Category Archives: Video

Benicia State Park First Bike Trip

I loved how easy it was to access the fabulous Benicia State Park from my house on the paths with the bike just down the hill from our house. I also had no idea that hand gliding was done in this area, although I’ve seen it many times in northern Vallejo where the larger hills are. I didn’t actually see any launch into the air this time, but the hand gliders were erect as they were training in the wind.

Just in time this morning my new MIPS-approved bike helmet arrived. I sent back the purple one because it was not MIPS-certified. I got good advice to make sure I protected my head the best way, although honestly, I can’t tell the difference in design at all.

Today’s ride definitely gave me a whole new perspective on riding in perilous off-road dirt paths. I was so glad to have a fat tire bike and an electric one at that. I love that I can pedal when I want, and I can use pedal assist, without feeling I’d be stuck if I got very tired. I wasn’t sure if my knee, on which I had surgery a number of years ago, would love this kind of action, but it survives the whaleboat rowing which is very much about the legs. The e-bike’s power going up hills on less than perfectly paved roads and the adventures that I can achieve still astound me. It would have taken me days to hike all the places I went in just over an hour. I am also seeing spots up close that I often admired in the hills while rowing the past few years. I’m so lucky.

In one still shot you can see Mount Diablo in the background while I’m at the apex of this hill with the electric tower that connects to the East Bay through high wires over the huge freight ships that go to Benicia’s ports.

GoPro Cam Perspective (Meticulously edited):

Scooter Trip to Glen Cove Marina

Take electric scooter to marina to avoid driving car? CHECK!

This was one of my ideas for a clean energy trip back and forth to the Glen Cove Marina. I had to use a little foot power to help myself on the inclines since the scooter slowed down to almost nothing, but I didn’t need to drive my SUV to go to the marina. Plus I got to store the scooter safely on the dock while we went out on the rowboat!

It was a pretty cold morning, but we’ve had worse! Had to catch this mega-ship behind us as we rowed.

First Whaleboat Race

Last year I started rowing with the Solano Rowing Club and today I lost my virginity, having my first competition in gorgeous Vallejo. I competed with the men’s team. Here is some video footage of us practicing right before the race.

This event on the Napa River is called the Skipper Whipper. After the event, we had lunch together on Mare Island at the Brewery.

Shando captured almost the entire course in this video:

Glen Cove Waterfront Park

This was the first time to this park with all five dogs. We found a very cool, calm and isolated place where they could go into the water safely for a little cooling off. There are lots of great places where one can launch a small boat or go swimming. We’re going to enjoy this park often.