Ride Report: Mt. Tam 100k

Riding, for me, is always challenging.

Regardless of distance or terrain or weather, each ride has it's own challenges.

For the Mt. Tam 100k, I was ready for a full day of suffering up climbs, but I wasn't ready for what actually happened.

The sun disappeared quick and the gentle rain started.

Then the wind and rain increased just as the climbing started.

At the peak of the first climb, the rain kicked even harder.

I was underdressed and my hands and arms went numb at the top of the second climb. 

Then visibility went to zero in the heavy fog and driving rain.

I panicked twice and put my foot down to prevent myself from being blown sideways off the bike.

Then up the ridge, up 7 sisters, and up to the top of Mt. Tam.

At the peak, I notice my flat tire, which I changed with frozen hands.

Then I noticed my shoe had come apart.

Luckily I got to sea level safely and finished with a few minutes to spare. 

Thanks to Rob, RBA for the SF Randonneurs, for designing this route, a RUSA 100k Permanente.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4608765

Next time, warmer clothes and duct tape.

This weather didn't last long.

Bottles re-filled and ready for the climbing.

Time to add duct tape to my emergency kit.

Backpack in Black Canvas with leather wave

Vegan Brevet Randonneur Handlebar Bag for Canada

This is a rackless front handlebar bag made with Xpac. It is amazingly lightweight.

New Website!

After many years, RuthWorks has a new home.

Visit me at 

http://www.ruthworkssf.com/

Vegan (no leather) Randonneur Set in Waxed Brown with brown trim

Full Set in Waxed Grey with Black leather

Wedge in Waxed Grey with Black Leather and Nickel hardware

Brevet Set in Deep Auburn with Honey Leather and Brass

Geared Japan

More here!

Trying new ideas and having fun

Scott from Porcelain Rocket did a set of bags recently using digital Camo print cordura and I thought it was really slick looking.  The fabric shop on 11th carries some, and I remembered they had pink camo, so I thought I'd get a half yard and give it a try. Unfortunately, they didn't have any more pink, but did have the desert camo.

After measuring my camera, I settled on a design similar to my Brevet Bag, using some coyote tan 1" webbing left over from another job.

Tupps from Becker Designs and Emily from Dill Pickle gave me advice on what type of foam padding to use.

A few months ago, Eric of Winter Bicycles and I were talking about cameras and cases for our DSLR cameras.

My friend Manny takes amazing photos and they have inspired me to learn more about photography.

For this case, I wanted to try a different inner lining.

On my way to Mission Workshop to visit my friend Rai to drop off some much needed brake noodles for his new singlespeed cyclocross bike,  I stopped off at the Mission and 17th fabric shop to look at fabric to line the inside. Guess what was on the $1.99 clearance rack? Dia de los Muertos fleece remnants. Score!