Main Rides in 2007

Training Ride with Steve & Gary (60 Miles) - 01/07/07

Home - Foothill - Moody - Elena - Arastradero - Portola loop (through Woodside, back via Sand Hill) - Foothill - through Rancho San Antonio - Stevens Canyon: 2:47:19
Redwood Gulch - Hwy 9: 0:37:39
Back down - Pierce - Sunnyvale Saratoga - Prospect - Hollenbeck etc. : 0:54:00
Time: 4:13:58 (total time: 4:32:24)
Mileage: 63.2 Miles
Speed: 14.9311 mph
Wght: 154

Outfitter @ 7:00. Cold start, but not freezing.
Gary tells us about his brown recluse bite.
I leave them in Stevens Creek and proceed on 9 alone, feeling pretty good up the climb (28' on Redwood Gulch, 24' on 9).
My knee is steadily getting worse though, probably should have stayed with something easier.

Training Ride with Philippe Denis (100 Miles) - 01/15/07

Home - Foothill - Sand Hill - Wooside - Canada to Edgewood (met Philippe D.) - back to Olive Hill - Kings: 1:24:53
Kings Mountain: 0:33:59
Down Tunitas - Lobitos Creek - Verde: 0:44:06
Purissima Creek (climb): 0:23:10
Higgins Purissima - Main Street Half Moon Bay - Lunch: 0:13:15
Hwy 1 - Tunitas Creek: 0:46:27
Tunitas Creek, Lobitos Creek to small descent: 0:24:58
Tunitas Creek, further up then back down a bit, then up again to the top: 0:20:16
Skyline N. - 92 (left Philippe D.) - Canada - Woodside - back via Sand Hill: 1:46:31
Time: 6:37:38
Mileage: 98.4 Miles
Speed: 14.8478 mph
Climbing: 6,900 ft
Feet per Mile: 70.122 ft/mile
Wght: 151.5

Extreme cold (low 30s at the start). Winter gear, + double gloves! Joined Philippe Denis on Canada.
Felt very easy up the climbs, pushing the 24' the whole way even on Tunitas, without much effort at all.
Atmosphere is crystal clear (more than I've ever seen), fantastic views of the ocean and the bay. Lobitos Creek/Higgins Purissima particularly nice, as usual. Quick lunch in Half Moon Bay.
Very successful ride, way ahead in training compared to previous years. Left knee still very tentative, lower back generally better.

Solo Ride "Lulu" (45 Miles) - 01/21/07

Vida's house in Menlo Park - Alameda de Las Pulgas - Woodside - Whiskey Hill - Portola: 0:25:54
Old La Honda: 0:22:56
Down W. Old La Honda - 84 - Pescadero rd. - Alpine: 0:33:10
Alpine 1st part (bridge to Portola State Park rd): 0:18:29
Down to Portola State Park: 13:24:40
Portola State Park rd. (employee house to entrance sign): 0:02:17
Portola State Park rd. (entrance sign to Alpine): 0:18:40
(short rest: 0:01:29)
Alpine 2nd part (Portola State Park rd. to Top): 0:17:13
Down Page Mill - Arastradero - Alpine - Alameda de Las Pulgas: 0:51:44
Time: 3:25:17 (Total Time: 3:42:21)
Mileage: 46.4 Miles
Speed: 13.5617 mph
Climbing: 5,710 ft
Feet per Mile: 123.06 ft/mile
Wght: 152.5

Brisker pace, lots of climbing! Shorter, but pretty intense.
Cold gusty winds, but otherwise pleasant weather, far less cold than in previous weeks. Flat on 1st part of Alpine climb. Used 28' on portions of Portola State Park (which are really steep), 24' on all other climbs. Left knee pretty bad, and this probably won't help it.
Obsessed (haunted?) by the music of Alban Berg.

Solo Ride "Montebello Repeats" (45 Miles) - 01/28/07

----------
Morning Session in the Gym:
Stat bike - Wght Training (upper and lower body) - Crosstrainer
Time: 1:00:40
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Afternoon:
Home - Foothill - Stevens Canyon: 0:25:40
Montebello:
To School: 0:17:48
To Swiss Creek: 0:05:32
To Top: 0:17:54 [*PR]
[Total Montebello 1: 0:41:14]
Descent, rest: 0:17:50
To School: 0:18:03
To Swiss Creek: 0:05:40
To Top: 0:18:29
[Total Montebello 2: 0:42:12]
Descent, rest: 0:19:50
To School: 0:17:43
To Swiss Creek: 0:05:45
To Top: 0:19:23
[Total Montebello 3: 0:42:51]
Back home: 0:35:18
Time: 3:44:58 (total time: 3:50:50)
Mileage: 44.8 Miles
Speed: 11.9484 mph
Climbing: 6,560 ft (560 + 3*2000)
Feet per Mile: 146.429 ft/mile
----------
Overall time: 4:45:38
Wght: 152.5

Intense gym session in the morning as it was raining, worked up to very high rpm on both machines.
Then as weather seemed to clear up, went for an afternoon ride. Light rain through parts of the ride, wet road, treacherous descents (very very slow). Fairly good pace, but was starting to burn on last repeat.
Still obsessed with the music of Alban Berg.

Solo Ride "Tristan" (95 Miles) - 02/04/07

Home - Mary - Central - Montague - Landess - Piedmont - Penintencia Creek - Toyon - Mc Kee - Alum Rock: 1:10:30
Mt Hamilton, 1st climb: 0:37:25 [descent: 0:04:46]
Quimby, East climb: 0:10:38 [*PR]
Down on the West Side: 0:11:14
Quimby, West climb (church to top): 0:31:31 [*PR]
Down to Mt Hamilton Rd: 0:04:16
Mt Hamilton, 2nd climb: 0:22:05 [descent: 0:02:54]
Mt Hamilton, 3rd climb (top): 0:49:38
Back down to Kincaid: 0:15:31
Kincaid, to Bridge: 0:12:46
Kincaid, Bridge to Dead End: 0:18:02
Kincaid, back to Bridge: 0:10:39
Kincaid, back to Mt Hamilton Rd: 0:24:02
Mt Hamilton, rest of the descent: 0:41:12
Back home via Great Mall - Tasman - Mathilda - Mary: 1:01:55
Time: 7:09:07 (Total Time: 7:35:12)
Mileage: 96.7 Miles
Speed: 13.5208 mph
Climbing: 10,220 ft.
Feet per Mile: 105.688 ft/mile (166.6 ft/mile in the middle 60 miles)
Wght: 153

A night of insomnia, sore throat, brooding dark thoughts, etc.
Today's goal is long miles, slower pace and a lot of climbing, that's the way to beat the crap out of the germs!
I felt surprisingly good as I got out on the bike in the early morning, sort of like on a race day, after an agitated night. Pensive somber mood on the flat leading to Mt Hamilton, used my cell phone to record a few ideas. Committed to an effortless pace, I head up Mt Ham feeling very comfortable, the views of the valley starting to work their magic on my mood.
I haven't done Quimby since 2002, and remember it as one of the hardest climbs around. Plunging towards San Jose on the West Side feels like going down a ski run! As I descend I come across a cyclist who's literally glued to the road trying to power his way up. The climb yields all its promise. For some stupid reason, I try to pass entirely on the 24', and actually make it past the "switchbacks from hell" near the top, but feeling in the red finally relent and downshift to the 28' on the last straight stretch, in an all-out effort to the summit. Surprisingly, I improve my time over 2002, although I'm not sure that I've started my watch at the same spot.
After the violence of Quimby, the rest of Mt Ham feels flat! I'm surprised at how well I recover and how easily I make it to the top, back to my effortless pace. On the way down, I add the side trip to the end of Kincaid rd. It would be hard to feel more remote, "out there", then on Kincaid. I see a Bobcat and a beautiful unidentified bird. Finish the ride surprisingly fresh, just as it should be after an endurance ride.
First time riding on Sustained Energy/Perpetuem this year. Nutrition adequate. Hazy sunshine, mild temperatures after a cold start. Fantastic views of course, and virtually noone in sight on any of these roads.

Solo Ride "Wozzeck" (140 Miles) - 02/17/07

Home - Mary - Central - San Tomas Montague - Landess - Piedmont: 0:55:17
Sierra (climb): 0:35:48 [*PR]
More Sierra - Felter - Calaveras: 1:07:18
680 to Vallecitos, but turn back due to road closure - Sunol Pleasanton - Bernal - Vineyard - Vallecitos - Concannon - S. Livermore - Tesla - Mines: 1:23:58
Mines Rd (Del Valle to Eylar Ridge): 1:48:28
Mines, to the Junction: 0:08:21
San Antonio Valley rd.: 0:55:30
Mt Hamilton, east side: 0:47:07
Mt Hamilton, to the observatory: 0:04:34
Mt Hamilton, west descent: 0:57:32
Back via usual route, Tasman, Mary: 1:02:16
Time: 9:46:11 (total time: 10:48:07)
Mileage: 142.3 Miles
Speed: 14.5654 mph
Climbing: 9,550 ft.
Feet per Mile: 67.1117 ft/mile
Wght: 153.5

