It's been a couple days now since I finished my first 200+ mile ride and the significance of it continues to hit me slowly. My legs feel a bit sore, but pretty good really. I had quite a bit of chafing all over my "nether regions," which I think was due to friction from my tights and the softening of my skin from the constant wetness of a rain-ride. I continue to have weird cravings for foods I would not normally take in very often (garlic, chocolate, soda) and until about two days after, I didn't really enjoy anything I ate. I wonder if anyone else has had these experiences?
Before I get into my ride recap, I have to document the fact that after finishing this double, I feel like I've gone as far into Ultra-Endurance Cycling (distance-wise) as I will ever go. Maybe it's the rainy experiences or maybe it's that post-ride lull before the itch to push farther starts to come, but I feel like I may be done with doubles for a while after this season. I will press on for the Triple Crown Jersey because that's what I set out to do, but after that, I think I'm going to make some changes in my cycling habits. Clearly I'm masochist enough to make it in the doubles world, but I'd like to get back into tennis tournaments and I miss riding for fun more with my fiance. I've also started running once or twice a week and plan to compete in the Carpinteria Triathlon this September. But alas, I want that Triple Crown Jersey to go with my KOM Jersey from last year, so I'll put off those things a few more months.
Ride Stats
198 miles
14.3 mph average moving speed
13 mph average speed overall
14:00 riding time
15:25 overall time
176/379 event placing
Ride Recap
We started with an extra five miles (not included in Ride Stats) from Casey's dad's house in Alisol Ranch, during which we were passed by numerous riders headed out in the other direction having already started. That was kind of depressing, but we didn't let it affect us. We got to the start 15 minutes ahead of our planned 6am go time, and that was a good thing as many had already left!
We arrived at the first checkpoint right on schedule with about 2:40 ride time in the first 41 miles. This was my favorite part of the ride because of the scenery, seen first by bike-light only, and then by a slow-moving dawn. Wine country truly is a beautiful area and it was very peaceful with just the whirring of cranks and chains.
Checkpoint two was reached on time as well, but we suffered some minor morale hits during the section. I had to stop roadside for a leak and we were passed by a large group of riders that we decided would be ideal for the flat-ish terrain ahead. I hustled back to the bike, but mud had surrounded my cleats and I couldn't clip in. By the time I got the mud out, they were almost a minute up the road. We gave chase for a few minutes, but realized we'd never catch a group of 20 with just us two and we let up. The second morale dropper was the arrival of the rain, which would stay with us from mile 70 to the finish. We were wet for about 11 hours and it sucked!
The ride to the lunch stop saw us out to Morro Bay and back towards San Luis Obispo and this section was littered with riders stopped for flats. Casey had the good sense to by some puncture resistant tires, so we're both a equipped with Gatorskins or Armadillos. No such trouble for us! I don't understand why people make such a big fuss about the extra weight of puncture-resistant tires. One flat costs more time than the extra rotational weight, and over a 200-mile course, who comes out without a flat? I put gators on this bike when I bought it 16 months and about 6,000 miles ago and I've gotten 2 flats in all that time. No-brainer!!! But I digress...
Checkpoint 3 to checkpoint 5 is where we fell off pace. We were shooting for 14:30 total time, and we lost 90% of the extra hour here. The headwind couldn't have been more than 10 mph, yet it felt like we were going uphill the whole time. Casey and I were both battling bouts of hunger and then fullness, with a few minutes of good riding in-between. I know a lot about nutrition, but it's still hard to get it right while riding. After a while, it starts to become challenging to reach into the back pockets for food, and the drinks just don't taste good anymore.
After getting some mandatory cup-of-noodles and getting to see Johanna at checkpoint 5, we were revived and ready to bring it home. Casey and I both started feeling good a few miles after the stop, and we started passing struggling riders at a consistent rate. I would say this is the only section of the ride where we passed more than passed us, but I was happy because it suggested we dosed our efforts correctly. The climbs in the last section weren't so bad and the thrill of being so close to the finish took over. We had it dialed in. In fact, the adrenaline kicked in so much that I didn't even notice my new sunglasses fall from my jersey (bummer!!!). As we turned off Ballard Canyon onto the main road to the finish, I and a few others let out a relieved yelp. It came so suddenly, after 200 miles of waiting. Casey and I mustered what sprint we had left to get to the finish.
