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):