Huge! An enormous ride of mystical magnitude! These majestic roads deliver yet again an awe-inspiring journey!
Seriously, this ends up being one of my best unsupported rides, and it's only February!
If I'm ever going to do Devil's Mountain or the CTC Stage Race, it should be this year! This route uses a large chunk of the Devil's Mountain course, although in a different order. Even though I feel tired due to insufficient sleep, I still manage the distance very well, and at no point do I struggle. A little left knee pain seems to disappear after Sierra, replaced by something in my right calf (this is new: I wonder how it'll evolve?). In fact, I wish DMD was in two weeks instead of having to wait until April. If anything I worry that I'll peak too early, and fear injuries or overtraining in the weeks to come.
The weather is out of this world!! It's Spring!
I start at 6:30, and it's already pleasant, I put away the jacket before even reaching Sierra and never put it back on! Thank God I looked up the weather and didn't dress for winter. I'm wearing only smaller knee warmers, and those too go in the saddlepack about midway through the ride. After the usual flat warmup, Sierra feels comfortable. I'm riding a cautious easy pace, using my lower gears (28'). I very unexpectedly match my previous best time, but with little effort (I've never pushed the pace up Sierra though). The road is all ready in anticipation of this Wednesday's Tour of California stage. On Sierra and Calaveras, in the early morning, there is noone. The feeling of being "out there" is tremendous, and this is only the beginning. Only approaching Sunol do I start crossing cyclists, and then get passed by an endless stream of obnoxious BMWs.
I'm planning on riding Vallecitos to Livermore, which involves a short stint on 680. But unfortunately Vallecitos is closed, and an officer asks me to back up on the Freeway. I have to take the slightly longer route through Pleasanton, which luckily I remember approximately. I imperatively need to find water before hitting Mines Road where I know there's nothing for miles. I stop in a park in Livermore, but the water fountain doesn't work. A lady is nice enough to give me a water bottle from her car. I find my way to Mines Road.
From here to San Jose, up and over Mt Hamilton, it's 70 miles of wilderness, with only a single intersection. There's basically nothing, barely anyone. The landscape is of striking beauty. Unlike the coastal mountains, the low vegetation here allows for constant open vistas. The only two points of water are the bar at "the Junction", which, in the middle of nowhere, is mostly patronized by motorcyclists, and the Lick Observatory, at the top of Mt Hamilton. I haven't ridden Mines Rd in that direction since 2002, and that ride (in the July heat) had been one of my hardest ever. But It's actually easier than I remembered, a gradual climb with no major difficulties. It follows a small stream, populated by very loud frogs. But it is loooong, very long, and eventually wears you down, in spite of the gorgeous scenery. The Junction is a welcome sight, and I stop for water and a diet Coke. A big dead wild boar is attached on the back of a pickup truck.
San Antonio Valley road continues the way to Mt Hamilton, still in wonderful wild country. I'm smart enough to save myself for the climb up Mt Ham, where I have often struggled. Particularly, I'm careful not to waist energy on the last small climb before the Mountain, deliberately passing it on a low gear.
Today the climb up Mt Ham feels good! I adopt a slow pace, comfortably on the 28', and in spite of 100 miles already in my legs, make it up at a manageable effort. I know all too well that this is one of those "are we there yet?" climbs, with excruciating false summits, so I carefully dose my effort, and even yell "ain't over yet!!" a few times to better manage my patience.
The descent on the other side is the usual blast. On the last flat section going home, I am infuriated by the traffic lights. I seem to be hitting all of them, and this, after 70 miles of unfettered riding without even a stop sign, drives me postal. I start screaming at the lights, and eventually run a few of them.
I finish feeling fresh and elated by such an inspiring day. Part of the success of this ride is nutrition: I've used once again Hammer Nutrition Perpetuem (and almost no other food), this time dosed it well (three full saturated bottles over the whole ride), and it successfully carried me through this enormous ride, particularly on the last climb up Mt Hamilton. Fantastic sunny weather throughout. I've been smart enough to put sunscreen, but even so I'm slightly burned.
Still the music of Alban Berg stuck in my head, this time Wozzeck.

Solo Ride (30 Miles) - 02/24/07

Woodside - Portola Valley - Willowbrook: 0:23:14
E. Alpine: 0:12:24
Joaquin: 0:04:16
Down through Los Trancos woods: 0:12:07
Los Trancos - Ramona - Vista Verde: 0:17:37 [*PR]
Down via Alpine - Portola: 0:22:53
Old La Honda: 0:23:04
Skyline - 84 - back: 0:23:48
Time: 2:19:24 (total time: 2:23:54)
Mileage: 30.8 Miles
Speed: 13.2568 mph
Wght: 152

Short, but intense.
After using Alpine/Joaquin as a warmup, I put a nearly all-out effort on the dreaded Los Trancos climb, and beat my previous time (from 2002) by about a minute! Yippee! Strangely, my upper body is what suffers most from a sustained off-the-saddle effort like this, particularly arms and shoulders.
On Old La Honda however, I feel I'm going strong, passing most of the climb on the 21' at a good cadence, thinking I'm set for a 20'ish performance, and yet end up with this shitty time! (I actually may have mishandled my watch when blocked temporarily by a maneuvering truck...) Disappointing, plus I'm soaked by now, so that'll be all for the day. (The ride started with light drizzles, but turned to heavier rains near Skyline.)
Overall a good ride though, sticking to my plan of alternating long&slow / short&fast. The various aches and pains from last week feel in check.

Solo Ride "Welch Creek" (115 Miles) - 03/03/07

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Morning:
Home - Mary - Central - Montague - Landess - Piedmont: 0:57:19
Sierra: 0:32:31 [*PR]
More Sierra - Felter - Calaveras: 0:59:19
Welch Creek Road (2nd cattle guard to dead end): 0:39:00
Back down - Calaveras - through Sunol - Niles Canyon: 0:44:43
Palomares (S. Climb): 0:25:27 [*PR]
Back down - Niles Canyon: 0:21:13
Alameda Creek trail - Coyote Hills: 0:39:57
Paseo Padre etc. - Dumbarton Bridge - Bayfront - Seaport - PDI: 0:54:44
Time: 6:14:18 (total time: 6:31:38)
Mileage: 91.1 Miles
Speed: 14.6033 mph
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Evening:
PDI - Maple - Marshall - Broadway - Brewster - Alameda - Jefferson - Canada -
through Woodside - Whiskey Hill - Sand Hill - Foothill - Home.
Time: 1:28:43
Mileage: 25 Miles
Speed: 16.9078 mph
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Overall:
Mileage: 116.1 Miles
Time: 7:43:01
Speed: 15.0448 mph
Climbing: 7,370 ft.
Feet per Mile: 63.5345 ft/mile
Wght: 154

Again a big ride, in perfect weather.
I finally climb the notorious Welch Creek Road, which completes my survey of Bay Area climbs: to the best of my knowledge, I've now done every major climb South of San Francisco, in an area stretching South through Santa Cruz to Watsonville, Gilroy, and East to Livermore/Tracy.
I Start early, in cool crisp temperatures, but I've been careful not to overdress hoping for a gorgeous day later. My time is significantly better up Sierra (by about 4 minutes), and yet this feels very manageable. The road is gorgeous as usual, I see two small calves playing. As usual, there's noone, except for this one old couple waking on the road near the top, whom I've seen here once before.
Beautiful descent on Calaveras, and on to Welch Creek.
This is truely the monster that I've read about: A serie of vertical assaults, extremely steep in places, and rather long for something this hard, reminiscent of the Terrible Two. It goes down in my book as one of the hardest climbs around, right alongside Hicks/Umunhum, Quimby, Alba and Bohlman/On Orbit.
But it's also my favorite type of road, very narrow, winding, irregular, with a few places to recover a little. It's not as deserted as I would have thought, as it partly crosses the Sunol Wilderness Preserve which attracts hikers. I feel quite good, going slow, not knowing what to expect. On the steeper stretches I resist the temptation to downshift to the '32, passing entirely on the 28', but what an effort! Crazy! I can't imagine climbing this on a hot day with more miles in my legs. At some point, on one of the most impossible stretches near the top, from a broad grassy hillside, a coyote is checking me out, amused. A group of houses at the very summit comes as a surprise, since this is completely in the middle of nowhere. What an unbelievable road!
The descent is tense, but from there on it's smooth sailing. I find water at a school in Sunol. Quick detour on Palomares where I easily beat my previous time by about 5 minutes (but I had never climbed Palomares in this kind of shape.) Past Niles Canyon, the ride gets a bit tedious, and I suffer particularly into a headwind on the approach to the Bridge. (I may also be running low on nutrition, 2 bottles of Perpetuem so far, so I eat a few fig bars.) I feel better on the west side of Dumbarton, but I get a frustrating front flat right at the entrance of Seaport, as I'm dying to be done!
The ride back home later in the day is uneventful, except that I feel incredibly good and relaxed, very light and easy on the bike. As I come up and over Sand Hill, I catch site of the enormous full moon, blood red, rising over the East Bay Hills, it strangely feels as if I'm flying right into it, ET style. I finish at night, with lights. Welch Creek is such a striking road that I keep having visions of it, long after the ride. Wow.
Given how well things are going, I'm signing up for Mulholland and Devil's Mountain. Yikes.

Solo Ride "Bruckner's 8th" (140 Miles) - 03/10/07

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Morning: (if you can call it that)
Home - Knickerbocker - Hollenbeck - Prospect - Saratoga Sunnyvale - Through Saratoga - Sixth - Bottom of Bohlman: 0:39:39
Bohlman (Cuvilly to On Orbit): 0:17:18
On Orbit (Bohlman to top): 0:08:34 - (short descent: 0:00:41)
Bohlman (On Orbit to Dead End): 0:13:41
Total Bohlman/On Orbit: 0:40:14
Down - Hwy 9: 0:20:59
Hwy 9 (Pierce to Top): 0:36:57
Down W. Hwy 9 - through Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond: 0:48:58
Alba: 0:42:22
Empire Grade - Pine Flat - Bonny Doon - Hwy 1: 1:19:56
Gazos Creek - Cloverdale: 0:32:35
Pescadero Road - Up and Over Haskins Hill - Bottom of Alpine: 0:55:07
Alpine I : 0:21:38
Alpine II : 0:24:05
Down Page Mill - Arastradero - Alameda de las Pulgas - Jefferson - Maple - PDI: 1:20:03
Time: 8:42:36 (total time: 9:16:25)
Mileage: 119 Miles
Speed: 13.6625 mph
Climbing 12,070 ft
Feet per Mile: 101.429 ft/mile
--------
Evening:
Back via Alameda de La Pulgas
Time: 1:11:24 (total: 1:22:23)
Mileage: 20.1 Miles
Speed: 16.8908 mph
--------
Overall:
Time: 9:54:00
Mileage: 139.1 Miles
Speed: 14.0505 mph
Wght: 151.5

The austere monolothic splendor of Bruckner's 8th Symphony fits the mood of the day.
Apparently, my mission is to visit all the "difficulty 6" climbs these days. This week, it's Bohlman/On Orbit and Alba. I haven't done these since 2002, and Bohlman only once.
These climbs are both unnaturally steep. Bohlman/On Orbit compares to Welch Creek from last week, although for some reason I didn't find it quite as strenuous, perhaps because it isn't as remote. Lyresa once told me she did a "Wheelie" and fell over backwards here, because it's so damn steep. The hardest section is On Orbit, but overall, it felt manageable, most of the climbing off the saddle on the '28, but with a few areas of recovery.
Alba, in the middle of the Santa Cruz Mountains, would definitely be another good place for a "wheelie", although I didn't find it nearly as hard, perhaps because I took it so cautiously, also on the '28. There are some very steep parts, but they never seem to last too long, or require an all-out effort.
The descent to the Ocean through Bonny Doon is always a blast. Probably the fastest and most exhilerating descent I know around here...
With 90 miles in the tank, I felt surprisingly comfortable on Haskins Hill and in the bottom portion of Alpine, easily spinning the '24. But I should have eaten more before the climb (I had run out of Perpetuem by then), because I bonked on the second half, getting dizzy, so I downshifted to the 28', still made it fine, but at a very slow pace.
I decide I could use a descent at that point, so I go down Page Mill instead of Skyline N. I've completely misjudged this ride, both in terms of mileage and difficulty. I arrive at PDI 1h30 late, missing rounds and stuff. Bad bad Philippe!
Overall great weather, although colder than I had anticipated, and I find myself shivering in some of the descents. A few stomach cramps (could it be the Gin Tonics from yesterday?). For some reason, I have a hard time getting Perpetuem in my bottle today, and lose precious quantities of it, not to mention that it doesn't taste like I've dosed it right. Also, I'm not carrying enough to sustain me through something this long and strenuous, I probably need a second pouch. I have to figure this out better!
Otherwise, a relatively slow ride (up Alba I've missed my time by almost 4 minutes), but always felt well in control. It would be a good time for a break though, because all this riding is starting to pile up.

