The annual winter Populaire is one of my favorite events organized by the San Francisco Randonneurs: there’s always a big turnout with familiar and fresh new faces; it’s a scenic ride through Marin to Pt. Reyes Station (with an opportunity to stop at the Bovine Bakery for delicious treats); then you loop back along Nicasio Reservoir and end at Crissy Field for a gourmet picnic. And this year — since I didn’t ride a Populaire in 2014 — completing this event put me one step closer to obtaining a RUSA Cup. (All that’s left to do is to successfully finish the upcoming Sunshine 1200k in Florida…Then I can also guzzle beer out of it at the cool kids’ table!)

Despite some flats that slowed down our ride (and sadly, took Ann away from our group since she had to go buy a new tire), Denise, Caitlin and Emily (who joined us just before Nicasio) had a lovely day! And we had an rare, unencumbered view of the Golden Gate Bridge (car-free) as it received its new traffic barrier.

As always, it was great seeing all the awesome randos on the road and at the picnic. Thanks to RBA Rob and all of the volunteers who supported us throughout the day — and to Kimber, Sterling and her fine crew for preparing a wonderful post-ride feast!