Semi-slicks make for a very fun ride on loose, rocky singletrack. Ain't drifting grand?

Semi-slicks make for a very fun ride on loose, rocky singletrack. Ain't drifting grand?
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

I was hoping for a rest day today but when I managed to wrap up work before 6pm, I couldn't help myself.

I was hoping for a rest day today but when I managed to wrap up work before 6pm, I couldn't help myself.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

Donna's attire was perfect for today's ride... not so much for our break at the rather chilly ocean-front.

Donna's attire was perfect for today's ride... not so much for our break at the rather chilly ocean-front.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

Warm sunny skies prevail in Ventura County, EXCEPT at the beach.

Warm sunny skies prevail in Ventura County, EXCEPT at the beach.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

As if 5 hours in the saddle didn't wipe me out yesterday...

As if 5 hours in the saddle didn't wipe me out yesterday...
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

Donna's drive & endurance never fails to amaze me. After a long ride yesterday, she was all excited about riding again today. We did a short 'cross ride over to the beach, took a break and headed back.

Warm, sunny skies prevailed the entire time until we got within about 1/16th of a mile from the coast - then we hit the marine layer. It made for a nice cool off before heading home.

Chillin' at the beach, half way through today's ride at mile 13.

Chillin' at the beach, half way through today's ride at mile 13.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

The table cleared out as dinner leftovers were removed and everyone prepared for dessert - which was the one dish of the evening that did not involve tomatoes. Well, Phi's chocolate covered tomatoes with carmel did of course, but the fruit with ice-cream was tomato free.

The table cleared out as dinner leftovers were removed and everyone prepared for dessert - which was the one dish of the evening that did not involve tomatoes. Well, Phi's chocolate covered tomatoes with carmel did of course, but the fruit with ice-cream
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

Donna, hangin' with Marty during Tomato Fest 2010.

Donna, hangin' with Marty during Tomato Fest 2010.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

One last scene from my evening stroll Saturday night. Most of the vegetation is brown as can be, but there are a few signs of life here and there.

One last scene from my evening stroll Saturday night. Most of the vegetation is brown as can be, but there are a few signs of life here and there.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

Just another snapshot from my evening stroll above Sycamore Canyon.

Just another snapshot from my evening stroll above Sycamore Canyon.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

Saturday evening I took a stroll around the entrance of Sycamore Canyon, mostly thinking of my Aunt Max who is in the hospital, and not doing well. Looking around the hillsides, watching as the sun gets lower and lower - I took great comfort in being surrounded by God's creation. Looking at this earth he has given us, I don't think there's any other place that I feel closer to Him.

Saturday evening I took a stroll around the entrance of Sycamore Canyon, mostly thinking of my Aunt Max who is in the hospital, and not doing well. Looking around the hillsides, watching as the sun gets lower and lower - I took great comfort in being surr
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

There's something I really enjoy about the tiny creatures of this earth, even if their stingers do pack a punch.

There's something I really enjoy about the tiny creatures of this earth, even if their stingers do pack a punch.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

Given the lens I had to work with, the glass was only about 2" from the critter - thankfully I didn't disrupt it to the point of angering it.

Looking down onto the community I call home - Newbury Park - during Friday's evening ride after work.

Looking down onto the community I call home - Newbury Park - during Friday's evening ride after work.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

The mountains, they lure me, with their jagged ridge lines and sweeping shadows.

The mountains, they lure me, with their jagged ridge lines and sweeping shadows.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

As the lungs try to break free from my chest and the legs burn from the inside out, I winder sometimes why I get on a bike, day after day, week after week. I don't think it's the riding itself that I like so much - it's the sights, sounds and smells to which no motorized vehicle can transport me.

I'm trying to figure out if fall color is coming early, or if this is poison oak.

I'm trying to figure out if fall color is coming early, or if this is poison oak.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

I didn't have the best of rides tonight, flatting about 10 minutes into the ride.

I didn't have the best of rides tonight, flatting about 10 minutes into the ride.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

To make matter worse, the tube I was carrying was a 29", despite the fact that I was riding 26" tonight. Turns out, in a pinch, you CAN cram a 29" tube into a 26" tire. It worked fine, got me through the rest of the ride, and I didn't flat again - which was a good thing considering I didn't have any more tubes or a patch kit with me.

Watching this car get out will resemble a scene from an Austin Powers movie.

Watching this car get out will resemble a scene from an Austin Powers movie.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna

I was thrilled to have a rest day today but I'm already itching to get back on the trail.

I was thrilled to have a rest day today but I'm already itching to get back on the trail.
Originally uploaded by BroAndDonna