just kidding. That's Ledson Winery.
Summary
Date: 22 September 2020
Time: 12:00 - 2:30
Weather: 75-80° F, sunny, AQI: 4
Route: Channel Dr - Oakmont - Pythian Road - Ledson - Oakmont - Channel Dr
Distance: 24 miles
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo
Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.
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