What a day: we are now a two bike family!!! After driving over to Fairfax to pick up a size small Whyte bike, we headed to China Camp for a ride.

We stopped to take in the view on the way up the main climb at a convenient bench and were treated to an ariel show conducted by 5 huge bird floating on the wind (!). First two came gliding in from the north in formation, then splitting up to have a look around. Somehow more came until we counted 5 in the sky. There was a moment when one was maybe 20 feet away as it swooped by. Only once did we see any wings flapping; this was the one time two came too close to each other. It was also the only time we heard them, and only the turbulence of their feathers on the wind. They were so large and so graceful.

After the ride we dropped off the bike to have it converted to tubeless and switch the brakes to XTs. Luckily there is a hamburger place right across the street serving Prather Ranch sourced meat and wow did we savour the meal. Mme. Awesome had an Onion Ring burger; I had a regular one with a side of fries; and we split an Arnold Palmer. A movie once back at the palace and it was a full on Date Day.

We’ll be back Thursday or Friday to pick the bike back up and go on another ride.

The China Camp loop itself is a great. The grades are reasonable; there are some rocks and roots though nothing crazy; water is available on the way; the views and scenery are wonderful; there are nice and flowy descents; and maybe you too will be greeted to a aerial show.

Analysis: confidence is high this is the reason the universe has kept us local. Now that we are outfitted, our departure is eminent. You’ll see.