Today was sunny and hot in northern California, with gusty inland breezes, and here in the East Bay dozens of cyclists took the opportunity to ride up into the hills. From my place in the Berkeley flatlands to Tilden Park's Inspiration Point was 6.68 miles, with an elevation gain of 885 feet, according to my trusty Garmin GPS. It took me 51 minutes to arrive, and it felt like flying, though all the young cyclists zipped by at twice the speed.
What a glorious day! It looked like paradise. The view to the east included the basalt peaks of Mount Diablo, the green and golden foothills, and deep blue Briones Reservoir. (Thanks to the Calwalkers for this photo.) One would never guess that 7 million people live within a few miles of here. Spruce Street is freshly paved, and I soared down the hill to home in 23 minutes.
I was inspired, breathing in the beauty.
