California Popping

If I wasn’t so lazy I’d have been able to escape the digital leash that ensnared me yesterday. Instead, my new(ish) found indulgence of lounging in bed, making big breakfasts, and quaffing multiple cups of coffee culminated in a late start for today’s ride. Which meant I wasn’t out of coverage before my boss called. Fortunately, he listened to my proposed approach to the current centrifuge hang-up, and agreed with it; meaning there is nothing to do until tomorrow. I wasted no time getting into the deep walls of Kern Canyon, out of crackberry’s digital coverage..

I was quickly greeted with signs of the beauty to come..

Not all proud Sheba’s queenly offerings could match the golden marvel of thy blooms.  

by Ina Coolbrith

The Kern River Trail is in excellent condition right now. The track is thin and tacky; the absence of sand made every hill climbable, and every descent railable (although, as I am wont to do, I still managed to find, and exceed, my limits). I could still hear Em’s woohoo’s as I wheeled along the rolling hills.

Have I mentioned the flowers yet? The west (lower) end of the trail is a Pollockesque explosion of color, with the California Poppy headlining…

The higher slopes are not yet in bloom, nor the eastern reaches of the trail (near keyesville), indicating that this is just the beginning of the wildflower season..

yes, it was that warm..

eventually, I put the camera away, and got serious about searching for the pain cave..

and I found it.. climbing back up from Keyesville and then tacking on the climb to Badger Gap . A stiff climb (there is an understatement) but a descent that will make your face hurt from smiling. when the wheels stopped rolling, I had ridden 39 miles and climbed just over 6000 feet. Next week, weather and work permitting, I’ll use this trailhead to pre-ride the Keyesville Classic course (including the downhill courses)..

all that climbing left me famished and parched

a few more photos are in my near defunct gallery