After we got back to Casey's place, the adrenaline wore off, and quick! By the time I was getting into the shower, I was physically incapable of taking my clothes off. My hands were worn out from gripping the handlebars all day and my joints tightened up. I was shaking from the cold, too, as Johanna helped me into the shower. But I survived to write this post...
Next stop: Hemet Double, three weeks!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Solvang Double Gameplan
Casey and I plan to leave his dad's place in Alisol Ranch at 5:30am in order to be at the start a little before 6am. As opposed to starting with the stronger riders at 6:30am like we did for the Camino Double, we'll take an extra half-hour since Planet Ultra is offering it to us. I figure the start is mostly uphill anyway and we'll take a good long while to really warm up properly instead of risking over-extending early on. By the time the fast groups catch us, we'll be primed to follow. The route is supposed to be 198 miles total, but with our extra 4 miles to the start, we'll top 200 officially! Our predicted schedule is as follows:
5am - Up and at 'em
5:30am - On the road towards Buellton and the start
6am - Official start @ Mile 0
2:00 ride time - Top of Foxen Canyon climb (27 miles, almost 2200ft elevation gain)
0:40 ride time - Reach Sisquoc (14 miles all downhill)
8:40am-8:50am - Rest Stop 1: Sisquoc @ Mile 41
2:40 ride time - Top of third minor climb since Sisquoc (45 miles, 1200ft elevation gain)
11:30am-11:40am - Rest Stop 2: San Luis Obispo Park @ Mile 86
1:40 ride time - Rollers with one minor descent (27 miles, 1000ft elevation gain)
1:20pm-1:40pm - Rest Stop 3: Lake Laguna Golf Course @ Mile 113
1:50 ride time - More rollers and possible headwind (28 miles, 1000ft elevation gain)
3:30pm - 3:45pm - Rest Stop 4: Leroy Park @ Mile 141
1:50 ride time - Mostly uphill with a 400ft climb and a 200ft climb (27 miles, 800ft elevation gain)
5:35pm - 5:50pm - Rest Stop 5: Collins Market @ Mile 168
2:25 ride time - Extended 1000ft climb, followed by long descent with a few minor climbs (30 miles, 2100ft elevation gain)
8:15pm - Official Finish @ Mile 198
13 hours ride time (15.25mph)
14 hours total time (14.15mph)
5am - Up and at 'em
5:30am - On the road towards Buellton and the start
6am - Official start @ Mile 0
2:00 ride time - Top of Foxen Canyon climb (27 miles, almost 2200ft elevation gain)
0:40 ride time - Reach Sisquoc (14 miles all downhill)
8:40am-8:50am - Rest Stop 1: Sisquoc @ Mile 41
2:40 ride time - Top of third minor climb since Sisquoc (45 miles, 1200ft elevation gain)
11:30am-11:40am - Rest Stop 2: San Luis Obispo Park @ Mile 86
1:40 ride time - Rollers with one minor descent (27 miles, 1000ft elevation gain)
1:20pm-1:40pm - Rest Stop 3: Lake Laguna Golf Course @ Mile 113
1:50 ride time - More rollers and possible headwind (28 miles, 1000ft elevation gain)
3:30pm - 3:45pm - Rest Stop 4: Leroy Park @ Mile 141
1:50 ride time - Mostly uphill with a 400ft climb and a 200ft climb (27 miles, 800ft elevation gain)
5:35pm - 5:50pm - Rest Stop 5: Collins Market @ Mile 168
2:25 ride time - Extended 1000ft climb, followed by long descent with a few minor climbs (30 miles, 2100ft elevation gain)
8:15pm - Official Finish @ Mile 198
13 hours ride time (15.25mph)
14 hours total time (14.15mph)
Monday, March 21, 2011
Solvang Double Century Lead-up
Well, it's been a month and here I am again preparing to bag my first double. Since the Camino Double (where I road 145 miles before abandoning) I've ridden a grand total of 153 miles.
