TOP

Fog City at Last

Nine hours of Spanish Language FM radio; 2 Venti, non-fat, no-foam Chai teas; $100 in gas; a double-double with fries andthan the City by the Bay was looming before me. Suddenly my back was not as stiff and the humming in my ears was over. San Francisco and the third annual Train of Pain is finally here. By the looks of the hotel room, we had better actually start riding soon - the maids are not going to be pleased!

Now for you kids just joining us on the blog, the Train of Pain, or ToP III, is the annual migration of aging athletes, whose mid sections and hairlines are spreading at equal rates. This year there are 28 riders and 2 drivers expected to arrive between now and the official roll-out on Sunday morning. Officially, this is 5 fun filled days riding our bikes through some of the most beautiful areas that California has to offer. Unofficially, it is a verbal smack-down between San Diego, Orange County, and NorCal – all vying for bragging rights.

While the ToP doesn’t really begin until Sunday, there’s always an opportunity to get in that little extra chance to train – and look for the advantage over your friends. This morning’s “spin” included Gene and Kevin, and the brother’s Tom and Mike. Since this is Tom’s backyard, he got to pick the route – 2 ½ hours over the Golden Gate Bridge, through Sausalito and Mill Valley, and up Mt Tam. I had to pass my condolences on to Tom, I don’t see how he can force himself to go out and ride in this dismal and dull place – clearly it’s just his inner strength.

The climb up Mt Tam was spectacular; great roads, green trees, little traffic – and this was just a warm up for the week ahead.

If today is any indication of the week ahead, our time will be divided between riding and eating; like the hobbits, it looks like we will enjoy at least seven meals a day – breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner and (later in the evening) supper. The afternoon consisted of late lunch at Pacific Catch, followed three hours later with the traditional dinner in SF at A16 – generally regarded as one of the top pizza joints in the country. Perfect Neapolitan pies, fresh ingredients, and a great oven = happy stomachs.

As we stumbled back to the hotel, Tom and Mike were off to supper with Ken. I’m hoping that Tom keeps up this eating schedule – a few extra pounds will do him good.

The rest of the crew rrives tomorrow, we’ll load the vans, prep the bikes and roll out on Sunday. Keep checking in, the highlights will be posted each night.