Today's ride began with a very pleasant breakfast at the L&M Restaurant in Livermore's downtown, on a day when the City of Livermore had, unbeknownst to any of us, scheduled a Rodeo preceded by a parade with horses and everything, right down ... well, 2nd street ... not 1st street, like we thought... so, the parade had absolutely no impact on our breakfast or our ride plans.

Kind of melodramatic. Anyhow, that's how our ride began. Drama free. And, that's how it proceeded. No drama, just the usual fun: a pleasant, convivial breakfast, followed by some invigorating riding, first to The Junction via Mines Road, then out to Patterson via Del Puerto Canyon Road.

And, although I don't remember encountering a single four wheeled vehicle in either direction all day, our ride pace was somewhat reduced by the fact of bicycles: 300 to 500 of them, we were told, all converging on The Junction from starting locations in Livermore, Patterson, and San Jose. Minimum distance around 50 mi., maximum 120. Certainly, they burned up more calories than we did, and I'm sure the physically fit among them had fun. But, I saw pain and agony etched in the faces of more than a few. Regardless, I honor their commitment to fitness; as I do ours to fun.