After having to focus on my tennis business for a few weeks following the Camino, Casey and I got out on the road and blasted our way from Carpinteria to Malibu (62 miles) at an average speed of 19mph. Things were looking good and we felt stronger for having ridden the Camino Double. The next day though, we pushed our way through 15-20mph winds to Ventura (45 miles) at an average speed of 14.5mph and then my body said enough. Within a few hours, whatever virus has been going around had overtaken me and I didn't leave the apartment for several days. For the last few days, now that I'm recovered, I've been somewhat thwarted by rain and wind, but I'm very happy to see the forecast no longer calls for rain this Saturday.
In fact, despite these inconveniences and breakdowns in my training schedule, I'm feeling good about this one. The whole point of ultra-endurance events is to push past what you know and what is comfortable. If anything, I'm more resolved than ever to bag my first double. I'm young and fit, have a beast of a riding partner in Casey, a solid ally at the rest stops in Johanna, and I know many of the roads we'll be riding on. We will prevail!
After having to focus on my tennis business for a few weeks following the Camino, Casey and I got out on the road and blasted our way from Carpinteria to Malibu (62 miles) at an average speed of 19mph. Things were looking good and we felt stronger for having ridden the Camino Double. The next day though, we pushed our way through 15-20mph winds to Ventura (45 miles) at an average speed of 14.5mph and then my body said enough. Within a few hours, whatever virus has been going around had overtaken me and I didn't leave the apartment for several days. For the last few days, now that I'm recovered, I've been somewhat thwarted by rain and wind, but I'm very happy to see the forecast no longer calls for rain this Saturday.
In fact, despite these inconveniences and breakdowns in my training schedule, I'm feeling good about this one. The whole point of ultra-endurance events is to push past what you know and what is comfortable. If anything, I'm more resolved than ever to bag my first double. I'm young and fit, have a beast of a riding partner in Casey, a solid ally at the rest stops in Johanna, and I know many of the roads we'll be riding on. We will prevail!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Camino Real Double Recap
Well, there's no easy way to say this, so I'll just come out with it. I didn't quite make it through my first double. It was cold, rainy, and windy off and on throughout the day, but after 12 hours and 145 miles, the last major downpour got the best of me. After the sun went down, my body just couldn't keep warm in it's soaking wet state and that was it for me.
I'm not too disappointed, because I know I made the right decision for myself. I have people at home who care about me and want me to be safe and I have my tennis students that needed me for lessons the next day. That helped me decide the line between cyclojunkie and cyclocrazy. Everyone has their own limits of risk, and I ran up against mine on the Camino Double. I can live with that. Especially with the knowledge that my legs were still ready for more punishment.
I'm not too disappointed, because I know I made the right decision for myself. I have people at home who care about me and want me to be safe and I have my tennis students that needed me for lessons the next day. That helped me decide the line between cyclojunkie and cyclocrazy. Everyone has their own limits of risk, and I ran up against mine on the Camino Double. I can live with that. Especially with the knowledge that my legs were still ready for more punishment.
A massive amount of credit to all those that persevered, especially my buddy Casey, who also was attempting his first double and ended up being the youngest finisher. What an epic way to bag your first double. I'm already recovered and excited for the Solvang Double Century next month, where I expect to go the distance.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tour de Palm Springs and Prep for the Camino Double
Tour de Palm Springs Ride Stats:
102 miles
5:32 ride time
5:45 total elapsed time
18.5 average speed
Well, the season has officially begun, now that the Tour de Palm Springs is wrapped up. It was another perfect day for riding in the desert. Below you'll find my ride report. Rode this one with Casey and he had me on the limit nearly the whole event.
The best moment was about 65 miles in, when a group of 8-10 riders formed behind us, with Casey on the front. With the exception of one female Ironman athlete coming forward to SLOW the pace a few times, Casey put the whole group on his back for 8 or 10 miles. Finally, after a brief break from the lead position, he came back up and just powered right off the front. I saw that the group was hesitating to catch his wheel and I pushed across the gap just before he got out of reach. Thirty seconds later I looked back and saw that no one else had made the jump. He'd ridden off the front without even looking up or accelerating. What a beast!