Solo Ride (110 Miles) - 03/24/07
"Grande Fugue, tantôt libre, tantôt recherchée"

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Morning:
Home - Remington - Sunnyvale Saratoga - Pierce - Mt Eden - Stevens Cyn: 0:52:00
Montebello, bottom to school: 0:18:23
Montebello, school to Swiss Crk: 0:05:03
Montebello, Swiss Crk to top: 0:17:45 [*PR]
(total Montebello: 0:41:11)
Down - Foothill - El Monte - Moody: 0:50:07
Moody - Page Mill, to Gate 4: 0:21:26
Page Mill, Gate 4 to Los Trancos: 0:14:31
Page Mill, Los Trancos to Skyline: 0:06:20
(total Moody/Page Mill: 0:42:17)
Skyline - Down 84 - Tripp: 0:37:59
Kings Mountain: 0:32:23
Down - Woodside - Whiskey Hill - Portola: 0:29:33
Old La Honda: 0:28:55
Down - Mtn Home - Woodside - Canada - Jefferson - Maple - PDI: 0:53:05
Time: 6:07:36 (total time: 6:29:50)
Mileage: 84.5 Miles
Speed: 13.7922 mph
Climbing: 8,790 ft
Feet per Mile: 104.024 ft/mile
-----------
Evening:
PDI - Maple - Marshall - Brewster - Alameda - Jefferson: 0:34:32
Canada - Woodside - Mtn Home - Portola - Alpine - Arastradero - Foothill - Home: 1:05:54
Time: 1:40:27
Mileage: 27.5 Miles
Speed: 16.4261 mph
Climbing: 1,270 ft.
-----------
Overall:
Time: 7:48:03
Mileage: 112 Miles
Speed: 14.3574 mph
Wght: 152.5

With the exception of Hwy9, piling up all the classic East Skyline climbs.
I leave early. After a week layoff nursing my knee, I feel terrific!! This is shaping up like it could be one of those miraculous days. Perhaps too good, as later in the ride I'll pay my inadvertently strong early pace.
The climb up Montebello in the golden morning sun feels entirely effortless, and at a decent pace (unexpected PR on the last section). I was expecting overcast weather but it's wonderful, crisp and sunny. Many rabbits, many deers. Similar feeling on Page Mill, although I'm consciously slowing down. Skyline is clear, although there is a small area of dense fog in the open area before OLH. I feel good on Kings, but towards the top start running out of gas (probably pushing unnecessarily big gears, bad for my knee!). Also, there are so many riders here, which irritates me. I don't have enough time to recover before OLH, so I take it at a comfortable but extremely slow pace, on the 28'. Strangely, there are strong gusty winds here, and it gets chilly. Return home later very pleasant, just before nightfall. Then slept at the movies!

PDI Ride "Op. 130" (135 Miles) - 04/01/07
- Quartet op. 130
With Kris Kampbell & John Wake

680 / Bollinger Cyn - Alcosta - Crow Cyn - Blackhawk: 0:37:46
Mt Diablo (south side): 1:07:04 [*PR]
Down North Side - DMD route through Clayton - Marsh Creek Rd. - Morgan Territory: 1:29:13
Morgan Territory (climb): 0:31:57 [*PR]
Down South Side - DMD route through Livermore - Altamont Pass - Midway: 1:22:43
Down Patterson to gas station @ 580 and back: 0:10:19
Patterson Pass (climb, Mulqueeny Ranch to the top): 0:39:16 [*PR]
Down W. Patterson - Cross - Tesla - S. Livermore to Subway & back - Concannon - Holmes - Vineyard - Bernal - Pleasanton - Sunol - Niles Canyon: 1:46:55
Palomares (S. Climb): 0:31:39
Down N. Palomares - DMD route through Walnut Creek - Crow Canyon - Norris Canyon - Bollinger Cyn: 1:01:07
Time: 9:18:04 (total time: 10:41:18)
Mileage: 134.5 Miles
Speed: 14.4606 mph
Climbing: 10,100 ft
Feet per Mile: 75.0929 ft/mile
Wght: 151

This is one of those days where all the planets align, to deliver a perfect ride. I'm just shy of my mileage goal, but otherwise, in spite of the crazy winds, what an awesome day.
Started with Kris and John. Stronger pace than anticipated up Diablo, with Kris in my wheel, but I feel comfortable, climbing up on the '24 except for the very last stretch. I worry though that I'll pay for this later. Not so: On Morgan Territory, after a flat near the bottom, I feel completely relaxed and effortless, and feel like I'm flying up, also on the '24, as comfortable as I was last week on Montebello. John, Kris & I part ways in the Livermore valley, and I continue to follow the DMD course. A great tailwind pushes me over the Altamont, but then turns into a ferocious headwind on Patterson Pass. I make a quick detour to the 580 to refuel at a gas station, and up we go. The headwind, even in the valley, is extreme. At times, it's hard to keep balance. But up the climb, I actually feel strangely relaxed, progressing regularly, and in a way the wind is keeping my breathing comfortable. It gets even worse towards the top. At the false summit, I get hit by a burst of wind that nearly throws me off the bike. Here I finally downshift to the '28, for the notorious "Oh My God" stretch, which luckily is somewhat sheltered. But as I come around the summit, I'm hit once again with a powerful slap, and I have to use all my strength to hoist myself up and over into the descent, while desperately trying to maintain balance. Crazy! In spite of all this, I get a better time than last year.
Here begins the painful part of the ride though. The wind is still strong all through Livermore (where I stop for a Subway Sandwich), Pleasanton, Sunol, and through Niles Canyon. That's over two hours in fierce headwinds! It not only wears me down, but it's incredibly annoying, and I resort to my usual "screaming at the wind" madness.
So I'm relieved to finally get on to the Palomares climb, which is completely sheltered, feeling here once again relaxed and comfortable. Finally, following now the end of the DMD course, make my way through Crow Canyon and the final climb of the day: Norris Canyon.
This couldn't have been better, two weeks before the first double. Now taper, and pray for nothing to go wrong. Hopefully my back won't act up, as I've been feeling it all day, and I often get hurt in headwinds.

Solo Ride (70 Miles) - 04/08/07

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Morning:
Home - Foothill - Alpine - Portola - Woodside - Canada -
Various climbs on both sides of Emerald Hills, particularly: Godetia, W. California, Hamilton, Lakemead, W. Glen, Glencrag, W. Maple... -
Jefferson - Maple - Seaport - PDI.
Time: 2:40:18
Mileage: 37.9 Miles
Speed: 14.1859 mph
-----------
Evening:
PDI - Maple - Marshall - Brewster -
Emerald Hills, principally: Brewster, Upland, Hillside, Crest, Summit, Handley Trail, Hillcrest, California -
Canada - Woodside - Portola - Alpine _ Arastradero - Elena - Natoma - Altamont - Moody - Foothill - back home.
Time: 2:12:19
Mileage: 32 Miles
Speed: 14.5106 mph
-----------
Overall:
Time: 4:52:37
Mileage: 69.2 Miles
Speed: 14.1892 mph
Wght: 151

Very easy, goal is to relax, keep back pain under control.
A lot of fun in the Emerald Hills, enjoying the maze of quick climbs. From up there, surveyed the bay, looking for yesterday's fire. But to my surprise, there is nothing, not a trace of smoke! So I call in and go to PDI, where we have rounds and stuff.
Flat on Natoma, the 3rd in about a week!

Planet Ultra : Mulholland Double Century (200 Miles) - 04/14/07

Toccata, Adagio & Fugue in C major, BWV 564
Fantasia & Fugue in G minor, BWV 452

Official Stats:
Mulholland Double Results
101 Registered Riders. 76 Finishers, 15 DNF, 10 No Shows
34: Gluckman Philippe Sunnyvale CA 14:45*
*These riders received a ten minute penalty for failing to stop for a sticker at the Peter Strauss Checkpoint on the return.

