Gruppo Pumpkincycle

Tour of Alameda Century-2012

2012-01-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

Century #2 (January 28, 2012) Tour of Alameda Century, Skyline, Oakland Zoo, Palomares, Sunol, Livermore. 96 miles, 5600' climbing--mostly at the front end. Diablo Cyclist metric ride with bonus mile group of Cisco Dave, Toby, Leo of Sears, Steven, Jack, Dr. Dave, CA Mike--the last two managing to avoid Palomares.

Doing the Diablo Cyclist Oakland Zoo ride which is not one of my favorites. (Never mind me getting caught on a chain link fence a few years back and ripping my shorts.) Lots of climbing and sudden rollers out to the Zoo which is great--but then a long fast downhill through Eucalyptus groves so lots of branches, leaves covering the road and the numerous potholes and raised cracks caused by tree roots.

As last week was rained out hoped to do another self supported century this Saturday--and it seemed like a good way to add on was Palomares-Niles Canyon to Sunol. Only problem is that the North side we'd be climbing is the side we usually fly down--meaning the North side is much steeper than the South side(which is longer and curvey but much "flatter".) Then if I had some companions so I wouldn't get lost we could go through Livermore and return the same way Dr. Dave and I did from the Patterson Pass Century two weeks ago--keeps suburban riding to a minimum out of all the possible return routes...

All this proposed torture prompted this email from Dr. Dave
I'll make the decision at the last possible moment on Saturday. As Jack asked me a few weeks back, exactly WHAT am I training for? Haven't a clue.

Wait, when you say "up Palomares to Sunol," are you suggesting going up Palomares from the North side/hard way after the Zoo run?? It's January! You didn't even get off the trainer this week, let alone train to climb! Why not return over Dublin Grade, down blvd to Sunol, and over to Collier??? If we are going to do 100 miles in January (and, I remind you, that you and I did 100 miles once already this month), why not keep the knee-busting climbs to a minimum? (Or, does that last question make no sense, given this is a Pumpkin-inspired route??) A Pumpkin sufferfest

New Black shoes have strap 1cm further back than old grey ones--ready to dig into ankle. I've now cut a few slits into the top strap of new shoes.

Two things ill prepared me for this ride. My old Time Cycling shoes are really beat up--and usually you can find new ones on clearance so I ordered a new pair a few weeks back. First shoes I ever had with a buckle/ratchet strap.. And they suck. The top strap cuts into my ankle. I did cut a series of micro slits on the top strap which helped a little--which still wouldn't cut it on 100 mile rides. (It was SO great wearing my old shoes on the Patterson Pass Century.) So I ordered another pair of velcro only Time Shoes and figured I may as well break them in on this ride. Mistake. For some reason the top strap on both new pair of shoes is 18 cm from the toe--on my old shoes it is 17-17 1/2 cms. On this ride the straps would be cutting into my ankle all day--especially when I stood. (And the old shoes are 377 & 422g with cleats and superfeet liners, the new shoes are 463 & 506g--so much for improvements.)
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The second mistake was putting on my winter training wheel with a 12x25 cassette--my heaviest wheel --on the bike for this ride. Last week when Dr. Dave and I rode at a leisurely pace this would have been great. But today there was a bigger group and someone was always pushing the pace. Usually their name was Patrick, Toby, Cisco Dave or Leo. Ouch.

The Gang-of-Three-Ward, Christine, Dr. Dave in Moraga

Big surprise at the start. My partner in trouble making, Ward, showed up to test out his knee and would ride as far as the first rest stop, about 15 miles away. Then Christine, coming back from concussion, also showed up for her first ride of the year. We usually we do a stupidass steep hill--the Muur de Moraga, but we stayed on the bikepath for our friends rehab.
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Major announcement from Ward--he's renounced SHRAM (well, not in the depths of the FSA gruppo) and retrofitting part of his fleet with Shimano. Meanwhile CA Mike was wondering if he should consider the students at Stanford "real cyclists"--the ones that ride at night in dark clothes with no lights. The ride to the rest stop was uneventful except for 1) a car U-turning on the ramp between bike path sections--blocking the path, 2) a jogger moseying down the middle of the path/ bike lane, and not moving over no matter how many times we called out, and then startled when we passed (maybe headphones aren't the greatest idea), 3) a cyclist shooting down a side street and turning into us without looking. We blamed all of this on Ward as everyone on the street were on their best behavior for the three months he's been on the sideline.

Long stop in Moraga and then it was off to Skyline via Canyon. Here a bunch of the oldtimer bonus mile group--CA Mike, Dr Dave, Jack, Christine and I formed the 2nd group on the road. Lots of talk about the new U-tube video where some cyclist prattles on about all the things you constantly read in Bicycle Magazine--"carbon wheels are so cool"..."how much does your bike weigh"...its just a recovery day today"..."are you sponsored?"..."lets follow lance on twitter"..."can i borrow a tube..."...

(above) View from Skyline--if you look closely you can see the OCCUPY folks at the Kaiser Center (below) Cisco Dave and Toby

Part of our club turned off to do a shorter ride than planned, and we had a group in back of us after climbing up to Skyline. From Skyline we hit the aforementioned rollers that Patrick-Toby-Cisco Dave and Leo flew over, while I wondered whose stupid idea was to wear new uncomfortable shoes and use a slow rear wheel--though was happy I had the junk wheel when the tree roots and potholes suddenly appeared on the fast downhill to the zoo.

(above) Cisco Dave psyched that he outsprinted the merry go round Zebra while (below) Christine, Jack and Dr. Dave dejected that the Giraffe and Tiger beat them to the sprint point

Long regroup at the zoo. Nice day--lots of families out. Leaving the zoo and rolling gently uphill with a tailwind on Lake Chabot road I put in my first hard effort of the, pulling the paceline at close to 20 until I blew up and re cursed my shoes/ wheel.

We all regrouped and rode together for the Castro Valley tennis courts--another long break--the third in 40 or so miles. We'd soon lose Christine and CA Mike who'd finish with a metric. Dr. Dave would meet us in Sunol but he'd skirt the Palomares climb.

Great place where Steve got a flat--at the start of Palomares

Leo from Sears, Toby and Cisco Dave occupy the podium at the top of Palomares

We just started Palomares--a rustic road with light traffic--when Steve had a flat in a perfect place--nice wide driveway in full sunlight. Gave me time to play with the shoe straps and wished this was a Bronx ride so I'd have a switchblade for some strap surgery. When we set out road turned real shady--and I was unusually cold on a climb. Yep--the North side was much steeper than the South side but also shorter. Stayed with the Toby-Cisco-Leo group about 3/4's of the way up but then had to back off. While waiting at the top to regroup the Grizzly Peak Cyclists "bonus mile" group was riding up from the other side--and saw Grizzly Mark in training mode. We used to try to kill each other on doubles-usually to the detriment of one of us--and in the last few years we've rode cooperatively together and helped each other finish a few events. He likes to bs as much as I do on a ride--great to see him.
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Then the curvy downhill where some chubby guy flew by until some uphill rollers where we repassed until close to the bottom when he flew by again. Then a long gradual uphill on Niles Canyon Road which had a nice tailwind (yeah) and the usual lots of traffic (groans.) We kept in a paceline--soon passed chubby guy, and rolled into Sunol where Dr. Dave had been waiting for 20 minutes. Not bad considering the flat . Special guest star also waiting there--CA. Mike. Only problem was we were now only 55 miles in the ride, it was already early afternoon, and average speed was 14.9 mh.

Also in Sunol was a derelict reeking of Bud light and chain smoking--reminded me of Railroad Flats. He came over to our group as we backpedaled to get away from the burning tobacco, as he recounted how he rode all over the state in his younger days. Meanwhile two guys came riding in with track bikes--the ones where the rear wheel (with 17mm tyre) is pushed forward into a rounded down tube--fast bikes and looks great but supposedly havoc on your butt with the road imperfections transmitted straight up. Also only one bottle mount--but the guys solved this problem by zip tying a bottle cage on their tri bars. Was bsing with them and after they left po'd I didn't get a photo of their strange road setup.

(above) The Diablo Cyclist peloton makes it way past yet another Livermore Vineyard.

(above) Toby and Dr. Dave anticipate Stephen suddenly jumping out at the County Line sign.

Short of food I bought the special cycling power food--RICE KRISPIE TREATS--DOUBLE CHOCOKATEY CHUNK. Three vegetables combine--Rice & Marshmallow & Corn syrup now teamed with Belgium Chocolatey. Also has maltodextrin--a favorite Hammar Nutrition ingredient. The bar was huge and lasted me for the next 40 miles of the ride.

(above) The two Daves before we go back into civilization (below) CA Mike and Leo from Sears arrive

After stopping in Sunol our group didn't stop again for the next 40 miles, and did a good job keeping together on the flats. If the paceline was going to slow Cisco Dave or Toby would go to the front to wind us up.

Sun was now rapidly going down but was warmer than a couple of weeks ago. Shoes weren't hurting as much when I kept my butt in the saddle. We had 8 in the group, which was larger than our usual bonus mile group. Sped through Blackhawk, Danville and then back to Walnut Creek. No Lance wannabe coming down the sprint point blvd this week, too bad as this time I had all my big brothers. I did my usual lead out and was luckily passed way too early--when someone passes my job is done--and from afar I watched as Dave or Dave took out the sprint. Last bit of hijinx for the day, a long and semi-intense ride--which was too much intensity for January but lots of fun.

Morgan Patterson Pass Century-2012

2012-01-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

#1 Century* of 2012. (January 14, 2012) Morgan Territory-Patterson Pass--With Dr. Dave. 92 miles, 5666' climbing. Ride rating 179 (79% harder than a perfectly flat century ride)
*yes-I know a Century is 100 miles. But the Chico Wildflower is 95 miles. The Solvang Double is 191 miles. So self supported rides of 90+ miles with climbing are century rides.

Historic data from Stephen Music.

Forgot that last did this great ride last October. Great loop as after getting out of Clayton @ mile 10, mostly on back country rustic roads with little traffic until returning to Livermore @60, and then @70-80 is also rustic. So that's 60 of 90 miles, or two thirds of the ride, with little traffic. Of course there are some small hills.

Morgan is a climb I enjoy with sudden steep pitches and Patterson Pass is a climb I would enjoy if the almost ever present head wind wasn't there--which is rarely as loads of wind farms in the surrounding hills and the wind comes in from the West. Usually.

I packed a phone today--which I rarely do--as I expected to do this ride alone. Most of the bonus mile group is injured or now first riding after injury or away. CA Mike and Dr. Dave were my only hopes for doing this--and Dr. Dave hates Patterson Pass after the headwind on the last steep pitch of Patterson stopped Dave and his recumbent in his tracks. He didn't believe that the next few times we did Patterson Pass it was dead calm.

2011 Photo with Christine and Ward looking for Dr. Dave

Big group for the regular Club ride though it was cold as crap at the start. Around 35 degrees but we climb almost immediately so didn't want to overdress and I didn't. So froze for 15 minutes. Our Club kept together and I even stopped at mile 8 at our (ridiculously early) rest stop--more to regroup than for anything else. Some where around here CA. Mike broke a piece off his cleat--so he couldn't go on our bonus mile ride.

On Morgan Territory our peloton went to pieces. I tried staying with Cyclocross Racer Mark for as long as I could--which wasn't long. (He was cheating and not on his 30 lb Rivendell bike but on a lightweight carbon one.) So I dropped off and rode up with the 2nd group of Dr. Dave, Leo from Sears, and Patrick. Though heavily tree lined it got warm quickly. Good working but not killer pace. Beautiful-beautiful at the top--one group herding cattle, another group bbqing steaks (were they fresh from the cattle?) We waited awhile for our slower climbers to make it and then continued to just hang out--our "girl power" group all brought burritos. Then a fast downhill where the frequent crosswind was absent. At the bottom most people were looping back, a few riders including Stephen and Mike were adding flat bonus miles, and Dr. Dave joined me for our Patterson pass trip.

Very surrealistic ride out to Patterson Pass. Though within 1/4 mile of a major highway, the highway is over a rolling hill and out of view. It seems like you are in the middle of nowhere as you go towards the central valley. Extra high trestles or throwback overpasses from the 1950's suddenly appear around the next curve in the road. Very occasional car passes. Then windmill after windmill as you wind up in the middle of fields of windmill farms before looping past Altamont ("Gimmie Shelter" infamy.)

Movie of the Morgan--Patterson Pass Century--Click Below:

Reel 1--Morgan Territory

Reel-2--Patterson Pass

Slight headwind going out to Altamont--which is a good thing--as a tailwind meant a block headwind on the Patterson Pass climb once we looped back. Dr. Dave and I bs'ing about my bike films--he is an English/ film professor so he has a great perspective. He did give me the "We're #1 Sign" when I brought up his talking head part in a bozo film about Critical Mass. (If the general population thought cyclists strange--the anti-circumcision guy and nude riding guy in the film certainly intensify that feeling. Dr. Dave's lent some respectability and normalcy to the film, but that would be a difficult job for even Mahamat Ghandi.)

Joined on the Patterson pass climb by a Southern California Math teacher who had to move up here cause the school districts are so f'd down there he couldn't get a job after all the cutbacks. Half way up the view of the valley and windmills were great. At the top-after the killer false flat which morphs into a "hit me" pitch--it's even better.

Short break at the top and then nice long fast downhill into Livermore. A few miles into Livermore we took our first long break since splitting with the Club at mile 60--the Livermore Library. Sunny Courtyard, nice and warm sittng among the public art.

Continuing on a few miles through traffic--the first traffic we've seen for hours, through downtown and towards the Livermore airport. Our bike club usually has a stop ducked in here--but Dave and I didn't need to stop so we changed the ride slightly--staying away from the busy airport areas and closer to the quiet Las Positas Community College which is the gateway to rural Collier Canyon Road--the BEST return route on our club bike rides. Well quiet means no services so Dave and I went in and circled the Community College looking for a cafeteria open on Saturday for future use--but a security guard dashed our hopes--nuttin open.

Collier-Highland was a little windy and cool but lots of fun. What was good for the whole ride Dave and I shared the pacemaking. We didn't have to wave each other through--when we sensed that the person in the front was getting tired we'd just go to the front. Ridden that way with Big Mike and Ward and it works out perfectly.

Dave was telling me that there are some "time trial" points on this road--people with Garmin's automatically time themselves on certain segments of road and compete with other riders--someone died on a Tilden Park downhill when someone broke their 1st place time as they were trying to recapture the top spot. About a half dozen folks including Dr. Dave got Garmin's last year, while my bike gadget buy was a video camera. So Dave is finding his inner animal while I'm finding my inner artist.

Soon back in the toney suburb of Blackhawk--Danville and suddenly the sun was low on the horizon and it was cool--not cool enough for the glove liners to go back on but putting back the vest was a good idea. Things quickly heated up when some numb nut with headphones and a racing kit passed us without calling out. Shit--Cisco Dave, Toby, Ward, Stephen--our sprinters--weren't here, After 85 miles my inner laziness first had me just sitting on his wheel but then I got my dander up and went to the front and picked up the pace so racerboy couldn't throw in a sprint in the end. Everything worked perfectly--Dr. Dave came around with a couple of hundred meters to go for a beautiful sprint finish.
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Easy cool down on bike trail for last couple of miles. We were hoping to get back before the 49er-Saints playoff game ended to avoid the drunks on the road--and figured game was somewhere around late 3rd quarter. I'm sorry to report Dave and I didn't give the 49ers much of a chance--both of us figuring they held on tight in the first half but now the Saints would start to pull away and the 49ers spotty offense couldn't keep up when that happened. I predicted 13-24 (Saints), Dave a little more optimistic 13-20 (Saints). Dave called his wife and we were both real happy though our prognostication ability was shot to hell-- 23-17 (49ers).

