Tarantula...

Yesterday was my third day out on the bike. We waited until 11 AM so the fog had time to lift. The marine layer isn’t suppose to hit the valley (or so I thought), but lately, it’s been hanging around more often than not.

Geared up in leg warmers, gloves, long sleeves, jacket, and a tuque, I was more than ready to ride. It’s hard to explain how much cycling means to me. Actually, it’s not. The ability to get on my bike and ride is an awesome experience. I’ll never take it for granted. I absolutely love feeling the road underneath me, the wind in my face and the hard work that goes into pushing/punishing the pedals.

Here in the valley, some of the roads are very bumpy and makes for a more “cruise” ride with gritting teeth. I like sightseeing, but I’m ready to just ride. I’ve felt like a caged lion for the last two months and I’m ready to run wild. I’d much rather be ripping up on the highway or lone roads. Patience…

Just as we were leaving, I saw a blurry thing move along the pavement. Lo and behold, it was a live tarantula! ☺ I love seeing wildlife. This marks the 4th sighting of weird creatures I’ve seen with my own eyes this year (others include a skunk, a bobcat, monkeys, and now a tarantula). I’m hoping a mountain lion is next! Mind you, I’d have to be well out of harm' s way!

While I cruised a very easy 2 hours, Chuckie took one of his athletes, a fellow from South Africa named Andrew, up the infamous FIG (a 9-mile, 9% grade climb). Here’s a picture of it. In one month’s time, I’ll own this mountain and will be doing repeats until the sun sets. ☺ I love climbing. It’s my favorite pastime!