FINALLY, A TRIPLE CROWN JERSEY-2010

I finally got a Triple Crown jersey. Not that I hadn't earned it before--I did 3+ doubles in 2005, 2007, 2008 and 5+ (the next recognition level) in 2006 & again in 2009.

In 2005 all I wanted was to finish 3 of these insane rides to get the resplendent Yellow Jersey. Had a hard time finishing the "easy" Davis Double and an easy time finishing the "very hard" Terrible Two. Had signed up for two more doubles that fell in the middle in terms of difficulty, so getting 3 and earning Triple Crown Status seemed assured. (Though on doubles 10-20% of the riders, even the good ones, don't finish.) That YELLOW TRIPLE CROWN JERSEY WAS MINE!!

Then on the "fun ride," the Death Ride (much easier than a double) I was following a guy in a Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon jersey on the long twisty downhill on Ebbets 1. This is where the Death Ride gets its name, as the slower riders first coming up are bullshitting 3-4 across the road, well across the center line if there was one. We reach a hairpin--hours ago I remember going up the 14-18% tun. Blind curve. All of a sudden there is an asshole IN THE RESPLENDENT YELLOW TRIPLE CROWN JERSEY SOLIDLY ON OUR SIDE OF THE ROAD. No doubt asshole is looking for the shallowest way around the hairpin. Pink Floyd almost gets wiped out. So does my desire for the Triple Crown Jersey.

A year later, in 2006, after I struggled through 6 doubles, I had a special Diablo Cyclist club jersey made. The official Triple Crown 5 double jersey proudly indicates that the rider did 1000 miles of doubles in a year. I have that down on my jersey--but in roman numerals, along with the Diablo Cyclist symbol, the symbol for the two hardest doubles (Terrible Two and the Death Ride) and the Lion of Flanders.

So, with another year of 6 I decided to get an official Triple Crown jersey. But I really don't like the red-white-blue combo (blue is too dark) and the yellow one is still out. The last alternative is a custom jersey that identifies what doubles you've done.

Problem is I derisively refer to this custom jersey as the "Admiral Dewey Jersey"--its white with gold ribbons. One triple crown rider wrote to me and said it seemed very popular with the older set riding the flatter Southern California doubles. But still, it would list the 6 doubles I did--which I'll probably never do in the same year again.


OK-the Admiral Dewey jersey it is . Fist we'd have to order it with NO gold medals. Then we'd have to "alter it." My fashion plate daughter (who is scared for life when I dressed her in tye-die tee shirts that she made) did some research and found out you can tye-dye polyester but you need special dye and the water has to be VERY hot--hotter than in a washing machine. (Good thing as I can hear my wife yelling about me doing something to the washing machine.) The dye company says that there are many different types of polyester and the dye may NOT take.

OK-strategically placed rubber bands for white lines around all the jersey art. So...it was out with the old camping stove and we simmered jersey soup for 60 minutes. I then simmered the bottom of the jersey for another 30 minutes in the hopes of getting it darker, which didn't quite work out.

Voila, after washing once results are below. Circles and lines came out nicely. Not a vibrant orange, a much more muted orange-peach. Do horizontal lines make me look fat??? How about dressing like Jerry Garcia?

Got some paint swatches. 9-10 are the deepest oranges and not even close. But neither close to 1-2 which is peach. Closest to 6-Orange slice.

1-Peach Crayon, 2-True Peach, 3-Orange Sherbet, 4-Juicy Cantaloupe, 5-Luscious Mango (do hungry people buy more paint?) 6-Orange Slice, 7-Orange Marmalade, 8-Sunbaked Orange, 9-Pumpkin Patch, 10-Fresh Tangerines--Funny names by Glidden. So jersey came out close to #6. I later re-dyed the top and bottom (and inside out-low setting ironed out the wrinkles), so now the color fades from somewhere between #8 & 9 to #6.

So lesson learned is that jersey's can be tye-died successfully--which may bode well if the Diablo Cyclists order white jersey's this year (our US POSTAL blue ones too damn dark for the summer, and white "winning" over light DOMO FARM blue.)

YEAR IN REVIEW-2009

Summary
Easily the best year of cycling ever, only thing missing was big group of Diablo Cyclists on doubles and some good folks on Club rides.

Year started out with Ward, Jack and I concocting crazy training rides. Wound up doing 6 Doubles this year, same as in 2006, but as I struggled through the early ones in 2006—this year rode faster and had a harder schedule (trading in relatively flat Solvang for what the F rerouted Eastern Sierra Double.) Still wish I had been faster on Devil Mountain and the Terrible Two, but was cautiously guarding my back that I kept straining/ pulling early on. But later—Death Ride, Mt.Tam Double, and Knoxville were loads of fun.

My downhill kept improving but instead of continuing my climbing decline I had a reprieve and got faster. No doubt the Tuesday-Wednesday nite loops of Mt. Diablo helped. Tuesdays were slower so Ward and I could bs (we passed one guy who later said at the ranger station-"I can't believe you can ride so fast while talking",) and Wednesday was the Diablo Cyclist time trial.

