euskalkultura.eus

San Francisco, California. Riders could choose between two different routes − a 44 mile route that was called Bide Luze, or Long Route, and a shorter one of 30 miles, called Bide Txiki or Small Route. Eleven people tested their physical condition in the Bide Luze that took them around three hours and a half to complete. 

The rest, 16 riders that opted for the Bide Txiki crossed the finish line after less than three hours. Both groups had the aid of SAG (Support and Gear) vehicles that “helped with fixing tires or extra drinks and water to help riders in need,” explained Leon. “They also provided directions and motivated us to work harder.”

[Riders had a laugh on the road (photo SFBCC)]

Little traffic, cool views

Early birds showed up at 7:30 a.m., at the Chalet Basque Restaurant, in San Rafael, the same place where the after-ride party would be held. And by 8:30 everybody was on the road. “The weather was a bit cool in the morning, which was perfect to start riding and at that time there was little traffic,” in the words of Leon. 

“The routes were beautiful and we rode around the area of Lucas Valley Road and Nicassio and Sir Francis Drake area north of San Rafael,” explained the bike aficionado.

[After the ride, the whole group got together for lunch at Chalet Basque (photo SFBCC)]

Lunch at Chalet Basque and Xabi Award

After some hours of sport surrounded by nice views, everybody gathered, again, at Roger Minhondo’s Le Chalet Basque to enjoy lunch. Minhondo offered the place where participants brought food and drinks, to share and enjoy together.

In a friendly atmosphere, the Xabi Award was given to Jack Uhalde. As Acheritogaray explained, this is a prize given to “any participant that does something funny.” In this case, Uhalde ran into two other cyclists and fell to the ground afterwards, but nobody was seriously injured. 

The award was created for Xabier Berrueta, whose bike broke apart in the second edition of the ride and, because it wasn't properly tied to the truck, it into the San Francisco Bay, recalled Acheritogaray.

Another ride in October

The San Francisco Basque Club is planning to organize another ride in October, as this is an event celebrated twice a year, since 2009. But this time it will take place south of San Francisco, near the Woodside area, near Highway 280.

“Cycling is very popular in northern California,” finished Philippe. “And this is a great experience, especially because we do something not traditionally Basque that attracts other people to our Club.”