In San Francisco on business and rented a bike for Saturday and Sunday (12-13 Jan). Didn't know where to go, but at Heathrow Airport I was lucky to meet Jan Vogel, a German who lives in San Francisco and knows the area well. He told me to look up "Paradise Loop" and "Seven Sisters", both in Marin/Golden Gate National Park north of San Francisco. I had brought my bike gear with me but did not have a bike, so I rented one via "Undiscovered Country" (www.udctours.com) in Los Altos. I got a very nice Scott carbon bike at a very attractive price. So if you're coming to the Bay Area/San Francisco, leave your bike at home and rent one instead. But get it from Undiscovered Country - their prices are much better than in San Francisco - and their bikes much nicer. The one I got was virtually brand new, complete with Ultegra carbon.

I did Paradise Loop on Saturday, plus some other bits and pieces, totalling 72K/850 meters of climbing (45 miles/2,800 ft). Beautiful area around Tiburon and wonderful rolling hills throughout. But pretty darn cold for the season!

Today Sunday I did Seven Sisters, including Mount Tamalpais, totalling 95K/1700 meters of climbing (60 miles/5,600 ft). Truly amazing scenery, especially on the ridge after Mount Tamalpais and biking back along Highway 1. Even colder than yesterday, especially in the shadows and descending. But nice and warm-ish in the sun.