Main Rides in 2006

Solo Ride "My Humps" (50 Miles) - 01/08/06

280/92 - Canada - Portola - Alpine - Arastradero - Foothill to the top - back via Alameda de las Pulgas - Woodside Rd.
Time: 3:05:48
Mileage: 47.6 Miles
Speed : 15.37 mph
Wght : 157.5

Sunny weather, for the first time in a while. Had to drop Jeremie hence this reverse route.

Solo Ride "Prélude et Fugue en Ré Majeur BWV. 532" (60 Miles) - 01/16/06

Santa teresa/85 - through Morgan Hill - Monterey Rd. - through Gilroy - Day Rd. - Santa Teresa to Gavrilan College and back - Day Rd. - Watsonville Rd. - Uvas - Bailey - Santa Teresa.
Time: 3:58:28 (total approx.: 4:30 [8:35 - 13:05])
Mileage: 62.5 Miles
Speed: 15.7255 mph
Wght : 157.5

Good ride! Overcast and cold, with a few sunbreaks. Got another flat due to a thorn on Day Rd. (2nd time in this area). Fixed it in a driveway. The owner, who grows grapes, offered me a bottle of wine, which unfortunately I had to refuse, unable to carry it.

Solo Ride (70 Miles) - 01/22/06

Marsh - Bayfront - Dumbarton - Coyote Creek - Alameda Creek - Niles Canyon to Sunol : 1:57:35
Sunol-Pleasanton Blvd - through Pleasanton - Sunol Blvd - Bernal av. to Vineyard : 0:30:22
Back same way: 2:08:55
Time: 4:36:33
Mileage: 71.5 Miles
Speed: 15.5126 mph (16.7 in the 2nd half)
Wght: 156

Cold sunny weather. Yet another flat!!, in the first part of the ride, along Alameda Creek. Picked up the pace on the way back, particularly in Niles Canyon and Alameda Creek. Short steep climbs on Bernal. Left knee painful, even after the ride.

Solo Ride (70 Miles) - 02/04/06

Home - Whisman - Moffett Park - SV baylands - Tasman - Abel - through Milpitas - Jacklin/Evans - Piedmont - White - San Felipe - Yerba Buena - Silver Creek Valley - Cottle - Santa Teresa - Coleman - Camden - Blossom Hill - through Los Gatos - Hwy9 - through Saratoga - Sunnyvale Saratoga - Prospect - Mc Clellan - Foothill - Through Rancho San Antonio - Cool shortcut to St Joseph - Various short climbs in the Los Altos Hills.
Time: 4:29:18
Mileage: 70.3 Miles
Speed: 15.6628 mph
Wght: 155.5

Afternoon ride, started around 12:30. Clearing weather, but still chilly. White Rd. not a recommendable ride, too much trafic and dubious neighborhoods. Silver Creek Valley very nice, short steep climbs. Found good backroads with Mc Clellan, and a shortcut that links Rancho San Antonio to St Joseph.
On the next day (Sunday), did a hike with Madeleine: We started at the top of MonteBello Rd. around 3:00pm. Reached Black Mountain, then descent on Indian Trail. Headed back on Canyon Trail, hoping a trail to the left would lead back up (had noticed Whaterwheel Trail at the top that seemed to head down into the valley). But no trail appeared. Eventually we looked at a map that two Mountain Bikers were carrying. I not only realized that the trail I had spotted at the top didn't reach down here, but that we were still quite far from Stevens Canyon Rd, where we could possibly have hitched a ride. We turned back, worried about not making it to the car by nightfall. At some point, we cut across the hills, to climb back on top of the ridge. This proved more strenuous than expected, some segments were very steep, and we had to cross short spans of heavy woods. We finally reached Black Mountain safely, and from there on to the car. Madeleine was great throughout. We approached deers pretty closely, and saw a coyote from a distance. Beautiful sunny weather, although cold and very windy in places.

Solo Ride "Palomares" (80 Miles) - 02/11/06

East side of Dumbarton - Thornton - Paseo Padre - Isherwood - Niles Blvd - Niles Canyon: 0:44:11
Palomares: 0:43:07
Castro Valley Blvd - Crowe Canyon - through San Ramon: 0:55:58
Tassajara - to Pleasanton - Santa Rita: 0:41:36
Las Positas - Foothill - Sunol - Niles Canyon: 0:39:05
Palomares, again, to the top: 0:30:38
Back Down - Alameda Creek Trail - Paseo Padre - Thornton: 0:51:38
Time: 5:06:13
Mileage: 80.5 Miles
Speed: 15.7731 mph
Altitude Gain: 3620 ft.
Feet per Mile: 45 ft / mile
Wght : 154.5

Great ride (other than the fact that left knee is painful). Beautiful spring-like weather. Minor sunburns after the ride. Palomares is a beautiful road, with gentle climbing. Crowe Canyon has too much high speed trafic. Tassajara quieter and flat. Was following DMD signs for parts of the ride.

Solo Hike "Kalalau Trail", in Kauai (10 Miles) - 02/22/06

5 Miles out and back.
Time (approx.): 3:30:00

When through this at a crazy pace, nearly running in places, trying to get back in time to meet the family at the beach.
Due to the time constraint, couldn't make it nearly as far as last time (On my last trip to Kauai, I had turned back about 2 miles from the end), but once again, what a truly spectacular hike! Breathtaking views, and a unique sense of being out alone in nature (only dampened by the pesky sound of the helicopters touring the Napali Coast). Past the first campsite, there's virtually noone on the trail (only met 4 people). Luckily there is no dangerous wildlife, so it's quite safe. The only animals worth mentionning are wild goats.

Solo Ride (40 Miles) - 03/04/06

Home - Whisman - SV Baylands - Tasman - Abel - Milpitas - Dixon Landing - Coyote Creek Trl (Milpitas) - Zanker to Alviso - Back on Zanker to Montague - San Tomas - Central - Wolfe - Fremont
Time: 2:30:00
Mileage: 40.8 Miles
Speed: 16.32 mph
Wght: 154

Started late in the day, so late that came home at night, unfortunately with no lights. This explores an interesting connection to the East Bay, avoiding heavy traffic areas.

Solo Ride "Mill Creek" (80 Miles) - 03/18/06

Home - Whisman - Moffett Park - SV Baylands - through Alviso - Zanker - Milpitas Coyote Crk Trl - Dixon Landing : 1:03:28
Warm Springs Blvd - Mission - Detour to Mission Peak entrance and back (Stanford ave): 0:29:35
Mill Creek rd (climb) : 0:35:03
Back down - Mission - Niles Canyon - Sunol : 0:52:38
Calaveras - Detour to Sunol Ohlone Park and back : 0:41:29
Calaveras (climb) : 0:49:03
Down - Park Victoria - Jacklin - Abel - Tasman - Mathilda - Mary : 1:07:07
Time: 5:38:23 (total time: 6:11:11)
Mileage: 82.2 Miles
Speed: 14.5752 mph
Wght: 153

Finally good weather, after weeks of rain, although it's still pretty cold. Mill Creek is a great out and back climb (~ 4 miles), pretty irregular with a few steep sections. The road is rough and narrow, making the descent a bit tricky, but it's compensated by gorgeous views of the bay and Mt Diablo, and little to no traffic. First time on Calaveras this year, as usual very pretty. No trace left of the recent snow.

Solo Ride "Ballade n°4" (45 Miles) - 03/26/06

Home - Hollenbeck - Stelling - Prospect/Rolling Hills (climb) - Fremont Older - Sunnyvale Saratoga : 0:45:07
Pierce Rd (Climb) : 0:15:10 - (down to Hwy9: 0:01:08)
Hwy 9 (E. Climb) : 0:44:08 - (down W. side: 0:13:50)
Hwy 9 (partial W. Climb) : 0:38:38
Back home via Mt Eden / Stevens Cyn : 0:56:22
Time : 3:34:21 (Total Time: 3:42:43)
Mileage : 46.3 Miles
Speed: 12.9601 mph
Wght: 153

Lots of climbing today. Very tired after theater yesterday. Partly cloudy and cool. Chopin's 4th Ballade.

Solo Ride "Metcalf" (90 Miles) - 04/02/06

Blossom Hill/Snell - Silver Creek Valley - Yerba Buena : 0:31:59
San Felipe (climb) : 0:35:07
Down Metcalf - Monterey Rd. - Cochrane - Anderson Dam - Hill Rd. - Maple - Foothill - San Martin - New av. : 1:56:30
Roop (Climb, to Canada) : 0:31:53
Down - back same way (following Tierra Bella markings) - Cochrane - Monterey - Bailey : 1:43:23
Metcalf (climb, to motorcycle park) : 0:22:06
Metcalf continued - San Felipe - Silver Creek - Blossom Hill : 0:57:40
Time: 6:38:37 (total time: 7:00:01)
Mileage: 91.4 Miles
Speed: 13.7576 mph
Wght: 153

Cloudy and cool, but luckily, the storm (moving in from the North) held off until I was done with the ride. The climbs are beautiful, but transitioning from Metcalf to Roop is a little long. Metcalf definitely difficult (but short), very steep. A spectacular watershed near Anderson Dam, violent boiling water splashing very high.

Solo Ride (100 Miles) - 04/09/06

Home - Mary - Central - Lawrence - Tasman - Abel - Calaveras: 0:53:15
Calaveras (W. Climb): 0:21:11
Calaveras (E. Descent) - Sunol - Niles Canyon: 1:10:31
Palomares (S. Climb): 0:30:51
Palomares (N. Descent) - Palo Verde - Dublin Cyn - Turn back: 0:29:47
Palomares (N. Climb): 0:30:05
Palomares (S. Descent) - Niles Canyon - Calaveras: 0:48:45
Calaveras (E. Climb): 0:48:52
Calaveras (W. Descent) - Abel - Tasman - Mathilda - Mary: 1:05:11
Time: 6:38:28 (Total time: 7:12:27)
Mileage: 98.8 Miles
Speed: 14.877 mph
Elevation Gain: 5,860 ft.
Feet per Mile: 59.3117 ft / mile
Wght: 153

Cloudy and cool, like last week, but this time heavy rain in the last hour of the ride, luckily on the flat. Left knee is bad, but hey, that's life.
Last performance of "Popcorn" in the evening, for which I was of course a bit tired!