Best Rides of The Year
1) Plymouth/ Slug Gulch Sierra Century
2) Mt Tam Double
3) Knoxville Double

Hardest Rides of the Year
1t) Devil Mountain Double & Terrible Two
3) Eastern Sierra Rerouted into Death Valley Double

What About the 6th Double
Davis Double-Shouldn't be hard but hot day and hooking onto faster and faster pacelines, so I made it harder than it should be


Contest
The first person to spot Rusty (bonus points if pulling a paceline) was passé this year as he didn't show up in the middle of our rides that much. Ward and I had a new contest "who can take a better photo of Jack." Something to do while suffering when climbing Sierra Road 2x in a day. This led to Ward's quip "it's like Jack is riding with his 2 grandchildren" which led me to announce on DMD "he's my grandpa" when we'd get into rest stops together with consecutive numbers and check in person would say "you must be related." (No wonder Jack rode away from me on the Terrible Two.) But Ward, our Ansel Adams of cycling, won the photo shoot.

Sign of the Year
OK--some modifications were done--but everything Florida-centric. And while in Florida rode the Velodrome a couple of times.

High Points of the Year
Donna seeing the snow capped Bishop area for the first time and our doing a metric between storms the day before the Eastern Sierra Double.

Another High finish on Mt. Tam Double, even with it being part of Triple Crown Stage Race series (so field a little stronger than usual.)

The Real Sierra Century Diablo Cyclist ride in my ancestral cycling homeland—where we do the best (leave out the flat parts) of the old 120 mile course backwards.
Low Point of the Year
Getting hailed on in Death Valley on the rerouted Eastern Sierra Double.


Flanders Award for Toughness
Dave getting his first Triple Crown after his recumbent was stolen.
*

My finishing the Eastern Sierra Double as I hate riding when it is cold, and almost half the field didn't finish after the hailstorm.
*

Johnna doing climbing rides, including the Death Ride, with a racing cassette.
*

Three crazy people doing the Sierra Road climb 2x.


Record Set Losing Riders
I led an early season ride to the Pt Reyes lighthouse when the road is close to motor traffic. We started with about a dozen riders. But half way there most of the group turned around. I think Ward pissed them off, as the slackers claimed the threat of rain. As you can see--no rain when our three tough riders reach the Pacific.
Great Equipment
Getting rid of crappy FSA compact cranks and replacing them with Shimano Dura Ace cranks and Chris King Bottom Bracket . No more play in the cranks, no more dropping the chain.

Great Bike Shop
Unfortunately the guy I liked at old bike shop, who was thoughtful and we could throw ideas back and forth, went back to school for his advanced degree in physics. His replacements were like car salesmen—indicating 9 speed was passe and I better replace everything—even the brakes, with 10 speed.

Started going to Robinson Wheel Works which is fun, again get to throw ideas back and forth. Chris Robinson put on the 10 speed cranks which works fine with all the other 9 speed components.


Action Cycling Photo (my entry)
I can't take photos while riding, so on a DMD training ride I leapt out of the group and found a perfect place for Jack and Ward to come through with Mt. Hammy in the background.

Oh Crap Training Rides

The two before Devil Mountain Double with Jack and Ward that involved Mt. Hammy (from the hard side) and Sierra Road in multiple combinations.

Oh Joy Training Rides

The three variations of the Marin Century that the Diablo Cyclists bonus mile group did before the Mt. Tam double.

Sitting on the Fence

Obama or McCain?? No. Tryng to leave the Oakland Zoo we rode partially down a steep hill--and saw that the exit gate was locked. Shoulda gone back up but "No problem" many in the Club proclaimed, we'll just hop the fence. Hmmm--with clets and bikes, but we can hand the bikes over and the fence looks short. Well I eaisly got to the top of the fence where my shorts got caught on the wire on top, stuck. Loosening myself ripped an air conditioning vent --just as a zoo worker opened the locked gate. Timing is everything in life.

What are the Odds
I'm stranded on Mines Road when my back hub falls apart. Next week Ward is stranded on Mt. Tam when his chain jams into the cogset/ hub. (Ok-it doesn't merit the same status as Big Mike and Big Chris breaking a frame on the same weekend a few years back.)

Unexpected Photo of the Year
Dusk is setting in on the Devil Mountain Double, Jack and I already had out "we're falling apart" moments, but now steaming strongly to Sunol. I'm thinking that it would be cool if we had a photo doing this ride, and it would be cool if the third loony who did the crazy training rides, Ward, was with us. Well.... along comes Ward driving by and snapping photos. Good deal.

Biggest Fake Out
Club does the Calavaras ride and a few of us continue to do the Sierra Road beast—one of the hardest climbs in the Bay Area. Dr. Dave rides out on his recumbent.. Unbelievable, he is going to climb Sierra Road on the bent. We get close to the intersection and Dave yells out "see you later, I'm going to visit my mom."

Test of Strength
Crockett is a micro mini Pittsburgh, with some old side streets going up @ 20%. When we loop to Crockett there is one street that runs 2-3 blocks that I climb up—the Mikes' (Big & California) used to do it with me. This year Ward went up with me. At the top there is a ½ block off to the right where the grade must kick up another +5%. I tried to do it 2x and couldn't get started—Ward shot up a couple of times.

