The Assault on Encinal Canyon

This past week saw The Walshman grind out a total of 331 kilometres on his beloved Cramerotti road bicycle (referred to affectionately as his "Lil' Mule"). The highlight of the week was a 125 kilometre tour of Encinal Canyon in Malibu that featured an hour plus accent through dense fog and then a screaming descent back to the Pacific Coast Highway via the Mulholland Highway (and a new record top speed of 72.1 kilometres per hour no less!). Terrific stuff all around. As we climbed up from the ocean through the coastal fog, and emerged onto the winding ridge top back roads, a burning sun shone down revealing a tremendous view of the coastal Santa Monica range. The Mountains appeared like giant serpents lumbering through a strange sea of clouds. I reflected that my riding had come a long way since my arrival to Los Angeles in March. Back then, this ride would have done me in for certain. The climb was an agonizingly consistent killer that didn't show any signs of relenting until you had almost overcome it's height. That's one of the great things about riding I find. The simple feeling of accomplishment when you reach a goal. And it can be something so unannounced and spontaneous in our otherwise regimented lives. Somebody in the group just says "who feels like giving Encinal Canyon a go?" And you're off to see yourself up to the top. Just like that! This one was really worth and I imagine I will do it again prior to leaving Los Angeles this fall. Especially if it includes the essential "coffee and muffin stop" on the way home.