Solo Ride "Windmills" (110 Miles) - 04/16/06

Sunol - Sunol Pleasanton - Bernal - Vineyard - Livermore Streets - Tesla - Greenville: 1:18:07
Patterson Pass (W. Climb): 0:25:34
Patterson, descent to Midway: 0:11:54
Patterson - Mountain House to Byron - Back - Midway - Grant Line: 1:00:04
Altamont Pass (E. Climb): 0:31:19
Altamont, descent to Greenville: 0:14:55
Altamont (W. Climb) - Carrol: 0:14:21
N. Flynn (Climb) - S. Flynn, down to Patterson pass: 0:20:05
S. Flynn (Climb): 0:15:19
Carrol - E. Altamont - Midway - Patterson to Gas Station and back: 0:52:33
Patterson Pass (E. Climb): 0:41:01
Patterson Pass (W. Descent) - Tesla - Back same way: 1:44:08
Time: 7:49:21 (Total time: 8:20:49)
Mileage: 109.3 Miles
Speed: 13.9725 mph
Altitude Gain: 5,720 ft
Feet per Mile: 52.333 ft/mile
Wght: 152

Met a guy at the start training for a 1000K near Vancouver. He mentionned how UC riders up there train through the rain most of the year. I had this in my mind through part of the day!
Weather mostly cloudy. Went through Livermore Vineyards, then up Patterson Pass through the Windmills. Got lost on the Tracy side trying to connect to Grant Line Rd (there's no point in going further than Midway as I later found out). Weather looked ominous. On the E. Altamont climb, was hit by rain and a violent headwind, fortunately didn't last too long. W. Altamont not much of a climb, but interesting to go up Carrol and both sides of Flynn.
But the real climb of the day was E. Patterson. Don't know if the climb is really that difficult, or if I was just shot after over 80 miles and hadn't eaten enough, but it was a bit of a struggle. Spicing things up was a violent headwind (they must have put the windmills there for a reason), which carried on into Livermore Valley. It took me some time to recover, not before Vineyard did I really feel fine again (the wind abated somewhat there).
Left knee is still recovering, but also had some back pain during the ride (particularly on Altamont) which then subsided. It flared up in the following days, very much like after Eastern Sierra in '04. There too, I had to battle strong headwinds so maybe there's a pattern there, my position in the wind probably causes stress on my back.
For the first time this year, I spent the next day eating, eating...

Fremont Freewheelers: Primavera Century (+ added Mileage : 125 Miles) - 04/23/06

Union City - Fremont - Milpitas: 0:55:58
Calaveras (W. Climb): 0:18:35
Down Calaveras - Sunol - Pleasanton - Livermore: 1:57:32
W. Altamont - Carrol (climb): 0:12:51
N. Flynn (climb): 0:09:38
Down S. Flynn: 0:06:58
W. Patterson Pass (bonus climb): 0:21:12
Down E. Patterson: 0:09:22
E. Patterson Pass (bonus climb): 0:40:09
Down Patterson - Livermore - Pleasanton - Dublin Cyn - Palo Verde: 1:45:08
Palomares (N. Climb): 0:31:57
Down S. Palomares: 0:12:03
S. Palomares (bonus climb): 0:35:28
Back to Union City: 0:30:34
Time: 8:27:26 (Total Time: 9:31:31)
Mileage: 126.6
Speed: 14.9694 mph
Altitude gain: 8520 ft
Feet per Mile: 67.2986 ft / mile
Wght: 151.5

Cloudy and cool throughout, rare glimpses of sun, but at least no rain. I was firmly convinced that this would be a bright sunny day, but no, yet another day of gloomy weather. Luckily, in spite of my optimism, I had my knee warmers, which I actually wore all day. Philippe Denis was going to ride this too, but had to cancel at the last minute.
Lengthened the ride by adding Patterson Pass (both climbs) and an additional climb up Palomares. Jerome was right though, the ride is otherwise fairly uninteresting, I really wouldn't recommend it. Luckily, rode the first half with a woman that I met on the Calaveras descent, a biotech engineer who coaches for team in training, which made the long flat miles into Livermore bearable. But I had to say goodbye on Patterson when I strayed from the course.
Back very tentative, feeling good at first with proper positioning, then accumulating tension as the ride went on. Did well on Calaveras, easily dropping most riders. As last week, thought that E. Patterson is a difficult climb, with steep stretches and false endings (particularly the notorious "Oh My God!" summit), and a seemingly permanent strong headwind. Passed it much more confortably though.

Solo Ride (130 Miles) - 04/29/06

Canyon Rd. In Butano - Cloverdale - Gazos Creek - Hwy 1: 0:53:38
Swanton Rd. - Hwy 1 to Davenport: 0:40:23
Bonny Doon (climb, Hwy 1 to Smith Grade): 0:27:27
Bonny Doon - Pine Flat (climb, Smith Grade to Empire Grade): 0:28:51
Empire Grade - Down Jamison Creek - 236 - Boulder Creek: 0:45:06
Bear Creek Rd. (Climb): 0:56:39
Skyline - Down E. OLH - Portola Valley - down E. Alpine - Junipero Serra - Page Mill: 2:23:49
Page Mill (Climb, 280 to Skyline): 1:04:16
Skyline - Down W. 84 - Stage Rd. - Pescadero - Cloverdale - Butano/Canyon Rd.: 2:05:02
Time: 9:44:11 (Total time: 10:28:11)
Mileage: 130.4 Miles
Speed: 13.393 mph
Altitude Gain: 11,010 ft.
Feet per Mile: 84.4325 ft/mile
Wght: 152

Big Ride! -- Dropped Jeremie in Butano hence this unusual start.
Very foggy and wet along the coast. Early in the ride, crashed near Davenport on Hwy1: Was approaching some sideways railroad tracks, thought "better be careful" but barely slowed down or adjusted my course. The bike suddenly flipped and I hit the road on my left side. Some road rash, arm and hip, reminiscent of my Page Mill crash a few years ago, but not as serious. Ironically, there was a guy on the other side of the road cautioning Team in Training riders about the risk. He came to see if I was fine. Above the pain, feeling huge frustration and anger, hoping the ride wasn't shot at that point, in some way thinking this will be some real pain to worry about instead of usual stupid back/knee problems. Got back on the bike, which appeared fine.
Good climb up Bonny Doon/Pine Flat, still in the fog, noone in sight. Finally caught timid sun on Empire Grade, short lived. Stopped in Boulder Creek for water and BandAids. Decided for Bear Creek Rd, thinking it had a better chance of good weather than Big Basin, but the skies stayed cloudy. The climb was longer than I remembered. Feeling good on Skyline, passing a few riders, and finally coming out into full sun. But past Page Mill, plunged into some of the heaviest fog I've seen, barely any visibility, freezing humidity. Decided to leave Skyline at Old La Honda to dive into the sunnier valley. Stopped briefly for a Sandwich and a bottle of Diet Coke (which I carried in my back pocket till the end) in Portola Valley.
Page Mill definitely a defining climb for the day. With 90 Miles in my legs, and finally a warm sun, I struggled a bit in the steeper sections, but felt better and better past Gate 4. Then all a breeze, Skyline again, the thick fog, awesome descent down 84, to conclude feeling elated on Stage and its two minor climbs, completely deserted, where I saw turkey vultures and a small wild cat, reddish brown. Over the ocean, the late afternoon sun was casting grandiose beams through the remaining clouds.
Used Sustained Energy and E-Caps in addition to Energy Bars, Beef Jerky. May have eaten sandwich and Coke a little too quickly, not the best idea before Page Mill.
The mixed weather may have been a blessing in disguise, since I may not have been ready for such a ride in the heat.

Solo Ride (65 Miles) - 05/07/06

Home - Hesitation on Mary - Homestead - Foothill - Alpine - Portola: 1:17:22
E. Old La Honda: 0:27:15 (- Down W. Side)
W. Old La Honda: 0:17:26
Skyline - 84 - Tripp: 0:20:51
Kings Mountain: 0:36:55
Back via Sand Hill (??).
Estimated Time: 4:06:17 (Total time: 4:36:17)
Mileage: 64.7 miles (Klimb)
Speed: 15.67 mph
Altitude gain: 4920 ft
Feet per mile: 76.0433 ft / mile
Wght: 150

First full sunny weather ride this year, but not a very good ride.
Was trying to take it easy, but found myself tense and laborious up the climbs, in spite of a incredibly slow pace. Lost signal on my CycloComputer somewhere on OLH, got it back at the bottom of Kings. Also messed up with my stop watch so unsure what my actual saddle time was. Felt particularly lethargic up OLH, and even wondered if my rear wheel was improperly mounted and meeting resistance, so I later loosened up my rear brakes in the climbs. Found a better "effortless" pace up Kings, but still, I'm now worried that my training hasn't been sufficient for next week's double, not to mention that my lower back has worsened again. Disheartening.
Only good news I guess: I seem to have reached my performance weight with surprisingly little effort this year.

K-Man's Cyclery : Central Coast Double Century (210 Miles) - 05/13/06
California Triple Crown #1

Official Stats:
Total CCD Registered: 169 - Total CCD Riders Started: 143 - Total CCD Riders Finished: 126
Philippe Gluckman - 15h 44m

Start in Paso Robles... - York Mtn, Santa Rosa Creek... - Rest Stop 1 (mile 30.7): 2:13:23
Santa Rosa Crk descent - Cambria - Hwy 1 (Hearst Castle, Ragged Point...) - Rest Stop 2 (Mile 66.8): 2:05:27
Hwy1 (past Gorda) - Rest Stop 3 (Mile 87.2): 1:21:16
Nacimiento Ferguson (climb): 1:11:28
Through Fort Hunter Liggett Army Base - Lunch stop (Mile 113.3): 1:06:04
Jolon, San Lucas-Oasis, Lockwood-San Lucas - Rest Stop 5 (Mile 145.1): 2:21:49
Interlake, Nacimiento... Bradley - Rest Stop 6 (Mile 179.2): 2:22:24
Hare Cyn - Indian Valley - Back to Finish in Paso Robles (Mile 209.5): 2:12:31
Time: 14:54:26 (Total time: 15:59:59)
Mileage: 209.1 Miles (official: 209.5)
Speed: 14.0268 mph
Elevation gain: 13,200 ft.
Feet per mile: 63.0072 ft/mile
Wght: 150.5

Great weather, finally. A little fog near the ocean in the morning, otherwise clear. Felt strangely devoid of the usual overwhelming emotions, perhaps partly because I've done CCD before, also because I worried how I would do on insufficient training and back problems. Leisurely pace throughout, finished a full hour later than last time.
Warmed up very cautiously, intent on not pushing the pace, even in the first climbs. Plunged into the coastal fog along Santa Rosa Crk road. A guy along the road was shooting birds from his porch, I raised my hands in surrender. First stretch of Hwy1 in the fog, past Hearst Castle, Elephant Seals, etc. Then weather lifted, gorgeous conditions. Saw a snake eating a mouse. The mouse, trapped in the snake's mouth, was squeeking loudly, jumping around and making the whole snake bounce oddly, which at first looked like some weird springy contraption.
Nacimiento-Ferguson is a gorgeous long climb which shoots up inland from the ocean, mostly exposed to the sun, with amazing views of the Pacific. I knew what to expect and managed it well, in spite of insufficient climbing so far this year. Kept back pain in control. Caught up with Jeff Schweninger, who sounded depressed, repeating that he couldn't climb well, and would stop Doubles after this, as it requires too much training. (Lyresa, fresh from having completed Devil's Mountain, was well ahead of us). I dropped him, annoyed by his endless complaining. We would yo-yo like this throughout the day, him passing me on the flats, me dropping him on the climbs. Comfortably made it to lunch stop in the Army base, at mile 113.
The second part of the ride isn't as nice. A few long flat stretches, which as usual killed me, in spite of a pleasant tail wind. The temperature got hot (the ride organizer was predicting 100+), particularly on Lockwood, a deceptive climb made harder by the heat. Luckily a roving SAG vehicle was giving iced water to riders. Given how cold is has been so far this year, was a little worried how I would adapt to the heat, but it turned out ok. Later more long flat stretches interrupted by occasional short climbs (saw a big rattlesnake on the road), a nice longer easy climb coming out of Bradley, and finally about an hour of night riding to the finish, anxiously following the road markings.
As usual, rode mostly by myself, avoiding pacelines or too much company. Nutrition was almost exclusively Sustained Energy, which does work wonders (as advertised!). Difficult to it dose right though, at some point my water bottle was too saturated with it, making it hard to ingest. Small silly improvement: Carried a small towel in my back pocket to wipe my face, which helped minimize the "blinding sweat in the eyes" problem. Also carried a camera for the first time. Skipped the official post-ride pasta feed; instead, satisfied an atypical craving for an In-n-Out Burger!