Happy New Year-2012

2012-01-03T22:10:00.000-08:00

As an aside as I want to be the first to throw this out. My wife loves reading fiction--cultural event of the last month was "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" which came out in the movies. I must have been the only person in the theater who didn't know who the killer was as I didn't read the book. Anyway--she gets bummed out whenever she finishes a book and one of her favorite authors hasn't come out with a new one yet. Well--with Kindle and Nooks there is no need to finish a book--how about someone puts out a PERPETUAL BOOK--a book that continually has chapters added. Every week a writer (or a group) could write a new chapter and everyone with a electronic book would have new reading material. Futuristic, hey--its 2012.....

2012-time to make new years resolutions--first time in memory that my front and back wheel match

In the new year a Diablo Cyclist tradition, along with anyone else who owns a bike in the Bay Area, is to go up Mt. Diablo. Some years there is actually snow which prevents going to the top--other years there is a biting cold on the downhill where all the clothes you can wear do no good. 50 degrees at the bottom may mean 38 degrees at the top--a 20mph wind chill factor makes that 38 degrees feel like 28 degrees. But but but--sometimes there is an inversion layer, where it is hotter at the top than at the bottom--and the increase in temperature ain't gradual but BOOM, suddenly found around a turn. Last year was like that and I'm pleased to say we had a repeat performance of warmth at 3,800'.

Anyway, made a movie re our cycling ride up Mt. Diablo--where it seems like bikes own the world. Its in 3 parts and gradually all 3 parts will make it onto You Tube. I didn't want to break it up but either my laptop computer doesn't have enough memory (more memory on the way) or a good video card (non correctable) to prevent Windows Moviemaker from melting down when I reach the 8 minute mark.

Click on link below for movies. Happy New Year.

Part 1--to the Junction

Part 2--to the Summit

Part 3--to the Summit

PS--If you want to see the casual joy of cycling check out the film below. The crown jewel of my old bike club, the Delta Pedalers, is the casual bike ride John & Margot Coker have been leading for years. Both just find joy about everything cycling--John loves the gagets and thing incredibly unique and Margot sings away as she rides. Usually riding with John means bs'ing about politics, the legal system, philosophy, art and music....I think he should have been a radio talk show host instead of a law professor/attorney/ musician. (John once told me about a passage in an antiquated circumstantial Evidence book when Teddy Roosevelt took the stand and all hell broke loose, and John did the Roosevelt dialog from memory--later he gave me a written copy of the passage and every time I read it I can hear John's voice dramatically doing Teddy.) Anyway I started with them about 15 years ago on a hybrid bike with mountain bike baggy shorts and a cotton t-shirt and swore I would never wear lycra. It was John's enthusiasm during 20 mile rides that got me going.

John and Margot's Tour of East County

Pumpkincycle Year in Review-2011

2011-12-30T22:42:00.000-08:00

Year started out great--good organized centuries, good organized doubles (hiccup on Alta Alpina but so unique it was still great), good self supported century rides with the Diablo Cyclist Bonus mile group. Year quickly fizzled out on the September Cruella--where our group fell apart for the year. Huge disabled list. 2012 can't come quick enough.

Best New Bike Invention
tie

-Christine came up with a cheap pocket camera bag around the stem--perfect to keep drugs and sunscreen in there and frees up space in the pocket. (I started putting suntan lotion in empty eyedrop bottles which fit inside nicely)

Mike returns to do the 200k Davis brevet--but big doubles group like 3-4 years ago never materializes.

-Replaced my 7 lb bike stereo with an under 150g MP3 mini power speaker that is attached to a tire and attaches to the top tube.

Best non-bike Discovery
-Stephen clued me in to Pandora Radio--where I've now heard more "new" songs that I like this year than in the last 20.

Lots of good rides out to Patterson Pass--most of the time real nice and calm.

Lots of good photos with Ward and Christine always packing a camera. My favorite riding photo when trying to figure out new section of Mt Tam double with Ward. (Ward-o-photo)

Seems like this year we didn't have many riders for out of town rides--but we did have a few every time we went to Marin.

Best photograph

I'm by lake frozen over at the top of Ebbets on Alta Alpina. Meanwhile Dave and I disagree what is the better photo of him on the ride.

Mt Diablo Recap

Ward and I rode a businesslike pace up Mt. Diablo almost every Tuesday once daylight savings time hit, and then a balls out pace with the Diablo Cyclists on Wednesday. Great 40 mile loop--the uphill was the EZ part--trying to stay on Ward's (or Cisco Dave's) wheel on the flats hurt. Bad thing is that my climbing has gotten slower, but at least getting faster on the downhill whereas I don't lose sight of the group.

2003-# times under 36 minutes to the Junction-3(Northgate); # times under 70 minutes to the Top-2

2004-1/1

2005-1/2

2006-0/0

2007-0/0

2008-2/0

2009-6/1

2010-2/2

2011-2/1

Best Unsupport Century
1) Sierra Century from Plymouth (the old way)--world's greatest ride--rumor it is being brought back next year

2) Tunitas Creek with Alpine Road bonus (w/ Ward, Christine, Dave, Jack, Todd)

3) Middle Section of Mt Tam Double going West to East (new way, w/ Ward, day after Tunitas Creek-Alpine Road Century)

People Didn't See Enough of

Rusty, Super Joe, Johnna, Christina, Ward (after Cruella), Colin (after Alta Alpina)

Good to See Again
California via Honolulu via Rverside back to Northern California Mike

And how many times did Ward and I wind up at teh Mt. Diablo Junction this year??

Best New Product

Lighter/ cheaper Time RXS Pedals replace Time Impact Pedals

Favorite Organized Ride

1) Mt. Tam Double--Course made for me-rollers all day. Unfortunately now stupidass backwards course where you have to buck headwind to the ocean.

2) Alta Alpina Double-Though I suddenly fell apart on pass #5, what great support and route.

Least favorite Organized Ride

Sequoia Century--After being told how much i'd live this ride I finally signed up. We were gonna have a big club turnout. Alas, heavy rain where I lived that morning cancelled the ride.

Best Live Music
With Pandora I've gone "nuts" catching up on music from the last 20 years. Seems each weeks bike ride had another high energy song stuck in my head. Pandora leads to You Tube where one can usually catch a bunch of live performances which i usually like better--more energy, quicker pace. Best 4 live performances on You Tube that I first saw this year:

Haines &. Ivarsson, both much better than Sabrina Salerno who does get honorable mention for setting a record sticking out of more outfits in one video--her Vegas version of Erase and Rewind.

Metric-Dead Disco--The studio sessions from this group aren't anything special by Emily Haines becomes a manic organ player in concert, and the guitarists do a great job adding to the chaos.
The Chameleons-In Shreds--Song kinda peters out at the end--but most perfect 2/3'd of a song--Mark Burgess fronting two driving guitars..
The Sounds-Hope Your Happy Now--Don't know who has better stage moves, Emily Haines or the Sounds Maja Ivarsson--but Maja scares me.
James Brown and Luciano Pavoritti--Its A Man's World, --to incredibly opposite styles, two great artists showing great respect for each other, combined they do an fantastic job pulling this off.

Oh Henry Stories
-On real hot day (my specality) guy zoomed off at the base of Mt. Diablo. I eventually caught and passed him--he was fixing a flat tire. I'm setting a good pace but he soon zooms by me again. Oh shit. Turns out he is a pro mountain bike racer.

-Expecting inevitable collapse somewhere on Devil Mountain Double. First time was up Mt. Hamilton (@130 miles in), second time I did the race was up on Mines Road (@95 miles in.) NEVER HAPPENED--felt good all day. Got to top of Palomaras in the dayight (both times before pulled into Sunol at dusk.) Kept hopscotching with Grizzly Mark all day and we rode in together for a 66th place finish. (On same ride a racer doing Wente told Grizzly Mark/ I to get off his wheel--I fell off and laughed my ass of as Mark, in full yellow kit, help onto the guys wheel miles down the road.)

-On Knoxville, also involving Grizzly Mark--Jack/I rode with Grizzly Mark and his teammate the whole morning. At lunch Jack and Grizzly Teammate took off--I followed. Grizzly Teammate told us that Grizzly Mark was still at the lunch stop and was going to leave shortly. Second half of Knoxville relatively flat and Grizzly Mark can fly over flat sections of road--so waiting for him to catch us. No Mark...No Mark.....miles click away....No Mark. When we pull in to ending meal....Mark waiting "what happened to you guys"--he had left lunch before us.

-On Mt. Tam Double kept a good pace all day and was planning tactical riding--sections to get into a paceline. So--down the Coast--solo'd half the distance. In run in to Marshall Climb passed by two big riders on climb???, and then I caught them on the downhill/ flats??? Last run in from Hicks Valley/ Marshall Wall--saw ONE whole rider (who passed me.) Wasn't a race--was an f'n time trial. Finished 44th.

-Flat--easy-Davis Double. Non timed so rode easy. Felt like crap at the end.

-Good boy on Alta Alpina Double--no digs--conserving energy. Felt great after first 4 climbs. Then surrounded by snow banks heart rate soared and my ride was quickly done.

Servais Knaven moment

I'm one of worst sprinters in the club and never expect to get a flat County Line. On a very hot day after a long ride ride we're on Collier Canyon--flat rural road. I launched with 2 miles to go to County line, Ward stayed in group and didn't help in chase, big guys were looking at each other to start chasing and it was to late when some of the locamotives finally left the pack. Repeated a month later.

We really wanted to go on the Merry Go Round and record the vital statistics on a Garmin--which almost everyone but me had by the end of the year.

What Was I Thinking
At Alta Alpina 4am start (that goes downhill immediately) was 37 degrees--and I'm a cold wuzz. I had SEVEN layers over my chest. What the fuck. Now I did shed layers before the first big climb of the day and when we passed where I was staying--but still overdressed the whole day--which might have been a contributing factor to my meltdown later. Months later we had a stretch of 29 degree mornings in Northern California and 4 layers did fine--thank you very much.

Best Food Item of the Year
No more microwave waffles the morning of a ride--got a waffle iron. No wonder coudln't come close to 2010 weight.

2011 Miles 8,661.75
2011 Doubles Finished-4 (Davis, Devil Mountain, Mt Tam & Knoxville)
2011 Doubles Didn't Finish So Gotta Try Again in 2012-1 (Alta Alpina)
2011 Alcoholic Drinks-(2) Triple Rock Porter and Eiswein at Mark/ Amy's Holiday Party--quantity may be low but quality of drink very high.

New Car Smell Involves New Car Hell

2011-12-24T19:10:00.000-08:00

My great Camry with roof rack removed-RIP

Kinda sad day this week--I bought a new car but that meant trading in my "beater," a 2004 Camry. Before you say "that's no beater!," let me add it had 200,000+ miles, significant dents (one nice in the corner bumper that held a leaning bike in place real well,) and minor problems whereas passing smog check in the next month was not a certainty. And even if I had the engine repaired, it still had 200,000+ miles; a little worrisome with all the "no man’s land" I drive to get to a bike ride.

But the Camry was my favorite car ever. Even buying it was fun--I did all the dealing over the 'net with someone who had to search for the car...oh yeah...I wanted a stick shift and as it turns out only 6 Camry’s with a manual transmission were in California--and three were fully loaded (no-- don't need pin striping.) After one crit I drove down to the dealer with my daughter (pre college) saw it and bought it. I was hoping for a bright blue metallic car, or a silver metallic car--and didn't want a black or forest green car. Then there was white--no opinion either way. Of course the car was--white, just like the piece of crap intermediate car from that "independent" (hee hee hee) car company named after a planet.

Had an aftermarket moon roof put in--my dad was still alive and this bugged him as I was spending excessive money--but then I pointed out with a sunroof I wouldn't have to use the air conditioner (a rule I only broke 3 times--and one was driving a company client somewhere.) I had top of the car outfitted with a bike rack and could look at the bikes when I stopped through the sunroof, or stretch and hold on to the roof rack after a long bike ride. I had never been to Mono Lake-Bishop California or Mt. Shasta before the Camry. We checked out my younger daughter’s college choice and rentals in it. Took a nap in it before setting up at some god-awful time before a double--it slowly morphed into a perfect bike setup car--magnetic work lights and a list of crap not to forget hanging from the trunk. Very dependable, very comfortable, and good on gas mileage for a non-hybrid clown car that was bigger than a SMARTmilk crate on wheels.

With the smog./ registration time fast approaching, and my doing my usual job of procrastinating, I waited for 1 1/2 months before the drop dead date to start my car search. Hell, wasn't going to be much of a car search--just was going to get a manual transmission model of the "Newly redesigned Toyota Camry..with Toyotacare" (I'm sure you've seen scores of the obnoxious commercial’s) Well, those SOB's really redesigned the Carmy--so much so they DROPPED the stick model.

Oh well, gas is never going down, kids don't live at home, maybe I can get a smaller car and get a Toyota Corolla compact. Turns out my wife has a friend of a friend who is a fleet manager for a large dealership so I email him with just a few requirement--lightly colored, manual transmission, sunroof and mp3 radio, but the last two can be aftermarket add ons. Expected to have a list of choices in a week--just like my Camry experience in 2004. But all I heard was how hard it was to find the car I want--there may be one at a certain price but it was unknown if this did or not include a sun roof no matter how many times I asked. In short a month went by with nothing accomplished (to be fair I went into a local Toyota dealer to see the new Corolla and did hear that most stick models go into the ag belt and not the urban area--but the friend of friend was supposed to be searching all of California.

At the local dealer I finally saw a new Corolla (funny, they are still in the 2011 model year when everyone else in in 2012.) I wasn't impressed;driver area looks small, controls seemed cheap, and trunk looked like some Rubenesque figure--it somehow was big at the ends but squeezed in the middle where wheel wells were . And review was nothing to get excited about--still a quality car but lots of smalls cars now on par quality and its ride was lackluster. If I'm starting monthly payments again this seemed like a real downer.

At the Toyota dealer I also checked out a Scion TC--that's the one that looks like a mini sports car--not the boxy clown car. Didn't mind sinking to the floor when I sat in it but windows were so tiny I might as well have been in a tank.

Nissan's small car entry, the Sentra, looked a little beefier so the next day i stooped at a Nissan Dealer. Actually two dealers, as first had a salesman oozing slime when he begrudgingly opened the trunk so I could see if a bike would fit in there, The Sentra's trunk was huge for a small car and they had a really good fold down seat opening. Second dealership had a young kid who said there was no manual Sentra's on the lot, and they were hard to come by. (I later read that they were definitely two tiers below the best rated small cars.) Kid dealer said I should look at the mini-SUV Juke--the whole line is manual transmissions. When I got home checked it out online--turns out NONE of their models offer a stick except the 4 wheel drive. So much for good information.

OK I'll have to make a choice within 3-4 weeks, and a friend just bought a new Honda. Years ago when our used car was totaled we went to El Camino Real looking for our first new car with our small insurance payout. In our mind, a car advertised for $7,500 MSRP should sell for $7,500. What did we know. The Honda dealer laughed at us as his dealer sticker on the $7,500 car was $9,750--and we would have to pay THAT price and then could pick up the car when it got unloaded sometime in the future. Our auto buying lesson continued when we went to two Toyota dealers that day--the first also had an inflated dealer stick but was not a haughty as the Honda dealer. The second, when we told him what the first Toyota dealer offered the car at quickly dropped the price $500. Later that week 3 more calls to different dealers had the price drop $500 a shot. Shit, buying a car was like being at the middle Eastern Market.

So we'v owned 4 Toyotas and 2 Nissans and 4 (pseudo American) cars we hated and rather not talk about, and we never considered a Honda. But the Honda Civic was rated very high for dependability and drivable. AND THEY HAD TWO MANUEL MODELS--one was bare bones and I could go to town adding the radio I wanted--just like our first few cars.

Dropped into Honda dealer and low key young salesman greeted me--cause I'd walk right out if one of the loudmouths with a cheap jacket and cologne and utter bullshit was my contact. Salesman was amazed I was interested in the bare bones model:

Salesman

-But it has no power doors. Me-"That’s OK".