Turns out that 2nd Avenue/ Rose Avenue are about the same length and grade of the famous Tour of Flanders’ Koppenberg Climb (without the cobblestones.) I gotta do it.
*
Most Unusual Area for Cycling
Glad that Donna traveled down with me to Bishop for the Eastern Sierra Century. Under threat of storms we did a metric ride the day before, and both marveled at being engulfed by snow capped mountains. The next day I'd be riding on roads that looked like those mountains going into Death Valley.





The Doug Eat More Veggies Moment
Pull into a park in the hills of Auburn where town is having their Labor Day BBQ. Eating powerbar 100' from giant BBQ that is covering area with great smelling smoke. Old guy on oxygen sits down where we are leaning our bikes, and says with a huge grin and a heaping plate of meat in front of him "today is tri-tip, yesterday was CHICKEN"

Music of the Year
Had two songs constantly in my head, one where I’d actually blurt out words. Ones that we had some fun with temporarily—the Museeuw song, though hard to sing as only word I ever remember is "knee," and for awhile we'd start having a sing along trying to capture Lindsey (5 octaves higher than Neil Young or Gwen Stefani) Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac fame "Go Your Own Way"—but unless you are a 4 year old girl your voice is guarantee to crack.

One that stayed inside me was when we'd revv up—Patti Smith doing Horses-Gloria finale at a Fillmore Concert that I was at—she starts off real slow, then goes into breakneck speed like a counterattack--then brings the song down, gets quiet/gets slow—AND THEN GOES NUTS (at 13:45 into the cut.) And last line--"and fuck you all" is so apropos when self promoting tandem blowhard blurts out anything.

Tune that constantly escaped was James Browns live version of Payback—yelling out "HIT ME-UH, GOOD GOD" every time hit a 10% hairpin seemed like a good idea. At least a better idea than starting into "Go Your Own Way."



Non Riding Photo
Ward took loads of great photos of the pelaton while riding this year, but I like this different one where I'm really relaxed at a rest stop on a Fall century.

Team in Training trying to Convert Mountain Bikers to the Road or maybe it is just being in Marin
Team in Training group stopped at the base of Mt. Tam, passing around the doobie.

Don't Beat Her Up A Hill or You'll Pay
As Jack found out when Christine drop kicked him on the top of Pig Farm
*
Can Craig Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich better than Sacramento Joanie?
On Devil Mountain Double I carted a vial of Pumpkin Butter 90 miles to the rest stop at the foot of Mines Road where Craig was working. When I make a PBJ sandwich I usually rush and just throw a lump of peanut butter in the middle of the bread, slab some jelly/ pumpkin butter on, and hope that by squishing the bread the filling will spread out. But today Craig meticulously mixed and spread the peanut butter and pumpkin butter evenly on the wheat bread. Damn good sandwich and should get an award--but I quickly fell apart on Mines Road so the FDA and the Alameda Health Department needs to investigate Craig's rest stop.
*

Save of the Year
Ward and I get to the customary sprint finish spot, entering Walnut Creek on Danville Blvd and Rudgear Road--a four lane street of moderate volume traffic. We're ready to turn under the highway when Ward spots a small kid about 200' up the road on the other side of the street, toddling across the sidewalk and into the first traffic lane. Surreal moment. There is a trail that ends about where the kid is so we expect to see a parent come running out...but no one does. Ward cycles over-halts cars, and get the kid, about 3 y/o back on the sidewalk, we're joined by a couple (first thought it was his parents) who were driving by and got out of their car. A secluded house nearby and the kid rambles into the front yard, we follow and start calling out. After what seems like 5 minutes mom appears from a side yard--and all she can say is "his father was supposed to be watching him.


You Go Girl
Christine celebrating being first over the Ygnacio Valley Road Bike bridge (something no one contests) through her hands in the air in triumph and quickly almost went down. From there on in she did the safer Museeuw 2000 raised leg salute--much safer, for much better cycling accomplishments.


You to Can Be Part of A Video Game
Great way to come down from Paradise back to Chico (Neal Road) which eventually intersects Highway 99—one little problem—no overpass/ underpass. Asked guy at bike shop in Paradise best way to get back to Chico-he confirmed going down Neal Road. Asked him how to get across freeway—"make believe you are part of Frogger"

Another Chico Discovery
On practice ride up Honey Run where we weren't going balls out like we would the next day, on the usual fast approach to Honey Run, we saw actual buttes off to the side. Funny, never saw them the dozen times I've done the Chico Wildflower.

Racing Moment on A Century
It doesn't pay to be laid back. Ward called out "on your left" on the Tour of Napa Valley when two guys in front of us bsing. One one guy turned around, grunted, and took off like a bullet. More fun when we caught and repassed him.

Photo Ward Missed
Santa Rosa Wine Country weather was good for ducks, it was drizzling at the beginning and got wetter as we rode. At one point Dave goes into his recumbent trunk and starts pulling out clothes—in a few minutes he looks like a Professor from Paris with a rain jacket on backwards and a shower cap on top of his head.

Best Road Improvements
1) Bump on bridge at the end of the fast section before hitting the Papa Bear Climb now smoothed out – thank you Contra Costa County.
2) Sibley Canyon Parking lot, with water/ restrooms at the far end, now paved instead of graveled. Thank you East Bay Regional Park District.

Sonoma County still trying to discover paving material.