We picked up 6 bonus miles from my parents house to the start, and another 15 with Johanna after the finish, putting our total for the day at 123 miles. If that's not good preparation for a double, I don't know what is! And speaking of doubles, Casey and I are attempting our first this coming week at the Planet Ultra Camino Real Double Century. Having never ridden more than 133 miles in one day, the Camino Double would be hard enough for me all on it's own. Now I'm seeing that mother nature plans (with 90% certainty) to rain down upon us all day, too. Riding one's first double in pouring rain is crazy and probably a bit stupid...luckily, we've got just a bit of both in us.
102 miles
5:32 ride time
5:45 total elapsed time
18.5 average speed
Well, the season has officially begun, now that the Tour de Palm Springs is wrapped up. It was another perfect day for riding in the desert. Below you'll find my ride report. Rode this one with Casey and he had me on the limit nearly the whole event.
The best moment was about 65 miles in, when a group of 8-10 riders formed behind us, with Casey on the front. With the exception of one female Ironman athlete coming forward to SLOW the pace a few times, Casey put the whole group on his back for 8 or 10 miles. Finally, after a brief break from the lead position, he came back up and just powered right off the front. I saw that the group was hesitating to catch his wheel and I pushed across the gap just before he got out of reach. Thirty seconds later I looked back and saw that no one else had made the jump. He'd ridden off the front without even looking up or accelerating. What a beast!
We picked up 6 bonus miles from my parents house to the start, and another 15 with Johanna after the finish, putting our total for the day at 123 miles. If that's not good preparation for a double, I don't know what is! And speaking of doubles, Casey and I are attempting our first this coming week at the Planet Ultra Camino Real Double Century. Having never ridden more than 133 miles in one day, the Camino Double would be hard enough for me all on it's own. Now I'm seeing that mother nature plans (with 90% certainty) to rain down upon us all day, too. Riding one's first double in pouring rain is crazy and probably a bit stupid...luckily, we've got just a bit of both in us.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
2010 Year-End Summary
In 2010, I accomplished my major goal of completing the Planet Ultra King of the Mountains Series. Below is some of the data I compiled over the course of the year.
Total Cycling Stats:
124 rides
3,997 miles
259,200 ft. elevation gain (64.8 ft. per mile)
295:37 hours of ride time (13.5 mph average)
Cycling events completed:
Tour of Palm Springs: finished in 5:45
Mulholland Challenge: finished 10:37
Mt. Diablo Century: finished in 9:00 (including 12 mile detour)
Breathless Agony: finished in 8:15
Heartbreak Hundred: finished in 8:08
Santa Barbara Century: finished in 8:30
Total Cycling Stats:
124 rides
3,997 miles
259,200 ft. elevation gain (64.8 ft. per mile)
295:37 hours of ride time (13.5 mph average)
Cycling events completed:
Tour of Palm Springs: finished in 5:45
Mulholland Challenge: finished 10:37
Mt. Diablo Century: finished in 9:00 (including 12 mile detour)
Breathless Agony: finished in 8:15
Heartbreak Hundred: finished in 8:08
Santa Barbara Century: finished in 8:30
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
California Cycling Events: Part 2
A continued list of California Metrics, Century, Double Metrics, and Double Centuries from June to December 2011:
June
4th: Auburn Century (MC, C, DM) - Auburn, Northern California
4th*: Eastern Sierra Double (DC) Bishop, Central California (East)
Unknown: Ojai Valley Century (MC, C, DM) - Ojai, Southern California
Unknown: Sequoia Century (MC, C, DM) - Los Altos, Central California (West)