-But it has no power windows. "That’s OK."

-IT DOESN'T HAVE AIR CONDITIONING. "That’s OK, I never use it."

-It doesn't have a center console. "(I think) Problem, as really do want a place to rest your elbow."

Salesman said he's never seen one, went off to check and there weren't any available in Northern California (this had been confirmed when I did a web search.) So I'd have to consider the stepped up manual model, which the dealer didn't have but would look for. Ok--the stepped up model came with a USB port radio and a center console.

First sales guy started dealership patter of trying to get top dollar. Took me out to the lot to see/test drive and automatic model and showed me a car with a dealers sticker--which was $3k over manufacturers. I got a little annoyed and blurted out "don't even show me a dealers sticker" where sale guy immediately became apologetic and said "some people will pay that, but we'll just show you manufacturers sticker."

Back inside he asked me if I'd buy the car for $100 less than manufacturers sticker. Now, if I played the call a bunch of dealers, or walk out and maybe come back later, I'm sure I could have gotten another $500 knocked off the price. (And if I actually wanted a car sitting on the dealers lot the incentive for them to sell would have been much greater.) Maybe a month ago--when I started the car search I would have hesitated, but Toyotaman had wasted a month of my time, interest rates on loan were OK so I did agree

The next "price dance " was over my trade in. I wasn't going to ask the dealer if they wanted to take my beater in trade, they asked me. I had indicated to a friend who was interested that I'd sell the car for $500, so I told the salesman I was looking for $750. Salesman disappeared with the car, came back in awhile and told me they could only give me $500--so I said forget it I'll keep the car. Salesman quickly disappeared and came back two seconds later saying "we'll have to get it an auction house but we'll give you $700 for it." Now why couldn't he/ they have said that on the first go around.

I added aftermarket sunroof dealer would install (so it falls under manufacturers warrenty.) OK--price and trade in settled in--and salesman came back and told me I had a choice of two cars they located--white and silver. Yahoo--finally a nonwhite car. Salesman came back 5 minutes later and said oh, they made a mistake the silver car was an automatic. OK, annuder white car.

Real fun ratched up to see the finance manager . Now I wanted fog lamps and bluetooth but desided against as both expensive via dealer. Luckily I was talking to salesman who told me real price of these items as finance manager never talks about real price but how the montly will only go up slightly.

Finance manager reminded me of car dealer William Macy in Fargo. First he went into a 10 minute routine about how things will go wrong on cars--not the mechanics but the electrical. Then he offered the extended warranty--where factory warranty would go from 3 to 8 years (kinda desirable for me as the way I drive the 3 year warranty would be over in 1 1/2 years due to mileage.) He then mentions that this comes with a minor dent repair component. The cost--(and I don't recall exact figures)--only $50 more a month for ALL THIS PROTECTION. Told him I didn't want it, and he asked why--I said it was because I was buying a quality car and not a Dodge Colt, and plan was expensive.

Finance manager then pulls a classic--he says "wait wait wait--Honda sent me a coupon" and he starts rummaging through his desk drawer until he finds something he says is a coupon and then grabs calculator and now ALL THIS PROTECTION is only $40 more a month. No--told him still not interested.

HOLD ON-HOLD ON--furiously hits the calculator keys--and then asks if I would take it at $30 a month. I shouldn't have out of principle of these floating prices(just like when we once turned down a dealer loan that suddenly dropped 4% points after we revealed we had our own credit) but I did need an extended warranty so I took it.

Later at home I was pissed when I saw that the dent protection was a separate component from the extended warranty and increased the warranty price by 20% ---I stayed pissed until I read the contact and saw I could cancel Dent Protection within 60 days--which I did when I picked up the car.

So instead of being stoked about buying a new car (to be picked up in 2 days), I was drained when I drove home. And this local dealership actually had better folks to deal with that most dealers.

Weasel postscript--I emailed the Toyota fleet manager who spent 4 weeks NOT finding me a car and NOT being able to give me a solid price for one--thanked him for his help and told him I was going in another direction First email from weasel:

*Weaselman*-Not a Toyota ......Amazing ...Givin' their Amazing dependability etc. oh well .........what Route are you going ??

After I told him I purchased a Honda Civic got the following slimy email

*Weaselman*-cool ......... you should have checked with me ........ as we also own a Honda Dealer ..............and could saved hundreds or even Thousands ........but hey it's Only Money .......right ??

Wow, Weaselman could save me $1000's, though obviously not on a car. (As he couldn't save me $1 after a month) Maybe he can save me money on other things.

I sent Weaselman's emails to my friends as a public service so they could save alot of money. My car pool buddy, Melissa, is in line for a new Toyota this year but she had a strange reaction to Weaselman's emails--"what a douchebag--I wouldn't go to Hayward Toyota."

I also emailed Chris Robinson of Robinson Wheel Works who had just built me a great King Hub/ Stan Rim wheel:

i coulda have had a king wheel built cheaper at toyota hayward and saved millions

Chris Robinson of Robinson Wheel Works--he built me a great new wheel but didn't offer me a coupon so obviously overpriced.

But Chris reminded me

But did he have a coupon ?? .......Because without a coupon its all bogus!..............

He fails simply for the egregious usage of ...............................

Muur de 20%+ Crockett Climb

2011-12-13T23:22:00.000-08:00

Finding out that working on videos takes alot of time. On a 5 hour ride (300 minutes) shoot @120 clips about a half minute each, so have 60 minutes of footage. From there have to aim to boil it down to 15 minutes--as captions and a soundtrack.

As an outtake of the Diablo Cyclist's ride to Crockett (as an aside--my favorite Sunday ride when we recover from Saturday,) when we got to Crockett I did the Muur de Crockett loop--a 20% climb that one might find on the Tour de Flanders. (minus the kasseien.) CA Mike and I usually do the majority of the climb but Ward is the only person who consistently does the end section that hikes up another 2-4%.

Looking down the Muur de Crockett before the turn and the steepest section

Anyway--click here for the Muur de Crocket short film. Warning--lots of camera sway on the climb--but instead of getting seasick look out for the sudden appearance of monsters or other abbortaions as an alert reader discovered a few weeks ago.

KGO-CUMULUS, GO TO HELL

2011-12-07T20:58:00.000-08:00

Warning--this post will bore the 98% of the population glued to television who view radio as a necessary evil when stuck in the car and want to find out where the traffic jam is. It's written as the largest talk radio station in the Bay Area was taken over by a mega corporation, who already owned two other major stations in the market, and then to cut costs they fired most of their long standing talk show staff. Thank you government deregulation.

I've been a talk show junkie all my life. As a kid I hid a transistor radio under my pillow and tried to stay up all night listening to one of the pioneers of talk radio Long John Nebel. Sometimes he'd conduct interviews with local political notables, like Congressman Allard Lowenstein (one of the leaders of the 'dump Johnson' movement.) Other times he'd take calls all night from kooks with talking goats in the phone booth or people wondering how pasta got to curl (Long John said in Italy pasta grew on the side of a hill and curled downward.)

Later, as a teenager, I repeatedly got kicked off the radio by WMCA stalwarts John Sterling (Yankee apologist) and Bob Grant (Vietnam war apologist.)

After my teenage years I didn't call talk shows anymore, though continued to selectively listen to talk radio--as much is virtually unlistenable. I was in a bookstore the day before Clinton beat Bush and they were piping in Rush Limbaugh. Between rustling papers and yelling 'dittohead' he was pretty boring--he may be the #1 radio personality but I can't figure it out and never listened to him again. It's not a liberal/ conservative thing--while disagreeing with most of Michael Savage's rants he's interesting, sometimes unpredictable, and often sounds like a beat poet gone off the deep end. And of course anyone I like is usually taken off the air one way or the other, from comedian Adam Carolla (station changed format) to political insider Duane Garrett (killed himself.)

Now truth be told during the warm weather, cycling/ baseball season, I mostly listen to Giants games and sports talk. (Except when the Giants fired Hank Greenwald--then I didn't listen to a ballgame for 2 years until he came back.) But during the fall-winter months I'd switch to talk radio--which meant KGO in the San Francisco area. And the best they offered was Gene Burns.

Former libertarian candidate for President, Gene had moved toward a moderate Democrat position as libertarians had no social policy for those left behind. How many talk show hosts dramatically change their political outlook? Gene respected callers unless they were complete fools, unique among radio talk show hosts with strong opinions. In Dr. Bill Wattenburg's world (the self proclaimed smartest man alive) you were a complete fool if you didn't agree with him 110%. This isn't unique to the right, on the same station Bernie Ward and the every whiny Karel weren't far behind in their lack of tolerance without full agreement--how exciting to hear a talk show host who controls the microphone hang up or disparage a caller. This even happens on sports talk; Ralph Barbari has made a career of asking 10000 word questions and badgering anyone who doesn't agree with him.

(Parenthetically, Dr. Bill teamed with Karel would make good radio, so would Dr. Savage and Bernie. Local sports radio is terrible, the best are syndicated Colin Cowheard who unfortunately focuses on football to build ratings, but throws in a few unique observations along the way. Locally, ex-players Tom Tolbert and Eric Allen are humorous and knowledgable. Allen is on 'FM's only sports station' who has the greatest commercials skewing Cumulus' 'the out of touch Leader'--no doubt Cumulus will solve this problem by buying them soon and canning everyone)

Of course this would never happen on Public Radio, but the hosts are so vanilla.... snore.

So a big radio conglomerate, Cumulus, buys KGO and fires most of their on air hosts. They plan to convert from talk radio to all news. Great plan. Problem is there already is an all news station in the Bay area that does a great job reporting on traffic and weather and how many people are camped outside of Target the night before Black Friday. Another fluff news station isn't needed, and certainly isn't going to get a large audience. It's clear "all news" is a crappy plan------unless Cumulus plans to abandon news in a year and put on their nationally syndicated radio hosts. What do they care--they'll have 1/2 the radio audience they do now but wouldn't have to pay any local talent.

At one time the airways was considered a public trust, and one station couldn't have multiple stations in the same market. That went the way of antitrust regulation against oil companies. And like all deregulation, business hasn't been helped (think airlines and utilities) but the public has been screwed. Now a corporation can have 5 stations in a market. We already have one sports host who had been bounced between the the two sports stations owned by Cumulus and then was put on KGO to do a political show. Man, if you dislike someone on the Cumulus network they'll be no escaping them.

So we have a story of corporate greed, cost cutting, and millions of talk show fans in the San Francisco area that "lost" radio hosts who they spent alot of time with. My carpool buddy, Melissa, wrote on one blog:

Gene -
Like so many previous posters, I have been a long time KGO listener. I am in shock! While I will miss the other hosts, your evening show was my favorite. Listening to your show made me feel less trapped in my car during my long commute home. I cannot believe KGO management. As long time listener, I would love to know how they arrived at this decision. I for one know that I never asked for more news. I can (and do) get news from multiple sources but it is much, much harder to find an intelligent, constructive discussion about the news. That is what you offered and I will miss that so much.

Late last night, as I made my way home from a very late night at the office, my sadness turned to anger when I had my first taste of the "new, improved" programming. As a listener, I felt nothing short of insulted as I listened to the syndicated garbage they started playing at midnight.

This is my first visit to this site but will not be my last. Like so many others have said, wherever you end up, I'll be listening.

Thank you!

Melissa said it all. In any event thanks to Gene Burns for providing great radio and making me think. He'll definitely be missed. And KGO has now been taken off all my radio presets.
******************************************************************************
Good blog to follow the KGO mess and other local media 'stuff' is Rich Lieberman's

More Cycling Movies-Trip To Palomares

2011-12-01T22:29:00.000-08:00

Lots of fun playing with a new toy--sports video camera. Also alot of work--not taking the shots but editing, After a ride wind up with 90 minutes of butt shots and try to get it down to 15 minutes, and splice in things that are interesting. (Yeah , I know, Sabrina Salerno in a tight jersey...) So on one nondescript ride I rode with the camera pointed towards my brake lever instead of straight ahead--and if I was coordinated enough to get my arm out of the way when riding side by side, I got some good stock profile shots to splice in (it will be up to astute movie viewer to catch when the camera angle changes, and a cyclist is suddenly wearing a different jersey.)

Also making a collection of Phil Liggett/ Paul Sherwin drops where they aren't talking about a specific race or racer but making general comments like "you have to consider all the imponderables." Huh? But, coming from their mouths it sounds like poetry and puts a nice break in the music.

Talk about an astute viewer, Curtis in Bikeland found a monster in my last video at 6:50

Anyway, not training for anything, too fn cold and day too short to ride 100 miles so Saturday's ride is usually a hilly metric. Prime co-instigator and chief photographer Ward is missed as on the shelf with a knee injury (my prediction is that he'll have a video cam for the bike next year) but other troublemaker, California Mike, back from exile in Riverside. A movie was made of our metric to Palomares and my new computer suddenly found its "obsolete point" by not being able to save 15 minutes at once so movie had to be split up. The Liggett/ Sherwin drops work nicely--especially for one part when Dr. Dave started hamming up on the ride when I told him we need more excitement in the video. "CHE' BESTIA!!" I'm still cracking up over that scene (yes, he did keep his pants on.)

Sound recorded from the camera is pretty bad--and for the two snippets of commentary I put in I had to go to another program and boast up the DB level. Then I bothered to read the instructions (usually an afterthought) where I could boast up the camera's DB level. I'll still just put in just a "smidgen" of actual dialog--I rather listen to Liggett/ Sherwin and music than my squeaky voice.

Must be the autumn light--a monster pops up in my last cycling movie...Sabrina pops out in this one.

Anyway--Trip to Palomares...Part 1 here

Trip to Palomares...Part 2 here

Tea Party=LaRouchites=Nut Cases

2011-11-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

America/ Obama administration just accomplished something unbelievable in foreign policy. They made progress normalizing relations with Burma, who has slowly changed their oppressive ways for the better under America's gentle persuasion. The daughter of the assassinated daughter of Burma's democratic founder, Aung San Suu Kyi, is finally out of "house arrest." Great story.

But you'd never know this watching the news. Top political stories promoted by the Tea Party--Obama is not born in the United States. Obama is a socialist as we never had government run health care (at least not before John Adams in 1798 with the US Public Health Service Agency.) Basically, in modern America the Tea Party can throw out any false shit you want they want and it becomes major news.
A Thanksgiving Day message from the LaRouchites, 2011.

Now, when I was going to college there were always a few crew cut, beret wearing followers of Lyndon Larouche around. They basically saw the world controlled by a Nelson Rockefeller-Queen of England conspiracy. And they were considered kooks. They tried to pass themselves off as Socialists, but funny they would usually disrupt liberal democrat or democratic socialist events. One leading democratic socialist I knew whose debates they'd interrupt, told me they were just Right Wing plants. Luckily they were ignored by teh media.

In any event the Larouchites years ago were seen as a fringe element--and presently the Tea Party are considered respected player. What's wrong with this picture?

Getting Old & Hollyweird Moviemaking-2011

2011-11-14T23:21:00.000-08:00

Triple whammy. Daylight savings time ends and no more going up Mt. Diablo after work. Now dark and 20 degrees colder than it was a month ago, and I'm a cold wuzz. And I'm suddenly old--I don't feel old but when I hear someone is my age the first thing I think is "damn, they're old."

You remember life before the internet, rotary phones, having to go into the bank to get cash, 12" black and white tvs with rabbit ears, that one talked quietly in a phone booth with the door closed giving dirty looks to strangers who came to close to perhaps listen in--not yelping loudly about their STD on a cell phone in teh supermarket--"damn, you're old."

All summer long cycling friends my age are coming down with aliments, or not doing doubles anymore, or complaining how old they feel. We don't have as many folks doing long out of town rides as we did when I joined the Diablo Cyclists, and it seemed like everyone was hammering. I'm much lighter than I was 7 years ago, my bike is lighter, and I can't climb as fast as I did. In 2003 & 2004 I went under 34 minutes to the Ranger Station twice and under 67 minutes to the Summit twice. I never did it again. This Summer I couldn't go under 36 minutes to the Junction until mid-September and only once under 70 minutes to the top all year. Fuck.

