The drive out to Applegate Lake is pretty fun, too. Quite country roads, great scenery and some fun twisties. I caught up to a Nissan cute-ute just before the lake. The best parking place is by the dam/overlook area. It's a no-fee area and has a restroom. The Nissan guy parked in in the same area. As he began unloading I asked:
"So - you call in sick too?"
he laughed and answered "Yeah, it was the only way I could get the day off!"
Nice young fella, a manager for a video chain store - Andrew. We decided to ride together, well, for as long as I could stay up which I figured wouldn't be very long...
You know, that pride thing, gets you every time, doesn't it?
As we roll out, the first mile or two are on pavement, crossing the dam and head to a campground that begins the trail. In the campground, we pitch off the asphalt and the fun begins. I'm in front and determined not to hold up Andrew, so I'm buzzing along pretty good. My skill level is pretty adequate so none of the little rocky creek crossings deter me and Andrew isn't breathing down my neck.
Of course, I'm gasping for air, but hey - I'm still AHEAD of a 20 something guy! We stop to shed jackets and as we're talking, I take off the heavy winter tights that are over my cycling shorts. Way too warm for these today but the backside of this lake can be very chilly. No today though. It was pretty funny when I slid them off, I think Andrew thought I was dropping all of my drawers and he looked awfully relieved when he realized I had shorts on under them!
We switch leads and I chase determinedly, legs burning I stay within about 50 or 60 yards. All of a sudden, Andrew stops dead. He looks at his watch as I roll up and announces that he's all done for today and is going to head home. What? We're only 1/3 of the way around? Then he tells me he's never actually ridden around the whole lake... Dang. No wonder he was going so fast... Well, that and he's just faster than I am (as are most people and nearly all guys).
But I've committed to riding the whole lake! So after the worst of the lung heaving is done, I continue my little adventure. The wildflowers are blooming everywhere. Sorry the pictures aren't any clearer, I've yet to master extreme closeups.