Unknown: LA River Ride (MC, C) - Los Angeles, Southern California
11th: Alta Alpina Challenge (MC, C, DM, DC) - Markleeville, Central California (East)
11th: Hayfork Century (MC, DM) - Hayfork, Northern California
11th: Sierra Century (MC, C) - Rocklin, Northern California
11th*: Palomar Challenge (MC) - Lake Henshaw, Southern California
11th: Bike Around the Bear (C) - Redlands, Southern California4th: Auburn Century (MC, C, DM) - Auburn, Northern California
4th*: Eastern Sierra Double (DC) Bishop, Central California (East)
Unknown: Ojai Valley Century (MC, C, DM) - Ojai, Southern California
Unknown: Sequoia Century (MC, C, DM) - Los Altos, Central California (West)
Unknown: LA River Ride (MC, C) - Los Angeles, Southern California
11th: Alta Alpina Challenge (MC, C, DM, DC) - Markleeville, Central California (East)
11th: Hayfork Century (MC, DM) - Hayfork, Northern California
11th: Sierra Century (MC, C) - Rocklin, Northern California
11th*: Palomar Challenge (MC) - Lake Henshaw, Southern California
11th*: Canyon Classic Century (MC, C) - Modesto, Central California
18th*: Col. Allensworth Century (MC, C) - Central California (East)
18th: Mile High Century (MC, C) - Lake Almanor, Northern California
18th: The Terrible Two (DC) - Sebastopol, Bay Area
18th*: Best of the Bay - Orinda, Bay Area
25th: L.A. Wheelman Grand Century (C, DM, DC) - Malibu, Southern California
25th*: Gene Cerise Country Coast Classic (C) - San Luis Obispo, Central California (West)
25th*: Breathe Easy Rides (MC, C) - Sonoma, Bay Area
25th*: Climb to Kaiser (MC, C, DM) - Fresno, Central California (East)
25th*: Giro de Peninsula (MC, C) - San Mateo, Bay Area
16th*: Windmill Century (MC, C) - Santa Maria, Central California (West)
16th*: Fall Mills Century (MC, C, DM) - Fall River Mills, Northern California
30th*: Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge (MC, C) - Scotts Valley, Central California (West)
August
6th*: Marin County Century and Mt. Tam Double (MC, C, DM, DC) - San Rafael, Bay Area7th: Shasta Summit Century (MC, C, DM) - Shasta, Northern California
14th*: Tour d'Organics (MC, C) - Sebastopol, Bay Area
20th*: Holstein Hundred (MC, C) - , Bay Area
20th: Cool Breeze Century (MC, C, MD) - Ventura, Southern California
21st*: Tour of Napa Valley (MC, C) - Yountville, Bay Area
September
10th*: White Mountain Double (DC) - Bishop, Central California (East)
10th*: Siskiyou Century (MC, C) - Yreka, Northern California
10th: Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle (MC, C) - San Simeon, Central California (West)
24th: Tahoe Sierra Century (MC, C) - Squaw Valley, Central California (East)
24th*: Knoxville Fall Classic Double (DC) - Knoxville, Northern California
24th: Lighthouse Century (MC, C) - Morro Bay, Central California (West)
Unknown*: Tour for Woodside - Woodside, Central California (West)
October
2nd*: Tour of Poway (MC, C) - Poway, Southern California
8th*: People Powered Ride (MC, C) - Santa Ynez, Central California (West)
8th*: Bass Lake Powerhouse Double Century (DC) - Clovis, Central California (East)
9th*: Riverbank Cheese & Wine Century (MC, C) - Riverbank, Northern California
15th*: Solvang Autumn Double (DC) - Solvang, Central California (West)
15th*: Foxy's Fall Century (MC, C) - Davis, Northern California
15th*: Salton Sea Century (MC, C) - Borrego Springs, Southern California
22nd*: Spooktacular (MC, C) - Bakersfield, Central California
22nd*: San Luis Obispo Gran Fondo - San Luis Obispo, Central California (West)
29th*: Santa Barbara Century (MC, C) - Santa Barbara, Southern California
29th: Death Valley Fall Double (C, DM, DC) - Furnace Creek, Central California (East)
November
12th: Tour de Foothills (MC, C) - Upland, Southern California12th: Solvang's Finest Century (MC, C) - Solvang, Central California (West)
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