“One Thing That Cycling Has Taught Me Is That If You Achieve Something Without A Struggle It’s Not Going To Be Satisfying” – Greg LeMond
- Date: Friday, June 10, 2022
- Weather: Rolled out to dry and 70s and the temperature continued to rise into the 90s which made the exposed slopes of Priest Grade even more harsh.
- Starting Point: Dutchman Vineyards, Ripon, CA
- Departure Time: 0630 pst
- Miles: 62
- Moving Time: 4:19
- Total time: 6:00
- Guest riders: DIRT Jason Long
- Overnight Location: Air bnb, Groveland, CA
For some reason this ride seemed a lot harder than it should have been. The extremely high temps and the course profile were likely the cause. Priest Grade is a formidable climb. When coupled with the hot sun beaming down on the fully exposed grade and relentless long stretches of 6-8% while dodging RVs, I was happy to see it end!
We spent the rest of the day taking in the majesty of Yosemite. It never gets old! When you turn the corner and get your first glimpse of the valley the stunning vista and magnitude of the landscape takes your breath away. Like a kid on Christmas morning. It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever had the privelage to behold. The pictures do not do it justice!
About the DIRT Dad Fundo Pledge for Day Two—Joy Murphy
Joy is a personal trainer and cycling coach from Jacksonville, FL.
“I am short and fiesty and love bikes. I think biking across the US is pretty awesome so I want to donate.”
Amount Raised to Date—$798
Thank you, Joy!
Now off to Lee Vining, CA!
To support Chris in his effort to raise awareness of The DIRT Dad Fund, the non-profit he created to assist members of the worldwide cycling community, check out this link to learn more.
Find out where you can pledge a donation and subscribe to The ZOMs newsletter to follow along on the journey.
Semi-retired as owner and director of his private Orthopedic Physical Therapy practice after over 20 years, Chris is blessed with the freedom to pursue his passion for virtual cycling and writing. On a continual quest to give back to his bike for all the rewarding experiences and relationships it has provided him, he created a non-profit. Chris is committed to helping others with his bike through its work and the pages of his site.
In the summer of 2022, he rode 3,900 miles from San Francisco to New York to support the charity he founded, TheDIRTDadFund. His “Gain Cave” resides on the North Fork of Long Island, where he lives with his beautiful wife and is proud of his two independent children.
You will read him promoting his passion on the pages of Cycling Weekly, Cycling News, road.cc, Zwift Insider, Endurance.biz, and Bicycling. Chris is co-host of The Virtual Velo Podcast, too!
