I Think I'll Go For A Ride

Downtown Colfax

I told myself that coming down here alone would give me more time to ride.

So I've been riding quite a bit since I've been here in California.

It has been a good pastime for me.

It has given me time to think.

Today's ride took us a 100 miles, from Folsom up to Colfax and back.

It was a beautiful and clear summer day.

It was a scorcher, too!

I'm still not used to this California heat.

I've ridden a few times now with the Sacramento Wheelmen and with our group that rides from Placerville on Wednesday nights.

I'm riding with a former track rider from the 80's.

I've met some great people.

Riding is my chance to let go of all my troubles.
It gives me time to think.

It makes me feel thankful for all I have.

My wife, my family, my health and good fortune.

Ken leading the way home.

On top of Baxter grade.

It's all about getting out there and enjoying the open road.

Some of our group today.

HANGTOWN

Welcome to Placerville, or Hangtown as the locals prefer. It is the county seat of El Dorado, in the heart of the Gold Country. This was once the place where bandits were tried, convicted and hanged in the large oak tree in the center of town. Now it is a quaint, tourist town in the Sierra foothills, just 8 miles from Sutter's Mill, where the gold rush began.

I arrived here two weeks ago, knowing a little about the area. I've been here before, but not for many years. Our friends Rod and Kay married us in their front yard 8 years ago and Susan and I traveled through the gold country about 10 years before that with our puppy, Durango. These were the reasons why I accepted the position here in Placerville...great memories!

Downtown is lively with outdoor markets twice per week, lots of cool shops and restaurants, and my new favorite bakery, Sweetie Pies. Bicycle Bob from The Placerville Bike Shop is already hooking me up with some local riders and things are starting to settle in for me.

So I'm off for breakfast and then a ride around the country side. I'll post more pictures soon!

The Adventure Begins

On August 9, 2008 I got into my truck and took off. My first destination: Placerville, California. I've had the itch for a while now, to get away. And it boiled up inside of me until I couldn't ignore it anymore. We've always loved the sense of going off into the unknown and although we really love where we live, that longing for change began to get the best of us...



So there I was on a beautiful Saturday morning kissing my tearing wife goodbye and heading south to begin my adventure, our adventure.



Millions of thoughts were racing through my mind: What would my new life be like? Could I live without my wife for a time? Would I meet any nice people? Would I enjoy my work?



Susan is my rock. She is the ground that I stand on and just writing this blog brings tears to my eyes. She is the one thing I miss the most. Next would have to be our three dogs, Riley, Chloe and Daisy. They are a motley crew of mixed breeds that were all rescues, but they are ours and they love us so! And lastly, as those of you who know me, I am a very social creature. How will I fare so far from the place I've called home for the past nine years?



But on the road I use the familiar sounds from my Ipod to settle my nerves and pass the time. At night I study the road map and sleep under the stars and on Sunday I finally arrive at my first destination, a thousand miles from "home."



THIS is the beginning of our travels. Will you come along?