Sunday ride

Since we are getting closer to our around Lake Tahoe bike ride in June, I thought it would be good to get in some hill training. Rode the short way out to Coyote Hills and ascended heart attack hill 5 times! I’m still amazed that I can make it up that hill once, but five times? Unbelievable!

Heart attack hill is comprised of three parts. Part one, as you can see in the picture below is a somewhat gradual climb until the trail disappears behind the hill. Click the picture for a better view.

Once the trail disappears behind the hill, it flattens out for 50 feet or so. This spot is most secluded and certainly one of the most beautiful on our rides. Not many people make it up here. Making it a special place with a special view. Here is one of my favorite shots from this location of the Dumbarton Bridge, the old salt ponds and the bay.

From here the more strenious part of the climb begins. A short but steep climb to the top and end of the Coyote hills trail. Its never easy getting up this part of heart attack. Didn’t even make the first few time I tried this part.

Although it seems like the end, I proceed past this sign and continue up the hill you see in the picture above. The last ten feet up to the top is the toughest! But once conquered, it is truly the top of heart attack hill. Enjoy the view!

On a clear day, you can see forever! San Francisco (with mount Tam 50+ miles away!!) and Oakland on each side of the hill in the foreground. Click in the pic for a better view.

Anyway, back to today’s ride. it took me on average, 11 minutes to make a round trip, up and down, heart attack. Thats 8-9 going up and 2-3 coming down. Usually 3 MPH going up, 35 MPH going down!! 16.6 miles total in 1 hour 40 minutes.

Felt pretty good afterwards too, but realize that I’m still not ready for the Emerald Bay climb and 9 mile uphill to Spooner Summit.

foot note: .66 miles up heart attack.