Mulholland Challenge 2010 Results

We came, we saw, we conquered! It took 10:37 (9:15 on the bike) to finish, but Reuben and I both successfully completed Stage One of the King of the Mountains Series.

For me, the defining moments were: the sick paceline on PCH in the morning, going up Topanga and Old Topanga like they were anthills, the jarring misery that is Little Sycamore/Cotharin/Yerba Buena, feeling worn out...at the bottom of Decker, making it to the top of Decker and passing riders along the way, taking forever to reach the top of stunt while simultaneously realizing I was one "sticker" short, flying to the finish yelling "there's no such thing as pain," Reuben crossing the line on an entirely flat tire, finding out Mulholland was 13,500 feet of climbing this year.

Looking forward to Diablo later this month, followed by Breathless Agony and Heartbreak in May. Should be epic!

Preparing for Mulholland

Since my last post, I got over the bug I had and went for a mini-camp in the Bay Area with my buddy Reuben. I did Mt. Hamilton in San Jose in the first day, then met up with Reuben for Mt. Tam and Sonoma on days two and three. Totals for that weekend were 126mi/11,000ft elevation gain.

The next week I was on vacation, and though Johanna and I brought our bikes, we didn't do as much riding as I had hoped. Still, it was a great, active week of hiking and cycling, and a much-needed change of pace.

This last weekend, I previewed the Breathless Agony route by tackling Oak Glen and Part of Angelus Oaks. Day two was I cold, epic ride up Latigo/Mulholland/Stunt in the Santa Monica Mountains. Total mileage for the weekend was 77mi/9,000ft elevation gain.

Now I'm tapering into this weekend; just a couple more easy rides in Santa Barbara. Getting excited!