Planet Ultra : Heartbreak Double Century, "Lyresa" (200 Miles) - 05/27/06
California Triple Crown #2
Gustav Mahler: Symphony n°2 "Resurrection"

Official Stats:
76 registered riders, 69 starters, 51 official finishers
Gluckman Philippe, Sunnyvale CA, 15:56
Pleskovitch Lyresa, E. Palo Alto CA, 15:56

Palmdale - Elisabeth Lake - Pine Canyon - Three Points (mile 30.1): 2:22:36
Pine Canyon - Old Ridge Route - 138 - Gorman - Lebec - Rest Stop 1 (mile 50.6): 1:47:03
Frazier Park - Mil Potrero - Apache Saddle, Rest Stop 2 (mile 71.1): 2:14:41
Mil Potrero descent - Hwy 33 - Ventucopa - Rest Stop 3 (mile 104.6): 1:52:19
Lockwood Valley - Heartbreak - Rest Stop 4 (Mile 126.7): 1:49:20
Lockwood Valley - Frazier Park - Lebec - Rest Stop 5 (mile 151): 1:40:15
Gorman - 138 - Ridge Route - Pine Canyon - Three points - Rest Stop 6 (Mile 171.4): 0:53:57 (+ 20'?)
Elizabeth Lake - Finish in Palmdale (Mile 201.6): 1:42:40
Time: 14:42:54 (Total time: 15:52:54)
Mileage: 201.7 Miles
Speed: 13.7071 mph
Elevation gain: 15,500 ft
Feet per Miles: 76.85 ft/mile
Wght: 148.5

Very tough ride! Another adventurous epic day with Planet Ultra!!
Spent most of the ride with Lyresa.
Disastrous weather, wind advisory, forecast says 25-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Very cold temperatures (lower 40s) in these high elevations (4000' - 6000' ft.). Many riders hesitant to ride, Lyresa is one of them. But the strange part of me actually wants to go out there and get hurt. Most riders not equipped for this weather, clinging to the notion that a ride in the Mojave desert would be very hot.
According to one of the ride reports: "Ride start saw 25 mph headwinds and a wind chill factor of 16 degrees. A few people (whom I guess don't have Internet at home) showed up in shorts and sleeveless jerseys. Needless to say, they let the winds blow them back to ride start, after a few miles."
First 50 miles hell. Extreme headwinds. Did most of the work, pulling Lyresa (and a few other riders) out of Palmdale. We see bisons on the side of the road, running in a field. Overcast and freezing. Lyresa looking to bail, not having fun. I'm actually feeling pretty good on some of the first climbs, get a bit too exhuberant perhaps (will I ever learn?), dropping people in the first significant climb. I keep Lyresa in my wheel through the storm, breaking the wind for her, all the way to Lebec, at mile 50 (The short section along I-5 particularly hard). No gloves, can't feel my fingers, barely enough strength to shift my gears or squirt water bottle. Fueling on Sustained Energy. At Lebec time to regroup. I've convinced Lyresa that we're headed towards the sun. I'm worried though about even colder temperatures higher up, can't find gloves unfortunately. Lyresa will continue, but waits for Jeff a little. I head up Frazier Mountain Park alone.
But I'm paying this morning's effort. Or maybe not enough to eat. My legs are painful and exhausted, people start passing me. The climb isn't particularly difficult, but it's looong, and I have seemingly nothing left. At roughly 60 Miles, it's really early to bonk like this, I must pray for a second wind later on. A few miles later, as we head into the woods (can see light snow in the mountains a little above us), Lyresa passes me (no sign of Jeff). As I see her ride off into the distance, I worry that's the last I'll see of her today, but I find her again at Apache Saddle. She heads into the descent ahead of me.
This is one of the most amazing descents on earth. For miles it follows a ridge with breathtaking views of the high Mojave desert on both sides of the road. It's also a good time to recover, and hope for a second wind. Make it to lunch, where I find Lyresa, I barely stop, and we head back together in beautiful Lockwood valley. I finally drop jacket, knee and arm warmers. It's sunny by now, although still quite cool.
Eventually, we hit the Heartbreak climb. I'm feeling better now, and start flying up past a few people (dropping Lyresa), to the rest stop. But Lyresa then decides to take off, and there's nothing I can do to follow. Again wondering if I'll see her again. Even though she's not having a great day, she's simply amazing (this is her 3rd double in little over a month, one of which was Devil Mountain)!
It gets cold and windy again, I unfortunately neglect to put back knee warmers, and hurt my right knee a bit. While crossing one of the small streams on the road, I get splashed by a car coming the other way, completely soaked. Make it back to Lebec, where I find Lyresa, we head out together for the final stretch of the ride.
Around Mile 160, I feel fantastic!! The evening sun is painting the wild landscape in gold, lifting my spirits up. Suddenly Mahler's 2nd Symphony imposes itself in my mind, obsessive as emotions come rushing in, and ends up being the defining music of the day. Lyresa and I pick up some speed (and some tail winds). I'm flying up the small climbs that pepper this last part of the ride. I remember now why this is my favorite terrain. I'm feeling exhuberant again. Lyresa and I are still together as night settles in. She has powerful lights. When she's behind me, I can see my shadow huge and grotesquely deformed dancing on the road. We're flying down to Palmdale, in the night. Finally back to the finish. Lyresa thanks me for pulling her through the wind this morning. She says she wouldn't have completed the ride without me. I thank her for waiting at the stops.
She gives me a hug and we part.

Ride with Philippe Denis, "Mt. Diablo/Morgan Territory" (80 Miles) - 06/03/06

Bollinger Cyn / 680 - DMD route to Mt Diablo: 0:32:44
Mt Diablo, Blackhawk to Junction: 0:43:09
Mt Diablo, Junction to Summit: 0:36:55
(Mt Diablo Total Climb: 1:20:04)
Mt Diablo, descent into Walnut Creek - more DMD route - Marsh Crk Rd: 1:18:40
Morgan Territory, Marsh Creek to Preserve: 0:55:42
Morgan Territory, Descent into Livermore - N. Livermore... - Stanley... - Foothill - Back to Bollinger Cyn: 1:19:49
Time: 5:26:59 (Total Time: 6:40:18)
Mileage: 82.2 Miles
Speed: 15.0834 mph
Altitude Gain: 6,540 ft (nearly all of it in the first 53 miles)
Feet Per Mile: 79.6 ft/mile ( 123.4 ft/mile in the first 53 miles)
Wght: 148

Woke up with immense enthusiasm, thinking this would be the day, but in the end, what a counter-performance: felt very tired, lethargic even, on the bike. Probably a consequence of the recent doubles and increased pressure at work.
A fantastic sunny day. Mt Diablo a great climb. Started a bit too fast, adjusted along the way, but made it to the top much more tired than I would expect. Fun descent into Walnut Creek.
Morgan Territory is a wonderful road, very remote, which climbs gently in the woods, with some steep sections and false summits. I couldn't keep up with Philippe Denis' pace, it actually felt better once I was alone and could settle into my own rhythm. Even so, I felt abnormally tired. Back in the valley, we had to ask our way back through Livermore/Pleasanton streets.
This is a bad sign two weeks before the Terrible 2. Strategy: No more long rides, rest, rest, more rest, work on short very steep climbs, if possible in the heat.
I do worry though that my training is insufficient, it will be hard to finish within the time limit, if at all. I have not been able to recapture my pace from previous years.
Back and left knee a bit painful, but overall somewhat better.

Short Training Rides, "Batucada Brasileira" - 05/18/06 -- 06/08/06

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Thursday, May 18, 2006 --
Home - Foothill - Moody: 0:22:56 ---- Altamont (climb): 0:06:34 ---- Altamont - Natoma - Elena - Purissima: 0:14:23 ---- Viscaino (W. climb): 0:02:38 (descent: 0:03:54) ---- Viscaino (E. climb): 0:04:15 (descent: 0:01:56) ---- Ascencion/Anacapa (climb): 0:05:47 ---- Concepcion - Purissima - Foothill: 0:27:26
Time: 1:29:49
Mileage: 21.22 Miles
Official start of Terrible 2 specific training: Short, but incredibly Steep! Viscaino/Ascencion/Anacapa is a killer combo! Back pain generally under control, but feeling short of breath. Used the 28'.
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Saturday, May 20, 2006 --
Fremont - St Joseph - through Rancho San Antonio - Stevens Cyn: 0:41:16 ---- Montebello (to School): 0:19:47 ---- Montebello (School to Swiss creek): 0:05:27 ---- Montebello (Swiss Creek to Top): 0:20:14 ---- Back: 0:33:41
Time: 2:00:26
Mileage: 26 Miles
Good ride, actually. Feeling surprisingly good after a very bad night of worries. Cloudy weather, but was soon above the fog, always a wonderful feeling. For the first time this year, felt in my natural climbing shape, feeling easy and comfortable throughout the whole climb. Is my training finally coming together? Lower back however is still painful.
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Wed May 31 2006 --
Los Altos Hills Climbs: W. Loyola - Mora (3 repeats).
Time: 1:00:16
Mileage: 13.4 Miles
Back's still pretty bad, but felt enthusiastic today. Pushed the pace some. The Mora "wall" is a good training ground.
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Tue Jun 6 2006 --
Los Altos Hills Climbs: Arboretum, W. Loyola (warmup) - Mora (5 repeats).
Time: 1:29:33
Mileage: 17.8 Miles
Feeling really good, actually. 24' on Loyola, 28' on Mora (steep section). In a happy talkative mood (luckily noone there to hear me talking to myself). Completely effortless, sprinted on the last Mora. A deer on Mora didn't want to get off the road, I had to yell it off!
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Thu Jun 8 2006 --
Alpine/280 - to Portola: 0:17:50 ---- Alpine - to top (warmup): 0:21:00 ---- Joaquin (climb): 0:04:28 ---- descent: 0:10:01 ---- Los Trancos/Ramona/Vista Verde: 0:19:53 ---- down via Alpine and back: 0:24:28
Time: 1:37:40
Mileage: 19.7 Miles
Los Trancos/Ramona/Vista Verde is the perfect steep workout, close to home. It rivals in sustained intensity the more notorious steep climbs, Jamison Creek or Alba in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mefcalf, Quimby or Hicks/Loma Almaden in the South/East bay. Essentially, it's a 20 minute effort at nearly constant 15/20% gradients, sort of a mini previsualization of the Geysers or Skaggs Springs at the Terrible 2. Joaquin is equally brutal but very short. Managed it elegantly (on the 28'), so quite happy about that. Wished I had time to repeat the climb. Will do so this weekend.
----------------------------------------------------------------

I've included these shorter rides here, as they represent Terrible 2 specific training: Short, but Awfully Steep!!!
I am completely obsessed these days with Brazilian percussions ("Batucada"). The rabid rhythmic energy suits these short rides perfectly. Have this persistent vision of climbing to the exhilarating sound of the Cuica.

