Ales and Trails 2011 Date Announced

Looks like this year's Ales and Trails event in San Rafael will again be at China Camp and will take place on May 21, 2011 from 9-4. This is a great event for novices and experts alike, and there are even events for kids. There's no info yet on the specifics (such as whether pro-rider David Wiens will attend and lead a ride), but keep checking the Ales and Trails website.

Great Non-technical Training Ride for Sea Otter Classic

Saturday I skipped the trek up to the top of TAM and instead did two laps of the Shaver-Lagunitas-Eldridge loop. Once I hit four corners at mile 9, I climbed Shaver grade and did the loop again.

This is a great way to log about 2700 feet of elevation gain, and around 18 miles (more if you bike to Ross from Larkspur), without punishing yourself with 2400 feet of straight climbing and the very rocky sections on the last mile or so of Eldridge grade.