On the work front, I was driving with one of my favorite bosses who mentioned his granddaughter was in college?? How could that be--he was only a few years older than me. Nope--turns out he just turned 65 which I instantly knew that this meant he'd retire shortly--which he did.

Two days after my birthday I could barely walk as my heels were cracking badly. Old age disease. I remember my dad constantly had his skin around his foot scale away. I bought "Dr. Hess' Udder Ointment"--doubt that dad ever used anything and just toughed it out.

To ward off winter depression and learn something new I got a sports video camera for my birthday. One of the great things about cycling is looking around and noticing the "Kodak moments"--taking movies is a step along this path. Sports video cameras have come down in price and are about the size of a thick cigar--so real innocuous. Takes everything in almost fisheye to have a large depth of field and no need to focus--of course this means you have to be real close to the subject.

I was going to go up Diablo and test it out but of course the jerryrigged camera mount that would use an existing light bracket broke right away--so the video camera's debut waited for our first club ride--it was supposed to be a good out of town ride but lousy weather kept us close to home.

The full video, and sharper images, are on You-Tube 'click here'

Obviously I need help making movies so I headed straight to Hollywood to get some tips. Actually went down to Southern California to visit my daughter Jessie, and we kicked around seedy Hollywood. But it was kinda strange--even though many of the "stars" on the Walk of Fame were never my favorites--I had heard of about 80% of them (Jessie heard of 10%) and had "flashback connections" to some. Frankie Laine--1940's-50's singer--my mom had a 78' of his that my grandma loved. Yma Sumac--the Peruvian Princess with the 5 octave voice (falsely rumored to be a Jewish housewife from Brooklyn)--when my dad hated all the rock I was playing he liked Yma's music. George Burns-grandma would watch him and I'd join and watch, Lawrence Welk-grandma would watch him and I'd run out of the room.

Of course my generation should not be the "baby boomer generation," it should be the "smart ass" generation. What do you expect when raised on Bugs Bunny, and comedians from Groucho Marx to John Belushci?; a whole team of "smart asses" honored on the walk of fame.

Great time walking around Hollyweird with Jessie. Though overcast LA is about +10 warmer than the Bay area. Walking around is great as driving around is a zoo--mega shopping centers charging parking in huge garages that are jam packed. Real find was eating in Farmers Market with eclectic collection if international "fast food." As I previously noted, my daughter who is into music, film, and Yahoo celebrity gossip, only knew about 10% of the stars on the Hollywood walk, and this only rose when we hit the stretch of the newer stars in the renovated area around the Chinese Theatre--Bugs Bunny, Judge Judy, John Belushi, Fleetwood Mac--forget about the older stars near the rundown Hollywood & Vine. It just showed the HUGH gap between our generation. Nevermind when I had to pull out my drivers licence, and Jessie and I looked at it with a picture taken 10+ years ago due to automatic renewals--it was like seeing that person you haven't seen in a few years and suddenly they look old. Oh crap, I have gotten old. Tme to apply the Udder Ointment.

Well, I'm not going down without a fight. Weight training this winter. Redouble my effort to finish the Alta Alpina 8 next year. And make crappy bike movies in between. Hmmm, I must have missed the star on the Hollywood walk for Director Ed Wood. (And my new mantra-10 years to retirement)

Addendum-now that I go down to Los Angeles every two months or so, I decided to look up the one guy from my teenage circle of friends who lived down there. We weren't close friends, and growing up I'd go on and on about moving to San Francisco, and he'd go on and on about moving to Los Angeles and the babes in LA. Last I heard he was an LA Public Defender. So I easily found him on the web today--a few days after putting up this post. Doug died 9 months ago.

Cruella Challenge-2011

2011-10-26T22:41:00.001-07:00

(October 22, 2011) Cruella Challenge, w/ Ward, Dr. Dave, Toby, sometimes with Jack, never with Christine, 101 miles, 15.1 mph

Elevation chart and most cool photos courtesy of Ward Industries.

Usually our long riding season ends with Foxy's Fall (or Riverbank No Wine and Cheese) Century last weekend, but this year a few of us signed up for a local century on roads we frequently do. One of our cycling club's "strongmen"--Johnna (she of a tooth 23 cassette for the Death Ride, and Boston Marathon finisher) has jumped ship and joined an all woman's Multisport Club. She contends her new teammates are "cuter" than our group. Her new group puts on a Century where Mt. Diablo is climbed halfway twice, in between they do the Bears and Skyline in the Oakland Hills--which is one of the favorite routes of our bonus mile group.

I was looking forward to this ride until I suddenly got a bad head cold the day after Foxy's. No riding Sunday or Tuesday (usual training day) and no work on Monday. On Wednesday I cut the training ride short when I started sweating bullets on a cool night. So though cold peaked a couple of days before the Cruella--a week of mild fever, scratchy throat, bad sleep, low energy and stuffed nose took its toll--and stuffed nose was still lingering.

At least I didn't get yelled at (like at the Foxy's last week) the evening before checkin at a great local store--Sports Basement. Fee for this Century was high as a good % donated to girls sports groups, and nice swag included a pair of cycling socks and two instant savings coupons at Sports Basement that basically kicked back $15 of the entrance fee.

Ward getting checked in by Diablo MULTIsport Connection. Ward'ss trying to sign up for the workers ride. We'd learn that MULTIsport really means many different and strange sports(PC)

I hardly saw anyone during the week, and start time was suddenly kicked around via email the night before. Recommended start time is 7:00, sunrise is about 7:15. Jack and Toby are cycling to the ride so later is better. My 2 cents was a mild suggestion for7:00- but I was so fn tired that the consensus of 7:30 (more sleep) seemed appealing though we'd start at the back of the ride. Except for Christine, who was scared our group would drop her on the hills (stupid girl--she usually drops many of us) decided to start at 7:00. We never see her on the course...

I was mildly surprised when I turned into a jammed parking lot--I didn't expect a crowd except that every time we saw the DMC Women on Diablo they always told us that the event wasn't nearly sold out. Lots of local racers--Wells Fargo and Taleo--cuing up. Also lots of people with this year's Barney colored Death Ride jersey. Most people started from 7:00-7:15. Our group did numerous outhouse inspections, and left at @7:40. It wasn't that cold outside but I was fn freezing.

A few miles to Mt. Diablo--we pass Stephen's (of "lets start rides at 10am fame") house and yell for him to wake up. Toby is new to the area, but both a competitive triathlete and ultra distance runner; and we remind him of the crappy private road before we get into Mt. Diablo. And crappy it is--much worse than the beginning of Spring when Jack and I started in the dark for the 200 mile Devil Mountain Double. Now it's light and its almost impossible to avoid potholes--on some places they are solidly across the road. DMC outlined potholes and cracks on the course in white, in some places it looks like Pablo Picasso did the job.

After 'safely in Mt. Diablo' we had a great surprise--inversion layer at 500'. It quickly got warm--on the way up it seemed like we wouldn't need to be bundled up on the way down.

Actually 'safely in Mt Diablo' is a misnomer. During the week after work there is little traffic in Mt. Diablo and it just seems like an uphill bike path. But today is Saturday where idiots in cars abound. On one early hairpin a County Sheriff's car passed us in the middle of the road--we would have seen a crash if another car was coming down, or a splat if a cyclist was descending close to the center line. Later there was a car in back of us on a hairpin--I was in front and could see a cyclist coming down so I held out my arm-palm back to indicate "stop." No dice--car passed our single file going uphill, crossed the center line, and almost took out descending cyclist.

Dr. Dave starting up Diablo in the wee hours--and what is that other guy doing on the wrong side of the road?? (PC)

It's getting warm and I'm overdressed like usual. Pocket full of coughdrops. But its beautiful outside (WI)

Toby enjoying is morning on Diablo. He might run up Mt. Diablo after the Century.(WI)

Dr. Dave may not enjoy this ride. He's done his "bucket list" of rides this Summer including Cycle Oregon, Alpe D'Huez and Mt. Vetoux but since the Springtime Alta Alpina he hasn't done a ride of over 75 mile or over 5,000' climbing. He's also back at work but we're totally unsympathetic to that complaint after he was off all summer.(WI)

Dr. Dave (wearing bright orange vest I want to buy off of him) and I at Ranger Station half way up Diablo in the AM--safely in the traffic island (important to note) (WI)

Toby and I pushing a little to much to the Ranger Station-- I get a warning when I push too too hard--my nose starts dripping down my throat and out like a faucet. This will be a problem all day. Another problem will be stupid cyclists--I go over to talk to Dave and some stupidass comes by and snaps that we are blocking the road while we're not on the road but a painted traffic island. My respiratory problem has put me in a foul mood and I snap something back.

Thinking of leaving off the vest for the downhill; going down the other side so we don't have to worry about potholes at the bottom. Lucky I kept vest on--below 500' it gets very cool again. First rest stop is at the foot of Mt. Diablo--only 17 miles into the ride. Plenty of rest stops and great support today. Here DMC has drop bags and we could dump all excess clothes--I left t- shirt on but knee/ arm warmers sent packing. They had soft tostada shells wrapped around eggs and bacon--smelled great, and would have been a killer for the rest of the ride--so its cough drops and a tostada shell. I start to dream about the BBQ steak dinner at the finish.

We're now going to continue on a very familiar route--in fact our bike club, the Diablo Cyclists are starting their ride around now a few stone throws away. We're taking the same route our Club would take when riding out to Berkeley. Some flat suburban streets eventually become suburban attention getting rollers--with suburbia gradually disappearing when short but serious rollers appear before the @ 6 mile 4 tiered climb of the Pig climb and the 3 Bears.

Road is really well marked--but half way into the ride Toby will complain he hasn't seen any road markings. Strange. He's been looking for ribbons/ flags stuck on trees, not on the ground. Runners...

I get my dander up at the first light at a major intersection. A large group is already at the red light--we tuck in right behind them, with most other folks cuing up behind us. Then three guys arrive and shoal the line--jumping to the front of everyone waiting. When we leave I mark them and stay right behind on the flats--we'd jump ahead of them once they stalled out on the rollers.

We cue up behind group already at Ygnacio Valley intersection when 3 shoalers come along and jump the line. (PC)

OK--now ahead of the shoalers and the serious action began. A coed tri team passed coming off the first gentle roller, I jumped ahead of the woman on the next serious uphill, and then she sped past on the flats with me hanging on while all the crap from my nose drained down my throat on exertion. She got back to the tri guy who had slowed--then he put in a dig. I stayed on the wheel of the slowest of the pair. On once hand the road eventually necessitates more climbing so I'd be Ok if I stay with them on the shallow sections where they were both faster than me. On the hand, not feeling well and this was insanity with 80 miles to go--and for once I am going to be smart and drop off. I started to drop off but Toby zoomed by and put in a dig, which rev'd up both triathletes--and got me chasing to help Toby out.

Caught up when the rollers became serious--and expected another tri dig when the road flattens out before the Pig climb which I expected to die on--so led out Toby to the Pig climb. The tri folks never came back--Toby zoomed up the climb and waiting for me so we could two man and stay out ahead on a fast section to the 2nd rest stop at mile 32.

Pulled in and I was gassed, but clubmate and Death Ride rider extraordinaire (on 23 tooth cogset) Johnna working this rest stop, which brightens the mood. Johnna now training for a marathon--she promises she'll ride with our club again next year. Ward and Dave pull in and we start taking loads of group photos.

Someone in this photo promises to wear their Diablo Cyclist club jersey again in 2012. (DMC) Toby constantly texting on his 4G phone and Ward texting on his 3G jell packet (PC)

Bears start and Toby takes off. Ward, Dave and I pace each other up--eventually Ward and I wind up ahead of Dave. On the uphill we pass one guy shooting video--I just got a mini video camera that may debut next month. The guy zooms on the downhill and we have to crank it up to repass him on the next uphill. Papa Bear--final downhill that slowly curves clockwise and then counterclockwise that used to scare the crap out of me. Video guy shoots by again--Ward slows so I can stay on his wheel for the downhill which helped alot--could keep the video guy in sight and then caught him on the short section of gentle uphill which turns into a steep uphill for about 500'. More fun and games and ANOTHER REST STOP. The 3rd one at mile 40.

Ward on da Bears (PC)

Greeted by DMC at rest stop at the end of the Bears--another rest stop in a place our Club regroups on our rides. (PC)

We'd now hit the 6 mile climb that goes up Tilden Park, first half is semi steep and eventually levels off. We all start up when someone whizzes by--I'm determined to kill myself so I try to keep pace with the guy as crap again flows down my nose and throat. Half way up I have to back off and I wait at the top and regroup with Ward, Toby and Dave. The bike doctor is starting to get low on energy and when Jack gets to the top he keeps going. From this point on Ward, Toby, Dave and I would usually be riding at the pace of our slowest rider (albeit a few digs or Toby taking off if I yelled "Postal") with Jack usually out of rest stops/ regroups ahead of us and he'd disappear for long stretches until we caught up with him.
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We paceline through the big Regional Park and then out of Tilden we go into neighborhood gentle rollers--the houses on the sides eventually disappear and Oakland lays far below. Sometimes weather is -20 cooler here but today is sunny and clear with no dip in temperature. Mile 56--another rest stop--another place our Club usually regroups.

DMC stands for Diablo MULTIsport Connection--here some DMC girls show one of the MULTIsports--the two jug toss. (PC)

Readers of this blog know that Dr. Dave has been practicing this pose for years (DMC Official Photo)

Toby doing a commercial for Apricot sports drink (DMC Official photo)

I stop with Ward and Toby to take photos on the Oakland Hills. Downtown Oakland is over my right shoulder San Francisco across the Bay. Mt. Tam over Toby's left shoulder. Great clear day. Next year we want Johnna up her to take photos with our motley crew. (? Good Samaritan)Jack leading us out--most of the climbing save Mt. Diablo at the end is done. (WI)

Toby trying to get Ward to take a right turn down the hill into Oakland (PC)

Fast downhill where we loop rustic Redwood Road, some uphill and then a twisty downhill that will dump us out near Moraga. This is my least favorite way to come back on a club ride--more surburban riding. But first yet another rest stop at mile 67 (5th of the day) at another park our Bike club usually regroups.

Alright--I'm thinking about great BBQ steak dinner at the end but here are HOMEMADE RICE KRISPIE TREATS--made with three different vegtables (rice, marshmellows and corn syrup)
(PC)

From here we head back toward the start--which is now another rest stop before we go over Mt. Diablo again. Here the ride departs from the usual long straightaway into Walnut Creek, we take a turn and ride over some attention getting rollers. Here we all pacelined on the flats and a few guys sat and drafted behind us--when we hit the rollers they took off. Toby and I were game but Dave zapped and Ward about to take an army of Advil for knee problems so we amilorated our speed and kept together into the start/ finish rest stop at mile 81. Any talk of catching Christine had long ceased.

At the last rest stop (start/ finish) the day starting to drag before we go up Mt. Diablo again, so I reach into the bag-o-tricks, and put the bike stereo on my top tube. Quick liquid refill for the warm climb, and see the tents where the BBQ food is being cooked. One guy is running around with a changing kilt on and he ain't changing clothes..

Dr. Dave following the great Route Markers on the way to Mt. Diablo again (WI with Turner Colorization.)

Yeah-we caught Christine on Mt. Diablo...oh, she's going downhill off Diablo and we're still going up (WI)

Dr. Dave didn't want to listen to music he heard on Alta Alpina, so he's riding up behind Ward and I. (WI)

The Dr. is in the house--Dr. Dave arrives at the South Gate entrance (PC)

OK--we get through the crap road outside Mt. Diablo unscathed--but have to be far to the right and not aggressively dodge potholes as cars coming down in the center. Nice and warm now--and best I've felt all day; not over excerting myself must be helping. Toby goes on ahead, Ward and I ride together and bs about Ohio, the Revenge of Vera Gemini (secret GREAT guest background female vocalist) and other tunes. Now not many riders on the climb. Give Dr. Dave a GU Chomps, which I like more than Cliff Shots--more flavor but more salt. Dave takes one Chomp and suddenly does a huge spit that would make a tobacco chewing manager proud.

