I've avoided this ride due to nerves about cars and heavy traffic in the area. It ended up being one of the best places I've ever ridden. The cars all treated us with plenty of space, and we even got a handful of thumbs up/hang loose/cheers from the cars along the way. Even got a couple high fives from exuberant teenage walkers at Emerald Bay. No people trying to teach us cyclists a lesson, by whizzing past as close as they can. No cars trying to thread the needle between me and an oncoming car when the road was tight; they'd just slow down and wait for a passing opportunity even though I was over as far as I could be. It made for one of the coolest days of my life.

I know some of you think cyclists don't belong on the road, but please be patient with us. Riding has such a positive impact on my life. In the last four years since I started riding, I've lost 45 lbs and kept it off, my blood pressure has dropped into the healthy range, I've stopped snoring at night, I treat others better, I have energy, I look fit, and I love exercising. The main benefit for me is that riding makes such a huge difference to my mental health; it's my happy pill. Some days I choose to stay indoors on my trainer, as I know I'll be safer there and that I'll still get a good workout, but it just isn't the same as being outdoors (especially when comparing to the views of a place like Lake Tahoe!). It's hard to articulate the joy outdoor riding brings. I feel like it's my chance to live life to its fullest every single day. We cyclists are not a perfect bunch, but we are generally trying to be good citizens.

Mostly just wanted to say thanks for watching out for us cyclists!