Congrats to
Ward for breaking 10,000 miles WITHOUT doing any Doubles - (even though a few thousand of those miles was riding from his house to the start of our rides on the trail or going out on the trail when the local High School Girls Cross Country team was out practicing.)
Dr. Dave getting his first Triple Crown Jersey
Christine doing her first 5 pass Death Ride Jack finishing 6 doubles


I hit 8786 miles and 825 trainer minutes. Only way year could have gotten better is if Sacto Doug and Hawaii Mike were around, along with Big Mike and Rusty (both in a non cycling phase) and Santa Rosa Wine Country/ Delta Century did not get rained out. Otherwise a lousy year for the economy but a great year riding.

Can't believe the decade is over. It was just the end of 1999 and we were afraid of Y2K, and nuttin happened. We should have been afraid of Y2ndBush. Both my daughters started in middle & high school and there was talk of college in "the future." Now one graduated college with honors, the other got in to the college she wanted and is doing great after suffering serious illness and a major operation while in high school.

I started the decade afraid of long rides (60 miles or longer) and any hill, I was hoping to do one pass of the Death Ride in 2000 and was so intimidated nuttin happened. If you would have told me in 2000 that I would be in 3 major bike accidents, but would come back each time super motivated and complete Death Ride 5 times this decade, do 24 doubles including the hardest ones multiple times, and while at the 'end of my rope' gone to Italy and just went off and rode 60-100 miles solo on unknown routes most days, I would have said you were nuts. Now this strange, unpredictable, and ultimately great decade with loads of trials and tribulations has come to an end. Happy New Year. Here is to a much better economy in the 2010's...

Advertisement: HAMMER RICE KRISPIE TREATS

Hammer Rice Krispie Treats Endorsed By Dr. Dave!!

Dr. Dave says: "They are totally disgusting, but I suppose they don't make me throw up as fast as warm Perpetuem does."

The Diablo Cyclist breakaway group starts up Mt. Diablo on Thanksgiving looking forward to snacks at the junction. (Ward photo)

At the Junction, 2,159', Hammer Rice Krispie Treats await

After refueling at the Junction, Diablo Cyclists make it up to the summit, including zooming ahead of a car on the 17% ending ramp. (Ward in photo)Diablo Cyclists regroup at the 3,849' summit while some Thanksgiving Day parade giant balloons pass in the background. (Ward photo)

At the summit Hammer Rice Krispie Treats is there, the fuel of choice!!

News Item: OPERATION RESCUE IS SORELY NEEDED FOR THIS CRISIS

The crisis, Operation Rescue is sorely needed!!

And once Operation Rescue does their job, they can find good homes for the saved ones to frolic about in harmony and prayer.

Dr. Dave's San Jose Freeze Out-2009

(November 21, 2009) Dr. Dave’s San Jose Reservoir Tour, San Jose to Morgan Hill and back, 62 miles, 4,000’ climbing, w/ Ward, Dave, Stephen. (**147 rating**. Note with just gentle climbing this ride would rank at 102, well below last weeks longer and hillier Folsom-Georgetown ride; but with 3 miles of bitchy climbs it squeaked ahead of Folsom-Georgetown. I don’t have a wind factor as part of the ride formula but with a steady wind it was even harder.)First is profile of the whole course, second is profile of the first Climb up Hicks Road. For the lower graph line each of the small boxes measure 200' climbing and 1 1/4 miles of distance. For the upper graph line % of grade is shown, with each box measuring 5%. I added two thick lines so one can readily see where the climbing is around 0% (or downhill) and where it hits 15%. That last mile keeps jumping above 15% and a few times tocuhes 20%. Ride profiles courtsey of Ward Industries.

Some rides are seemingly tougher that they should be. This one started in a damp mid 40’s, so my breathing was fucked, and within a mile we started climbing Hicks Road. It starts off gently (5 miles, 2% average) and ends like a bear (1 mile, 14% average.)

It would also help if I even looked at the ride profile before the ride so I’d know where the climbs are. I meticulously prepare and study century/ doubles route sheets but club rides are usually a big surprise. Also I’ve been on a 2,000 daily calorie diet so I can drop weight going into next year. Weight is dropping but get tired very fast.*** Finally the damp coldness never helps. (On Monday figured out that my calorie intake for the day before was OK, but at 45% carbs instead of 60-70%, I should know better.)

After last week Dave is camera shy so trying to get away from Ward. Little did he know other paparazzi would be waiting around every turn.

Then it was a twisty plunge on a shade strewn road that had was damp with lots of gravel in the corners. A mountain biker came by an nicely said “aren’t you afraid of the descent on those skinny tires.” Thanks buddy.

We continued on McKean Road and would do a big counterclockwise loop around a bunch of reservoirs. Only problem was that a cold crosswind, nothing terrible but about 10 mph, was constantly blowing. When we stopped for a break we all hid behind the Calero Reservoir sign as a wind break.

Ward thinking the worst of the climb is over.

Then continuing on to Morgan Hill where to avoid Fourbucks it was a stop at bakery where it took a half hour for them to make coffee (ok-the coffee was good) and then more cold windswept riding back to Hicks Road. We were trying to figure out why Dave's team is in "THE BIG GAME" while my, Stephen and Ward's alma matta's have less losses combined. With Ward, Stephen and Dave we were all riding cooperatively on the flats, but it also meant that no one really let up when pulling.