Bike stereo on front of top tube--I'm dreaming of the steak BBQ. (WI)

Dr. Dave and Toby at the Junction (WI)

Ward gets his prize--stash bag made from recycled tires, from another enthuistaic DMC worker. (PC)

Group photo at the Junction (DMC photo)

OK--almost all downhill back to the finish--lets get some BBQ steak!!! But we are almost hit on a curve when an SUV goes over the center line passing riders on the Cruella first coming up.

I'm laughing with Toby that Christine thought we'd ever catch her (WI)

Another Diablo MULTIsport Connection sports--the two candy/ nut plate relay race--nicely brought over while we wait for emergency food. (WI)

A group of starving cyclists (except for Christine--she already had BBQ while waiting for us)
(WI)

Like when Ralph Kramden locked in apartment starving with no food--Dr. Dave hallucinates a T-Bone steak. (WI)

And the Diablo MULTIsport Conection winner in the multi pizza toss. No wonder Johnna trains with them instead of us.(WI)

Roll back to start/ finish--Christine waiting for us. OK lets eat and bs about the ride. First DMC misstep all day THERE IS NO BBQ FOOD LEFT. Outback Steakhouse ran out of food--packed up their tent and left. We sit around and bs while apologetic DMC workers bring over candy and nuts while others go out and eventually bring back (greasy) pizza for us and riders coming in after. We're entertained by a hippy trippy new age 60's lady who was working one of the health booths and ran a "oh wow, like cycling is...." monolog and a woman still in her cyclingkit waiting for a friend but wearing go go boots.

Next day our club Jagass swarmily asks "well, how was it paying to ride on roads you always do, hoo hoo hoo?" Actually it felt great not carrying tons of food around and getting assisted by exuberant people all day. Weather and scenery was great. Very different trying to ride at a higher intensity than a Club ride with so many good cyclists on the road. Only bad thing was that I couldn't easily breath and couldn't ride as hard as I wanted too.

Foxy's Fall Century-2011-New 100 mile Speed Record

2011-10-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

(October 15, 2011) Foxy's Fall Century, w/ Ward, Stephen & Jack. 97 miles, 3,376' climbing (ride claims to be 2,000' climbing, other measures on the web are much closer to what Ward recorded), 19.2 mph. Average speed of 20.2 for first 24 miles, including 3 miles of 16mph when leaving Davis with a pack and slowing at traffic controls. (WI)

All of a sudden we are in the rainy season of California--so many of us wait until the long term weather report shows dry before registering. But a week before ride registration was CLOSED, with a few spots saved for 'day of' registration. Many in our club were planning to do the ride--but about half only in for the metric century.

Stephen isn't in for any ride--our 'plan a route' leader pimping for another self supported century in the area--one we can start at 8:30, instead of 7:30. But we've done sooooo many self supported century rides, it will be nice to ride without pockets stuffed to the gills. We also ride too nicely (easily) with each other when we do the bonus miles; riding a century with lots of good riders will push us a little out of the comfort zone. But route has been moderately changed and a few of us anxious to do tinkered course--which is relatively flat so we can stay together.

Weather looks great for the weekend, only negative is throat tightening evening before--F, cold coming on. On drive up stop at gas station for bathroom (know it will be a zoo at the start) and throat lozenges, run into a CHP officer who sees my bike and wonders if I'm doing the Foxy--he's working the event. We talk a little about bozo car drivers, but also bozo cyclists who insist on riding all across the road. Conversation is prophetic.

Apart from bathroom zoo--Ward remembered best to park on street as parking lot will also be a zoo. So arrive at 6:30 checkbook in hand and walk into nearly empty cafeteria--great, can register quickly. Oh no--worker says applications are in the dark courtyard outside--they are and so are about 200 riders. One line preregistered riders waiting to check in--other line is for day of ride registration, and worker handing me applications sends me to the line to the right. On my line are many nervous cyclists who wonder how they'll ever leave at 7:00. I have a pen but two low voltage lawn lights not sufficient to fill in appy. Why didn't they keep us inside where lights and tables are???

Doors open in about 15 minutes and my line is allowed in first and moves fast--OK, but everyone in front of me sorts out at 6-7 lines at the pre registration table. Crap, I was in wrong line and only 2 people working the 'day of ' table. I quickly go there--filling out application/ waiver as I walk (I have crap handwriting, and this ain't helping.) I'm first at table--worker snaps I need to complete check to keep things moving, which I do in 3 seconds--and then am constantly berated by vice principal working registration "what does this say"-"i can't read it" "is that an O, it doesn't look like an O" " we can't read your emergency contact, how will we call anyone if we need to" (I think--bitch, I have emergency number on my road ID, if you were sooo concerned you wouldn't have a long line standing in the dark;I should have bogarted the ride...) I finally get the precious wristband and map, and turn around to put on wristband and there is a line of 50-100 behind me. Luckily after registration support from Davis Bike Club first rate. Worker taking my day of registration, she seems familiar.

Religious icon in back of seatbag (PC)

I go back to car and catch half hour sleep until Jack knocks on window and wakes me up--he's concerned I hadn't checked in yet. Get bike ready and meet group in front of Vets Building at 7:25--here is where tall Jim is invaluable as he's easiest to spot and gather around. Unfortunately he and Jeannie haven't been riding much towards the end of the year--and they are in for the metric. Our full century group delayed a little because of registration woes and we finally left about 7:40.

OK, my handwriting is shitty, I napped, I'm checked in, lets roll. (PC)

Route to first rest stop is as flat as a pancake--a few miles in the college town of Davis and suddenly zig zagging through the agricultural roads. A few traffic controls (all monitored by Davis Bike Club and CHP) and loads of cyclists filling up the shoulder and right lane of the busy road. We're only going about 16 mph, and a few cyclists going by way to the left at 18 mph--I'm anise but it's safe where we are. Ward indicates we'll open it up out of town.

Finally pass the "Davis Town Limit" sign, cross big intersection, and drop into big chainring; our paceline rev's up to about 21. All is nice and steady until some skinny guy zooms by with another guy mashing pedals on a hybrid right behind him. We jump behind these guys--now going 24 mph. After last years accident a little wary of riding behind guy on hybrid as he's wobbling a bit with each pedal stroke to stay behind the thin guy pulling. Ward goes up and asks if we should help out--turns out young guy is a junior racer and he says he can go this pace all day. Turns out guy on hybrid is his dad who is more of a runner than cyclist but doing great--on a hybrid I'd be lucky to go 11 mph. I get into zone where guitar/organ from Dead Disco loops in my head.

Around turns the junior racer never slows down, and at first we have to scramble back to him--but later we speed up on turns and he slows a little. He also goes hard into controlled intersections which we caution him about. Sometimes he slows a little and Ward/I take a pull for about 30 seconds before he goes back to the front. Any sanity is gone when another junior racer joins us--now its always minimally 24 mph. Soon Jack and Stephen are off the back along with "dad."

These two junior racers are incredibly polite--so much so that when we come across a group riding 3-4-5 across the road and they quietly say "on your left" there isn't much movement. So Ward/I take over yelling "ON YOUR LEFT"--"MOVE OVER." I'm annoyed as my throat hurts and about 20% of the riders blocking the middle of the road are wearing earphones. Near Lake Solano there is the first hint of an uphill (gentle rolling uphill) and a huge group of Sacramento Wheelmen are Critical Mass'ing the road. I take over at teh front and yell early and often so we get have a clear path on our side of the road. (Earlier one of the junior started riding on the wrong side of the road--only way to get around a blob and wanted to avoid this.)

We hang with these good guys to the first rest stop. When Jack and Stephen pull in (our ride coordinator and de facto new member coordinator, respectively) I tell them I signed these guys up for our bike club. "Noooooo" Jack and Stephen yodel in unison as they picture every ride going 21-24 mph.

With two junior racers (and good guys) at first rest stop. Sign them up for the Club. (WI)

Next segment of the course has many rollers (Sal Maglie and Eddie Stanky) thrown in. First its a straight shoot down Pleasant Valley Road and much of the beginning of the Knoxville Double, but this time Jack/ I not doing it in the dark. Ward/I promised Jack/ Stephen we wouldn't hammer with young racer again, and we said goodbye when he passes--but we did start hammering the rollers when other people try to fly by--until tall woman in Zion jersey joined our mini paceline and then took a pull until road turned hilly again. (She later complained that she's from Mt. Sacramento so needs hill training) There Ward/I got into a small paceline line keeping the speed up so group would stay small as we got to lunch where average speed dropped to 19.7 mph.

Our club usually leaves late on a century ride and with a big group we don't get out of rest stops that quickly--and often we seem to be in the back of the ride. But we didn't leave very late today and with a small group we weren't dawdling at stops (not that Jack would let us)--when we pulled into lunch there is no line for food, when we left a 25-50 person line is cued up on the sandwich line.

Nice lunch area on mats/ pillows laid out in a schoolyard. Had my protein special--turkey-roast beef--bread--nuttin else. (WI)

Hills coming up and Jack leaves early as we waaaaaaaait at the porta potties. (WI)

The beauty of a Century ride (WI Greeting Card Division)

From lunch there are a few significant (Sal Maglie) rollers, then a fast run in to the two tiered Cardiac climb. Jack had left lunch about 5 minutes before us. Stephen hadn't done Cardiac from today's West to East direction and Ward/I tell him it seems much easier than in our usual way.

Steep rollers after lunch are not the most popular and when we first hit the straightaway we didn't go balls out--until young racer came by and said "I know you guys can go faster." So we jump on his wheel and told him we'd ride hard with him until we caught up to Jack. Now great to paceline as crowds from the morning all broken up and road nearly empty. When we caught Jack we dropped off junior racer's pace but Stephen-Ward-I still motoring, so when we hit Cardiac Climb I did a U turn and rode back to see how Jack was doing--turns out he was only a few hundred feet behind us--cleverly riding behind two "Doubles triple Crown" clad riders. Right after lunch light is right with vineyards behind. In Knoxville we go by this just when sun is coming out and too dark to take a good photo. (WI)

I'm either gonna push Stephen up the next roller or grab his jersey so he doesn't take out another sprint at the County line. (WI)

First tier of Cardiac climb great--much shorter in this direction, and we all stay together. Start second tier and a guy shoots ahead, I just keep pace with him. Turns out to be a good guy--we bs a little when we get to the top and I pull over to regroup (no rolling regroups to kill average speed--its dead stop.)

After regroup-- there is a little climb left until a fast run in to THE COUNTY LINES. Yep--two very close to each other and I know the master of the county line--Stephen, will be going for it. I try to jump off the first climb, Stephen/ Ward come back on the downhill, and then we all take turns trying to get off the front on the flats where Stephen comes around and gets a well earned victory. Ward though remembers what's ahead--puts in a much easier dig, Stephen/I too pooped to try to follow, and Ward gets the next one.

OK--unlike earlier junior racer guys--Jack/ Stephen endorse trying to get Mt. Zion girl in club. (WI)

Our happy group hopes ride doesn't go down the toilet (Mt. Zion Girl)

Nice shaded rest stop at Solano Park. Its warm--I feel warmer than I should be as running a slight fever so drink-drink-drink here--even a non diet soda. (against my religion.) Very empty when we get there--quickly fills up 15 minutes later. When we start off Ward meanders off across the street to take a photo of a statue he's passed and somehow missed numerous times--I roll in with him--only time forgetting all day about sanctity of average speed.

We slow for statues (WI photos and commentary)

Funny "Doubles Mentality. At Knoxville first rest stop (mile 37) is in Napa Valley--one mountain over from our lunch (mile 51--2nd stop) stop today. While riding today I thought that three Century stops for the ride is really pampering us---later Stephen voiced that he thought that they need one more rest stop so they could be @ 5 miles closer together.

Rest of ride i great. Some gentle rollers but mostly flat--but this time without huge groups all over the road. Usually I call out when we pass someone but my voice is shot so when I was pulling my Clubmates had to give a shout out. A few people joined the paceline, I didn't care--following Grizzly Mark's advice not to care about freeloaders and have our group control the line--which we did. I had no trouble slotting into 4th when I came off the front, but Ward reports many folks (aka persistant parasites) who wouldn't open up a slot in the paceline or didn't know what they were doing.

En route past ag field with time trial bike sculpture--rumor has it that person put it up so when Tour of California came by their house would get on TV. (WI)

Jack and Stephen in the back of our paceline over grafitti covered Stephenson Bridge, making some more friends right behind them. (WI)

I spotted the Photocrazy Outpost up ahead, and told our group to slow and fan out--while waving to guys in back of paceline to slow also. We fan out across the lane and Jack yells out "what are you doing" until he realizes slave cameras up ahead. We need to practice-Jack (blue jersey below) neecded to be on the extreme right side of the road.

(above) OK--our group in the photo--barely. (below) I think Jack won the photofinish sprint(Photocrazy)Entering Davis had to slow for some traffic contols and mile through neighborhood. Guy we had towed sprinted out near end--usually I'd be pissed but that just caused a mass acceleration which would keep average speed up. Disappointed that we had gone down to 19.2 mph at last rest stop and stqyed flat to 19.2 to the finish.

Bike flea market outside and very good pasta dinner inside. Great group ride on a real great day. Turns out weather was about +10 warmer up here than the Bay area. Didn't feel sore at all and looked forward to a great recovery ride the next day--until I couldn't get out of bed with fever. F'. This would usually be the end of our cycling season but next week is the Cruella--a Century with 3x the climbing.

Ride meal artwork (WI)

Jack contemplating desert, while Stephen's a musician so he might get a tatoo. (PC)

And yet another riviting cycling fish story gets the rapt attention of the audience--thanks for reading

(Diablo Cyclist stock photo)

Music Discovered 2011-Metric--Dead Disco (Live)

2011-10-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

OK--after a week I still had the guitar riffs and organ fill in my head through most of the Davis Foxy Falls 100. The live song starts with a taste of the instruments, morphs into a pop tune, moody jazz rock, live vamping and then at 8:50 the song blows up with an incredible wall of sound. Modern day When the Music's Over. Trying to out spin the instruments, great riding group, and two racing kids helped me set a personal century mph average of 19.2--details of the ride soon.

Thanks to Stephen for turning me onto Pandora Radio this year--and hearing a bunch of new music--at least new to me. Then You Tube is great to check out live versions. To this point in 2011

1-Dead Disco-Metric
2-In Shreds-The Chameleons
3-Noisy at the Circus-Daydream Vacation
4-Paper Tigers-The Chameleons
5-Boom Like That-Mark Knofler
6-Waking Up-Elastica
7-Echo Beach-Martha and the Muffins
8-Are You Down-Lucinda Williams

Morgan-Patterson Pass-2011

2011-10-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

(October 8, 2011) Morgan-Patterson Pass Century, 92 miles w/ Ward*, Stephen*, Jack*, and Cisco Dave--(*100 miles as rode from home) first 40 miles with Diablo Cyclist peloton. 16.8 mph Sacrilegious miles courtesy of Stephen Music.

Weather was lousy this past week--rain killed Tuesday-Wednesday or Thursday after work riding. I was dressed like an Eskimo in the house. Spent mid week listening to great song I never heard before; listening to multi live versions where sound isn't as clear and singer vamps, but tempo picks up and there is some incredible intensity. Watching punk blond lead singer (no, no multiple nose rings) wasn't hard. This moves ahead of In Shreds as my best music discovery this year. Dr. Dave suggested I try some of her leg moves while on the bike. Emily Haines moves into the pantheon of great rock organ players like Ray Manzarak and Steve Nieve. So of course on this ride the driving guitars and organ fill are played over and over in my head. (check it out by clicking on link below.)