Solo Ride (40 Miles) - 06/10/06

Home - Foothill - Fremont rd. - Concepcion: 0:29:46
Viscaino (E. Climb): 0:04:02 - (descent 0:02:38)
Ascencion/Anacapa (Climb): 0:04:18 [note bottom connects to St Francis/Fremont]
Descent - Purissima - Arastradero - Alpine: 0:19:31
Golden Oak (E. Climb): 0:07:22
Descent - Alpine - Los Trancos: 0:13:21
Los Trancos/Ramona/Vista Verde (Climb): 0:21:10 - (descent: 0:06:37)
Joaquin (Climb): 0:04:35
Descent - Alpine: 0:12:46
Golden Oak (W. Climb): 0:07:31
Descent - Arastradero - Purissima: 0:09:43
Viscaino (W. Climb): 0:02:47 - (descent: 0:03:36)
Ascencion/Anacapa (Climb): 0:04:06 - (descent: 0:01:58)
Viscaino (E. Climb): 0:03:59
Descent - Purissima: 0:03:37
La Baranca (Climb): 0:02:29
Elena - Robleda - Foothill - Back: 0:28:32
Time: 3:14:25 (total 3:27:17)
Mileage: 41.6 Miles
Speed: 12.8384 mph
Wght: 150

Last short tune-up ride before the Terrible Two - A collection of the steepest short climbs I could think of in the MidPeninsula, including most of the PA Bicycles "Ring of Fire" route (in both directions) + additional Los Altos Climbs. Passed all steep sections with relative comfort on the '28. Good arm pulling, which surprisingly helps keep effort level down.
Afternoon ride, hoping to catch hot weather, but a surprising cool wind kept temperatures down. After such cold temperatures this year (no opportunity to train in the heat), I bet Mother Nature will throw a heatwave at us next week, which on Skaggs Springs could mean temps in the 120's (like in 2003)!
This is a great workout, but is it too little too late? Little I can do now anyway (but pray!), the last week needs to be all rest.
Very nervous before the Terrible Two, mixture of excitement and anxiety. Have been looking at pictures of Skaggs Springs, reading rider diaries of the event (including my own). Anticipation is strong, not sleeping well.
One week to go...

Santa Rosa Cycling Club : The Terrible Two, "Skaggs Springs" (200 Miles) - 06/17/06
California Triple Crown #3

Official Stats:
283 official starters (283 bikes, 286 riders...3 tandems**)
181 official finishers
156 (55%) by 10:00 pm "I Did It!" cut-off
138 Philippe Gluckman 40 Sunnyvale 16:13

Analy HS in Sebastopol - through Santa Rosa - Bennett Valley... - Trinity Grade - Oakville Grade: 2:15:25
Descent into Napa valley - Silverado Trail - Rest Stop 1 in Calistoga (mile 55): 1:00:04
Various Roads - The Geysers - Rest Stop 2 at the summit (mile 86): 2:31:41
Descent - Various Roads - Lunch Stop at Lake Sonoma (mile 111): 1:31:04
Skaggs Springs - Water Stop at 1st Summit: 1:14:10
Skaggs Springs - Water Stop at 2nd Summit: 0:42:46
Skaggs Springs - Rest Stop 4 at Camp Gualala (mile 139): 0:38:56
Skaggs Springs - Rancheria Climb - Descent to Stewart Point (ocean) - Hwy1 - Rest Stop 5 at Fort Ross (mile 163): 1:54:03
Fort Ross - Various Roads - Rest Stop 6 in Monte Rio (mile 184): 1:49:54
Back to the finish in Sebastopol (mile 200.4): 1:01:16
Time: 14:39:23 (Total time: 15:54:59)
Mileage: 202.2 Miles (official: 200.4)
Speed: 13.796 mph
Altitude Gain: 16,000 ft
Feet per Mile: 79.8403 ft/mile
Wght: 150

My prediction from last week has come true. After all this cold weather, nature decides to throw a heatwave at us. Today I'll experience the legendary heat of the Terrible Two, without having been given a chance to prepare for it.
This is almost the opposite of my previous TT in 2004: I have a glorious first half, but completely collapse in the second.

The early morning start leads to an enthusiastic brisk pace. The pace car, which is supposed to lead us calmly through Santa Rosa, is actually going pretty fast. Once the town is cleared, things start in earnest.
First climb of the day: Trinity/Oakville Grade. I'm feeling good, easily passing riders (and never getting passed). This is a good steep climb, but nothing compared to what's ahead. Plus, we're still fresh. Awesome descent into Napa Valley, but we pass a group of riders on the side of the road, and later ambulances, scary! (As I learned later, Jennie Philipps - an incredible rider whom I met at Knoxville in 2002 - and her tandem partner crashed badly in the descent. Luckily no fatal injuries, but both are out.)
I'm feeling so good that I uncharacteristically push the pace on the flat, joining a brisk paceline, taking frequent turns at the front. We make it to Calistoga (mile 55) in about 3 hours, feeling great. I'm starting to believe this could be my day, so I rush through the rest stop, impatient to get to the Geysers, which to me will be the real test.
The Geysers is where I struggled most last time. I'm convinced that if I pass it well, everything will be great from there on. And yes, I really have it together today, I'm again passing a steady stream of riders over this long climb. In spite of how steep it is, I'm not even using my lower gear. I make it to the first summit, get the scary full view of the second summit (where I nearly quit last time), and here we go again. It's extremely steep here, but I'm still going great, and the heat doesn't seem to have much effect on me. Feeling invulnerable, I reach the top. In my mind, this will be one of my best rides ever.
Follows a long descent and a flat section to the lunch stop at Lake Sonoma. I'm so determined to make a statement that I decide to barely stop at all, just enough time to refill my bottles. I've been fueling on Sustained Energy alone, and so far it's worked great. I know last time I had felt good on Skaggs Springs and the following climbs, so I feel overly confident.

But as they say, "after lunch is when the Terrible Two gets truly terrible. The first half of the TT climbs 7500' in 110 miles. The second half climbs nearly 9000' in 90 miles, 5000' of it in the first 30 miles after lunch. It often takes riders up to three hours longer to complete the second century...if they finish it at all."
Immediately after lunch, Skaggs Springs Rd starts with about 15 miles of relentless ridiculously steep climbs, entirely exposed to the sun. After passing a few of these "walls", I begin to realize how much I've underestimated this notorious challenge. The heat is now becoming unbearable, some riders are reporting 108-113 temperatures, and no shade whatsoever. These killer climbs, at 15-20%+ gradients, come one after the other, interrupted by brief descents. I'm now definitely on my smallest gear, and even that feels too hard. My enthusiasm has completely vanished. A few riders have stopped near a Sag car, I join them, but I'm so exhausted that I fail to unlock my cleat and fall awkwardly to the side. I'm hoping this short stop will help me regroup. But when I restart, my renewed energy is short lived. More of this absurd climbing, more sun, more heat. Why am I doing this again? What the hell am I trying to prove?
Somehow I make it to the 1st Skaggs water stop. The Santa Rosa Cycling Club has come out in force, and the support is awesome. I take not one, but five cold wet towels, to try to cool down some, eat two ice creams, two V8s. I use up all the time I've saved at lunch, and more.
But it's far from over. The volunteers promise the next climb will be shaded, but that unfortunately proves untrue. It's not getting any easier. The rare trees are sheltering riders who are trying to recover. Many will get sagged back. A spectacular bridge leads to yet another big climb. Does this ever stop? This feels so different than what I remember from two years ago. Eventually, I also grind to a halt, in the shade of a small tree. A few other riders stop here too, then restart, but I can just watch them go, unable to bring myself to get back on the bike. Does it end here? I'm joined by a rider in Devil's Mountain Jersey. He's equally wasted. We try to talk, but our voices are strangely subdued. He asks me where the top is, but I can't remember. Comes a couple, both wearing Paris-Brest-Paris Jerseys. They encourage us, "come on, you can do this, you're not that far from the top". This breathes some life back into us, so off we go. I'm hoping this lengthy stop will help, but I'm afraid I won't be able to keep this on much longer if I don't hit a descent and some shade soon. A Sag driver confirms: "After the next switchback, you'll hit the second water stop at the top". Aaaaaaah! A shorter stop, and onto the descent, finally.
From here, it's mostly downhill to Camp Gualala. Time to see if I can recover, and recharge before the next big climbs. At least those won't be in the sun. I reach the rest stop feeling a little better, but anxious to know if I can still climb at all. The next test is the Rancheria climb, which isn't long (1.7 miles), but considered the steepest of the day. I did very well here in 2004, so I have some hope I might resurrect. At least the road now winds in the woods, entirely shaded. I get off the saddle, feel things out, yes I'm able to pass. Remember pulling on those arms in training, do it now! Amazingly, I'm the only one on the bike in this section, everyone else is walking up the hill!! Can I keep up the effort? Finally I see the road sign at the top, and put one last hard effort. This is encouraging. Skaggs Springs Road is now a long descent to the ocean. Temperatures are finally getting cooler. We reach the coast at Stewarts Point, greeted by a blessed cool tailwind which carries us gently along Hwy1 to Fort Ross. The ocean is particularly majestic today, very clear. The grandiose sight of the pounding surf, the water rich with saturated colors, bring tears to my eyes.

