gravelgrinding Archives

Sometimes It’s OK to Just Sit

April 21, 2025 | Adventure

I had bigger plans for the weekend—longer rides, some exploring of new areas. But who knows what I’ll actually end up doing today. Riding my bike around hot desert backroads is rapidly falling down the list. Right now, I’m drinking my Sunday morning coffee, looking at one of the few trees around, hiding from the […]

Will Ride for Pizza

March 12, 2023 | Adventure, San Diego

I’ve been wanting to try a full weekend adventure in the desert for a couple years. It’s a decent drive from San Diego to get to Anza Borrego

Idyllwild Weekend

October 17, 2022 | Adventure, San Diego

It’s easy to question your choices when you’re shivering and slowly removing soaked articles of clothing while sitting alone in your car.

A Solo Weekend

October 17, 2022 | Quickbits

It’s been a while since I’ve had a couple of days to try and wear myself out. A few weeks ago, I gave my wife the weekend off. She stayed at a friend’s house for the weekend while they were off travelling. This weekend, it was my turn to spend a weekend however I wanted. I made it […]

May 28, 2022

Finally escaped up into the hills for a few hours to ride my bike, get some fresh air, and enjoy some time in nature. I had to walk far more than desired since I haven't done too much biking recently, but I still made it to where I wanted to. Even in my out-of-shape state, there are times when things still feel good -- my legs turning the pedals as I grind my way up the hill. Trying to keep my breathing steady. My usual spot to hang my hammock and chill for a bit was pretty overgrown, so I ate my lunch on the side of the beautiful gravel road before turning around and coasting back down the hill.

Random Canyons in Anza Borrego

January 25, 2022 | Adventure

I made it out to the desert yesterday for a little solo bike ride – it’s been a long time since I’ve been out on my own ride, I think the last time was in October. I’ve noticed that over the years the time between each adventure stretches longer and longer, which is a troubling […]

The Routine Ride

October 10, 2021 | Adventure

It’s been forever since I’ve been out on my bike, partly due to being overly busy, and partly just waiting for the temperatures to cool down. I was actually a little nervous as I got ready to ride up my favorite hill – a nice little 1,000 foot climb to my little spot in the […]

Back to Anza-Borrego

February 11, 2021 | Adventure

When I was younger, I was all about the new and unexplored. It still exists within me, but these days I seem to get the most enjoyment out of the known. Those pair of trees that are perfect for my hammock, that bit of road that gives just the right amount of speed to hear […]

A Drizzly Ride

June 9, 2020 | Adventure

Due to all of the Covid stuff, it’s been a long time since I’ve been out on my bike. On Saturday, I decided it was an ok time to get out, and I wasn’t going to let a little drizzle get in my way.

Carrizo Badlands Loop

January 12, 2020 | Adventure

It’s been a while, and I’ve been itching to play in the desert. It’s hard to balance being a parent, a desire to sit on my rear and do nothing, and the always-burning drive to do little (or big) adventures. This day was a good mix of all — I slept in a bit, made […]

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