[Some of the intermediate times are obviously wrong, need to double-check against route sheet!]
Calabasas: Good Nite Inn on Agoura - Las Virgenes / Malibu Cyn - Pacific Coast Hwy - Topanga Cyn - Mulholland - Yerba Buena - CP2 (Mile 49.6) = 3:09:18
Cotharin - Pacifc View - Pacific Coast Hwy - Las Posas - Potrero - CP3 (Mile 90) = 0:50:27
Through Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley - Tierra Rejada - Grimes Cyn - CP4 (Mile 121.9) = 1:43:57
Balcolm Cyn - Bradley - Las Posas - Hwy 1 S. - Decker Cyn - CP5 (Mile 161.9) = 1:56:09
Mulholland - Cold Canyon - Pumia - Schueren - CP6 (Mile 191.3) = 2:40:13
Stunt - Mulholland - Las Virgenes - Lost Hills - Agoura (Mile 202.4) = 3:14:33
Time: 13:34:40 (total time: 14:33:04)
Mileage: 203.7 Miles
Speed: 15.0025 mph
Elevation Gain: 16,400 ft.
Feet per Mile: 80.51 ft/mile
Wght: 152

Wow. Another one for Planet Ultra. Wow.
Fantastic ride. Very hard, but felt in excellent shape, particularly on the many climbs. Struggled only a little in the flat middle section, with typical "mid-ride blues".
I Leave with Lyresa & Jeff in the 6:15 group (slower riders left @ 5:00). The weather at the start is surprisingly freezing. The initial pace is extremely fast (probably because of the Stage Race), but I know to let most of the group charge forward and warm up at my own rhythm. I'm rewarded in this early part of the ride by spotting a number of dolphins playing in the water along the coast, very close to shore.
We soon start climbing inland, and I catch up Jeff, then Lyresa a little later, and proceed on my own. These morning climbs are awesome, feeling easy, smooth and comfortable. This is the perfect course for me, with magnificent views of the Santa Monica Mountains, and soon I end up by myself in the breathtaking landscape. A spectacular descent with unbelievable views of the Ocean brings us back to the coast, where we head North, pushed by a pleasant tailwind. A flat stretch leads to another steeper climb, it's hard to switch back to climbing rhythm but I'm still feeling good. I make it to lunch in excellent shape, stop very little, feeding mainly off the usual Sustained Energy (also take a few bites of a Sandwich and put the remainder in my back pocket, which I'll slowly eat along the way).
The next part of the ride really sucks, unfortunately. Through Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley, it's urban, with many traffic lights, completely killing the rhythm. This is very surprising from Planet Ultra, who always come up with the wildest routes. I meet a cyclist from Oakland through this painful suburbia.
Eventually, we reach better roads, as climbing resumes, and we hit Balcolm Canyon, a short but very steep climb (18-22%). I downshift to the '28 (for the first and only time of the day), get off the saddle and power my way up at a good rhythm. This is short enough that I can keep the effort going, dropping the riders around me.
Unfortunately more flat follows, this time into the wind. I'm growing incredibly frustrated by my left cleat which is becoming very hard to disengage. This is silly, but I lose much concentration and pace over this, and am increasingly disappointed by this part of the course. This is probably where I lose a lot of time. Finally, we reach the Coast and head South (strangely, again into a tailwind). I'm caught up on the flat by Oakland guy and a few other riders. I've ridden strong so far, and I'm hoping I can make it back before nightfall. But this is not counting with the difficult climbing still ahead. (In the end, my overall time will be a little disappointing.)
The ride heads back inland into a major climb, and the superb landscape of this morning. This brings me back to life. Around mile 160, Decker Canyon starts steep, but I feel excellent, get going off the saddle on the '24, dropping the group of riders again (this time for good). I actually feel so elated that I'm losing my mind, talking loudly to myself with a thick accent from Marseilles: "Oh 'Fan de Chichoune, ça monte tout seul!!". Most entertaining. Past the climb, I lose time again looking for one of the "Sticker Stops", failing which I could get DQ'ed, but the stop is nowhere to be found. (As it turns out, I will be given a 10 minute time penalty for not getting the sticker, along with another DC rider and 16 Century riders. I wrote an email to Planet Ultra suggesting to better mark the stop in future years, which they acknowledged.)
With 30 Miles to go, this is where normally you would break the Champagne at the idea of completing another Double. But I remember from the Elevation Profile that there should be one more major climb before the end. On a remote road, I catch up a Grizzly Peak rider, and ask him about it. "Yes", he points straight up, "We have to get over that Ridge". Holy crap, What an incredible sight! It's daunting! The full climb is in view, and it's massive. To my knowledge, no other Double features a major climb this far into the ride (it ends around mile 190).
I'm relieved to settle easily into a comfortable climbing rhythm. The Grizzly Peak rider however appears at the end of his rope, and I'm soon by myself once again. Luckily, it's a gentle gradual slope, reminescent of the easy gradient of Mt Hamilton, and again I feel strangely relaxed and smooth. In fact, on this last climb, I'm overcome by a state of blissful serenity, lulled by the steady pedaling rhythm, as the sun is setting around me on the Santa Monica Mountains, with occasional sweeping views of the ocean, and the loud howling of Coyotes in the distance, a perfect conclusion to this awesome day. It would have been a shame to do this at night (many riders will)! This last climb is very long though, and I eventually tire a bit, as I'm running low on food. The road is still painted with signs from the recent Tour of California (as it was earlier on Balcolm), which tells me how much distance is left to the top. I make it to the summit as night is setting, get out my lights, jacket, etc. To my surprise, I'm soon joined by the Grizzly Peak rider and some other guy, who I thought would be further behind.
Grizzly Peak dude seems thoroughly exhausted, breathing very heavily in a daze, unable at first to fix his lights, looking like he's recovering from a Knockout. The ride should be just about over at this point (only 10 miles to go), hopefully heading into a smooth descent to the finish, finally. But soon thereafter, after a turn, there's yet more climbing! And the two other riders, finding a new wind from God Knows Where, pass me on this last stretch. Unbelievable! The guy was dying just a minute ago!
Finally this is cleared too, and into a long descent, at night. I'm worried about missing a turn, and stop a couple times to consult the route sheet. After such a big day, I'm moved by the site of the Good Nite Inn, as I finally make it to the finish.
Jeff is here. He DNF'ed around mile 120. He says Lyresa had a cable failure, but she's still out there on the course, hoping to complete the ride. (As it turns out, she had many problems today, but still managed to finish.) Poor sleep as usual that night, I drive back early, into a snow storm on Tejon Pass! Following days are typical: Eat like a pig, every hour, to the point of being sick of it. Sudden dramatic weight loss four days after the ride, like clockwork, as usual after a big event. Feeling a little tired and dizzy, but overall ok. Back painful but under control I think.
I now need urgent recovery: Devil's Mountain is in two weeks. Argh.

Quackcyclists : Devil's Mountain Double Century (210 Miles) - 04/28/07

Official Stats:
175 Riders (out of 188 registered).
120 Finishers (55 DNFs).
Last riders finished around 3:30am!
66 17:55 Gluckman Philippe Sunnyvale CA

Bishop to Diablo entrance: 0:32:38
Mt Diablo - RS 1: 1:11:59
Down North Side - Through Clayton - Marsh Creek Rd.: 1:31:24
Morgan Territory - RS 2: 0:35:12
Down - Through N. Livermore - Altamont Pass - Midway: 1:19:08
Patterson Pass - Checkpoint - Top: 0:33:33 [*PR]
Down to Mines Rd. - RS 3: 0:35:00
Mines Rd., to Eylar Ridge: 1:58:49
Down to Junction - RS 4 - San Antonio Valley Rd.: 1:07:55
E. Mt Hamilton - Checkpoint - Top: 0:55:37
W. Hamilton Descent - Crothers - RS 5 - to Piedmont: 1:16:35
Sierra: 0:46:20
More Sierra - Mini-Stop ("Pet the Goat") - Felter - Calaveras - Sunol - RS6: 1:10:18
Niles Cyn: 0:14:36
S. Palomares: 0:35:31
Down North Side - Castro Valley - Crow Canyon - Norris Canyon to finish: 1:26:31
Time: 15:50:12 (Total Time: 17:55 !!!)
Mileage: 208.1 Miles
Speed: 13.1404 mph
Elevation Gain: 18,800 ft. (or 20,000+?)
Feet per mile: 90.3412 ft/mile
Wght: 150.5