Dead Disco--Matrix (album version)

Dead Disco--Matrix (live Version)

Morgan Territory a great ride-a nice metric loop, and luckily weather jumped 20 degrees come Saturday. Morgan is a heavily tree lined climb with lots of "hit me" switchbacks.

OK termonology

James Brown switchback (from 'Payback')--a short hairpin with a 10+% kickup--great for yelling "hit me"

Eddie Stanky Roller--in honor of the great NY Giants "Brat" who used to get a running start from behind thridbase on a tagup so baseball had to outlaw this--so the Eddie Stanky Roller is one you can get a running start to carry you over it--usually a shallow roller coming off a downhill.

Sal Maglie Roller--in honor of the great NY Giants "Barber" for no other reason than this used to be an Italian Roller. As found over and over again in Italy a roller that is too fn long and/ or too steep to have momentum help--you have to dig in and climb. Ward sometimes scoffs that what I call Italian Rollers are really climbs.

OK back to our movie. Large group starts off towards the Morgan Climb. Lots of short climbs out to Clayton where suburbia becomes rustic. Then a 10 mile regroup/ water spot that we usually skip for tactical reasons--but the group makeup looks like there wouldn't be any shenanigans today. After the regroup there are a few more short noticeable climbs until a nice downhill that twists right into the run into Morgan Territory--which starts off fast--slows gradually, then you notice Eddie Stanky rollers are increasing, which soon leads into a real uphill with many "hit me" climbs. Road isn't the greatest, but not going that fast on the climb and have to be vigilant for the occasional car coming down the unstriped 1 1/2 lane wide road (cyclists actually came 'DOWN" today which is unusual as at a downhill speed crappy road does suck.)

After regroup I'm distracted--as we pass one of the better "pumpkin patches"-one I took the kids to 20+ years ago. I pull over to take a quick photo, so Ward pulls over to take a photo of me taking a quick photo, so then we ride down the hill to get the entrance side-- and after f'n around for 5-7 minutes we realize that now we have to bust our butt to get back to the peloton. I start predicting who we'll catch first as Ward starts hammering and I have no choice (he's better at hammering when not seeing anyone ahead of us--I need the visual cue.) We both acknowledge that we're crazy and expect to be gassed for the rest of the day--but when we catch someone we seem to redouble our efforts.

PUMPKINS!--this is a Kodak photo moment (PC)

Lots of little pumpkins in this archival photo from the Pumpkin Patch we pass. (PC-archives)

Shit, at least I could smile if we went all the way downhill to take the photo. (WI)

About 1/3rd up Morgan, when the Sal Maglie rollers and "hit me" hairpins, we see the lead peloton. Now truth be told the two Daves (Cisco and Dr.) could have been at the top reading the newspaper if they wanted to, but they kept the group together and they were joined by two good riders. Ward had just came off a pull and he was gassed--when I joined some of the new folks tried to get off the front and I just kept short counterattacks so they'd drop back and we'd all stay together. Nice steady pace to the top with Cisco and Dr. Dave and Stephen. Morgan ends with a short steep downhill that turns into a (fake Eddie Stanky) Sal Maglie roller, and I didn't want to go downhill with three other people so I picked up the pace for the last 1/2 mile so we'd stretch out. Think climb pace was too easy as everyone hammered the last roller--with Cisco shooting out in front and my following with Dr. and Stephen close behind. Beautiful regroup at the top of Morgan; Stephen (L-sitting at front of table) looking around to see if he can change the route. Ward, Dr. Dave, and Cisco Dave in foreground (PC)

Screaming, twisty downhill towards Livermore--luckily road on this side is well paved. But cross wind up high and cars coming up this narrow road make this a lousy downhill. I don't mind when the road levels off. We regroup at the end of the road--those doing 60 and heading back to Walnut Creek to the right--those doing 100 via Livermore to parts unknown to the left.

Earlier a few of us talked about where to put in bonus miles. The consensus was going East to N Flynn then crossing Livermore and going up to Del Valle--a regional park. All nice ideas but N Flynn is at the foot of one of the seminal climbs--Patterson Pass; not that steep but usually with gale force headwinds. Del Valle at the start of the Mines Road climb--a 30 miles desolate climb toward Mt. Hamilton. OK--days are shorter and too late to do Mines Road but.....could still do something special with the weather so beautiful today.

Great action shot of our peloton right under the speed limit sign to the right...OK--truth be told this photo will get alot of Photoshoppe use mid winter--stay tuned (WI)

Dr. Dave and Andy don't join us (didn't know Any was also a Stanford football fan like Dr. Dave.) So its Ward, Jack, Stephen, Cisco Dave and I pacelining through Livermore--all the while Stephen saying he might not ride with us the whole way out or do Del Valle. Meanwhile, Dead Disco machine gun guitars still playing in my head. Stephen's jazz band is playing in a few weeks, and while they are great they might need to modernize their image. They usually have some old fossil special guest jazz maestro that spends his time scowling and preening--instead they could try for the blond chick in the Dead Disco videos (yes, click on link at top of blog.)

We start going East and we don't have much of a tailwind and the windmills up high (loads of windmill farms in area) aren't turning. Both are significant. If we were doing Patterson Pass we'd have to climb and ride back into any tailwind we were now enjoying. So lack of tailwind bodes well for no headwind when we'd loop around the Altamont Speedway (think Rolling Stones) and come back West. And Patterson Pass is not that hard a climb, not steep until the end. The first time in calm air I was amazed it was so easy after hearing about its bad reputation. And Uncle Steve uttered the prolific comment

"see those windmills up there--when they're turning you're screwed."

Thinking my ride mates are visually impaired I start dropping suggestions about Patterson pass--"hey look, none of the windmills are turning." But no one took the hint/ bait. Bold action is needed as we get close to the N. Flynn cutoff--"how about Patterson Pass." Silence. Stepehen and Jack indicate they are taking the shorter route. But its so fn beautiful out--in a few weeks 30 mile freezing rides will be long, and I indicate I'm going to Patterson Pass. Ward and Cisco Dave say they'll join me--great--and I figure since I'm the one responsible for this mess I might as well take a long pull.

Start pulling and soon I'm going 20+ on an uphill. Man I'm strong...eh, on second thought maybe not and maybe its the dreaded TAILWIND, fun now but no fun later on Patterson Pass. But I'm committed (or maybe should be committed) and when I get off the front I'm please to find that Stephen and Jack joined our trio.

Dave excited as he has never done Patterson Pass--everyone else has a little sense of dread--especially when the tailwind picks up. Dave is at the front and we are going 21-24 mps with moderate effort on a long well paved uphill. This will NOT make up for the 4 mph when we start the climb into the gale on Patterson Pass.

Cisco Dave leading the charge at 21-24 mph towards the Altamont Speedway, but we are already late for the Rolling Stones concert (WI)

No scenic water crossings so I have to point out the scenic watering hole (well it would have qualified as a scenic water spot on the old Manteca '20 Scenic Water Crossings' Crossroad Century.) (WI)

Short ez climb up to the Altamont Speedway--nice downhill into a maze of electric substations
where we make a U turn and emerge onto the Patterson Pass Climb and headwind galore--BUT BUT BUT we make the turn and its calm. Look up and the windmills ain't moving. Either they are all broken or THERE IS NO WIND FOR THE WHOLE CLIMB.

(above) Ranch and Substation at the foot of Patterson Pass (below) soon give way to windfarms. (PC)
Climb just kicked up and everyone enjoying their Paterson Pass (PC)

San Joaquin Valley, the California Breadbasket, Stockton, and Sierra Nevada's to the East. (WI)

Jack doing his best to get into another photo (WI)

Jay and Stephen on the Patterson Pass Climb--I'm telling Stephen about the potential of Emily Haines (watch the videos) fronting his band (WI)

Stephen heading up Patterson Pass--NO headwind. Steepest part is all the way up with a false flat. (WI)

Ward on Patterson Pass--high above the windfarms (PC)

Stephen enjoying his Patterson Pass (WI)

Top of Patterson Pass is @mile 60. Rest of the ride was uneventful. Nice fast downhill follows the Devil Mountain Double course until we go past the Mines Road/ Del Valle cutoff. We stop at the new library in Livermore for a break--mistake. Stephen ordered a sandwich and seemingly they called out to Mines Road Junction cafe to get it--it arrived 20 minutes later. Tailwind all the way back to Blackhawk--weather was perfect. Cisco Dave has energy and pulled alot, I got zoned in to the uphill into Blackhawk and rode hard until I could get a final burst of 20--Ward and Cisco Dave right with me. My leg seized up while near the end of the ride which usually doesn't happen--my pulmonary will go much faster than my legs--but had to stand alot on the final flat stretch to work the knot out--which ended any thought of going to the Ranger Station on Mt. Diablo.

Best way to come back on a Saturday ride is Highland Road--not many cars and no controlled intersections. (WI)

So another self supported Century ride---done on 2 Chomps, 1 Cliff Bar, 1 Cliff Z Bar, 5 scoop Perpetuem, 4 scoops of Heed, and a looping-hard driving tune. Another great ride..as the cycling season slowly grinds to a stop. dead disco...dead funk...dead rock and roll...remodel...everything has been done...la..la..la..la..la..la..la..la..la Watch the rock video if you want to go faster. Of course Chairman Ward wants you to go slower--so he hopes you watch this instead and remember it on a ride. Ward Training Video

Solano Ramble + Knoxville Loop-2011

2011-10-05T21:55:00.001-07:00

(October 1, 2011) Solano County Ramble with Knoxville-Pope Valley bonus miles, w/ Ward, Jack, Cisco Dave, Andy, 120 miles, 17 mph (what! we didn't do enough hills to get down to 15.5 mph) Trena, Dr. Dave, Tom, Brian on Solano County metric OK--elevation looks scary but no long climbs (Ward O Hill-Meter)
Andy and Cisco Dave with Lake Berryessa in the background on the bonus portion of the Course. Nice flat ride. (Ward Industries photo)

*****************************************************

Wow, summer gone. We haven't done a self supported century in a few weeks. The Diablo Cyclist club ride is one of the flattest/ fastest which usually has a big turnout--incorporating Pleasant Valley Road which ends the Knoxville Double (see last week's blog.) A few of us will throw in the Cantelow Loop--a short but hilly loop off of Pleasant Valley Road--and then we can regroup with the rest of our club at Lake Solano. Then is the only real climb of the Solano Ramble, up Cardiac--as seen on the Davis Double (and Knoxville Double but from the opposite direction.) Ward figures we can then take a detour and loop around Lake Berryessa to make it close to a double metric. Sounds good.

Weather is blah!, not cold but heavily overcast. Supposed to rain and rain and rain next week. Best turnout for an out of town ride this year but still lower than in past years. Someone suggested the riders in the Club are getting old re the lower turnouts. Dr. Dave hit over the head with the Fall Blues like I am--and not into doing bonus miles. Trena on the comeback trail shows up--she used to be a regular. She is planning to lead the Tunitas Creek ride in a few weeks and needs to extend her miles.

Ride starts out real fast--we are joined by a rider from Texas who I mistakenly thought has started with us--but he just joined us on the road. Strong rider--which means Cisco Dave will push the pace as he does when another fast rider is present. I goof around and go twice around a traffic circle (is that a statue of Touchdown Jesus in the middle of it?) and then have to work hard to catch back to the pelaton. Ward, Cisco Dave, Jack and Texas Josh detour to the hilly Cantelow Loop--last year a slam bang affair with Davis Bike Club riders with full carbon wheels attacking, but this year we are relatively alone on the loop. Then its a fast straight shot to Lake Solano where the rest of the Club is waiting (48 km)

After Cantelow the bad news is that Ward and I would start having to worry about where to take photos --as shadows had returned. Yep, the SUN was finally out--yippie. Now we just had to worry about doing intervals back after taking photos.

Ward and Jack on the Cantelow Loop (PC)

The three troublemakers (Buffalo jersey Photos)Dr Dave ready to demonstrate that this year has now gone down the sewer (PC)Lake Solano (Dr Dave)

Cardiac is a mediocre climb--but from this side a long pain in the butt in 2-3 tiered parts. After a downhill that puts us in the foot of Pope Valley we'll have another rest stop (74km) where the bonus mile group will depart from the main group.

Trena and Brian on the Cardiac Climb. (PC)Greeted at the top of Cardiac by the Monticello Fire Marshall (WI)Brain and Tom look nonplussed about bonus miles, but we wrongly thought Trena was volunteering to lead on the 200 km course. (PC)Dave forgot his food at the start--but was worried about eating Odswalla and Z Bars--instead he picked up a special power bar later in the ride for a special sprinters sugar rush. (PC)I forget if Trena said she did or didn't want photos of her eating --we'll I'm sure Ward took these with her permission. (WI)

The bonus mile group of Ward, Cisco Dave, Jack and I departed.......and Andy. Andys is a great guy to ride with, and if we sheltered him a little he'd put in a big effort not to slow us down. Ward and Dave--our two fastest guys, did a nice job the rest of the day controlling the pace in the front and I played ticket collector alot so if Andy dropped off I could bring him back. We soon made the right turn towards the Lake Berryessa Loop--as last year they were running a tri event but last year we came across it just when it was breaking up--this year it had been over for hours and we just saw the clean up crews.

Usually when we do this loop with its gentle roller after roller someone is taking a flyer off the front--but this year with a smaller group we were very cooperative. In committed a faux pas, we got close to Spanish Flat where we always take a long break--and I took a 1 mile detour to see the Monticello Cemetery. Figure it may be cool as its the town that flooded out when Lake Bereyessa was built. Nondescript cemetary and when I got back to Spanish Flat bonus mile group raring to go--bonus milers don't break as much as our regular Club. Ooops...

Cisco Dave opined that this was the "worst" out of are Club ride we've been on. Well the comparison are two A+ rides (Sierra Century and Tunitas Creek) and B+ ride (Santa Cruz Mountains) which are more interesting with less traffic. But for a "flat" ride this isn't bad--and good change from another ride down to Sunol (a standard feature on most of our Club rides)

Pull into same Lake Berryessa staging area that was a rest stop last week on the Knoxville Double. Now we'd be riding the Knoxville Course "backwards" --instead of going on the desolate road to Lower Lake we'd head back to Pope Valley. Kinda strange that rest stop full of life last week is almost empty. More rollers and vineyards and then to the general store. At the general store we met a dad getting his boy's birthday party together--and he just started biking so loads of enthusiastic questions. Sometimes, by accident, it looks like we know what we are doing.

Peloton makes turn to go around Lake Berryessa. Road surface gets better and less traffic. Now Ward has to scramble back to get to the end of the train--a photographers interval. (WI) Fresco of me somewhere on the route. (WI with Diego Rivera's help)Jack with Lake Berreyessa behind him. (WI) Dave and I going around the Lake (WI) Dave and Andy going towards Pope Valley while Ward scrambles back after taking a photo. (PC)

The peloton gets closer to Pope Valley. (WI)Frozen fruit bar ahead and Dave and I go past a vineyard-mmmmm, maybe they'll have grape. (WI)The bonus group at the Pope Valley Store, Andy (far left) looks happiest. (birthday party dad)

After the Pope Valley Store it is back on the rut filled road typical of Napa County--we know it too well from the Tour of Napa clusterfuck and Knoxville. At least we are going the slightly uphill" way so its slightly slower and more time to dodge potholes. Then we make the sudden left on the "recumbent friendly" (short steep rollers) back road where I try to get ahead an take photos of all the group passing with the vineyards in the background. My tiny camera with lousy shutter lag doesn't get much but Ward picks a better angle and gets some good photos. Andy & Dave (WI)Jack (WI)Cisco Dave (WI) Master Photographer Ward. We then had to do a hard chase back to the group. (PC)

Andy (WI)

Another break at the start of Pope Valley--now the end--and instead of going over Cardiac we'd now be following the course the rest of our group took hours ago--first a few more stiff rollers and then a really fast course back to Fairfield. Close to Fairfield started some cool pumpkin farms--it was photo time again.No pumpkin picking (PC)

Ward said he saw a big chicken over a fence--didn't seem worthwhile to cross the street-glad he took the photo (WI)

Gratuitous pumpkin photos always make this blog (WI)

I could have sworn I saw a statue when we were doing traffic circle crits earlier in the day. In a stiff headwind Cisco Dave, Ward and I took a mile detour to see if I was having a flashback or something was really there.....

