This week, Cycleupperleft is proud to offer a guest feature from none other than the Commodore himself and his riding pal Peggy Badgett. Andrew Soria provided the photos.
Well, three of us actually got up early to try a challenging ride from Stockton to Galena and back--Andrew Soria, Peggy Badgett and I. We started at 6 AM sharp and went out on a south route toward Massbach. As I have mentioned, since I learned Skene Rd had been paved, I've wanted to get the bike out there. Skene Rd goes between Massbach Rd and Derinda Rd--the road delves deep into a valley, and then, naturally climbs just as dramatically back out.
Ok--you all know Andrew is an experienced cyclist who has logged many miles. His previous top speed was 46 mph. On Skene Rd, he hit 52.2!!! I hit 53. What a descent--unbelieveable and breathtaking. Speaking of breathtaking, then we had to climb back out to Derinda Rd. We took Hanover Rd on over to Hanover and then headed out Blackjack.
I had noticed a few roads had been seal coated over the past several years, and wanted to explore, and Peg and Andrew were game. After we climbed up Blackjack out of Hanover, we took Sawmill Rd to the N (I think--the roads do not go any particular direction out there as you know). After we dropped down into the valley, we took a left onto Rodden Rd, and this undulated threw a magnificent valley for quite a few miles.
Essentially we were riding in a valley between Blackjack and US Highway 20 toward Galena. Rodden Rd eventually breaks off to the north to meet US 20, and we continued toward Galena on Irish Hollow. Some of us have ridden a bit of the west end of Irish hollow in the past, but the east end is really spectacular. We followed it along and eventually it meets up with Blackjack about 2 miles from Galena, which we road on into town.
We hit the nice coffee shop that we tried last year, and once again, Andrew produced a smoked salmon from his bag--and they set him up with sandwich fixins, so he was set. Peggy and I ate the regulation turkey--we realize fish have feeling too.
The trip back was our usual favorite--Guilford--Rawlins (ugh), Schapville, Townsend, and then the grand finale--Aunt Binkley Hill. The consensus among todays riders was that Rawlins was the hill du jour as far as a climb--tougher than Binkley. and the descent du jour had to be Skene.
Total mileage was 70, and I have no idea how many feet we climbed (of course Andrew insisted we include a side trip up Gras Rd) At any rate, by the summit of Binkley, my hamstrings were on the verge of cramping up on me--I was glad to be done.
Peggy and Andrew were kind to not get too far ahead of me. I was on my old bike (Lightning P-38 recumbent), cause I was getting a little back pain last few days. Regarding Peggy--do not let her drink caffeinated beverages when you are riding with her--she had a latte in Galena, and Andrew and I paid all the way to Shapville, trying to keep her in sight.
I
promise to incorporate all these new roads into our one way trip to Galena on June 24. The plan is to ride to Galena from Freeport, then have our spouses drive out to pick us up and drive us back after we shower, hit the sports bar in Galena, and take them to dinner.
Hope you all had a great holiday.
Dennis
PS: Now I'm going to bed.
"I second everything Dennis said (except for the caffeine - I needed it!) - of course he kindly did not mention the fact that they had to wait on all of the downhills for me since I tend to hit the brakes, but towards the end of the ride I figured what the heck and gave the bike some rein.
Talk about truly beautiful scenery - we are incredibly lucky to bike this area. My favorite climb was Rawlins - that is such a fun hill, but they were all great. I am one tired girl, but did manage to get a horseback ride in, go to a party, and get some landscaping done after the ride. I'll be asleep by 9!
Dennis - if I can't ride Rawlins on the June ride, maybe I can go back uphill on Skene and catch up with you guys at a snack break. I'll have to drink some coffee BEFORE that ride!"
peggy
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