Costanoa
Public relations, dad, triathlete, ultrarunner, technology enthusiast, reside in Bay Area
This is another fine beer, especially if you're a fan of IPA's. It's a bit on the heavier side - note the dark reddish body - but very drinkeable. It's breed locally here in Petaluma and the Lagunitas family of beers is fast growing in terms of popularity. Later this weekend I'll profile a few other NorCal beers that are based out of Sonoma which is quicky gaining renown as much for its beer as its wine.
The Yankees were in town playing the A's so I had to take the family; it's our once a year chance to see our favorite team play on California. And I have to see that it was fun as heck. Going to see a game with The Boy in certain respects is like going with an adult as his knowledge of the game is approaching encyclopedic. But the Girl was a real hoot. She spent the entire game booing everyone. She booed the Yankees, the A's, her brother, me, even the freaking hot dog vendor. She was so funny that I think despite her pink Yankees shirt and cap even the A's fans liked her.
Anyway a fun time was had by all plus as an added bonus the Yankees won.The Wife and Kids are finally home. Hard to believe it but the Boy has been gone since June 21. Almost two freaking months. Not sure if he's even a Californian anymore. So, with that, my three week bachelorhood has drawn go a conclusion. Per usual I really didn't do too much (other than train) and towards the end, frankly, I was growing a tad bit bored. So, I'm happy they are all home. But let's see if I feel that way in 24 hours.
In other news yesterday marked the four year anniversary of our move to California. My how time flies when you're having fun.
Earlier today I ran from my house to the Dipsea to our friend's house in Stinson beach. It was only about nine miles butbthe elevation gain was pretty significant. I don't know what it is about this particular trail but it just kicks my ass every single time. At the same time, it's magnificently pretty. What makes it special is that it offers a little bit o everything: you have woods, downhills, climbs, sun drenched singletrack, Redwoods, and more. It never gets boring and it's challenging as hell. How I'm going to run four loops of this during the Quad Dipsea is beyond me. More on that later. Anyway, attached are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.
That last post engendered some measure of success so I'll stick to the same topic.
Next up in the beer deparment is one of my favorites: La Fin Du Monde (the End of the World). Triple fermentation Belgian style golden ale. Nine percent alcohol, which most definitely packs a punch. Rated an "A" b the Beer Advocate. Honestly, one of the greatest beers i've ever tasted. A bit hard to find though. If you ever see this bad boy on the shelf, don't pass it by.
Living in Northern California you'd think I am a wine guy but I'm really not. I know enough about some to be dangerous and I know what I like but what I REALLY like is beer. In fact, thanks in good part to my beer mentor, Coach Phil, ID go so far as to say I'm turning into a beer snob. So much so that I think I'll add the occasional beer review to these here pages.
Anyway, the beer I am about to drink which is pictured here is a Dogfish Head 90 Minute Imperial IPA. I don't know what to say except that it is award-winning for good reason: it's one of the best beers I've ever tasted. Dogfish Head has national distribution and if you like good beer, I suggest you seek this one out. It's a tad expensive but worth the price.
I just got back from the Marin County Century ride. Considering this was only my first outdoors ride of the year I opted for the metric century, which is 62. Add to that another five miles due to a wrong turn and you have the makings of a long day. It's a prettty difficult course and features five pretty gnarly climbs.
Back on the East Coast I am proud to say that the kids ran their first ever 5k. The Boy ran it in 31 minutes which is a fairly decent time considering how little he's ran. The Girl ran it with her mom in 35 minutes. Not terrible fo a seven year old. So, even though we are separated by thousands of miles, it was a pretty active day for the Solomon household. Attached are a few pictures from the ride. Note the heaping ate of food I ate at the end.
Pretty good showing by Lance today eh? That might have been one of his best performances ever. I can't express how much I enjoyed today's stage on Mont Ventoux. I was screaming at the TV like the old days. More on the Tour tomorrow.
In the meantime tonight was the coup de grace of my vacation. I saw one of my best high school buddy's - my good friend Geremy, who's apparently a fairly fan of this blog, for the first time in over a decade. The amazing thing about great friends: it doesn't matter wheher it's a day or a decade. When you're togerher it's like no time at all has passed. In certain respects I think that's the definition of friendship. Anyway Geremy, if you are reading this; it was awesome seeing you. And Between that Wife of yours and that kid in the back seat (and the one I didn't get a chance to meet) one hing was pretty clear to
me: you did pretty well Amigo.
On top of all this, a great famy reunion earlier today. I'll post pictures from that tomorrow.
Headed home from my first game ever at Yankee Stadium with the Little Boy. Also joining us was my nephew and my two brothers. The Yankees won and I have to say that it was just about a perfect night and a great cap to my East Coast tour.