Statute of Trena? No--Cisco Dave and Ward inspecting Mother Earth (PC)

Mother Earth doing her best Touchdown Jesus (WI)

Great 120 mile ride. Weather turned out OK--especially considering rain in the forecast all week after tomorrow. Didn't need to ride two days in a row--my ultra events are over--so went over with Donna for one of our torturous urban hikes. One of the greatest weather days in SF ever--hard to believe forecast is so dreary. We started in the Haight and walked all the way North to the Presideo and then West to the Pacific along a trail hugging the Bay/ Ocean. Walking alot always demonstrates to me the muscles I don't use when cycling.

Donna and I by China Beach overlook--Sea Cliff. If the weather was always this nice we might still live in San Francico. (unknown)

Knoxville Double-2011

2011-09-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

(September 24, 2011) Knoxville Double, 202 miles, 12,600' miles, w/ Jack and large parts with Grizzly Mark and Ernesto. 5:30-@9:00 with doobie breaks.

Scenes from Pleasant Valley Road--the PERFECT loosen and spin in the small chainring ride the day before. This would be the last stretch done when completing the double--unfortunately always done in the dark.

The new math--it takes me about 13 1/2 hours to do the Mt. Tam Double, with 14,500' of climbing--so finish about 1 3/4 hours before sunset. So how come I finish the Knoxville Double with 12,600' climbing 1 1/2 hours AFTER sunset? OK, its almost 2 months later so sunset is 1:10 minutes earlier at Knoxville. Knoxville is a social event instead of a timed ride so not psyched (after last year just psyched to finish) while riding and can actually sit in a rest stop. And for some reason for me Mt. Tam with their steep but shorter climbs and continuous rollers seems much easier than the more laid back but evergoing Knoxville climbs.

First great thing about Knoxville is its location. While suburban Vacaville with outlet stores is to be avoided--reasonable motels abound. Better still is that a few miles out of town is totally rustic--one of the great sit and spin warmup rides is the 26 miles out and back from where the Knoxville ends down Pleasant Valley Road. As my previous paragraph alludes to--on the Knoxville Double I wouldn't see anything but the white lines on the road as it will be dark when I come in. (Riding in the dark is a necessary evil on Doubles, sure is exciting to see endless white lines...yawn....) Great preride--though 103 degrees. Supposed to cool down by 10 degrees for the ride which will be great as Knoxville Road--though a gentle climb--is 30 miles with a very limited supply of trees near the road.

Start/ finish at Pena Adobe Park--ride put on by Quackcyclists who did a great job--albeit no Medium shorts--advertised to be in a "limited supply"--was more limited than shade casting trees on Knoxville Road.

At 5am it was 78 degrees in Vacaville. Great!! Kept waiting for the temperature to drop from motel row to Pena Adobe Park next to a lagoon but it hung firm. So mesh gloves--no knee warmers. Was going to ditch the t-shirt but saw Grizzly (Peak Cycling) Mark in the parking lot and he reminded me that temperature dips -10 in Napa Valley--where we were headed. (In past years workers at rest stop 1 in Napa dressed for Arctic weather.) I did forget one little thing--to reset my odometer to zero--so mileage was off the whole day.

Met up with Jack for planned 5:30 start. In past years I'd hustle up climbs to get ahead of Jack before he roared past me on descents--but my descending has gotten better, and after going balls out on Devil Mountain and Terrible Two wanted to take it easy. So we made a pack that I'd stay with him on the climbs if he'd take a little off on the downhills so I could keep him in sight.

Jack and I both have new Exposure Lights, and we probably had 3000 lumens between us for the dark trip around the Pena Adobe Lagoon--and the first hour of riding in the dark. We were soon joined by the yellow clad Grizzly Peak Cyclists--Mark and Ernesto. Mark and I have finished a bunch of doubles together though we like different parts of a course (I hammer slow parts of a course and he hammers fast parts.) He also likes to BS as much as I do on rides and also gets his dander up on timed doubles. (Lucky guy--he has a last name that starts with "A" so he gets a 1 digit number that he can origami on his jersey smaller than I can,) So we had a good 4 man paceline for the 20 miles to Mt. George that we'd climb and then get dropped into Napa Valley. When not BSing with Mark, "Noisy at the Circus" looped endlessly in my head. Then we reformed our paceline for the 16 miles in Napa to rest stop 1--where workers were just in sweatshirts as weather so nice.

Above--mixed Diablo Cyclist/ Grizzly peak peloton going down Silverado Trail. Below--hot air balloons over Napa Valley--there were at least a dozen setting out in the morning. From the rest stop a peloton soon came roaring by--led by a tandem containing Lori--past triple crown women's champ and someone I kinda casually know as Cal, Honolulu, Riverside Mike a mutual friend. We all jumped on the paceline for the 15 miles to Howell Mountain--a climb that would get us back in the Pope Valley--closer to where we came from. Howell Mountain has a twisting descent but Jack and I did well staying together on the first climb of the day so I stayed with the group. Mark told me he wants to start the descent well ahead of the tandem so we can draft behind when the road gets flat again instead of having them roaring past so there was some urgency in our group on the climb--Jack and Mark stayed with me on the downhill so we easily regrouped for the 10 miles of gentle rollers to the next rest stop at Lake Berryessa before Knoxville Road started. Unfortunately the tandem didn't come by. Up Howell Mountain, (top) Jack-Mark and Ernesto--closeup of Grizzly Mark. (below) I'm with Jack at Lake Berryessa--Photograher is bitching about something so I'm trying not to crack up. Jack happy as he just cut the porta potty line. (Nevada Doug--the Planet Ultra Watchdog). Unfortunately our four man broke up here. Mark had to take care of serious business at the rest stop and to save time I took care of business up the road where Ernesto joined me. Jack went past yelling we'd catch him. Stayed 2 more minutes--no Mark. So Ernesto and I set out at a nice tempo down the road--wanting Mark to catch up but we still had to get back to Jack. We reached Jack--no Mark, and a few minutes later the Lori tandem went roaring past on a gentle uphill section with a freight train of riders in tow. Jack didn't want to go that hard and follow them so Ernesto took off. This is the sort of train that Mark--ever the opportunist--would have been behind but he wasn't? but he soon got back to us and the three of us rode up Knoxville Road. 1) it was very warm, 2) the pavement stinks, 3) I was running out of water but a Sag soon passed with cold water, 4) less hunters than last year, 5) no more trees in Knoxville Ecologic Preserve than in Knoxville hunting area, 6) many riders on Knoxville wear their newly obtained Triple Crown Jersey, but the 508 jersey , homage to narcoleptic riding had become the new Death Ride jersey. Not to be confused with the redwood forests--the Knoxville Ecologic Preserve where they preserve goat head weeds.

There is a water stop 3/4'ers up to the top and here Mark unhooked with Jack and I. A long descent punctuated with some sudden uphills and the into Lower Lake for the lunch stop--a nice canopied picnic area. There Sacramento Doug and Joanie working--Doug always nice--Joanie nice when she's not on the bike yelling at other riders (of course I remind her of that often) At lunch I had my usual bland diet of bread and two slices of coldcuts (NO MAYO, NO MUSTARD, NO VEGGIES.) I'd also make sure to have a sparkling juice at every stop to keep the fluid intake up--especially after two bottles of Perpetuem I get off that as to not get a bloated feeling.

Joanie pushing food at Lower Lake.

Need for race radios very apparent--and showed that our club not the only one to "misplace" riders on a course. Out of lunch and before "THE CLIMB" we see Ernesto who tells us that Mark is still at the lunch stop. We all continue on and after THE CLIMB, all day I expect to see Mark come roaring past, but he never does??? The kicker--Mark left the lunch stop BEFORE Ernesto. Grizzly Peak Cyclists have nothing on the Diablo Cyclists misplacing riders during a ride.

The Quackcyclists say that most of the climbing is before lunch but the kicker on the ride is Cobb Mountain. Its only about 8 miles but contains all the steep sections of the ride. Here Jack was suffering and though I stayed in the saddle and thought I had slowed (oh crap did my butt hurt staying in the saddle so much on this ride.) I got way ahead of him on one section and at one point went back down Cobb Mountain a few hundred feet. But Jack probably has the best recovery capacity of any cyclist I know, and expected him to recover nicely once we quit climbing--which he did--though I actually saw Jack sit down at the next rest stop after Middletown (mile 136.) I didn't mind--road has been chewed up for much of the ride and my feet were a little sore from the constant vibration.

Jack on Cobb Mountain.

We now had the serious rollers through Pope Valley. Also was getting cloudy to the West with a cool breeze blowing in whenever there was an opening. Road was also seriously unpaved but now going slightly uphill so -5 slower than running roughshod over it during Napa Century last month. Fast downhill to Lake Hennessey rest stop, mile 161. In the past I sent my lights to the
mile 189 rest stop where I'd come in when twilight was just coming in--but clear that Jack/ I running 40 minutes behind where we wanted to be and lucky our lights were here. I also stuffed my drop bag with a few packs of Chomps--great for hot weather and also easy to digest if losing appetite late in the day. We'd be going up and over Cardiac in the dark. Though cooling I had some delicious plain bread.

Luckily Highway 128 newly paved and that alleviated 90% of foot soreness. Seems we were flying towards Cardiac (now stiff tailwind at our back and slight downhill) but also getting darker and darker. Could still see but taillights put on, then front blinkers. On climb up Cardiac nightfall arrived. So did' New" sag vehicle. New as Lee Mitchells' one blasting Clearance ("play some Doors") and Nevada Doug's with him yelling at us pass often. This new van also wired for sound--but they play ice cream truck music. OK, I'm never complaining about Lee's music again.

Screeming downhill in the dark, but Jack's @1200 lumens and my 2200 lumens worked nicely. Back on flats wanted to get to next rest stop, and seemed like we were flying by in the dark seems like you are not moving and though familiar with the road had no FN clue where we were. A tandem came by, first complementing us on our light display, (besides the Exposure lights also liked the brightness of the small Blackburn rear light.) Seemed like an eternity when we finally reach the store on Pleasant Valley Road.

Joanie working there and now cool outside so I could eat, and she made Jack and I her killer peanut butter-jelly sandwich. OK--now 13 miles to go on a farm road with NO ambient light. Funny, first part of road was warm--I took off my vest for the remained of the ride. We shortly passed Ernesto who was not feeling as he did earlier in the day. Still surprised Mark never caught us. You'd now have no idea that Jack was ever suffering on the ride--he was now hammering. Our last bit of excitement--an angry dog suddenly came out and startled us--luckily escaped unscathed.

Suddenly ride over. Kitty (also former Triple Crown women's champ) greeted us with a friendly "what were Jack and you doing--smoking a doobie." Sitting behind her was a chuckling Mark--he has left lunch chasing us as he thought we left before him--and had the good fortune of getting behind the Lori tandem for a stretch until the mob behind it was all over the road.

Good end o ride meal with Jack-Mark and Ernesto. Paceline-bike philosophy-club ride structure talked about. Rumor overheard--the Sierra Century will be back in Plymouth next year. So started 5 doubles this year and finished 4--the two hard races strongly and at Davis (the easy one) I barely dragged my butt in. Knoxville somewhere between Davis and Mt. Tam/ Devil Mountain. Alta Alpina was a great ride but alas didn't finish it so something to aim for next year( along with dropping the 5-10 lbs I rode with in 2011 over 2010--I need all the help I can get.)

PLYMOUTH SIERRA CENTURY HOMAGE-2011

2011-09-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

(September 3, 2011) Self Supported Homage to Plymouth Sierra Century-102 miles, 8'735' climbing. w/ Ward, Jack, Christine, Cisco Dave. Historic Photos from 2003-2006 (PC)

Elevation (WI)

Once upon a time the Sacramento Wheelmen ran the greatest century--the Sierra Century.

roads as smooth as a baby's butt

virtually no traffic or traffic controls

surrounded by fields of oak or pine forest

great fairground starting point & rest stops

Oh yeah, they still run a bastardized version of the Sierra Century--moved three times after one of the counties wouldn't give the Wheelmen a permit.

Since the official Century ride ended our club has gone up and run the century backwards on the old course--eliminating the easy part of gentle Eddie Stanky rollers in the Gold Country lowland and adding the climbing portions of the (secret) 20 mile bonus of the old route for those who didn't get timed out and wanted to suffer some more after doing Slug Gulch--one of the hardest Century climbs. Done backwards as we then hit Slug Gulch at mile 20 instead of 70, and there is a natural cutoff at mile 50 for anyone who wants to bail and just do a metric.

This is the 4th time I've led the self supported ride. I've written (too) long posts about this seminal ride before and to learn more about the route you can read the recaps from the official ride in 2003, 2004, 2005, bastardized 2006 & the self supported ride in 2008, 2009 & 2010. This year it was warm, we had a small group that liked taking photos, and had a great time. Just some quick notes and then I'll shut up.

-Very dry. At noon, at a National Weather Station a few miles away (at 2,559' feet) it was 89 degrees and 21% humidity, and for the rest of the afternoon humidity would get lower in the teens. By way of comparison at our home base, Walnut Creek, it was 85 degrees but 34% humidity at noon. In the middle of San Francisco, it was 61 degrees and 81% humidity at noon. (I went to the SF beach to get moisturized and hydrated the next day) On this ride we all couldn't drink enough.

-I love when we have a new person on the ride as this is as close to cycling paradise you can get in California. On this ride Cisco Dave was the only newbee and Dave thought we'd be seeing dry fields of yellow grass all day, and was pleasantly surprised by our being surrounded by pine forest. as promised traffic was very light--in 12 miles of El Dorado National Forest we were passed by 3 cars. Most roads very smooth; Volcano-Sutter Creek Road is a little rough (would probably be the best road in Sonoma County) which is why we go up it and come down smooth Shake Ridge Road. Bonus--the 1/4 mile of road in Fiddletown, previously bad (the only bad spot) now is newly paved. Warning, do this ride soon--the outskirts of Sutter Creek growing--new stop sign put up--which made for 7 stop signs for 100 miles. In a few years they may get to 10 stop signs.

-No one did the Charleston Challenge out of Volcano (mile 75.) Slug Gulch is hard but a side road called Charleston is almost impossible. It has a 1/4 miles section STEEPER than the Diablo ramp (Diablo ramp @18%, but only a few 100 feet), relief then 1/4 mile just as steep as the Diablo ramp, then a downhill leading to a 1/8 mile section just as steep as the Diablo ramp. Pre ride Cisco Dave was gung-ho to do it, Ward brought a Garmin for me so we could measure the grade. But in the middle of the Slug Climb Dave's enthusiasm wained, which was fine by me as unlike all the other climbs that have lots of shade, Charleston is out in the open and the weather would have killed us.

-The Fiddletown Freeway sprint was won by Cisco Dave. The Fiddletown Freeway is 10 miles of downhill rollers--even when I hated downhills I loved this section. Our club doesn't have ride leaders for our in-town rides, but we do for out of town rides and I tried to keep everyone together and ride with anyone who lagged. Except for this section. After the initial downhill I wasn't far behind the pack, and then Cisco Dave ramped up the speed when we hit the rollers. I caught him on the first attention getting roller and then attacked on every uphill roller. Dave stayed with me even when we flew over a roller at 31mph. As he's faster than I am after a roller I got back behind him and stayed with him to the next fast roller and attacked again. After 8 miles of hammering we kind of called a truce--we arrived at Fiddletown together but he would have zoomed away if he knew where the road ended.