At the top of the Hicks Climb Stephen looks a little happier than Dave and Ward.

Hicks climb (the earlier twisty descent) is “only” 1 ½ miles at 9-10%. Stephen really motoring on the climbs today and he almost looked serious at the top when he started to go up a side dead end road, Mt. Umunhum Road. Later I learned that this side road is almost 2 miles at another 9%. I’ll be game to try it when its at least 20+ degrees warmer.

Dave is the ride leader, so he gets the honor of pulling Stephen and me. (Ward-o-photo)

Now down the long descent. I was using for the first time a small handlebar bag which was working out well—especially well as I could pull out a jacket for the cold descent. Once Ward stopped and waited for Dave and I going down gingerly to warn us about a wet gravel patch around one hairpin. When the road leveled off Stephen and Ward kept trying to jump ahead of each other. Dave and I were just happy to trail right behind and enjoy the festivities.

Doug's Folsom Rick Krispie Fondue-2009

(November 14, 2009) Doug's Folsom Rick Krispie Fondue from Folsom to Georgetown, 75 miles, 15.0 avg, 7,050'. w/ Doug, Ward, Jack, Stephen, June, Christine and A Handful of Riders from Doug’s new club, the Team Bolshevik Revolution. (with climbing of almost 100' per mile this ride rated 145.5, like riding 146 flat miles, harder than many century rides and the equivalent of the Chico Wildflower)

Ride statistics courtsey of the official standards and practices division of Ward Industries, all photos by Ward. Some editing done by Pumpkincycle.

Doug was one of the Triple Crown Doubles rookies when we first earned it in 2005. Doug always a little too earnest (and me being a little too much wiseass), on one Double he lectured Mike the vegetarian on how he needs to put more protein in his diet, and me on how I eat too much protein—thus I reasoned that Mike and I combined have a perfect diet. But we played off of each other and the rides always went fast and were enjoyable. Since then Mike has been shipped to Hawaii and Doug moved a little closer, to Sacramento. Doug always says he has great rides for us to do, and when Ward/I ran into Doug at Foxy’s we pestered him for never getting a Club ride together. So Doug did; we got the usual bonus mile riders for the 2 hour drive into the hills. We were joined by some cool riders from Doug’s new club, the Team Bolshevik Revolution Cyclists. We wound up doing loads and loads of attention getting rollers (and a few long hills) in the upper Gold Country were there isn’t 25 feet that remain flat.

(t) Climbing away from the American River. (b) Our host, Doug, eats his fuel of choice at Georgetown Rest Stop. (Ward Photo)I drove up through the Central Valley farm roads where though the sun was out nicely the thermometer read 44. If it stayed under 50 by the time I reached Folsom I was going to try out a new mini-handlebar bag and start out bundled up. (Maybe NOT a good idea with my handlebars cracking a few weeks back “just because,” and I replaced it with the same brand.) Ironically I solo’d a ride in Folsom to Auburn the day before Halloween so was vaguely familiar with the starting point—Folsom is a suburb of Sacramento but with more open space (and ambient asbestos) than most suburbs, and they have an old town section that they promote nicely.

Doug, in the spirit of split loyalties, wore the Bolshevik jersey and the Diablo Cyclist shorts. Otherwise everyone in their respective club kits except for Kung Fu Christine subliminal message: our next clothing coordinator, who was wearing the Death Ride kit from this year—ironically a guy joined us to bs at the start wearing the same kit, but he was riding in a different direction. It was a little warmer in the parking lot so I eschewed the handlebar bag and heavy jacket. Just used a wool undershirt (hmm—Dr. Dave and I about the same size , my wool undershirt XS and his a M) and vest. The rest of the day would be kinda cool. Within an hour would lose the vest and wouldn’t need it on the climbs. But later at high elevation I was happy to put the vest back on rolling flats, and it was fn cold on the afternoon descents. But the nice thing about the Gold County is that the air is very dry, so with no dew-ish moisture like down here it feels warmer and my breathing isn’t F’d.

June climbing on Marshall Road (Ward photo)

Heading out of Folsom Stephen, who loves to research and race to the county line, was caught napping after Ward rolled on ahead and---oh jeeze, the County Line is about a ¼ mile from the start. This led to spirited returned trip—Stephen sprints better than me and a much better descended, so I tried to lift the pace on the climbs and get rid of him but he held fast. Then when we got close to Folsom Ward counterattacked, Christine joined the fray, I cracked…and the County Line Sign in this direction was missing.

(t) Jack being serious on Marshall Road (b) Stephen keeps thinking he is first passing a County Line Sign (Ward Photos)
The rest of the ride was done at a serious but cooperative pace. I tried to stay with anyone at the front—thought at one point dropped to the back to help Ward bring riders up. Loads of well paved main roads surrounded by isolated homes, mom and pop stores, oaks and pine (In the middle of a Placerville subdivision was a private airport where folks land between houses and hills.) —but we must not have been far from population centers (Auburn) as though traffic wasn’t steady the roads were busy with aggressive cars/ pickup trucks. Dorothy, we are not in Davis; very few cars moved over when passing, even when there was nary a shoulder. I got into one “discussion” with idiots in an SUV who shaved me—later a compact almost squeezed one of the Bolshevik Cyclists off the road when passing and then almost came to a complete stop in front of him. For about 25% of the ride we’d wind up on a back road with little traffic—which usually meant a steep climb was coming up.