I've lost so much time on Skaggs Springs that I worry I won't be able to make the Terrible Two cutoff at 10:00 pm (for Triple Crown Credit, there's an extra hour to complete the ride). So back to my normal self, don't waste any time at the rest stop! I quickly get into the Fort Ross climb, which I had mostly enjoyed last time. It starts in deep woods, generally very steep. When it finally emerges into the open, we're greeted by a series of seemingly vertical short walls. Will this ever stop? Finally make it to the top, but it's another double summit, so there's got to be more climbing ahead. This turns out to be harder than I remembered, but I finally clear it. There, the hard climbing is all behind me.
But I now need to race to make the cut-off. Follows a mad dash to the finish! I normally don't do well on the flat, but this is the time to reverse that. Because I have so little power on the flat, my only choice is to spin like a lunatic. I go into an insane cadence, tremendously accelerate my breathing, making it very loud to stay on rhythm, and for the next hour and a half, stick to this frenetic pace, without letting the intensity down. I scream after myself a few times to keep this going, racing to beat the clock. My back will probably explode in the days after the ride, but I don't care. And yes, there are still a few smaller easier climbs in this last section, but keep this crazy rhythm going no matter what!
Over the last few miles, as night is setting in, I join a group of riders, equally determined to make it in time. One of them knows the area, so at least I don't have to worry about missing a turn in the night. Finally, ahead of us, a volunteer with a flashlight ushers us to the finish. We're greeted by applause and encouragement. We've beat the cut-off by about 20 minutes. My 2nd Terrible Two, 13th Double Century, 4th Triple Crown come to an end. I cry, while I'm handed the stupid "I did it" T-Shirt.

Later, I can't sleep at all. My heart is still racing, whenever I close my eyes I see a road rising vertically in front of me, and still no shade. After a few hours of pointlessly squirming in my bed, I leave the motel and drive home, in the middle of the night.

Solo Ride (50 Miles) - 06/24/06

Home - Foothill - Alpine - Portola - Woodside - Tripp: 1:10:12
Kings Mountain: 0:33:55
Skyline - down OLH - Portola - Alpine - Arastradero - Purissima - Foothill - home: 1:33:49
Time: 3:17:57
Mileage: 50.1 Miles
Speed: 15.1857 mph
Wght: 149.5

Easy ride. But strong burning pain in lower back on the climb. Argh.

Two Hikes - 07/03/06, 07/08/06

Monday, July 03, 2006 -- Climb from Angora Lake to the Top (in Tahoe)
Time (approx.): 2:40:00
Estimated Mileage: 8.9 Miles

With Charles Muzard. Left everyone else at Angora lake and climbed to the top. Not a trail. Steep slippery sections on the way up, and some easy boulder climbing. Then crossed snow patches, in spite of insufficient equipment, but picked my spots, and snow quality good. Eventually went through a larger snow field, before climbing again to the top. Great views in all directions.

Saturday, July 08, 2006 --
Rancho San Antonio Mora entrance to top of Black Mountain: 2:11:45
Back down: 1:50:19
Time: 4:02:04
Approximate Mileage: 16 Miles
Wght: 152

Good hike. Was supposed to be back by 11:00, but got carried away and an hour late. Partial running in the uphill sections, particularly near the top. Gorgeous hot sunny weather. First time back on this trail since witnessing the death of a hiker 2 years ago. Recognized the spot, but to my surprise there is no commemorative sign.

Solo Ride, "Twin Peaks" (100 Miles) - 07/16/06

Home - Foothill - Alameda - Jefferson - Emerald Hills Streets up to the Cross - to Canada: 1:15:56
Canada - 92 - Skyline N. - Trousdale - Burlingame streets - Skyline - San Andreas Trail to San Bruno: 1:07:15
Skyline - Daly City Streets - Skyline - Great Highway - San Francisco Streets - to Twin Peaks: 1:02:11
Down - San Francisco Streets - Daly City Streets - Skyline - San Andreas trail - Detour down to the Valley and back up in Millbrae/Burlingame - Skyline - Canada to Woodside: 2:39:09
Whiskey Hill - Sand Hill - Foothill - Home: 0:54:52
Time: 7:00:11 (Total Time: 7:39:53)
Mileage: 103 Miles
Speed: 14.7079 mph
Wght: 152

A lot of detours trying to find my way through city streets (didn't have a map), hitting some good short climbs along the way. Still haven't figured out a good route through Daly City. Hot on the way back, a bit tired in the last part of the ride, insufficiently prepared, particularly nutrition (lack of salty foods). Back surprisingly good for most of the ride (after sharp stinging pains at rest), but burning pain again on the way back. Heavy fog in Daly City and on SF Beaches, otherwise clear. Great view from Twin Peaks.
Mario Kart music stuck in my head! Been playing too much video games with Madeleine...

Solo Ride (135 Miles) - 07/23/06

Home - Foothill - Sand Hill - Woodside: 1:01:47
Kings Mtn: 0:35:22
Skyline N. - 92 W. - Half Moon Bay - Main street: 0:36:55
Higgins Canyon - Purissima Creek: 1:01:42
Verde - Lobitos Creek: 0:36:14
Down Tunitas - Hwy 1 - Stage Rd. To Pescadero: 0:21:20
Cloverdale - Gazos Creek - Hwy 1 to Davenport: 1:15:56
Bonny Doon (to Smith Grade): 0:26:49
Bonny Doon - Pine Flat - Martin - Ice Cream Grade - Empire Grade - down Jamison Creek - 236 - China Grade: 1:37:50
China Grade (climb): 0:18:11
236 - Hwy 9 to Saratoga Gap: 1:05:50
Down hwy 9 - Redwood Gulch - Stevens Canyon - etc. To Home: 0:40:47
Time: 9:38:44 (total 10:39:39)
Mileage: 133.6 Miles -- (137.1 miles according to Klimb)
Speed: 13.8509 mph
Altitude Gain: 11,440 ft.
Feet per Mile: 85.63 ft/mile
Wght: 150

Very hot weather, heat wave. Temperature peaked at 109.6 in the Boulder Creek area.
I start early which is great, but it's already hot enough that I see a couple sleeping half naked in an open tent on top of Skyline, where it's normally pretty cold. Feels significantly cooler as soon as I cross over to the ocean side on 92, and temperatures on the coast are actually quite pleasant. Those small coastal climbs along Hwy1 are particularly enjoyable, feeling very remote. Great ride all the way to Davenport.
But climbing up Bonny Doon, and later in the Santa Cruz Mtns is where the heat becomes extreme. Near Pescadero, I've bought a bottle of Coke, which I keep in my back pocket, and fill with water at every occasion, in addition to my usual bottles, so I'm able to stay hydrated on these secluded roads. There is noone in sight for miles, so self sufficiency is key, especially in this weather. The heat does get to me on Bonny Doon (which is a notoriously hot climb to begin with), and really affects me on Martin/Empire Grade (for some reason, Empire Grade is a road where I tend to struggle). Small things matter: My recent habit of carrying a towel in my back pocket really helps wipe sweat off my face, so at least sweat getting into my eyes doesn't blind me as in the past.
I debate descending to hwy 9 (and civilization) at Alba, but finally reach Jamison Creek as initially planned. On that steep descent, I feel incredible bursts of hot burning air, which feels much like opening an oven. I'm near Boulder Creek, where as mentionned earlier, temperatures are close to 110 around that time. I take a good break at the fire station at the bottom, refill my bottles and soak the wet towel on my head, like at the Terrible Two. I've been fueling exclusively on Sustained Energy, with a large number of E-Caps, which help tremendously in this heat. No sugary foods!
The rest of the way back up is difficult. First China Grade, a short but very steep climb through Big Basin in which I leave a lot of energy. After that, I snail my way up 236 and 9, not able to push much gearing or spin. I feel really wasted, but with patience make it to Saratoga Gap, very disappointed not to find the drink stand at the top. Finally, from there it's all downhill back home. Tough ride!

Solo Ride (55 Miles) - 07/26/06

--------
Morning:
Home - Foothill - Arastradero - Down Alpine - Westridge - Portola Valley - Mtn Home - Canada - Godetia - Jefferson - Lake Way - Vista Drive - Jefferson - Canyon - Harding - Alameda - Brewster - Broadway - Marshall - Maple - PDI
Time: 1:54:23 (total time: 2:01:03)
Mileage: 28.7 Miles
Speed: 15.0546 mph
--------
Evening:
PDI - Maple - Marshall - Broadway - Hopkins - Oak Knoll - Hillside - Summit - Lakeview - Sylvan - Glenloch - Hillcrest - California to the Cross: 0:41:46
Down Jefferson - Canada - Back home via Sand Hill: 0:59:34
Time: 1:41:19 (total time: 1:52:18)
Mileage: 26.9 Miles
Speed: 15.9303 mph
--------
Overall:
Time: 3:35:42
Mileage: 55.6 Miles
Speed: 15.4659 mph
Wght: 152

This is one of many commutes to Pdi. I've now found a route that I like (using Brewster/Broadway instead of Jefferson through RWC) so I'm inclined to commute more often. Also, when in a hurry, staying on Alameda instead of going through Woodside keeps the commute down to little more than an hour.
I've been exploring the maze of roads in the RWC hills, finding on this particular ride a really exciting route up to the Cross.

Solo Ride, "Montebello Repeats" (50 Miles) - 07/29/06

Home - Fremont - to Magdalena and back - St Joseph - through Rancho San Antonio - Stevens Canyon: 0:46:33
Montebello repeats:
School: 0:19:18 - Swiss Creek Lane: 0:05:33 - Top: 0:20:05 [Total: 0:44:56] -
Descent: 0:16:26
School: 0:19:48 - Swiss Creek Lane: 0:05:37 - Top: 0:19:59 [Total: 0:45:24] -
Descent: 0:18:01
School: 0:19:41 - Swiss Creek Lane: 0:05:46 - Top: 0:20:35 [Total: 0:46:02]
Descent, and back home: 0:34:34
Mileage: 49.6 Miles
Time: 4:11:55 (total time: 4:14:55)
Speed: 11.8134 mph
Wght: 152

Good ride, well within my limits.

