08-29-2026 Ride/Walk

Got up early for a short bike ride before we went out for the day. I rode a little faster than I have been riding, legs felt a little sluggish from the regular exertion on previous days. This was a pretty standard route for the most part, through the neighborhood and out RB Rd to CdS. I took this out past the 56 and then turned on CMR and climbed to Black Mountain Rd. Left turn there, riding to CVR. I wasn't riding very hard at this point, but a guy on a beautiful Colnago bike passed me, and so I sped up to try and catch him on the subsequent climb. I was able to catch and pass him after we turned on CVR, but he eventually passed me again on the descent, and I wasn't interested in trying to catch him again. Down to Dove Canyon Rd taking it back to RB Rd and home the normal way from there.

Avg speed = 16.3 mph. Total mileage = 20.9 mi

Avg power = 141 W. Weighted avg power = 181 W

Total elevation gain = 1400'

Avg heartrate = 114 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 21

Training Load = 87

Intensity = 82%

https://www.strava.com/activities/19950085900

Got home and had time to shave and shower before Ann drove the four of us down to the Zoo to meet Emily and Caleb. We met them by the lion at the front gate right around 9:00 when the park opened. Caleb got the passed for us, and we headed directly to the panda exhibit, getting in line for the 9:30 opening. Only the male was out, it was underwhelming. Then we walked through other parts of the zoo, including the Australia and Africa regions. We waited in line for about 30 minutes to take the bus around the park, that was also disappointing, since we mostly saw the animal enclosures but not the animals. Caleb's employee discount allowed us to get refillable souvenir cups, they we expensive but useful on this warm (almost hot) day. We saw most of the highlights, including some interesting close-up views of adult male and female lions. Did a fair amount of walking, and everybody was hot and a little irritable by the end. We drove back and stopped at Best Pizza & Brew in CMR for lunch. Ann didn't order enough pizza, IMHO, but it was okay. Emily, Caleb, and I sat at one table and had a nice chat. Then they drove to their place, and we drove home. A little later, the four of us drove to Stone Brewery, which is likely closing this year. We had to wait about 25 minutes for a table (there weren't enough servers), and the service was initially lackluster. Had drinks and snacks, it was fine but started to get hot near the end, even though we were in the shade. Got home, and I scrounged around for some food to eat for dinner, there wasn't much in the house. Laura, Joe, and I watched Best in Show. I'd seen it at least once before, but it held up pretty well. Joe had never seen it, and he also thought it was funny. I was ready for sleep after that.