Christine ready to run someone down (or kung fu them) on Marshall Road. (Ward photo)

Apart from the cars the ride was very different that what we are accustomed to. Wound up in the small town of Georgetown, while I know where it is in Washington DC I had never heard of or been in the one in California. Getting to Georgetown had involved mostly climbing. (Folsom is at 275 feet, Georgetown is at 2,600 feet) where we stayed together nicely as a big group. Now going back Stephen kept (correctly) thinking we were close to another County, so coming back we all started marking each other, though we’d never find another County line; and with random folks picking up the pace the group split to hell a few times. Unfortunately our host, Doug, started to lag here—no doubt as a result of not eating enough Rice Krispie Treats, (loaded with minerals, vitamins and vegetables like corn syrup)the perfect endurance food for this ride.

(t) Once again I'll have whatever Dave has in those water bottles (b) Doug having fun on the downhill of Pedro Hill Road (Ward photos)

Returned to Folsom a little after 4:00 with the low sun casting long shadows. Jack had said we’d return 1:33 ahead of sunset (how did he get those 3 minutes) and I should have ran a stopwatch upon returning but didn’t. Great ride, and great riding with Doug again.

(t) Dave trying to tell me that Stanford is going to kick USC's butt-what the hell does he have in those water bottles?? (b) Ward has captured lots of great moments on film, eh microchip, this year so usually he is left out of the ride photographs. So at the end of the ride we brought in a famous nature photographer to capture our cycling photographer, Ward, who is sad as the ride is over and the good riding weather will soon be gone. Amazing what great nature photographers can do with a strip mall parking lot background and a large format film camera. (Ward & some Adams guy photos)

Doubles Palamarès

Palamarès (click on ride name below to zoom into blog story)

2004

Davis Double-(untimed)-201 miles, 7,400' climbing, 17.6 mph-4:40-6:41 Was coming off a racing season and hammered the first 120 miles, then fell apart. Everything hurting when I dragged myself in. RAAM rider Ish saw me at the end and cheerfully asked how I liked doing a double, I blurted out "I'll never do one again."

2005

Davis Double-(untimed)-201 miles, 7,400' climbing, 17.9 mph (19.9 last 66 miles)-_________ Good steady pace with Jack, felt great for the whole ride, then suddenly fell apart for the last 20 miles, and had to lay out--couldn't eat, for a long time after. Having trouble completing easiest NorCal double so....I promptly signed up for the hardest double.

Terrible Two-82nd of 227 riders, 208 miles, 16,480' climbing, 14.8 mph, 5:30-8:43. Special bonus edition added 10 miles to usual course. Weather mild-first three of four steep climbs no problem. Felt great but waiting to collapse like at Davis at mile 180, here I was leading a paceline. Finished with Jack. Great surprise--beautiful newly designed ORANGE jersey at the end.

Mt. Tam Double-36th of 211 riders, 199 miles, 14,500' climbing, 15.7 mph 5:00-6:48. A little disorganized but I discovered the course I love with two significant climbs and mostly roller after roller. Also discovered that oh crap--that isn't the ocean below us coming off Mt. Tam, but dense fog. But it gets warmers as the day goes on and we circle back inland and I'm flying. FIRST TRIPLE CROWN EARNED!

Knoxville Double-(untimed), 198 miles, 12,000' climbing, _______, 5:35-8:03. Came in not feeling the best (stomach problems & recently bit by a dog) which would he the usual for this ride but nice course and good support. Idea was for the doubles riders from the Diablo Cyclists to stay together, by the middle of the ride we were all over the place. With early sunset and laid back riding as untimed would finish in the dark.

2006

Solvang Double-(untimed), 200 miles, ________ climbing, 17.6 during the daylight, 5:40-7:20. Rain, 5 flats for our group, mundane course, and experiencing first hand the Planet Ultra non support--only redeeming thing about this ride was riding with CA. Mike & Don (on his fixed gear.) But happy as 3 months ago in intensive care and didn't think I'd be doing any spring rides.

Mike, Don and I getting soaked, I mean having fun on the Solvang Double (Victor Cooper photo)

Devil Mountain Double-79th of 146 riders who finished, 206 miles, 18,600' climbing, ________, 5:00-10:24. Early season and most climbing of any double but another ride where I felt great for 120 miles, hammered up to lunch, enjoying life, and then muscles quickly fell apart. Last 80 miles were torture--dragged myself in with Don.

Even more fun struggling, I mean zooming up Mt. Hamilton on the Devil Mountain Double (Tandem hearts photo)

Central Coast Double-DNF-161 miles of 210. Muscles don't seize up but I bonk/ heat exhaustion. After last year when doubles where getting easier and easier this has been a kick in the ____________.

Davis Double-(untimed)-204 miles, 8,000' climbing. 17.7 mph, 5:31-7:02. Fun ride with Doug, Mike and Don (on fixed) keeping together for much of the day. Course rerouted to Cobb Mountain so climbing has significantly increased. Odometer bugs out at end of ride, later I'm told kept it a steady 20 mph while pulling paceline at the end. 2ND TRIPLE CROWN EARNED!