Marin Cyclists: Mt Tam Double Century (200 Miles) - 08/05/06
California Triple Crown #4

Official Stats:
Time : 14:24 (start 5:00, finish 19:24)
38th out of 233 riders (45 DNFs)

Vallecito School - ... Lucas Valley Rd ... - Sir Francis Drake ... - Pine Mtn Rest Stop (Mile 24.5): 1:39:12
Bolinax Fairfax - Alpine Dam - West Ridgecrest - East Ridgecrest - Mt Tam East Peak Checkpoint (Mile 37.9): 1:08:16
Ridgecrest Descent - ... Panoramic Hwy - Muir Woods - Santos Meadows Rest Stop (Mile 50.2): 0:37:40
Muir Woods - Hwy 1 - ... Pt Reyes / Petaluma Rd. ... - Lincoln School Rest Stop (Mile 84.6): 2:06:10
Marshall Petaluma Rd. - Hwy 1 - ... Franklin School/Valley Ford ... - Valley Ford Rest Stop #1 (Mile 114): 1:58:12
Hwy 1 - Through Bodega Bay - Coleman Valley Road - Check Point at the Top: 1:26:03
Coleman Valley - Joy Rd. ... - Valley Ford Rest Stop #2 (Mile 142.9): 0:49:59
Middle Rd. ... - Chileno Valley ... - Petaluma Rest Stop (Mile 170.1): 1:43:31
Pt Reyes / Petaluma Rd - Nicasio Valley - Nicasio Rest Stop (Mile 187.2): 1:10:40
Lucas Valley Rd ... - Finish at Vallecito School (Mile 199.3): 0:47:19
Time: 13:27:05 (total: 14:24:11)
Mileage: 199.3 Miles
Speed: 14.8163 mph
Altitude Gain: 15,000 ft.
Feet per mile: 75.2634 ft/mile
Wght: 152

Excellent ride. Perfect weather throughout, clear but not too hot. This ride is challenging but considerably more mellow than the Terrible Two, which in this great weather made it particularly pleasant. Good pace, at a very manageable effort.
Slept in freaky Budget Inn, filthy and decrepit, stab-in-the-shower scary. Run by an old inarticulate man with glassy eyes, who doesn't quite respond when talked to. I decide to keep everything in the car when going out for dinner...
Early start at 5:00 in darkness. Very easy first 25 Miles, careful to warm up slowly, let other riders charge ahead. It will be a long day. I come into my own as climbing starts, right around sunrise.
Climbing Mt Tam is fantastic!!
It's an easy mellow climb, with great varied landscapes. I feel very good and pass riders on the uphill, eventually doing the ascent along a San Diego dude with an awkward style (who I'll see on and off throughout the day). The sky is miraculously clear, no fog at all (but strong gusty winds), and the views of the ocean from this altitude are tremendous. What a glorious start to the day!
Then we head down through Muir Woods to the Ocean, still clear, but not too hot. The descents are dangerous, full of potholes, causing a couple crashes, most notably a woman with a bloody face, who will be taken to the nearest rest stop by guys in a pickup truck. This serves as a healthy warning for the numerous bad descents throughout the ride.
Terrain gets flatter as we approach Lunch. Strike a few conversations here and there, briefly join pacelines. Riders are commenting on how brutal the Terrible Two was this year. Eventually hook up with a FC 508 guy who wants to convince me that Furnace Creek should be my next thing. "You've done the Terrible Two, you can do Furnace Creek. After 200 Miles, you really don't feel that much worse..." I dream at this. But I take off on a short climb, spreading the group apart, and resume my solitary riding.
On a remote road, I'm surprised to see three police cars, a few cops surrounding a tarp on the ground. They look relaxed so I don't think much of it, but later learn that a woman rider (riding one of the shorter rides) succumbed of heart failure here.
I barely stop at the lunch stop, still on my Sustained Energy plan. Next is a long series of rollers. My energy level is fading. I'm getting passed on these short climbs. I feel tired, almost bored. I don't do well on this terrain, unable to settle into my rhythm. The landscape is looking monotonous, and I question my motivation. I wonder how I'll do on Coleman Valley, the climb that everyone's been talking about, right around mile 120. At the rest stops, I drink Mountain Dew to get a Caffeine boost, and even put some in my water bottle. This helps.
Things pick up again as we reach the ocean near Bodega Bay, and the Coleman Valley climb. As it turns out, this feels fantastic! I settle into my climber rhythm and feel great again. The steep part is shorter than I anticipated. Gorgeous views of the ocean! Feeling easy and comfortable, I pass Paul Detering on the way up, and make it to the top very relaxed.
Follow more poor descents; the roads, particularly in the dark patches where it's hard to see, are in awful shape, which really pisses off the San Diego dude from this morning. Back to Valley Ford Rest Stop.
From there it's mostly flat/rolling to the end. I'm able to produce a relatively good pace on the flat. But for some reason I've stopped drinking my Sustained Energy, stupidly thinking I've eaten enough for the day. My energy level suddenly drops down, I can't crank those RPMs anymore, I'm fading. I drink the little Sustained Energy left in my bottle, but have to suffer a little until that takes effect. There's a climb there to make matters worse. I eventually recover, get back into my rhythm, and finish well before nightfall.
Awesome ride, my most pleasant double century so far this year.

Three Yosemite Hikes - 08/10/06-08/12/06

-----------------------------
Thursday 08/10 -- Glacier Point to Nevada Falls & back.
Time: 4:31:12
What a great hike! Fantastic views of the Valley, particularly Half Dome. Went down to a first waterfall and spent time there playing in the river. From there continued with my Mother while everyone else returned. We ran out of water on the way back up, which made that long ascent a little difficult.
-----------------------------
Friday 08/11 -- Yosemite Falls
Time: 3:10:00
This shoots straight up from the Valley. Again, Jeremie my mother and I went further than the rest of the group, making it to the bottom of the upper waterfall, which is really impressive.
-----------------------------
Saturday 08/12 -- Glacier Point rd. - Sentinel Dome - Fissures - Taft point - Back to Glacier Point rd.
Time: 2:30:04
Our most enjoyable hike in Yosemite, easy trail, traversing a fantastic varied landscape. From Sentinel Dome, a 360 view of the main features of the Park. Fissures very impressive view from the top of the cliff: A breathtaking drop into the valley down below...

Three Sequoia Hikes - 08/14/06-08/16/06

-----------------------------
Monday 08/14 -- Congress trail - Alta trail - Trail of the Sequoias...
Time: 2:49:17
Hard time finding the right trail, meandered a bit, and didn't complete what we had set out to do. Also, some trails among the Giant Sequoias are paved which is unfortunate. That said, walking among those giant trees is a great experience.
-----------------------------
Tuesday 08/15 -- Morro rock - Hanging rock
Time: 2:13:08
Cool views of the whole valley.
-----------------------------
Wednesday 08/16 -- Wolverton to Heather Lake & back
Time: 3:45:05
Our best Hike in Sequoia Park. After a lackluster portion climbing in the woods, comes out in the open with fantastic views of the mountains, at a fairly high altitude. In the Alps, there would be mostly snow, but because temperatures are so high, we're seeing huge expanses of bare rock. The trail follows a spectacular cliff, leading to a small high-altitude lake where I had a great swim (water not excessively cold). I also did some easy boulder climbing with Madeleine, but unfortunately sprained my ankle jumping down from one of them. Didn't think much of it at the time, and was able to complete the descent, but later that evening got quite painful.

Solo Ride (50 Miles) - 08/27/06

Mary - Mathilda - Mofffet Park - SV Baylands - Tasman - Abel - Milpitas - Warm Springs - Mission - Paseo Padre - Thornton - Dumbarton Br. - E. Palo Alto - Rengstorff - Middlefield - Back Home.
Time: 3:00:22 (total 3:23:14)
Mileage: 50.8 Miles
Speed: 16.8989 mph
Wght: 151

Easy and flat. Slowly nursing ankle back into shape. Optimistic about recovery.
Speaking to myself loudly with a thick French southern accent, most entertaining. Jeremie's song for school "Embrace Me" stuck in my head.
Paseo Padre a good alternative to Mission through Fremont.

Solo Ride (80 Miles) - 09/03/06

Home - Foothill - Alpine - Portola Valley: 1:08:37
Old La Honda: 0:26:16
Down W. OLH - 84 - Stage Rd (N) - Hwy 1: 1:06:04
Verde - Purissima Crk - Higgins Purissima to Half Moon Bay: 0:40:03
Higgins Purissima (back) - Purissima Crk - Verde - Lobitos Creek: 1:05:40
Down Tunitas Crk - Hwy 1 (S): 0:22:27
Stage Rd to Pescadero: 0:35:23
Pescadero - Cloverdale - Canyon Rd - Sian's house in Butano: 0:27:46
Time: 5:52:17 (total time: 6:02:49)
Mileage: 83.3 Miles
Speed: 14.1875 mph
Elevation gain: 5,970 ft
Feet per Mile: 71.6687 ft/mile
Wght: 152

Joining everyone for a BBQ at Sian's house in Butano. Trying to ramp back up cautiously, easy pace. Ankle better, although a little painful again after the ride. Feeling a bit out of breath on OLH, better on the smaller coastal climbs. Dense cold fog near Skyline, otherwise overcast (wore leg warmers and jacket the whole time), started to clear at the end of the ride. Saw a Bobcat on Verde, scared it off the road.

Solo Ride, "Crepuscule with Nellie" (100 Miles) - 09/10/06
"Crepuscule with Nellie", Monk/Coltrane

Calaveras / Piedmont - Piedmont - Penitencia Creek - Toyon - Mc Kee - Alum Rock: 0:24:35
Mt Hamilton, 1st Climb: 0:36:49 [*PR] (Descent: 0:05:02)
Mt Hamilton, 2nd Climb: 0:20:04 (Descent: 0:02:39)
Mt Hamilton, 3rd Climb (summit): 0:48:15
(Mt Hamilton West Side, total: 1:52:49)
Down East Side - San Antonio Valley Road - The Junction (closed): 1:09:59
Del Puerto Canyon Rd to Beauregard Summit: 0:13:42
Down Del Puerto Canyon Rd, a little over 4 Miles: 0:11:30
Back up to Beauregard Summit: 30:30:46
Back to the Junction (open, this time!): 0:10:38
San Antonio Valley Road: 0:57:34
Mt Hamilton, E. Climb: 0:53:31
Mt Hamilton, Summit: 0:04:58
Mt Hamilton, W. Descent: 1:00:14
Alum Rock - Mc Kee - Toyon - Penitencia Creek - Piedmont: 0:22:46
Time: 7:52:45 (total: 8:41:02)
Mileage: 101.25 (Klimb: 102.8)
Speed: 12.8503 mph
Elevation Gain: 10,450 ft.
Feet per Mile: 103.21 ft/mile
Wght: 152

A magical start to this ride, passing over the fog to gorgeous clear skies after the first climb. Felt incredibly comfortable up the West Side, unwittingly pushing a pretty good pace (which I'll pay later!), even setting a PR on the first climb without particular effort. As usual, these roads offer a unique sense of remoteness, long stretches with noone in sight, a spectacular and almost foreboding landscape.
In fact, I was a little apprehensive of running into a Mountain Lion or something. On the way up, in the early morning, I did see (from close) wild turkeys, a coyote, a deer with majestic antlers, and surprised a wild boar that scared the crap out of me!
Then descent into beautiful San Antonio Valley to the Junction, where the bar/shop was unfortunately closed. I was alarmed, this being the only point of water for miles and miles, although I could always go to the nearby fire station. I proceeded to explore Del Puerto Canyon (in direction of Patterson), which I've never done before. This gorgeous road feels even more secluded. The climb back up is difficult, quite steep in places, and I'm increasingly worried about water and food, now rationing myself. At least it's not too hot. Fortunately on the way back, the Junction is open! (It opens at 11:00).
But I'm very tired. My legs feel particularly heavy. My training isn't as good as I hoped, following the layoff after Mt Tam, or perhaps it's the relative lack of water and food. I struggle up the backside of Mt Hamilton, a climb where I often have problems. My pace there is incredibly slow, and I even stop briefly in the shade of a tree. Particularly, in spite of well knowing this, I'm crushed once again by the series of false summits at the end of the climb. Don't assume it's over until you actually see the goddam Observatory!