Today was hell --
Unfortunately, I have an "off" day, which on a ride like this is terrible! I'm happy to finish nonetheless, but it's disappointing that I didn't feel any better. To make matters worse, the weather is very hot (apparently the hottest since the first edition which then was held in July), which this ride was clearly not designed for, with the endless climbing almost entirely exposed to the sun. This wreaks havoc on the riders, leading to record DNF numbers.
I haven't ridden much since Mulholland, and actually stayed off the bike entirely in the week leading to this ride. My back has been very painful, and I've been feeling sick (like many people around me), dizzy and exhausted, not to mention the completion of Shrek3. My confidence is very low, I've lost motivation, I show up for the ride thinking I'll test the waters and roll right back to the start if things are bad.
We start at 5:00. A speech from the Quackcyclists boasts that their goal is to help everyone complete the ride, unlike the Terrible Two which prides itself on a high DNF rate. The warmup to Diablo is nice, I hook up with a few riders who I keep running into on the doubles, Chris, Lyresa... On Mt Diablo, I'm relieved that my lower back pain isn't debilitating (once warmed up, my back will start feeling fine about 2-3 hours into the ride, which is typical). But I soon realize that I don't have it together today: I'm a bit dizzy, short of breath, my chest burning as soon as I put in an effort. I slow down some, but not enough, thinking this is the first climb, and that sometimes it takes a few to get into the rhythm. Under the circumstances, my pace up Diablo is too fast, I stupidly fall into the classic trap.
Because it's already warm, I don't put the jacket back on for the descent, and freeze, shivering violently, adding to my discomfort. The transition through Clayton is unpleasant. I must admit to myself that I'm feeling like crap, and I decide to go in survival mode from here on. But that's a long way to go! The choice is to tough it out or abandon. Towards the bottom of Morgan Territory, before the climb, I get passed by many riders, including Lyresa who catches up and passes me. I isolate myself, determined to find a pace that can carry me through the miles. Still feeling like crap, I make it to the top, in energy conservation mode. Later through Livermore and the Altamont, I am passed by more riders, decide to ignore that, not to let myself be brought down, and keep focusing inwards.
The temperature is getting hot. It's the first time I climb Patterson Pass with no wind at all! The windmills are completely still... And even though I'm not feeling well, I clear the climb faster than usual, not having to contend with the crazy headwinds! Near the top, strategically placed just before the "Oh-My-God" summit, the rest stop is unfortunately running out of water...
Down Patterson and through S. Livermore, to Mines Road, my frustration is taking over. It's particularly bitter to look back to that ride when, just 4 weeks ago, with Kris and John, I felt so magically easy on these very same roads. Today is a completely different picture. In the lower section of Mines Road before it starts climbing, knowing the long miles and major climbs ahead, I finally decide that I'll stop the next SAG vehicle and drop out, since I'm riding in such discomfort, my first DNF on a Double Century. But I don't. Maybe it's the memory of my first Terrible Two, where I resurrected after a painful 1st half, that keeps me going. I'm definitely hoping for something like this, but the prospects are bleak. I know that somewhere in me there is all that training that I can draw on, but it's just not coming out. I also argue to myself that this might be another case of "mid-ride blues". Soon after, at the next rest stop (bottom of Mines), Chris (who I first met at the 2002 Heartbreak, and who's done PBP since) further encourages me, "just take it slow, we're well ahead of cutoff, you have time..." I decide to carry on.
I head up the road and actually do feel slightly better, finding back a little of my climbing comfort. I've never seen this secluded road so busy: in addition to the DMD, there's the Hamilton Challenge coming down the other way. When I'm alone I feel free to express my frustration and despair, which actually helps me cope to some extent. The endless but gentle way up Mines does put me back into things a little bit. I finally make it to the Junction, where I find Lyresa. She unfortunately is suffering from heat exhaustion, which unexpectedly hit her near the top of Mines, complete with goosebumps etc. She was doing very well to that point, but now doesn't know whether she'll be able to continue. After a Sandwich (I'm allowing myself longer stops than usual), I start towards Mt Hamilton. I'm careful not to waste unnecessary strength on the approach to the mountain, knowing the climb all too well. I start up the climb with Chris, and actually don't feel so bad, distancing most riders. It's very hot, and still very little shelter from the sun. In fact, many riders stop along the way, in the rare shade of a tree. Even though I know it well, the last stretch of this climb, with its horrendous false summits, often beats me up psychologically, and today is certainly no exception. My energy drops again, and I worry about running out of water and food. I switch down to the 32' and complete the last 2 miles in survival mode. The water stop near the top is a welcome sight! I sit for a while, nursing my left foot which has become incredibly painful to the point where I could cry! Some time later, I'm joined by Chris then Lyresa. I'm happy that she has managed to restart, although now she too is riding to survive.
The long descent recharges the batteries a bit. We approach Sierra with apprehension. This is mile 150 of a particularly hard day. The only good news is that it's the last major climb. In the lower stretches, I get going like I normally would, actually feeling pretty good, passing Lyresa who jokes that "I'm flying by". But I don't fly for long! I soon realize that I won't keep this pace to the top, and once again shift down to the 32'. As Lyresa will joke later, at this point, you're just finding out how slow you can possibly go without tipping over. Many riders stop along the road, at various stages of the climb. I'm able to keep going, but do resort to meandering on the road in the final stretches, where I catch up with a guy walking up those final slopes. It's actually interesting to ride such a hard endurance ride on familiar roads, and measuring the impact that exhaustion can have on your pace. On Sierra, I'm about 10 to 15 minutes slower than normal. I'm relieved to make it to the "pet the goat" rest stop, where I'm greeted by Ken Holloway who's helping out. From this point, I know I'll be able to complete the DMD. Powerful moment.
From there the long Calaveras descent. For a little bit I'm riding alongside DC legend John T. Clare, who at the age of 66 has done over 100 double centuries! As usual the pesky bugs come out at twilight and get into my face, my eyes. I reach Sunol just at night. Niles Canyon is short but very unpleasant, some stupid guy in a car opens his passenger door and yells something at me as he's zooming by. Then turn into Palomares. This is a much more mellow climb, in fact, at night like this, I find it strangely relaxing, out there all by myself on this dark secluded road. Descent through Walnut Creek. Another unpleasant stretch on Crow Canyon, which is busy with fast traffic. There, in what is becoming an unfortunate tradition whenever I have a bad day on a double century, I get a f(*&#$*$@ing rear flat, at night! As I'm completing the repair I am joined by Lee (the everpresent SAG driver) who helps me out with his floor pump. Soon after, Norris Canyon, final climb of the day, which is shorter, where I catch Chris who had passed me during my flat, and from there we both roll down to the finish. Good Lord, the prestigious Jersey is mine! Dubious record: This is the longest I've ever spent on the bike. Lyresa arrives later, and as usual we joke we won't ever do this again, or at least not until the Terrible Two!
I'm actually cancelling all future plans until I see how I recover from this. I've taken such a beating today that I look at the Terrible Two with renewed fear. At the end of the day, the DMD and the TT do stand out as the hardest rides out there, significantly more difficult than the next tier of Double Centuries (Mulholland, Heartbreak...) But as hard as today was, the Terrible Two, with its crazy steep climbing, excessive heat and aggressive time limit, is still the hardest of them all! I have to get my back pain into a more manageable state, so I can recover and train back up.

Solo Ride, "Dunne-Metcalf" (100 Miles) - 05/11/07
Terrible Two Trainer (5 weeks left) --

South end of Coyote Crk Trail - Cochrane - Morgan Hill/Gilroy Roads to Roop: 0:52:31
Roop (Estates Drive to top): 0:11:53
Roop - Gilroy Hot Springs - Canada (down): 0:42:39
Canada (Angelo Lane to top): 0:21:29
Back same way to E. Dunne: 1:09:25
Dunne 1st part (Saddleback to Jackson Oaks): 0:10:03 [*PR] (descent: 0:07:11)
Dunne 2nd part (Picnic Area to small descent): 0:32:03 [*PR] (descent: 0:01:36)
Dunne 3rd part (to Henry Coe Park Sign): 0:17:35 [*PR]
Dunne, whole climb: 1:08:28 [*PR]
To Park headquarters, then back down and to the car: 0:54:44
(Drive to Bailey)
Bailey, to Metcalf: 0:16:55
Metcalf: 0:17:55
Back down - Bailey - Mc Kean - Harry - Henwood - Via Santa Teresa - Scenic Vista (out & back) - Down to Graystone Lane - Turn around and back same way: 1:34:59
Time: 7:31:16 (Total Time (including driving): 8:01:06)
Mileage: 102.7 Miles
Speed: 13.6549 mph
Climbing (approx): 8790 ft
Feet per Mile: 86.1765 ft/mile
Wght: 151

First of the Friday rides (taking Fridays off until the summer).
I hesitated quite a bit before choosing this route. I wanted something challenging, with some steep climbing, but without going all out yet. The problem with these climbs is that they are separated by relatively long boring flat sections. I start with the Gilroy Hot Springs loop to warmup, but getting there takes longer than I thought, and I'm also disappointed by the cool overcast conditions. Actually, for once, I feel a little too lonesome on the deserted roads (it's Friday), and the fog only makes it worse. In addition, I'm still not feeling that good, a little lethargic, and really struggling with my lower back. The sun breaks around 11:00, coincidentally lifting my spirits. I head up Dunne, to Henry Coe State Park. This is only my second time on this climb, and it has become one of my favorites. Too bad it's so far out of the way, and doesn't connect with other interesting roads. I pass entirely on the 24', in relative comfort. Then, instead of riding more flat to Metcalf, I decide to drive there. Metcalf is one of the steeper roads in the bay area, but it isn't too long. It's very exposed to the sun, perfect for Terrible Two training. I feel ok on the climb (around mile 80), passing on the 28'. I'm not sure what to do next. I think I can connect to Mt Umunhum, but that might be a little too ambitious, given that I'm already past my mileage goal, and I don't feel ready for this most difficult climb. I head in that direction nonetheless, only to explore the route. I figure it out, but then get lost trying to find a different way back to the car, and by chance hit some short but incredibly steep South San Jose hills, particularly Via Santa Teresa and Scenic Vista. (I will later find out that these are listed among the hardest climbs on the ACTC list...)
Lots of wildlife on the ride, deers, coyotes, many turkey vultures. Felt so-so on this ride, but overall ok.

Solo Ride, "Bohlman-Umunhum-Metcalf-Quimby!!!" (110 Miles) - 05/18/07
Terrible Two Trainer (4 weeks left) --

Home - Mary - Prospect etc. - to Saratoga: 0:34:53
Bohlman (Cuvilly to On Orbit): 0:17:09 [*PR]
Bohlman (Bot. of On Orbit to Park): 0:11:43
Bohlman (Park to Top): 0:11:04
Total Bohlman: 0:39:56
Back down to On Orbit: 0:09:14
On Orbit: 0:08:01 [*PR]
Down - Hwy9 to Los Gatos - Los Gatos Blvd - Kennedy - Down Hicks to Camden for water - Back on Hicks: 1:12:20
N. Hicks: 0:13:50 [*PR]
Mt Umunhum (to gate): 0:19:02
Mt Umunhum (to No Trespassing signs): 0:12:40
Total N. Hicks / Umunhum: 0:45:32
Down - S. Hicks - Almaden - Mc Kean - Bailey: 1:08:25
Metcalf: 0:18:05
San Felipe - Aborn: 0:52:45
Aborn (Murillo to Dead End): 0:10:59
Down - White - Quimby: 0:23:59
Quimby (Church to Summit Ranch): 0:37:06
Down E. Quimby - Down Mt Hamilton Rd. - back home via Tasman etc.: 1:33:11
Time: 8:34:26 (Total Time: 9:53:49)
Mileage: 111.5 Miles
Speed: 13.0046 mph
Climbing: 11,560 ft
Feet per Mile: 103.677 ft/mile
Wght: 153

Huge ride. I'm incredibly happy with this partially improvised route, in spite of a few urban transitions. It manages to string together four of the steepest climbs in the bay area, which I didn't know was possible. There could hardly be a better way to prepare for the Terrible Two.
The start of the ride is miserable. On Bohlman, I'm almost immediately in the red, feeling short of breath and achy. I stubbornly insist on the 28' instead of downshifting, and I feel so sketchy that I decide to by-pass On Orbit and stay on Bohlman for the whole climb (for the first time). I do make it to the top, but in poor spirits. After the quick descent, I decide to climb On Orbit after all, but on the 32'. I've finally come to my senses and realize that using the Granny Gear is not going to hurt my manlyhood! And it sure is more comfortable, I feel much better in spite of the impossible gradient here.
Back down, and on to Hicks, via Los Gatos and the smaller Kennedy climb. Quick detour for water on Camden. I'm commited to using my lowest gear profusely from now on, and sure enough, I downshift right away at the start of the Hicks/Umunhum climb, and use it most of the way. I'm actually starting to feel good. There's something unique about this climb. It's extremely difficult (a few sustained segments around 20%), but it feels uniquely "out there", with a strange mystic feel to the rugged landscape as you approach the top of the mountain and its mysterious square concrete structure, which cannot be reached. It concludes abruptly with the ominous "no trespassing" signs that put an end to the climb. It would be so tempting to continue, but legend has it the indigenous have guns here...
Down to Almaden, on to Metcalf (using the route I explored last week). After Bohlman and Umunhum, Metcalf feels easier, and I can use the '28 again. I buy a Gatorade from a vending machine in the motorcycle park. A sudden inspiration: What if I kept going on San Felipe through East San Jose to connect to Quimby? I don't remember this area very well, but I know it can be done (though I'm uncertain of what the mileage will add up to). This ends up working out easier than I expected. At some point, I cross Aborn Rd., and decide to try it out, as I've seen it listed as a climb on the ACTC list. To my surprise, it ends up being another short but very steep climb, which dead-ends over San Jose. Back down to White and onto Quimby. I take a rest at the bottom, as I'm starting to feel tired and fear this climb. I worry that I may not make it, knowing how challenging the last part is. I get going, using the 32' early on. This turns out to be relatively comfortable, and I pass the "switchbacks from hell" and the difficult final segment with relative ease, albeit slowly. I'm very happy with this, and can relax on the following descent and long flat section back home, feeling pretty fresh and satisfied with my day (even though the cars and trafic lights are driving me nuts as usual in that last section.)
Nice weather, getting hot on Umunhum, but strong cool northerly headwinds in the afternoon. Nutrition mostly Perpetuem.

