We are moving to Oregon soon, but we needed to get one last Bay Area ride in. We actually had a whole list of rides we wanted to revisit, but moving has sucked up most of the time and energy available.

We ordered and took delivery on a tandem last year, though (see above) we hadn’t found the time to actually take it out until today. So today it was Anne and Max on Anne’s tandem, and Ruth and I on my new one.

Ruth is a seasoned stoker by now, but I’m still getting used to being the captain. It got a lot better once I gave up on mounting like you’re supposed to and just did it Daddy style. I climb on, clip in my right shoe, sit on the saddle, and slightly lean with my left foot on the ground (like I normally mount). Then Ruth climbs on and gets her feet in. The on count of three I release the brakes and we start pedaling. We practiced a bit in the parking lot before starting the ride proper.

The ride was lovely. It was a bit cool when we started, but warmed up enough that no jacket was just right both for climbing and descending. Vehicle traffic was pretty light, especially once we got past the entrance to the Sunol Regional Wilderness. There was a steady stream of other cyclists also enjoying a holiday ride.

We stopped for lunch on a dirt triangle. It was nice, except for when the wind kicked dust up into our faces.

Having Ruth on the tandem was nice. She provided a power throughout, and was responsive to occasional calls for “more!” Max did the same for Anne.

It was a nice farewell to Bay Area cycling.