Happy 4th of July, and welcome to Jamison Creek
Happy 4th of July everyone. We were still recovering from the massive week-long heatwave here in the Bay Area, and Saturday was the first real day where it wasn’t sweltering heat. This was my first opportunity to do Jamison, in preparation for Santa Cruz Mountain Challenge.
It’s too bad, because here we have a long 4 day weekend, and the heat limited what I was going to do for the 4th. All I did was do an out and back to King’s Mountain. It would have been longer, but the heat and humidity really sapped my energy, and I had no urge to climb any additional hills that day.
This day, Saturday, was much better. In fact, the fog back reached all the way to Boulder Creek, so it was a little overcast, perfect conditions for climbing the beast (aka Jamison Creek). The corner house always has some decoration to give you a landmark (whether it be Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or 4th of July).
There was only a couple women on the road besides me, but they took a break, and I didn’t have any target, so look like it’s a time trial for me. I guess this was good for me, so that I didn’t burn myself out. The steep switchbacks didn’t catch me by surprise this time, and I felt as long as my pedals kept moving, I’d be in good shape. I don’t think my speed went below 5 mph, so that was a good thing.
Just my luck, the sun peeps out while on the climb, but at least it was still in the 70’s. However, sweat kept dripping down my face, so off with the glasses.
My original plan was to climb Jamison, then descent Empire Grade, and do Zayante. Well, after that effort, I didn’t feel in the mood for doing the long slog up Zayante, so back down the hill I go.
The only way to go back home is up, so China Grade awaits me. As expected, I didn’t have too much in my legs for China Grade, so I was in mere survival mode up this hill. Sure, I could have gone through the park entrance to Big Basin, but China Grade is a short cut … a vertical short cut, but still, a short cut. 🙂
Great day for a ride … temps in the 70’s, and a good training ride. 75 miles and 8100 feet of climbing … I’d say that’s a good training day. Plus, going through Big Basin is always a scenic ride. Guess I should get ready for my recovery ride today.
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