Quackcyclists: Knoxville Double Century, "Somethin' Else" (200 Miles) - 09/16/06
California Triple Crown #5 (Thousand Mile Club)
"Somethin' Else", Cannonball Adderley/Miles Davis

Pena Adobe Park (Vacaville) - ... - Hwy 121, over Mt George to Napa Valley - ... - Silverado Trail - Rest Stop #1 in Napa (mile 36.5): 2:09:38
Silverado Trail - Howell Moutain - Pope Valley - Pope Canyon - Rest Stop #2 Lake Berryessa (mile 70.6): 2:11:50
Knoxville Rd - Water Stop (mile 92.4): 1:44:11
Knoxville Rd - Morgan Valley Rd - Rest Stop #3 (lunch) Lower Lake (mile 107.5): 0:59:11
Various Roads - Siegler Canyon - Loch Lomond - Hwy 175 - ... - Butts Canyon - Rest Stop #4 Detert Reservoir (Mile 134.5): 1:42:36
Butts Canyon - Pope Valley Rd - Rest Stop #5 Lake Hennessey (mile 160.1): 1:29:14
Hwy 128 - Rest Stop #6 Pardehsa Store (Mile 187.7): 1:52:32
Pleasants Valley Rd - Back to Pena Adobe to the Finish (mile 201.1): 0:48:53
Mileage: 203.5 Miles (official: 201 miles)
Time: 12:58:07 (Total Time: 14:02:08)
Speed: 15.6918 mph
Elevation Gain: 12,200 ft
Feet per Mile: 60.70 ft / mile
Wght: 150

Gilbert's unexpected death lead to a somber mood, and yet resulted in an aggressive competitive ride. My best performance this year, although still not on par with 2002 or 2004. It does feel good though that with knee and back generally in check, I'm able to push the pace a bit. Nutrition wise, I've used Perpetuem for the first time (instead of Sustained Energy), and more solid food than usual. Other than a cold start, the weather was ideal.
Started at 5:00am. Jeff Schweninger recognized me in the dark, so I joined his group of Western Wheelers, including Paul Detering, Jeff & Lyresa. We hit the Mt George climb at daybreak, where I started pushing the pace (on the 24'), passing everyone and quickly losing the group. Descent into Napa was cold, and eventually I got caught up on the flat. I've taken a strong start, and I fear that I'll pay for it later.
But on the Howell Mountain climb, I push a strong pace again, and there's no catching me now. Same on the long climb up Knoxville Rd, where I feel very good, overtaking most riders. I know the afternoon will have long flat stretches where people can catch up on me, but for now I feel I'm increasing my advantage. This is the most aggressively I've ridden this year. Make it to lunch in great shape.
Because of a road closure (which also affected the Davis Double), a new climb was added to this year's edition. It's actually surprisingly hard, and to make matters difficult, I've mishandled my water at the Lunch Stop: One bottle has Mountain Dew (not diluted) which is too sugary, the other is very saturated with Perpetuem, and neither are full. I fear dehydration. I eventually stop at a gas station to buy a bottle of fresh water.
Later, I suffer a little on the long flat stretches, although not nearly as much as in previous years (the temperature then was in the 100s; today, it's in the 80s). I try to keep a good cadence, although I still get passed by a few riders. Finally, around mile 170, climbing resumes (the backside of Cardiac Hill), which revives me, and leads to a good finish, still in daylight.
I finish in 21st position (out of 225 riders). Unfortunately, this isn't a timed event, so no official record. After a nice dinner, I drive back home, before the Western Wheelers have even arrived.
With this ride, and for the first time, I qualify for the Triple Crown "Thousand Mile Club" (at least 5 Double Centuries in a Calendar Year). And I do it in style!!

PDI Ride, "Tarantulas Part I (Sierra)" (80 Miles) - 10/01/06
Maurice Ravel: Concerto pour Piano "pour la Main Gauche"

Home - Mary - Central - Lawrence - Tasman - Abel - Calaveras to Piedmont: 0:57:39
Piedmont - Sierra (climb, but failed to start my watch at the bottom, so this includes about 10 minutes of Piedmont): 0:46:01
Sierra - Felter: 0:12:21
Calaveras - to Sunol: 1:01:48
Back on Calaveras: 0:19:46
Calaveras (climb): 0:43:24
Down - Piedmont - Evans - Abel - Tasman - Lawrence - Moffett Park - Mathilda - Mary - Home: 1:09:48
Time: 5:10:47 (Total time: 6:40:39)
Mileage: 80.9 Miles
Speed: 15.6186 mph
Altitude Gain: 4,440 ft
Feet per Mile: 54.8826 ft/mile
Wght: 151

Rode from home to meet John Wake and "Team CFX" (Kris, Robert & Dave) in Milpitas.
Team CFX manufactured homemade jerseys using bright scotch tape, but the letters dropped off quickly, so Kris, Robert and Dave were briefly FX, F & X, until it was eventually all gone.
I felt tired at first, overtrained and slightly ill, but as the ride went on found a good manageable pace. Kris and John were ahead on Sierra. Past the summit, Kris spotted a Tarantula, which we photographed. On the way back, at the top of Calaveras, John and I met Jennie Philipps who had recognized me and caught up with us, and we talked for a while. She'll be crewing the upcoming Furnace Creek.
Overall a good ride, in spite of cool overcast weather and three flats (all incurred by Team CFX). I felt generally better after the ride.

Solo Ride, "Tarantulas Part II (Diablo)" (100 Miles) - 10/09/06
Gustav Mahler: Symphony n° 4

Crowe Canyon @ Canyon Crest (parked in school) - Blackhawk: 0:24:41
Mt Diablo South Side : 1:19:46
North Side Descent - DMD Route through Walnut Creek, Clayton - Marsh Creek Road - Morgan Territory : 1:38:36
Morgan Territory (Climb, from where the road gets bumpy (school bus sign) to Regional Preserve): 0:35:23
Back same way: 1:24:25
Mt Diablo North Side (almost to the top): 1:24:58
Back down (Estimate, didn't restart my watch until after the descent): 0:44:32 (0:30 + 0:14:32)
Total: 7:32:23 (total time: 8:37:00)
Mileage: 98 Miles
Speed: 13 mph
Elevation Gain: 10,300 ft. (approx)
Feet per Mile: 105.102 ft/mile
Wght: 151.5

Felt excellent on the early morning Mt Diablo ascent. Passed it all on the 24' (except for the short wall at the summit), at a completely effortless pace. Gorgeous clear weather. Saw 4 tarantulas along the road, stopped to take pictures. Very strong gusty winds in the upper part, to the point where I couldn't fill my bottles at the top because the wind would blow the water from the fountain away! The blustery conditions made the descent tricky.
Kept going strong on Morgan Territory, also entirely on the 24', still feeling very fresh (much better than last time). The road is very secluded (I hardly saw anyone). There climbing is irregular, with short steep stretches, and false summits, all the way to the Regional Preserve, where I filled my water bottles and turned back. The road is in such disrepair that the descent was painful. Got a little lost on the way back through Clayton, had to ask my way around. Neglected to buy water through the urban areas before reaching Mt Diablo, which proved to be a mistake.
Unfortunately, I struggled going back up the North Side of Diablo. That ascent it not nearly as nice as the South side. The road is wider and less varied. I was now stuck on the '28, starting to feel dizzy, with not much water left. I eventually stopped near an employee house and ate fig bars, lamenting on the lack of water. When I started again, I found a water fountain right behind the house where I had stopped, what a relief! And only a few yards later I reached the "Junction". I proceeded towards the summit instead of going straight back down, but with little motivation left and feeling tired, I turned back at about 3/4 of the way. There were no more tarantulas in the afternoon. The feeling was completely different from the morning.
Why I thought I could do all this on only four bottles of water (two of which were Sustained Energy) is baffling. What a stupid careless mistake! Also, Sustained Energy alone doesn't carry me through these rides any more. I'm either not taking enough of it, or I need to complement it with solid food. Late in the ride, I even uncharacteristically started cramping.
I was anxious to get back to the car. Once there, I took my key out of my back pocket: Holy Shit, it was Cecile's car key! I had locked myself out! I digested this news for a few moments, then, following Cecile's advice, called AAA and sat in the dirt, waiting.
In spite of these few problems, this was an awesome ride. Perfect weather, superb scenery, both Mt Diablo and Morgan Territory are beautiful challenging climbs.