PDI Ride, "Hamilton-Welch Creek" (150 Miles) - 05/25/07
Terrible Two Trainer (3 weeks left) --
With Kris Campbell, Philippe Denis and Gene Ragan.

Home - Mary - Central - Montague - Landess - Piedmont (join the others) - Reverse DMD route to Alum Rock: 1:11:07
Mt Hamilton, 1st climb: 0:34:42 [*PR] - (Descent: 0:05:03)
Mt Hamilton, 2nd climb: 0:17:56 [*PR] - (Descent: 0:02:30)
Mt Hamilton, 3rd climb: 0:42:39 [*PR]
Total Mt Hamilton: 1:42:50
Down E. Side - San Antonio Valley Rd. - Mines Rd.: 2:42:45
Tesla - Concannon - Holmes - Vineyard - Bernal - Sunol Pleasanton - Calaveras: 1:10:47
Welch Creek Road: 0:43:59
Down - Calaveras - Geary rd. (Detour to Sunol Ohlone Park to get water): 0:31:43
Calaveras (climb): 0:47:47
Down - Evans - Jacklin - Abel - Tasman - Mathilda - Mary - Home: 1:00:50
Time: 9:52:47 (total time: 12:13:18)
Mileage: 149.1 Miles
Speed: 15.0915 mph
Climbing: 10,550 ft
Feet per Mile: 70.7579 ft/mile
Wght: 153

Start from home to join the others in Milpitas. We all have the day off thanks to Shrek3 opening weekend. Thinking I'll be late, I push the pace unnecessarily through the urban section, which on a weekday is filled with unpleasant traffic. It's going to be hot, so I leave jacket and knee warmers with Philippe.
The climb up Mt Hamilton is as usual very pleasant. Gene (who's a racer), sets a good tempo without making much effort at all, but it's a bit faster than I would normally like on a long ride (in fact, I get PRs for each segment, although I've had faster overall times before, when I used to time the climb as a whole). I'm careful not to overdo it though, and find it very manageable. I then slow down the pace in San Antonio Valley and Mines, feeling a bit nauseous in the heat, and needing to conserve energy. My goal today is to attempt Welch Creek road late in the ride, to test if I can make it with significant mileage in my legs. Right now, it's feeling a little iffy... I tend to fall behind a bit, drafting off Kris at times on the long way down. We stop for lunch in Livermore (I eat an ice cream and a small part of a sandwich, otherwise, it's all Perpetuem) and feel great again after that, enough to attempt Welch Creek. This will be quite a test, as I have about 110 miles so far.
So at the bottom of Calaveras, we part ways. Philippe Denis decides to tag along for part of the climb to see what it looks like. We're immediately greeted by a series of vertical assaults (Philippe swears in French!), but they're short, and eventually the road levels off a bit, snaking in the woods. The pitch picks up brutally again, this time for a long segment, and Philippe, who doesn't have low enough gears, turns back (I'm all on the '32 at this point). At the end of the Regional Park, I pause briefly to drink (it's nearly impossible to ingest anything otherwise). The last section, which comes out in the open, finishes on a rather long unbelievably steep segment. Even on the 32', it's an all-out effort to hoist myself over each pedal stroke, while desperately struggling not to lose balance. Seriously, I fear I'll tip over on the side of the road! In a somewhat surreal sight, a woman tranquilly watering her lawn encourages me in the final yards (there are a few houses at the top, in the middle of nowhere). What a relief to make it to the top...
The descent is no fun at all, clinging the breaks the whole way. I worry that I don't have enough water to reach the top of Calaveras, so I make a quick detour to the Sunol Ohlone Park Headquarters. After the violence of Welch Creek, climbing Calaveras feels pleasantly relaxing, now comfortably spinning a good cadence. Finally, some urban riding back home, unfortunately into a headwind, but feeling reasonably fresh.
This ends up being a big day, among my hardest unsupported rides, exactly what I needed in preparation for the Terrible Two. I really do think that Welch Creek road is the hardest climb in the area, with Bohlman/On Orbit probably coming in second.

Solo Ride, "Los Trancos repeats" (20 Miles) - 05/30/07
Terrible Two Trainer --

Alpine @ La Mesa - Los Trancos: 16:55:81
Los Trancos/Ramona/Vista Verde repeats:
17'56"36 (descent: 13'00") - 19'56"32 (descent: 9'41") - 18'40"19
Back via Joaquim/Alpine: 0:19:12
Time: 1:55:22
Mileage: 22.2 Miles
Speed: 11.5458 mph
Wght: 152

Great session. Goal is to pass on lowest gear but at a strong cadence. The first interval is pretty intense (almost 20" off my PR), but I decide to find a more comfortable pace. I then feel really good on the last climb, where I hit a challenging yet very sustainable pace.
Good training.

Solo Ride, "Bohlman/On Orbit-Hicks/Umunhum" (120 Miles) - 06/01/07
Terrible Two Trainer (2 weeks left) --

Home - Bernardo - Stevens Creek: 0:25:14
Montebello, to school: 0:18:09
Montebello, school to Swiss Creek: 0:05:16
Montebello, Swiss Creek to top: 0:18:27
Total Montebello: 0:41:52
Down - Stevens Canyon: 0:27:54
Redwood Gulch - Turned back 1/2 way because of Mountain Lion - Mt Eden - Pierce - Down 9 into Saratoga - 6th: 0:36:41
Bohlman, Cuvilly to On Orbit: 0:16:33 [*PR]
On Orbit: 0:08:23 (short descent: 0:0:43)
Bohlman, On Orbit to top: 0:13:29 [*PR]
Total Bohlman/On Orbit: 0:39:08 [*PR]
Down - 9 to Los Gatos - Detour to Vasona Park for water - Blossom Hill - Los Gatos Blvd - Kennedy - Hicks: 1:10:24
N. Hicks: 0:14:04 (short pause: 0:01:03)
Mt Umunhum, Hicks to Gate: 0:19:54
Down, via S. Hicks, into New Almaden - Mc Kean - Harry: 0:28:40
Via Santa Teresa - Scenic Vista: 0:11:16
Down and back to New Almaden - Hicks: 0:26:30
S. Hicks, from Alamitos to top: 0:16:42
Mt Umunhum, Hicks to Gate: 0:21:34
Down N. Hicks - Camden for water - back on Hicks - Shannon - Los Gatos Blvd - Hwy 9 - Saratoga: 1:21:30
Hwy 9, Pierce to top: 0:43:17
Skyline - Down Page Mill/Moody - back home: 1:16:01
Time: 9:41:40 (total time: 10:53:45)
Mileage: 119.5 Miles
Speed: 12.3267 mph
Climbing: 15,020 ft.
Feet per Mile: 125.69 ft/mile
Wght: 154

Phew, tough day! This is the last big training ride before the Terrible Two, and I'm frankly glad it's over. All this training is starting to pile up. Today is almost pure climbing, with once again some of the steepest Bay Area roads on the menu.
I start the day on Montebello which feels very pleasant. My intention is then to reach Saratoga through Redwood Gulch, just to add another steep climb. I'm happily on my way, but in the middle section where it levels off, I spot a large animal ahead of me on the side of the road. It's got to be a mountain lion. The animal is light brown, looks bigger and bulkier than a coyote, and has the characteristic long tail. I stop immediately (at a good distance), make some noise hoping it'll disappear into the forest, but to my surprise it continues to mind its own business, apparently not interested in me at all. Is it peeing on the side of the road? There really is noone here and I'm not going to take chances, so I turn back into the descent, careful not to be chased, and take the Mt Eden route instead. Hard to be 100% sure that this was indeed a mountain lion, but I'm quite positive it wasn't a coyote, unlikely to be a dog, and definitely not a bobcat. I only find puzzling that it did not leave when it saw me, or acknowledge me in any way...
Anyway, on to Bohlman/On Orbit. I feel pretty good today, taking it cautiously and with no particular problem, definitely using the 32' on the steep grades. I'll say again that I find this slightly easier than Welch Creek, but that could also be because I generally hit this climb early in my rides. Then through Los Gatos, up & over Kennedy, and on to Hicks.
I actually feel good on Hicks as well, but start bonking on Umunhum, particularly in the last part, even though it's easier here. Although temperatures are pretty mild today, Umunhum always feels much hotter than everywhere else, and I'm sure that's a factor. I stop at the gate very tired, then, after the descent, take time to refuel properly in New Almaden, and keep going to climb Via Santa Teresa/Scenic Vista. This is short but very steep, but I'm feeling comfortable again. Back to Hicks, this time the South side, which is a little easier, and a second time up Mt Umunhum. I feel better now, yet I'm still very slow and a bit tentative in the last part. Also to note is some excruciating pain in my left toe, which makes me scream in the descent (as I get tossed around) then partially subsides.
The way back to Los Gatos is this time up & over Shannon. In Saratoga, I decide to add Hwy 9 as the last climb of the day. This is considerably more mellow, and I pass feeling very easy, although at a slow pace. On the descent, from the upper portion of Page Mill, the view of the clouds pouring over the hills near Woodside is spectacular.
Where does this all put me for the Terrible Two? My preparation has been better than in previous years, yet I'm still very nervous. I have not gotten back to my climbing level, and as the miles accumulate I still don't feel as comfortable as I'd like on steep roads. Even compared to the beginning of this year, I've lost some speed and endurance, and I'm also frustrated with not having controled my weight very well.
Anyway, it is what it is, and now starts a well needed taper before the event...