Terrible Two-102 of 283 starters, 200 miles, 16,500' climbing, _______, 5:30-9:18. Another torturous ride, with riders dropping like flies--only 64% finished by 11:00 cutoff. At mile 110, on big climb of the day, the thermometer touched 100. Nice that after Grizzly Mark and I would beat each other up on other Doubles, we helped each other finish.

Mt. Tam Double-35th of 233 starters, 200 miles, 15,000' climbing, 15.4 mph, 5:00-7:15. Don and I made a pack to stick together, which is hard on a timed double, but stick together we did. We may have lost time at rest stops (waiting for the person taking the longest) but we more than made up for this when we two manned, especially the last 25 miles where we just kept on gaining and passing riders. Don leading the charge as we haul in riders in front of us.

*

KNOXVILLE DOUBLE-(untimed), 201 miles, 11,900' climbing, 15.4 mph, 5:35-8:35. Crashed into car on downhill week before so thigh heavily bandaged on backup bike. Man, was I shitting on the downhills. Started with Don, Jack and Steve, eventually Don stayed back with me as we finished in the dark, my 6th Double completed of the year, Don's 10th!

2007

Davis 300 km Brevet-(untimed) 190 miles, 8,589' climbing, 18.6 when we hammer to first control (first third of ride), 16.8 average for whole ride when we make it a social ride. 7:00-some time after sunset when Mike had to put on the goofy brevet sash (but he did see the bi-curious action before sunset.) . Out and back from Davis to Cobb Mountain (Lower Lake)--the GOOD section of the Davis Double, with Don and Mike as they qualify ready for Breast-Paris-Breast (sic.) Better support than a Planet Ultra Ride.

Davis Double-(untimed) 200 miles, @ 10,000' climbing, w/ Ca Mike and Doug. 17.3 mph, 5:30-7:23. Funny how things change--we were about to mirror the great Davis 300 km brevet course when a forest fire had the organizers scramble to reroute the course--and we did an out and back of the 2nd half--the worst part--of the Davis Double. This time climbing Cobb Mountain from "the other side." 142 minutes of rest stops along the way.

Eastern Sierra Double-75th of 245 riders, 196 miles, 10,000' climbing, 17.3 mph, 5:00-6:29. With Don and Ca. Mike. Two incredible firsts. (1) On a timed double usually hard to keep anyone together--at mile 90 Don, Ca. Mike, Rusty, Uncle Steve and I are riding together with Jack just up the road. I should have realized how great that moment was--we'd never get close to that again. (2) First time in Bishop area, where we're at 4,000'+ but it seems like we are at sea level as surrounded by 10,000' snow capped peaks--incredibly unique area.

Day before Eastern Sierra vets CA Mike, Uncles Steve, Don (Jack not being helpful) give me an idea where the ride comes back from -- maybe Jack is being helpful with everyone pointing in a different direction.

Mt. Tam Double-23rd of 247 starters, 200 miles, 14,500' climbing. 5:00-6:42. I was sky high for this one, the course featuring roller after roller, and as no teammates had to pull out every trick in the book. Great ride-great finish though I finished 3 hours behind some guy named Steve Cozza. later I learn he is a pro slumming. 3rd TRIPLE CROWN earned (earlier brevet didn't count towards it.)

Somehow always have real fun on the Mt. Tam Double course.

Knoxville Double-(untimed), 200 miles, 12,600' climbing. 200 miles, 12,600' climbing. 16 mph, 5:30-8:21. w/ Don. What is a Knoxville Double if I don't go into it hurt--this time I badly twisted my ankle on a hilly time trial the week before. This meant struggling up the gentle (but long) Knoxville Road climb. Things got better when I got po'd in the afternoon and started hammering so Don wouldn't have to wait for me anymore.

2008

Davis Double-untimed-ON A FIXED GEAR in 106 Degrees-200 miles, 8,000 climbing. 5:02-10:00, 15.6 mph average. A special Davis Double, Donna trying her first double, Dave trying his first double on the anti fixed gear (a recumbent), Don continuing the Diablo Cyclist tradition of riding doubles on fixed gears, and I'm insane enough to join him. Oh year. Hottest Davis Double on record--with 106 degree afternoon temperatures. Donna had left real early, we caught her near Middletown where we stayed in the quick market for 40 minutes to cool off. Then we parted company as the fixed gears went on the "old climb" to avoid Cobb Mountain. Only time finished this ride after sundown, not due as much to travel speed as all the time seeking refuge in the shade.

Eastern Sierra Double-91st of 223 riders, 195 miles, 10,200' elevation, 5:00-6:58, 16.0 mph average. Lets see, bad cold for two weeks prior and just got on antibiotics a few days before. Will I (a) be smart and take it easy or (b) be stupid and hammer away until I'm sleeping in the back of pickup trucks and the middle of the desert. Well, I did finish--barely.

You too can have fun on Doubles!!! Even if the music blasting from the radio is kinda shitty, I'm in no condition to change the radio dial. I don't know who took the photo, just if I was lucid I could have gotten one with snow capped mountains in the background.

