Canada, Oh Canada!

Several weeks ago, I finally purchased my first road bike ever, an entry-level Raleigh Cadent (link). Didn't want to blow the bank account by going overboard on a two or three grand commitment. Fairly happy with the purchase given the entire bike weighs less than my laptop bag. For the past couple of weeks, I have been cajoling T into riding with me along Crystal Springs Reservoir. Our first ride from San Mateo down to Woodside along Canada Road and the Reservoir was actually very pleasant (link). Sixteen miles roundtrip with moderate climbs, amazing scenery, and very light traffic. It's no wonder the route is popular with road cyclists. On weekends, Canada Road is a colorful parade of jerseys emblazoned with various corporate logos, all moving in unison in rapid pacelines. It's quite a sight. On reaching our destination in "downtown" Woodside, T and I planted ourselves in the parking lot at Roberts Market (link), the local cyclists' watering hole and rewarded our efforts with a hearty roast beef sandwich. Between that and the buckwheat flapjacks across the street at Buck's (link), we may be biking this route more regularly.