TRUE GRIT #5
I live, work, and play in San Francisco, California; and am always in motion, be it cycling, mountaineering, or dancing.
I got my first road bike after college to cross train for mountaineering. To be honest, I initially thought cycling would be boring. Boy, was I wrong. The elation, the striving, and the joy of taking the path less travelled are common elements between the two sports. In the blink of an eye, I was hooked.
Most of my rides start by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, my portal to the Marin Headlands. Here, the trails climb up hills to sweeping views where the cliffs meet the ocean. On a lucky day a coyote pup or a bobcat will say hi. After a few climbs, I'll be far enough from home that the now tiny Golden Gate fits between my finger and thumb.
There are little details I love. I feel the subtle variations of the trail undulate and curve beneath me. I love the sound of gravel crunching under my wheels. It reminds me of crackling wood in a fireplace or Pop Rocks candy.
It's incredible how I can cover so much distance and still maintain intimacy with nature.
I'm so lucky to live in a city that has incredible riding.
It truly feels like I've been transported a hundred miles away.
I appreciate a riding partner who has a positive mindset.
Share a good laugh even if we're cold, muddy, and lost.
Sometimes morning rides feel more like a morning swim through fog soup.
You can revive yourself with a cup of coffee and a croissant.
The Coast Ride is a three-day ride from San Francisco to Santa Barbara that has become a beloved tradition among locals. If I had one ride left I would repeat a section of this ride with the friends I've made along the way, from sunrise till sunset.
Iceland is my dream destination. I've visited several times, but I've never ventured into the interior Highlands. Next time I'm back, I'd love to do so on my gravel bike.
I love sharing the joy of gravel riding with friends who are "gravel-curious". The trails are so accessible here that even a short morning ride before work feels like a mini adventure.
ABC (Always Bring Camera). I always ride with my camera; there is so much beauty to capture and always a good story to tell.
TRUE GRIT #1
Gravel is hard on your whole body and requires skill as there is so much variances in what is under the wheels.
TRUE GRIT #2
I escape with just the basics: a bottle, a survival kit, something to snack on, and then we’re off on the wild roads.