Fresno Cycling Club: Bass Lake Powerhouse Double Century (200 Miles) - 10/14/06
California Triple Crown #6

Clovis to Rest Stop #1 Choinumni Park (mile 26.6): 1:31:03
Pine Flat - Trimmer Springs - Maxon - Watts Valley - Tollhouse - Rest Stop #2 (mile 54): 1:55:53
Lodge Rd. - SJ&E - Auberry - Powerhouse Rd. - Rest Stop #3 (mile 70): 0:58:10
Rd 222 Time Trial (ends at mile 75.7): 0:35:55
Road 222 - Road 274 - Bass Lake - Road 434 - Pines Village - Rest Stop #3 (mile 85.8): 0:57:08
Bass Lake to Oakhurst - Hwy 41 - Hwy 49 - Rest Stop #6 Mariposa County Line (mile 106.3): 1:29:18
Hwy 49 - Triangle Road - Hwy 140, 49 - Rest Stop #7 Mariposa (mile 130.8): 1:37:35
Ben Hur Road - Rest Stop #8 (mile 154.6): 1:38:34
Roads 600, 606, 415, 400 - Yosemite Springs - Hwy 41 - Road 200 - Rest Stop #9 (mile 176.4): 1:42:43
Back to Clovis (Mile 201.4): Estimate 1:30:00 (real time not available).
Time (estimate): 13:56:19
Total Time: 15:59:21
Mileage: 204.3 (official 201.4)
Speed (estimate): 14.6571 mph (14.1817 mph up to mile 176.4)
Altitude gain: 15,894 ft
Feet per Mile: 78.9176 ft/mile
Wght: 151

Lyresa heartily recommended this ride, her favorite on the Double circuit. I had touted Heartbreak as the best and got her to do it, so I owed it to her to do Bass Lake.
But what a bad day! Really didn't need to do another Double, and probably shouldn't have. Oh well...
Disappointed by the course, which features only few real climbs but endless rollers. Mostly overcast weather, cold at times.
Started at night with the usual Western Wheelers, including Lyresa, Jeff & Paul. But didn't wait for them at the 1st stop and took off on my own. Felt ok at first, easily passing the first few morning climbs, hoping to repeat the Knoxville ride. Pushed the pace on the Time Trial climb, doing well but not great. Should have stopped after that effort to recover and eat, but went on instead. Shortly after felt really awful, dizzy and nauseous, had to stop along the road, sit down and eat a banana. Hated this portion of the ride, roughly from mile 76 to 120. Wide roads with traffic (particularly past Oakhurst) and false climbing. Also felt cold, shivering at times, and clearly needing more food. Had DNF written all over my face, and yet kept going, not wanting to set a precedent of quitting on a Double. Stopped uncharacteristically long at Mariposa County Line to recover. I did start feeling better around mile 120 on Ben Hur road, a small remote road with endless rollers. Finally the sun was coming out. Saw more tarantulas, eight total over the whole ride!
But I had forgotten to pick up my lights at the Mariposa rest stop. Luckily I carry a small spare light in my saddle bag. Night fell between rest stops 8 & 9. But then, just to make this bad day worse, I had a flat in pitch darkness, on a busy road with virtually no shoulder (my first flat at night). I started repairing with my small lamp. A little later, another cyclist was nice enough to stop and provide me more light. We joked that a SAG vehicle would show up once I'd be done, and sure enough, the "Bike Rescue" van did just that. I was still happy to see him. I recovered my better light at the last rest stop and easily finished the last section alone at night, but forgot to restart my watch. I eventually dragged a few other riders with me to the finish. Western Wheelers arrived a little later. For the second year in a row, Lyresa won the female division of the time trial, and was awarded fancy cycling shoes at the finish.

The Bass Lake Double Century concludes my strongest year to date -
In spite of a difficult early season (back & knee pain, crappy weather) and a general loss in speed, I've completed more doubles than ever before (quantity vs. quality!) and join the CTC 1000 Mile Club for the first time. I felt best at Mt Tam and Knoxville, loved Heartbreak (Planet Ultra Rocks!), and am of course most proud of completing my second Terrible Two!
Now on to rest and recovery...

Solo Ride (50 Miles) - 11/05/06
Arnold Schoenberg: Piano Concerto

Home - Foothill - Alameda de las Pulgas: 0:51:40
Emerald Hills streets, up to the Cross: 0:22:50
Canada - Olive Hill: 0:14:52
Kings Mountain: 0:31:40
Down - back via Sand Hill: 1:03:41
Time: 3:04:44 (total time: 3:20:52)
Mileage: 48.3 Miles
Speed: 15.6875 mph
Wght: 153.5

Beautiful sunny day, good ride. Passed by some Webcor riders up Kings. Used the 24' all the way. Saw John Wake on Olive Hill.

Solo Ride (45 Miles) - 11/12/06
Bela Bartok: Quatuor n° 6

Home - Mary - Central - San Tomas - Montague - Landess - Piedmont: 0:58:06
Sierra (climb): 0:35:50
Sierra - Felter - Down W. Calaveras: 0:25:20
Evans - Jacklin - Abel - Tasman - Mathilda - Mary - Home: 0:52:27
Time: 2:51:44 (Total Time: 3:10:06)
Mileage: 44.9 Miles
Speed: 15.6871 mph
Wght: 153

Cold sunny weather (Temps in the mid 40s at the start). Full winter clothing. Sierra feeling a little harder than I would have liked, but overall ok. Getting sick.

Solo Ride (50 Miles), "Henry Coe State Park" - 11/24/06

Morgan Hill end of Coyote Creek Trail - Cochrane - Monterey Rd. - Tilton - Santa Teresa - Bailey: 0:43:49
Metcalf: 0:17:08 [*PR]
Down - Monterey Rd. - E. Dunne: 0:45:23
Dunne (1st climb, from Saddleback to Oak Leaf): 0:11:14
Short descent: 0:07:35
Dunne, 2nd climb (from Lake Anderson picnic area): 0:32:24
Short descent: 0:01:38
Dunne, 3rd climb (to Henry Coe State Park sign): 0:19:57
(E. Dunne total, from Morgan Hill to Henry Coe: 1:12:48)
To Henry Coe State Park Headquarters - back down - Hill - Cochrane: 0:55:03
Time: 3:54:10 (total time: 3:58:47)
Mileage: 52.7 Miles
Speed: 13.5032 mph
Climbing: 4,560 ft.
Feet per Mile: 86.5275 ft/mile
Wght: 152.5

A fantastic ride!
Cold sunny weather. Great pace up Metcalf, short and very steep.
First time on Dunne, to Henry Coe State Park. Adopted a cautious exploratory pace, enjoyed the diverse scenery. It's a wonderful climb, very pleasant, with a few short steeper sections. It's probably difficult in hot weather, but today was particularly enjoyable. What a good day!

Solo Ride (35 Miles), "Mt Umunhum" - 12/02/06

Camden - Hicks: 0:05:52
Shannon (climb): 0:08:36
Descent - Los Gatos Blvd - Kennedy: 0:12:27
Kennedy (climb, from S. Kennedy to top): 0:09:40
Descent - Hicks: 0:23:35
Hicks (NW. Climb): 0:14:09 [*PR]
Descent - Alamitos - into New Almaden, then back: 0:22:51
Hicks (SE. Climb): 0:16:12 [*PR] - (Short rest: 0:0:47)
Mt Umunhum (to the gate): 0:18:41 [*PR] - (Short rest: 0:0:28)
Mt Umunhum (no trespassing sign): 0:12:00
(Mt Umunhum Rd. total time: 0:30:41)
Descent - Hicks - Camden: 0:30:17
Time: 2:55:09 (total time: 2:59:03)
Mileage: 35.6 Miles
Speed: 12.1953 mph
Climbing: 5,070 ft (Probably off, Klimb data incomplete for these roads)
Feet per Mile: 142.416 ft/mile
Wght: 154

An afternoon ride, not long, but very hard!
Had been on these roads only a couple times in 2004. This is a real killer climb, harder than I even remembered, particularly North Hicks/Mt Umunhum. What used to be Loma Almaden Rd. is now Mt Umunhum Rd., and for the first time, I went past the gate almost to the top, where I was blocked by foreboding "No Trespassing" signs (some of which are painted on the road, and specifically deny access to bicycles!).
Fooled by the gorgeous sunny weather, I didn't dress properly for this, so I was freezing in the descents. The road is nearly deserted, very wild. The North side of Hicks proved a real challenge, not very long but extremely steep, and I wondered if I would make it (as it turns out, I got better times than two years ago on all climbs, passing on the '28). After this shaky start, I thought of cutting the ride short, but after a restful stretch into New Almaden, climbed back on the South side as initially planned, which felt much easier. Now feeling comfortable, I climbed Mt Umunhum, also very steep, but I got into a good rhythm, also all on the '28.
The road after the gate, which I'd never done, is even steeper, and gets close to the top of the mountain. It's really unfortunate that the road is closed, not only barring the summit, but also preventing access to Loma Prieta or Soda Springs, which would open great route possibilities. (Afterwards, I read online discussions complaining about this...)
Overall, a great ride! This climb definitely goes in the books as one of the hardest in the Bay Area!

Solo Ride (50 Miles) - 12/24/06

Home - Hollenbeck - Stelling: 0:26:28
Prospect - to Fremont Older: 0:07:02
Sunnyvale Saratoga: 0:09:41
Pierce: 0:14:05 (descent: 0:01:15)
Hwy 9 (East Side): 0:39:27
Down to 238: 0:17:29
Hwy 9 (West Side): 0:37:21
Skyline: 0:22:51
Down Page Mill/Moody - Back home: 0:47:41
Time: 3:43:19
Mileage: 52.2 Miles
Speed: 14.0249 mph
Wght: 152

Tristan Music in my head. Very bad back. Hard effort up 9, but then feeling good. Overcast and cool (but not freezing.)

Solo Ride (60 Miles) - 12/28/06

Home - Foothill - Sand Hill - Woodside: 1:00:10
Canada - 35 to Golf Course: 0:53:35
Back to Edgewood: 0:27:05
Edgewood - Cordilleras - Emerald Hills: Lakeview - Sylvan way (blocked, turned back) - Lakeview - Summit - Lakeview - Sylvan - Glenloch - Hillcrest - Sunset - California - W California to the Cross: 0:33:15
Down - Canada - Woodside - Mtn Home - Portola - Alpine - Arastradero - Purissima - Foothill - Home: 1:18:50
Time: 4:12:56 (total time: 4:29:47)
Mileage: 61.9 Miles
Speed: 14.6837 mph
Wght: 155.5

Sunny and cold, strong gusty winds, esp. through the 1st half (tail end of a storm). Some debris on the road. Didn't feel good at first, but then very happy in Emerald Hills. Back still pretty bad.

Solo Ride (80 Miles), "Mt Hamilton" - 12/30/06

Home - Mary - Central - San Tomas - Montague - Landess - Piedmont : 0:59:35
Penintencia Crk - Toyon - Mc Kee - Alum Rock: 0:08:42
Mt Hamilton, 1st climb: 0:36:23 [*PR] (descent: 0:05:14)
Mt Hamilton, 2nd climb: 0:19:11 [*PR] (descent: 0:02:36)
Mt Hamilton, 3rd climb (summit): 0:45:50
(Mt Hamilton, whole climb: 1:49:14)
Descent: 0:59:41
Alum Rock - Mc Kee - Toyon - Penintencia Crk - Piedmont: 0:15:45
Landess - Great Mall - Tasman - Lawrence - Arques - Wolfe - Fremont - Home: 0:55:00(?)
TIme: 5:07:57(?) (total time: 5:35:03)
Mileage: 77.2 Miles
Speed: 15.0414 mph
Climbing: 5,600 ft.
Feet per Mile: 72.5389 ft/mile
Wght: 153.5

Fantastic ride today! Freezing start (mid 30's), full winter gear. Shed a few layers before the climb, and felt really good up Mt Hamilton.
Gorgeous clear weather, temps in the 50's. Felt surprisingly comfortable up the climb, spinning a good rhythm on the 24', and getting PRs out of nowhere on the first two sections.
Lower back has been bad, but sort of in check, and actually better as ride progressed. Late in the ride, slight left knee pain, caution in the week to come.
Felt great, never ridden this well at this time of the year...