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Bill Bikes My bicycling expeditions and jaunts |
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Tolay
23 May 2021
Much as I enjoy Tolay Lake Regional Park on bike and on foot, it tends to be highly sensitive to weather conditions. In the summer, with almost zero shade, it can be oppressively hot. In the winter, rain normally turns the trails into morasses of mud and manure with deep holes caused by the hooves of cattle. That means I try to pick my rides there carefully.Today the weather forecast called for excellent conditions. And I had some free time, if I promised to return early enough to take part in a post-vaccination social engagement to which my ace support crew had committed us. I promise! I promise!
So I drove down to Tolay, pulled the Ogre out of the Forester, and hit the trails. Probably due to our extremely dry winter—and perhaps fewer cattle roaming the park—the trails were in decent shape. The temperature remained moderate with a steady breeze. Because it was a Sunday, I didn't have the park entirely to myself, but it was far from crowded.
A very pleasant excursion, and I made it home in time for evening festivities, as promised.
From the parking lot, view across the valley toward East Ridge.
Through the tunnel of trees.
On the trail along the foot of West Ridge.
Weedy view toward East Ridge.
Many years ago, this trail was the main route, "Lakeville Road," through this part of the county.
Part of the way up West Ridge.
From West Ridge, looking toward Sonoma Mountain.
Share the road.
Immediately across the Petaluma River, along this side of the first low ridge, that's Rush Creek Open Space Preserve. I most recently pedaled there in February.
Mount Tamalpais in the distance at left.
Cow-a-bunga!
My fan club.
Rocky outcrop near the end of the trail.
I'll just climb up here with the Ogre.
Old Grumble-Face, master of all he surveys.
Master Grumble-Face got himself a boo-boo climbing on the rocks.
This will probably require amputation.
Date: 23 May 2021
Time: 11:30 - 1:30
Weather: 65-70° F, sunny and breezy
Route: Tolay Lake Regional Park
Distance: 9 miles
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo
Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.
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