I rode the American River Bike Path yesterday. Phil had some business to do in Sacramento so he suggested I head to the state capitol with him and ride while we were there. It was his way of celebrating Valentines Day with me - a nice ride and then some yummy food! I had never ridden this route before, but I was not disappointed.
Only minutes into the ride I spotted this coyote running along the American River. It is rare that I stop (and Phil was griping!), let alone have a camera in my pocket, so I was really excited to snap this picture. I've always felt that seeing wildlife while training is my reward. And today was no different. I saw a myriad of little creatures scurrying around, some magnificent birds and of course this coyote, strutting his stuff. Ever since I was a junior high school runner, I have taken inventory on training runs (and later, rides) of what animals I see. I am frequently amazed at the diversity of animals and the proximity of those creatures to the major metropolitan areas. Just last week, I saw a huge group of turkeys right along side the road in El Sobrante. On another ride I was decending down a local climb in Berkeley and got a great look at a fox as he scampered across my path. Foxes are not animals I see much, so I was on cloud nine, despite how I felt at that point in the ride!
Tomorrow I am off to Napa for a nice long Friday ride. Who knows what I will see. Unfortuneately the most exciting and beautiful animal I have seen in wine country was a wildcat - perhaps a bobcat - but he was already in cat heaven, struck by a passing winery visitor.
A quick note of thanks to Stonehouse Olive Oil and Wheel Girl for the great jerseys.
Check out Stonehouse from some of the yummiest olive oil on the planet and check out Wheel Girl, too!
Muchas gracias to Schwalbe, too - with all the miles on the bike, my tires are a critical component of training. :)
Make it a great day!
:) Rachel