Solo Ride, "Skaggs Springs" (45 Miles) - 06/08/07
Terrible Two Trainer (1 week left) --

Geyserville - Canyon Road - Dry Creek Road - Lake Sonoma: 0:26:03
1st 15 miles of Skaggs Springs Road (ascents in bold, descents in parenthesis and italics:)

1. 0:20:29 (0:01:41) -
2. 0:01:20 (0:00:45) -
3. 0:02:49 (0:01:27) -
4. 0:16:28 (0:01:25) -
5. 0:07:20 (0:07:02) -
6. 0:04:13 (0:03:43) -
7. 0:07:06 (0:01:06) -
8. 0:17:30

Today, I have a last minute idea, which turns out to work out perfectly. On this last weekend before the Terrible Two, I was originally planning on a short low intensity ride, possibly a few Los Trancos repeats. But since I have the day to myself, why not drive to Santa Rosa and ride Skaggs Springs? This is the heart of the Terrible Two, the road most feared by riders, where most of the damage is done. But what does it feel like, with fresh legs and a clear mind? Is it truely that terrible? I even take a camera with me, thinking I'll document a few of the tougher climbs, but eventually take only a single photograph.
I start the ride in Geyserville, a quick warmup takes me to Lake Sonoma. And here we go, the climb starts right out of the parking lot.
The first 15 miles of Skaggs ("Stewarts Point Skaggs Springs road", to be exact) from Lake Sonoma to Las Lomas, offer a seemingly endless series of steep climbs, entirely exposed to the sun. On the Terrible Two, after 110 miles, 7,500 ft of climbing, and temperatures often in the 100s, this section wreaks havoc on the field.
Today though, being here with a clear head and relatively mild temperatures brings a completely different perspective. Yes, it's hard, but not as superhuman as I remember. I adopt a very easy pace, and make it in relative comfort up the successive climbs. I decide to keep track of the various segments, to analyze the climbing. Much of the destructive power of this infamous stretch is that it feels endless, relentless. It turns out to be a succession of 8 climbs of varying lengths, most of which are very steep, although never quite "Welch Creek" steep. The longer segments are definitely tough, but on fresh legs and in this mild climate (and cautiously on the '32) it's quite manageable. I make a mental note of a few landmarks, hoping this will help me next week. The longer twisty climb is probably the hardest. After the location of the intermediate water stop, there's a longer descent leading to a spectacular bridge, followed by another steep climb, then after a new descent, the final climb, which crosses "Old Skaggs Springs", starts a little easier with a few patches of shade (finally) and ends shortly after a steep hairpin turn (the only one along the whole way).
I reach Las Lomas (where the rest stop will be, and where starts the descent to Camp Gualala) feeling good, almost surprised at how comfortable it has been. This reminds me of my feeling in 2004, but is definitely a happy reversal of last year. The mythical Skaggs now feels more human, which somehow feels strange. To keep things in perspective, it took me 1h34 today vs. about 2h00 on last year's Terrible Two (and that's not even counting the lengthy stops along the way!) I unfortunately don't have my times from 2004 which must have been better...
I'd be tempted to continue down and climb the Rancheria Wall, but that would clearly be a mistake. Not only do I not want that kind of mileage, but I would certainly run out of water on the way back (As it turns out, my two full water bottles will barely suffice to support me through the ride. Even though it isn't excessively hot today, it still feels extremely dry). So I turn around, and the way back is about as hard as the way out, with most of the climbs getting very steep (in fact, I wonder what a "reverse Terrible Two" would be like?).
I could not be happier with my day. Sure, it was a lot of driving (I spent longer in the car than on the bike today), but it was definitely worth the trouble. We'll see what happens next week, but I'm hoping that this reconnaissance will help me tremendously... I've erased part of the stigma from last year, and now have a much clearer sense of the structure of this unique road.

Santa Rosa Cycling Club : The Terrible Two, (200 Miles) - 06/16/07

The many faces of Skaggs Springs Road:

One of many sun baked climbs -- The Rancheria "wall" -- And finally the Ocean!
(photos by Veronika Lenzi)

Terrible Two Official Results --
282 official starters
229 official finishers
212 (75%) by 10:00pm cut-off
112 Philippe Gluckman 41 Sunnyvale 14:31

California Triple Crown Stage Race Results -- (Link to Official Results)

	- RANK -	- MULHOLLAND -	- DEVIL'S MOUNTAIN -	- TERRIBLE TWO -	- OVERALL TIME -	- TIME BACK -
1st leg:	34 (out of 76 finishers)	14:45	--	--	14:45	3:02
1st 2 legs:	27 (out of 43 finishers)	14:45	17:55	--	32:40	8:09
Final:	23 (out of 37 finishers)	14:45	17:55	14:31	47:11	11:15

(Major climbs in bold:)
Analy High School - through Santa Rosa - Bennet Valley - Trinity: 1:17:40
Trinity Grade : 0:25:32 - descent: 0:12:32
Oakville Grade : 0:07:36
Descent - Silverado trail through Napa - Calistoga rest stop (mile 55): 1:00:52 - (Elapsed time: 3:04:12)
Hwy 128 - Geysers rd: 1:03:04
Geysers, intermediate point : 0:37:59
Geysers, 1st summit : 0:09:45 - (total 1st summit: 0:47:44) - descent: 0:03:10
Geysers, 2nd summit rest stop (mile 86): 0:17:41
(total Geysers: 1:08:35 - Elapsed time: 5:15:51)
Descent - Asti - Dutcher Creek - Lake Sonoma Lunch Stop (mile 111): 1:27:10 - (Elapsed time: 6:43:01)
Skaggs Springs , 1st water stop: 1:01:05
Skaggs Springs , 2nd water stop (Las Lomas): 0:38:34
(total Skaggs, Lake Sonoma to Las Lomas): 1:39:39
Skaggs Springs, to Camp Gualala Rest Stop (mile 139): 0:48:36 - (Elapsed time: 9:11:16)
Skaggs Springs, to bridge: 0:02:38
Skaggs Springs, Rancheria Wall : 0:19:20
Skaggs Springs, descent - 2nd climb (which I forget to time) - Descent to Stewarts Point (mile 147.7): 0:17:18 - (Elapsed time: 9:50:14)
Hwy 1, to Fort Ross rest stop (mile 162): 0:55:19 - (Elapsed time: 10:45:33)
Fort Ross, 1st summit : 0:30:11 - (descent: 0:07:18)
Fort Ross, 2nd summit : 0:16:45
Cazadero - Hwy 116 - Monte Rio rest stop (mile 184): 0:48:53 - (Elapsed time: 12:28:40)
Bohemian - Graton - Occidental - Finish (mile 200): 0:59:54
Time: 13:28:34
Total Time: 14h31 (5:30am to 8:01pm)
Mileage: 200 Miles
Speed: 14.8411 mph
Climbing: 16,000 ft
Feet per mile: 80 ft/mile
Wght: 151

A gift from the Weather Gods: Morning fog, and a marine breeze, which keep the temperatures to a reasonable level.
This leads to one of my best ride ever. Finally, I have a fantastic day at the Terrible Two.
In his pre-ride speech, Bill Oetinger dedicates this year's edition to the record holder for most TT's completed. He recently died of a heart attack at age 42 (my age today). On that optimistic note, here we go.
It's a foggy morning, temperatures are miraculously cool, after days of very hot weather. The Trinity/Oakville climb is under the clouds. I'm very cautious today, determined to take it easy on these early climbs, and pass with no problem. Through Napa Valley, I insert myself in a paceline led by a tandem, and stay there docile the whole way, making good time to Calistoga. I don't stop for long and join another group of riders on the way to the Geysers. The pace is a bit faster, I'm taking turns at the front, and I don't let go until the approach to the climb, as my legs are getting heavy and I worry that I might be going too fast.
But I'm reassured as the climb starts. I find my rhythm and feel easy up the Geysers, comfortably not overdoing the effort. We emerge from the clouds, but the temperatures are still nice. The 1st summit reveals the daunting view of the top, but I'm still feeling good, and actually find the second climb easier than I remembered. The descent is great, but then the rollers to lunch as usual feel too long, but I try not to fall back too much on this section. At lunch, I'm greeted by Richard Anderson who's checking in the riders. I don't want to blast through the rest stop like last year, but don't want to waste any time either. I'm eating a combo of Perpetuem and solid food. Here comes the moment of truth: Skaggs Springs!
I start the climb alongside Joseph Jack, whom I met at Mulholland and who's also doing the stage race (we'll yo-yo throughout the day). Temperatures are a little hotter than last Friday, but still manageable, with an occasional sea breeze cooling things down. In spite of this, on the tougher sections, there are still as usual dazed riders trying to recover their spirits under the rare tree shadows. I'm feeling very good though, reach the first water stop and barely need to stop, continue on. My knowledge of the road from last week is invaluable. The heat does get to me though on the very last climb to Las Lomas (which is among the longest but not the steepest). For some reason the wind seems to have died down, and temperatures are rising to the high 90's (this is still cooler than last year). I slow down (as do other riders around me), but again am comforted by my knowledge of the course: I'm patiently waiting for that last switchback before the top. I make it there, and am soon joined by Joseph Jack who barely stops and takes off ahead of me. The descent to Camp Gualala is a good time to recharge before the impossible climbs ahead.
Shortly after Gualala, a metal bridge signals the start of the dreaded Rancheria climb, a 1.7 mile wall which is the steepest of the day. For some reason I always feel good here, maybe because it's a smaller winding section under deep forest shade. It's definitely "Bohlman-steep" here, and seeing the roadsign at the top is an exhilerating relief. A descent, a smaller climb, more descent, and the fantastic sight of the ocean at Stewarts Point.
It would be difficult to describe the emotion coming out of Skaggs Springs road and discovering the ocean. Clearing this 35 mile road, undoubtedly the biggest double-century legend, feels nothing short of miraculous, especially on a clear day like this where the view of the coast is breathtaking. On top of that, we're greeted by an awesome tailwind (I'm now with 2 riders) which carries us quickly to Fort Ross.
Last big climb of the day: Fort Ross. Joseph Jack starts a little ahead of me. I'm gently following another rider up the climb, which is generally quite steep, meandering through deep woods. When the road comes out into the open, there are two very steep short walls, but here again I feel comfortable, and am happy to make it to the top. Ain't over quite yet though, the second summit proves a little harder than I remembered. I pass Joseph Jack who appears to be struggling on this last climb.
Finally the home stretch. I'm now realizing that I could finish in pretty good time (compared to my previous two), and set 8:00pm as an arbitrary deadline. I push the pace on the flat section, adopting a rapid cadence, and using Joseph Jack as a carrot, determined to not let him catch me. I join 3 Palo Alto riders who are pretty fast. On a climb though (yes, there's still some climbing here!), I realize that my legs are completely shot and I get dropped. I finish the ride alone, loudly encouraging myself to stay on rhythm. I reach the finish line at 8:01!
This is by far my best performance on the course. I was careful not to burn out on the climbs (especially early), and did better than usual on the flat sections (although still much room for improvement). At no point did I really struggle, and I gained most time over previous years by not having to stop excessively at any point to recover. Of course, the relatively mild temperatures helped tremendously (this year's success rate will be 75%, as opposed to 55% last year...) Joseph and I eat the post-meal ride together, both exhilerated by this awesome day, and celebrating our completion of the prestigious CTC stage race.
Later, as usual, I can barely sleep, my heart rate remains very high, and I am plagued with weird cycling visions throughout the night...