Mt. Tam Double-28 or 29th of 199 riders, 199 miles, 14,500' climbing. 5:00-7:35. ____ mph. All summer long po'd about how I finished Eastern Sierra, so was motivated for my favorite event. Don,, Jack and I rode most of the way together which helped while we were riding but we bogged down at some rest stops with each person taking turns being the last man out. Also bogged down buy severe cross winds on the northern part of the course. In the last 20-30 miles Don and I got into a nice two man and caught and passed a half dozen riders. I thought with our slow time we wouldn't place highly, but the wind whipping weather conditions had proved to be quicksand for the field. 4th Year Triple Crown Earned

2009

Devil Mountain Double, 59th of @182 starters, 206 miles, 18,600' climbing. Fell apart on this 3 years ago, last time I did it, so didn't know what to expect. After an early season series of crazy training ride, I felt ready albeit my back going out on hard climbs, and this double featured the most climbing. But started with Jack, we got unhooked in the middle, then came together for the last third, while the third person in our crazy group, Ward, came driving along to get some photos of us actually enjoying the ride. Jack and I each took turns falling apart earlier, now we're going strong towards Sunol in the twilight when our training compadre comes by snapping photos while text messaging. (Ward-o-photo)

Davis Double, (untimed) 203 miles, 8,400' climbing, 5:00-7:23 17.1 average. Much cooler than last year--only touching 100. Rode early morning with Dr. Dave on the 'bent--or more likely he'd whizz down the road when it was flat or downhill, I'd jump ahead on uphill rollers. At the midpoint the big climb up Cobb starts and Dave and I were unhooked. From then on in it was jumping from pace line to pace line on the relatively flat course and I was dead near the end.

Eastern Sierra Double, 54th of 176 starters, only 59% starters finished. 189 miles with hail and snow, 11-12,000 climbing, 14.6 mph. Was looking forward to getting revenge on the Course that kicked me while i was sick last year. But change of plans--with later spring snowstorms hitting to the North where the traditional course runs towards, the organizers rerouted us South to lower elevation--namely Death Valley. But to get into Death Valley necessitated more climbing than usual on this Double and we were greeted at the top of the climb into Death Valley with a hailstorm. No services/ shelter along the way, but the scenery was unique indeed. 5th year in a row earned the Triple Crown.

.

The Terrible Two, 118th of 221 starters, 200 miles, 16,400' climbing. 5:40-8:35. Still remember to vividly a few years back when it touched 100, the ride became a "Death March," and 1/3rd of the riders didn't finish. After the usual hammering at the beginning I knew I was "off" on the Silverado paceline, and then spent the rest of the day babying myself--waiting for the other shoe to drop. It stayed cool while I took it easy, and didn't really tax myself until the last 20 miles of the ride. Was estatic at the end when I finished 40 minutes ahead of 2006....but fell about a dozen places because the mild weather made it an easier course.


Mt. Tam Double, 33rd of 286 starters, 200 miles, 14,500' climbing. 5:00-6:34, 15.7 mph. This year a tough field as Mt. Tam Double is added as the last leg of the stage race series, and Mt. Tam is taken out because of budget cuts--with crappier climbs put in. After taking it so easy on the Terrible Two, I look for revenge on the course, redemption here--and rode hard for most of the little too cool day. First 80 miles were with ever changing groups/ allies, and the last 120 miles was on big time trial.

Knoxville Double, (untimed), 200 miles, 14,000' climbing, 5:40-8:30, 15.4 average. Who knew this ride would be so much fun if you didn't come in with my traditional September injury. After so many timed events with balls out starts looked forward to just enjoy the ride today, and perfect weather with Jack and I sticking together for the ride made it a great way to end the doubles season

2010

Davis Brevet 300km, (untimed), 190 miles, 8,589' climbing, 16.8 mph. With Professor Jack and Dr. Dave. A quarter of the cost of the Solvang Double with better support*--out and back of the nicest stretch of the Davis Double. Same average speed as two years ago--when event was mush bigger during a B-P-B (sic) qualifying year--and with Jack keeping us moving we came in just when it got dark. Dave on the bent' as I practiced how to keep together on the Davis Double--he's the man doing the Cobb Mountain climb before we turned around. (*Less rest stops but better stocked than Solvang, Lee Mitchell constantly passing in his musical sag wagon, NO traffic controls for 190 miles)


How does a Double differ from a regular century? (Yes-I know 100 miles.)

1) Start at some ungodly hour

2) Its an all day affair

3) At one point you'll wonder if you are on the right course as no one is around.

4) Rest stops are 30 miles apart instead of 20.

5) You need to get out of rest stops in less than 10 minutes instead of camping out.

6) If a timed double folks are going balls out in a mass start--when you wish that everyone would just go away, by mile 120 see #3.

7) If you start feeling like crap-instead of just toughing it out for another 30 miles, you may have to go another 130 miles.

8) Likewise, the BIG CLIMB that used to be insane at mile 75 now is at mile 175.


Apart from finishing 24 doubles I've also done (riders longer than a Double Metric)

The Death Ride aka "The Fun Ride"
-4 passes self supported 2003
-6 passes 2004 (bonus pass year)
-5 passes 2005, 06, 08, 09

Climb to Kaiser aka "The Funs Over Ride"
2007

Happy being chased up the climb as not merging with boat/ trailer traffic from Fresno and the course is marked at this point--mostly climbing for the first 75 miles to over 9,000'.

Auburn Double Metric Century+ (@140 miles)
2007