Sunday morning after a restless night I wiped dried up blood off of my road bike, loaded it into my truck along with wine and appetizers and picked up Merry (who had been my companion on the fateful ride earlier this spring). “Vino Paradisio” is an informally organized annual ride put together by a “foodie” road-biking couple. The idea is to ride Paradise Valley with frequent stops at scenic vistas to enjoy yummy appetizers and fine wine with good peeps in paradise. Merry and I deemed it the perfect chance to get back on our bikes on the same road (different stretch, different direction). Emotions were mixed, scenery was stellar, the food and wine a delicious fine twist to fuel pedaling upwind. The soothing post-ride soak at Chico Hot Springs after the ride calmed the burning sensation in my injured calf and left me smiling inside and out. I am blessed to have compassionate supportive friends, a kind understanding partner and this amazing place in paradise which beckons me toward adventure with a promise of new memories.