Images from the finish line and post-ride meal...
(photos by Veronika Lenzi)

Solo Ride (85 Miles) - 07/22/07

Home - Foothill - Alpine to Joaquin and back down - Willowbrook - Portola - Mtn Home - Woodside - Canada - 92 - 35 - Down Crystal Springs - Alameda de las Pulgas - 20th to San Mateo City Hall - Back on Crystal Springs - Tartan trail, climb (steep) to Black Mountain - Back down - Crystal Springs - Polhemus - De Anza - Glendora - Down Hillsdale to Alameda de las Pulgas - Hillsdale, climb back up (very steep) - Back to Polhemus - Ralston bike trail - Canada - Edgewood - Emerald Hills: Lakeview, Handley Trail, Hillcrest, California up to the cross - Down to Canada - Woodside - Sand Hill - Foothill - Detour through Standord to Palo Alto Bicycles to ask for advice on my stupid squeaky wheel - Back home.
Time: 5:39:20
Mileage: 86.2 Miles
Speed: 15.2416 mph
Wght: 150

No specific plan in mind today, this is a "get slowly back into things" ride. Felt much better than yesterday, and decided to lengthen the ride as it went on, sticking to short climbs, particularly discovering the San Mateo hills which I'd never ridden before. Forgot sunscreen so returned home looking like a lobster.

Solo Ride (120 Miles) - 07/28/07

Sunol - Foothill - San Ramon - Bollinger - Dmd route to Diablo SG: 1:18:55
Mt Diablo (south): 1:19:40
Down same way - Camino Tassajara - Highland - Manning - Dmd route through Livermore - Greenville: 2:07:36
Tesla / Corral Hollow (mellow climb): 0:31:11
Down Corral Hollow into Tracy - Valpico - Lammers - Schulte - Patterson Pass: 1:23:58
Patterson Pass (climb): 0:42:45
Down Patterson into Livermore - Vasco - Tesla - Connannon - Holmes - Vallecitos - Back into Sunol: 1:19:56
Time: 8:44:04 (total time: 10:29:05)
Mileage: 122 Miles
Speed: 13.9677 mph
Climbing: 8,150 ft.
Feet per Mile: 66.8 ft/mile
Wght: 152

A very tough time today, not a good ride. In retrospect, the route choice wasn't smart given the heat, a coastal ride might have worked better. I would have prefered to try something entirely new, but didn't have time to plan it.
After starting in Sunol, I climb Mt Diablo at a good rhythm, but in the last third, I collapse completely, and crawl up Summit rd. I feel hot and dizzy, probably missing food and water, resist the urge to stop, and barely make it to the top, feeling like I'm going to faint on that last short wall. It takes a while to recover from this, and even after the descent, I don't feel I have my legs. I stop for lunch at a Starbucks in Livermore.
From there, I've decided to explore Tesla/Corral Hollow which I've never done. It's not much of a climb, and I'm pushed by the usual Livermore wind. The road is beautiful, particularly past the summit. I'd like to come back up this way, but I'm completely out of water, and don't find anything near the 580. I know there's a gas station at Patterson Pass, but I've underestimated the distance to get there, especially against what has now turned into a ferocious headwind. This seems to go on forever, and I'm so thirsty that my throat is too painful to swallow. It has been very hot and exposed to the sun all along. Finally, finally, I reach the station. I worry that I'm running out of money, but I have just enough for 3 bottles (one which I'll carry in my back pocket). Long stop.
I head into the climb into the usual fierce wind. It's definitely back here with a vengeance today (it had been absent the day of DMD), making the climb very challenging. I'm so tired I stop a while just before the final "oh-my-god" segment, laying flat even on the side of the road, listening to the constant hum of the windmills. Then I finally clear the summit, pushing my way against the crazy wind. The wind is a little calmer on the descent into Livermore, but later it hits me once again on Vallecitos, while I'm intimated by the rushing cars zooming past me, portions of this road having very high-speed traffic and no shoulder at all.
Left knee, which has been bothering me all week, is increasingly painful; lower back also tentative.

Marin Cyclists: Mt Tam Double Century, (200 Miles) - 08/04/07

Vallecito School - ... Lucas Valley - Nicasio Valley - Sir Francis Drake - Pine Mtn Rest Stop (mile 24.5): 1:34:30
Bolinas Fairfax - Alpine Dam - W. Ridgecrest - E. Ridgecrest - Mt Tam E. Peak Checkpoint (mile 37.9): 1:07:52
Descent - Panoramic Hwy - Muir Woods - Santos Meadows Rest Stop (Mile 50.2): 0:29:46
Hwy 1 (N.)... - Pt Reyes Petaluma - Lincoln School Rest Stop (Mile 84.6): 2:08:49
Marshall Petaluma - Hwy1 ... - Valley Ford Rest Stop (Mile 114): 1:56:14
Hwy 1 - Bay Hill ... - Hwy 1 to Coleman Valley (Mile 124.2): 0:50:20
Coleman Valley (climb): 0:35:48
Descent - Joy - ... Valley Ford Rest Stop (Mile 142.9): 0:49:20
... - Chileno Valley - ... - Petaluma Mc Near Park Rest Stop (Mile 170.1): 1:37:49
... - Pt Reyes Petaluma - Nicasio Valley - Nicasio Valley School Rest Stop (Mile 187.2): 1:08:07
Lucas Valley - ... - Vallecito School (Mile 199.1): 0:44:49
Time: 13:03:35 (total time: 14:33:21)
(Official: 14:33, 55 out of 196 finishers, 42 DNFs)
Mileage: 200 Miles
Speed: 15.3143 mph
Climbing: 14,500 ft
Feet per Mile: 72.5 ft/mile
Wght: 152

My 20th Double Century...
I'm riding with Lyresa today, but unfortunately she's not in a very good day, so we end up stopping a lot. She first has cable problems so we get it replaced at the first rest stop (by Craig Robertson, who's helping out). Then on the climbs, she tends to uncharacteristically fall behind. I on the other hand, feel just great, very easy throughout the ride, riding well within my limits. I decide to climb on a relatively big gear but slower cadence, mostly off the saddle, which happens to suit my mood and works just right today. I particularly enjoy the climb up Mt Tam, which is pretty mellow with great views over a sea of clouds. We then unfortunately descend into that sea of clouds and are in dense fog for a bit. I have a great time on the many smaller climbs that rhythm this course.
At the lunch rest stop (around mile 110), Lyresa and I decide to part ways, as our paces are just too different today. I'm a little sad to leave her, but I need to catch an early flight tomorrow to Siggraph (and present the Shrek3 course!) so I don't want to finish too late. So I ride the 2nd part alone, still feeling very comfortable, and finish at around 7:30, well before night.
Next day: After little sleep, on to San Diego, and the Shrek3 Course that afternoon. I am a zombie, but I navigate on autopilot and things seem to go ok...
After Siggraph: Official Stage Race Results are finally in. I am 23rd of only 37 finishers. (Without that stupid 10 minute penalty at Mulholland, I could have been 20th...) I find my ranking a little disappointing, impacted of course by my horrible day at Devil's Mountain.

Western Wheelers Ride (80 Miles) - 08/11/07
With Lyresa, Jeff, Peter & Tammy.

Diablo Vista Park (Crowe Cyn & Tasajara Ranch) - Blackhawk: 0:15:56
Mt Diablo (S. Climb): 1:14:42
Down a bit to join the others then back up - Descent - DMD route through Clayton - Lunch at Clayton Rd./Kirker Pass - Back through Clayton - Marsh Creek - Morgan Territory: 1:49:00
Morgan Territory (N. Climb, bumpy road to Preserve): 0:33:19
Descent on the South Side, then back: 0:18:44
Morgan Territory (S. Climb, Contra Costa County line to top): 0:35:55
Back down - Manning - Highland - Camino Tassajara - Tassajara Ranch: 1:00:15
Time: 5:47:53 (total time: 7:51:39)
Mileage: 80.7 Miles
Speed: 13.9185 mph
Wght: 151.5

Wonderful day!
I didn't know what to expect coming straight out of Siggraph week, but ended up feeling incredibly easy just like last week, riding well within my limits.
I have a really good time up Diablo with Lyresa and Peter, the pace very comfortable. I accelerate gently a few times, but slow down again as the others aren't following, but finally take off near the summit. We have to turn back though to meet Jeff & Tammy who are pretty far behind.
We make a few lengthy stops, among which two flats and a long lunch in Clayton. I still feel great on Morgan Territory, climbing with Peter & Tammy (Lyresa has stayed behind with Jeff unfortunately). I elevate the pace slightly as the pitch increases, followed not far behind by Peter. Lyresa comes in soon after, having almost caught us.
There are strong winds on the descent. I decide to part with the group and climb back up the South side, which I've never done. It feels like this should be a good day for it. Judging by the descent, that climb feels a little daunting, but I take it cautiously enough that it really doesn't feel that bad (and the strong tailwinds certainly help!).