Mariska Vodegel // Mini Epic

This was a hard ride. There was nothing “mini” about it. The climb up to Bald Peak in Canada del Oro was tough. It took me about an hour and I was greeted at the top with blankets of California poppies lining the sides of the trail. My legs got a break on the fast and flowy Chisnantuk Peak Trail down to Cottle Rd next to Calero Reservoir. By the time I made it to Almaden Quicksilver Park, I was ready to tackle Mine Hill. However, as I made it my way up to Hicks Road, my legs were starting to feel it. I paused at the Hicks Parking lot to fuel up and mentally prepare myself for the final big climb of the day. The ride up Mt. Umunhum Road was super slow and painful. Once I got to the dirt trail, I had to stop again and eat my peanut butter sandwich. The ride up to the summit was incredibly slow for me. Honestly, my legs were completely spent and I was riding on fumes. However, I made it to the top and was so happy to begin the ride down. Unfortunately, I overestimated the second wind I got from the long downhill down to Calero Park. Once I started riding the Lisa Killough Trail, the fatigue I felt earlier came back with a vengeance. I was so done with this ride. My body was done and there was absolutely no fuel in my tank. I had to stop constantly to recover from what usually Is an easy ride through Calero. It took me over two hours to finish up the ride. By the time I got back to the car, I was so fatigued, I had to lay down on the pavement and close my eyes. I would have just fallen asleep there, but I didn’t want anyone to think they needed to call 911, so I managed to pack my bike up and head home. I did manage to take a selfie while I was laying on the ground, or so I thought, but when I got home I never found it. Maybe I just dreamed that part…