A gentle & lovely first ride of the 2010 season!

I can’t believe it is already mid March and I haven’t been out riding but for a few short rides. Today, I was on a mission. Let’s go see if there are wildflowers in bloom in the foothills since I am seeing CA poppies popping up all over the place. It was a chilly morning, but after seeing my husband off on his 1.5 hour commute to San Francisco, I thought, “toughen up girl, and go riding!” I geared up, dug out my winter gloves and wool socks and was ready to go in less than 20 minutes. Wow, a new “ready” record!!

Gary and I had gone to Pardee Dam last year about this time and the flowers were spectacular, so that was my direction. After snaking though morning traffic I found myself in Rancho Murrietta and filled the bandito at a local station. While there, I tried my damnedest to route on the GPS where Pardee Dam was located. Could I find it…nooooo. So next best thing, ask another rider. Well, I met a fine couple of riders that offered to take me there, since they were riding that way as well. What fun! I joined them and off we went.

Well, being I am somewhat of a rider snob, I generally don’t join anyone. But today serendipity ruled and Rachael and her husband, whose name has suddenly played hide and seek with my synapse, were both brisk yet safe riders. It was a real pleasure to ride along with them! We arrived at the Pardee dam overlook and parted company as they were off to meet family that also rode and I was in exploration mode.
My guides…

They were kind enough to shoot this shot of me.

Last year’s floral array

The dam

I was disappointed to discover that there were very few wild flowers anywhere! I saw a few poppies around the dam but not near what Gary and I had encountered last year. I believe I am simply about 2 weeks early! But the vistas were certainly green and lush and the rolling hills were beginning to be covered with a blanket of small white buds. It was gorgeous and perfect riding weather! I sailed over Pardee Dam to Paloma Rd. which is always a pleasure, but watch the gravel in EVERY right hander, to Hwy 12 and Mokelumne Hill. After I jetted down Hwy 49 to Sutter Ione Rd. then a quick zag to Willow Creek Rd and Hwy16 back to Sacramento.

Paloma Rd.