Listmembers,
What a fabulous day in San diego!! One of the nicest dayse we've EVER had for a vintage ride. Temds in low to mid 70's, no wind to speak of, and terrific company. Small attendance, but a very compatible and bike loving group. Charles Andrews and Carmen showed up with their recently acquired 80's Jack Taylor tandem, Rob O'Callahan made it with his recently acquired early Carlsbad Masi (the special one Ron Smith oversaw for one of his personal friends), Sterling Peters riding his fixed gear Mercian, and myself riding my '72 Colnago Super.
We rode out to Point Loma, which is our most common route; but boy was it a fantastic day to go out there. We could see the snowcapped MT. Baldy, over 150 miles to the north (about out where Chuck Schmidt lives) from the point. Unbelieveable! The local mountains looked so close we could have touched them. Mt. Palomar was clear as a bell. I've never seen such a beautiful day from Point Loma, but today was IT.
Be stopped for lunch at the regular spot on San Diego Bay, Anthony's Fish Grotto and there were almost no tourists, the fish tacos were to die for (I had two), and the sun was beyond wonderful; it was tempting to sit there the rest of the day and just soakin it. Teriffic beyond your wildest dreams.
After the ride I stopped at Sterlings new place in Golden hill so he could take a digi photo for me, and was treated to a tour of a house that is equal to the most sublime Rene Herse of old that one might see on rare occassions. The house was built in 1913 and is completely mind blowing. Wood trim EVERYWHERE, leaded glass (still original) built in all over the place, light fixtures and other goodies to die for, and push button light switches inlaid with Mother of Pearl and ebony. Brass and copper stuff all over the house. Outside the backyard from the deck, a killer view of the downtown San Diego skyline and bay that is priceless. Absolutely fabulous! Really topped off a day to remember forever.
I can't say enough how much I enjoyed the excellent company and the banner day. One simply CANNOT ask for a nicer time for a Sunday in December. And while we were out, the Chargers (who traditionally SUCK bigtime) beat the pants off of Cleveland 21 to ZIP! Looks like playoffs to me. Holy Moley!
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
Now I know why I live here!