-In the live and learn department, I couldn't shift into the big ring unless on a downhill and would have to try 2-3x. Fuck. Once in the big ring didn't want to get out of it on some uphill rollers. I was ready to screw around with the front derailleur adjustment screw at the first rest stop--but Ward had me first squirt a few bottles of water on the front derailleur and the underside where the cables go--under the theory that spilled drink mix gunked up the works. I didn't expect this to work, but.......it did. Shifting got markedly better--and problem was totally corrected the next day when I scrubbed down area and lubed everything.

-As you can see below almost everyone packed a camera. Ward almost took 200 photos--Christine also getting real good at taking photos while riding (and so is Dave when he borrowed a camera.) I still have to get uphill before anyone and stop the bike. Photo credits below Ward (WI), Christine (CB), me (PC) and Cisco Dave (CD)

Led Zeppelin comes to Plymouth? No, a bluegrass festival at the fairgrounds from where we start he ride (WI)

"Downtown" Plymouth--not one of the better towns in the Gold Country--though the nearby County Fair Grounds looks like an old Wild West Town. I had to hustle back to the car for forgotten sports drink powder. (WI)

Jack and Christine on the rollers immediately out of town through the growing wine region (WI)

Our paceline on the rollers outside Plymouth. The old Century used to go Southwest to the lowlands--we immediately start going Northeast to higher ground. Plymouth is at 1000', eventually we'll get to 5,000' after 36 miles. (CD)

I'm having fun in the Shenandoah Wine Valley. Most wineries open at 10:00--we're going through around 9:30 and wouldn't come back until they are long closed (CB)

Cisco Dave signs up for the Ansel Adams section of the Diablo Cyclists (CB)
Another Shenandoah Valley paceline photo (WI) After loads of practice taking bar photos with his cellphone for Facebook, Cisco Dave takes a great self portrait (CD)

Rest Stop 1-Pioneer Park in Fairplay, mile 17. All rest stops shaded with REAL bathrooms and water. Here is where we had a water fight with my bike to loosen up the shifting. (WI)

Almost immediately on rustic Perry Creek Road. The rollers get serious, the little traffic we had previously almost nonexistent during our 4 mile ride to Slug Gulch. (CB)

Dave enjoying Perry Creek Road , thinking "Slug Gulch can't be that bad"(WI)Ward on Perry Creek Road. Ward's done this ride numerous times--he's not laughing about Slug Gulch (CB)

Sudden left turn and Slug Gulch begins. Five mile climb but second half is gentle--which does you no good during first half. But its a climb I like as the climb is terraced into 4 hard sections with relief points after each. (WI)

Cisco Dave and I on Slug Gulch--I'm getting the camera ready. How do I change the film while riding? (WI)

Some homes with barking dogs (all well behind solid fences) on Slug Gulch and a few surprises. (WI)

Cisco Dave on Slug Gulch with Ward in background getting camera ready. Dave still looks like he wants to do the even harder Charleston Climb later ( PC-fresco)

Ward photo ready on Slug Gulch. Since I would never hold the camera crooked--we must be riding uphill. (PC)

Jack at the end of Slug Gulch, where its been much more gentle for awhile than the beginning. (PC)

Reward for climbing Slug Gulch--one of the great rest stops--Indian Diggins School with a schoolyard surrounded bu tall pines. Rest stop 2, mile 26. (PC)

It's almost football season and Ward had lots of practice kicking rocks, pine cones and beer cans off of Diablo roads so he is ready to kick a field goal--but one of the local kids has other ideas. (PC with WI post production editing)

Now 10 miles of more climbing, but the trip though the El Dorado National Forest-Omo Ranch Road is much more gentle than Slug Gulch. We're now doing the extension of the old 120 mile route through dense pine forest. Cisco Dave is ready to roll (PC)

Christine and Dave start the El Dorado National Forest. We're over 4,000' feet. My favorite part of the ride. (PC)

I'm in the El Dorado National Forest (CB)

We approach Cooks Station for our lunch break. (PC in MC Escher style)

Christine at the 5,000' sign-hard to believe we are 1,000+ highre than the top of Mt. Diablo. (WI)I can't drink enough--Gatoraid was a nice change of pace from Heed--actually a Cold Beer would have been also though I probably would have laid out and slept the rest of the day. Rest stop 3, mile 36--this detour was never on the Sierra Century but found by accident on a training ride when trying to guess where the bonus miles went.(WI)The papparazzi found us eating lunch at Cook Station (WI) Most of teh climbing is over--now the fun begins as we gradually descend in 25 miles from 5,000' to Sutter Creek at 1,200'. Quick downhill along lightly traveled Highway 88, then long downhill with significant rollers on Shake Ridge Road. We stay on Shake Ridge as it is a nicely paved, divided road. Here Cisco Dave yelling at his support vehicle, Christien following. (PC)

Rare photo--both Cisco Dave and I are finally serious going down Shake Ridge Road. (WI)

At secret bathrooms in Sutter Creek Christine says she hasn't gotten enough exercise (rest stop 4, mile 62--supposed to be a mini stop but we stay there longer and longer as it gets hotter and hotter) (WI)

(above and below) Jack and I riding along the tree lines Sutter-Volcano Road--9 miles of gentle uphill with a tailwind so it feels like a magnet pulling you up--at FABIO road marking (which we are riding over below) last 3 miles becomes noticible. Creek on the side all the way up--nearly dry until Ward stopped to help Christine change a flat--the runoff of his sweat helped flood the creekbed. (WI)I arrive with Christine to the megalopolis known as Volcano--now up to 103 folks. Rest stop 5, mile 74. (WI) General store closed but new bakery open. Luckily Jug n Rose Baking had Gatoraid and good Sourdough rolls--though they tried to poision me by first suggesting something like onion and parsley and dill rolls which I would have tasted and retasted for the remained of the ride. (PC)

Volcano might just have 103 folks but it has one more Greek Theatre and one more Cobblestone Theater than almost anywhere else. This must be the place to see Paris Roubaix movies. (WI)

Jack taking a break on Volcano's ex-Mayor Rosie's bench. On the century ride Rosie was a fixture yelling encouragement (or something else) to all of the cyclists (WI)

Christine and I getting cobblestone water--maybe some of the Johan Museeuw magic will rub off. (Note the socks almost everyone has on) (WI)

Leaving Volcano Dave/ I veto Charleston and we go up the "easy" (in comparison to Slug/ Charleston) Rams Horn Grade, with annoying uphill continuation at the top. We're back to 3,400'. But Jack is getting close to the Disneyland turnoff--the 10 miles of downhill rollers on the Fiddletown Freeway. (WI) Fiddletwon Freeway is more fun with air in your tire--Jack fixes flat and Dave consults. (WI)Christine & Ward find a nice place to relax while flat repair ensues before the "D" ticket ride down to Fiddletown. (PC)Cisco Dave heard a rumor that Heed/ Cytomax and Gatoraid runs out of the hoses in the front yards. (PC) What a great day, and we haven't even done Fiddletown yet. (WI)Fiddletown is a quiet Gold Rush town and Christine looks happier than she did on the Rams Horn climb. Rest stop 6 at mile 91. (PC)

A short but attention getting climb of Ostrom Road is thown in just to remind you that you best like to climb on the Sierra Century. Ward relaxing through the vineyards. (PC)

Christine enjoying her Sierra Century (WI)

Dave wondering how long this climb will be. I may have lied and said 20 miles so Dave wouldn't sprint off. (WI)

Christine and I finish another of the long uphill rollers on Ostrum Road, Happy we'll now being doing the downhill rollers that we climbed earlier this morning. (WI)

Cisco Dave going to a post ride toga party while I'm entered in the local Scottish games (WI)

Oakland Zoo Review Century-2011

2011-08-28T20:59:00.001-07:00

(August 27, 2011) Oakland Zoo Palomares Century, Diablo Cyclist Metric Ride with add on of Palomares, with Ward, Christine, Cisco Dave, new rider, and Joe accompanied for a good portion. 16.6 mph, no official elevation but Zoo ride is listed at 4500 feet and Palomares ride is 2000 feet, so with some overlap we probably did 5000'. The official Ward Industries elevation chart shows 5490' , 200' of that going over tree roots in the road down to the Oakland Zoo. (WI)
Not one of my favorite Club rides. Crapshoot going towards the Oakland Hills in the morning, can be -20 degrees cooler. Today while clear where we started the ride--fog rolling over the Oakland hills with scant visibility. Bunch of nice rollers to have fun on towards the zoo, nice except for the potholes, cracks and tree roots coming up in the road on the descents. To the zoo Super Joe and Cisco Dave racing from point to point--unless they were stuffing free newspaper inserts in their jerseys to stay warm. Ward, taking a cue from BART protesters, almost stopped the zoo train full of screaming kids to get this shot. (WI)

I'm with Joe who just visited the goats in the petting zoo to get more sports drink (CB)

The bonus mile group with Joe holding up that disgusting sports drink he snatched from a kid on the merry-go-round(PC)

Real problem figuring out how to add on from the Oakland Zoo. Riding back on Skyline in the Oakland Hills a possibility--but we'd contend with more crappy weather in the hills, in the bad direction (better going North to South on Skyline) and then once back in Contra Costa we'd be hitting the treeless Bears climb in the heat of the day.

Another possibility would be to head to Sunol. We'd have to do a warm climb, Palomares, from the shorter steeper side but it is tree lined. Then uphill on Niles Canyon but we'd get a tail wind so it would even be faster than going downhill in our usual direction. Then we could circle back through Livermore and Collier Canyon--thus avoiding the 10000 traffic controls on Danville Blvd.

Ward and Christine figured out how we should go, Dave worried about getting 100 miles in, and Joe looked for the nearest dairy. Jim rode with us until we turned towards Palomares. But before we could get going, and depart from the larger group, new guy had a flat--the second one in our Club for the morning. Ward got to use his years of rolling expertise. Two flats and two long regroups made it seem we were riding all day and did not that many miles.

As an aside, exiled clubmate, California Mike, was doing a All Day Ordeal Gang ride out of Riverside, where the scheduled options were 120-132-144 miles and 8,000-14,000 climbing so we'd seem like pikers compared to what he did. Of course we didn't realize that due to smog it looks like the sun set at 4 in the afternoon and he only did 75 miles.

Sun was full bore when we climbed out of Oakland and back in central Alameda-Contra Costa. Now about 90 degrees for the rest of the day. Ward pulled the group to the Palomares climb, then Dave and I were determined to make this ride hard and "pushed" each other up the climb as fast as possible. Then long downhill off of Palomares and sweet tail wind aided uphill into Sunol.

Ward leading the charge to Palomares. (CB) I'm enjoying the good weather after the crap in the morning. (CB)

Usual great regroup in Sunol, watching nothing happen in tiny town from yesteryear plopped in the middle of the Urban Sprawl. Joe turned off here. Our remaining 5 pacelined through windy Livermore. Dave gets the Museeuw award as he was often at the front pulling everyone along--sometime too fast. Another nice break in Livermore before hitting windy Collier Canyon.

Ward and I watching time go by in Sunol (CB)

Dave probably wanted to do Mt Diablo but nicely he didn't say a word--everyone else was beat. I was unexplicitly tired--related it to spider bite two days ago were I was running mild fever the day before the ride. But the next day found out my rear wheel was out of true and slightly hitting the brakes, so who the hell knows. But in any event too tired for a course not especially hard and hi jink ended when we left the zoo.

Tour of Napa Valley Century (2011)

2011-08-23T23:24:00.001-07:00

(August 21, 2011) Tour of Napa Valley Century, 101 miles, 5200' climbing, 17.4 mph inc slow ride up to registration, w Ward, Jeanne and Jim until lunch spot.

Route profile provided by Garmin and Contadinia, that provides the model for stuffing items in small places that the Napa organziers follow (WI)

The Tour of Napa Valley has great end of ride food, crappy roads, and despite two relative short climbs with some steep pitches its a very fast course with lots of miles to paceline. It also has perfected how to get all riders on different courses into the crowded rest stops at the same time (and later the shoulder of the Silverado Trail)--taking a cue from the tomato paste advertisement--how do they get all those tomato's into the itsy-bitsy can? And Yountville police, the town where the ride starts, get their local budget in line by stopping and citing cyclists. Ink Grade--the seminal climb of the day--only 4 miles but steep in places. (WI)

There are other Century rides that I like more, but this holds special memories; some bad. First time on Ink Grade I had to get off the bike and walk, and when I returned from knee surgery to do the 100 people in my old bike club flaked out the morning of the ride. More recently slamming through the course with a few Clubmates, and getting revenge on Ink Grade while maneuvering through the crowded road is great. Seems that our Club never does this with a large group (Santa Rosa Wine Country much more conducive for keeping a large group together,) and its a signpost that the riding season is almost over. All of a sudden the morning moist air seems to be ushering in the Fall, and if we haven't noticed this in the East Bay we are hit over the head with dampness in foggy Napa.

***
This is one of the few Sunday century rides so the story of this ride really starts the day before.

Usually on our Satuarday self supported century rides, we go hard and answer attacks before breaking off from the Club after the first 40-50 miles; when the Bonus Mile group forms we then take it easy and ride tempo for the next 50-60 miles. On a Century we'll try to go hard for the full 100--easy to do when I get my dander goes up. I know I'm going to be passed--and if someone comes by smoothly while calling out "on your left," more power to them. But if some goofball shoots by closely with nary a word, looks like they put in 120% effort to pass as they flail away, then slow until they turn around and realize we're easily getting back to them so they again try to kick it into high gear.....game on, especially if the road is going up.

The day before the Napa Century our club is doing a metric century over Morgan Territory, one of the easier climbs on the Devil Mountain Double. No way I want to be tempted to hammer. In fact Ward and I developed a rule before other Sunday century rides that we have to ride in the small ring--so wouldn't be temped to chase/ do intervals etc. This wouldn't help on the climb up Morgan as we'll be in the small ring anyway. To be under control on the Morgan climb we left 15 minutes earlier and 15 minutes closer to the climb after kidnapping Christine. Going up Morgan we took it sooooo easy (until two dogs came out) that I expected our club to roar by any second. Surprisingly no one did, we got to sit out at the top on a windless day (rare) for 30 minutes until Super Joe showed up, and everyone else straggling in for the next 15 minutes. Then on the flat portion of the club ride we wanted folks to pass us, though at one point while pulling on some rollers in the small ring we surprisingly found our group way out in front. (Game going on--passed by the Snotting Tandem +10, unless they snot on you--then no points.) At one regroup Jack, Cisco Dave and Stephen kept asking "ok--bonus miles to..." Ward and I just kept saying "NO NO NO NO NO." Strange seeing my house at 2pm on Saturday.

Next morning I knew parking would be a clusterfuck so Ward and I carpooled--getting near to the Yountville Veterans Home complex where ride begins we already saw riders on the road at 6:45. We wound up in a lower grass field parking lot next to Jim and Jeanne--about a mile away from registration (and end o ride meal.) We rode up to check in with riders coming down, cars looking for parking, and cyclists from the upper parking lots walking going all over the place blocking the road. Why am I doing this ride again? Oh yeah--the great bakery spread at the start and the great food at the finish, and maybe the best Fall ride on the menu. (Fall pickings are slim). Check in easy. Saw our clubs fixed gear/ recumbent contingent doing the 100 mile course minus Mt. Veeder. Saw old clubmate Johnna, a prime Death Ride troublemaker, who had jumped to an all woman's tri club.

Then back down through the crowd and time to go.......um, no, Jeanne has a flat. Later my wife reminded me that when we did the Napa metric course together years ago I had two flats when the valves tore off--maybe that is why I pump up bike tires the night before the ride (+5 lb over what I want.) So we finally left at 7:45. Bakery spread at the start of registration. Is that knife for people who are not wearing a registration wristband thrying to grab food? (PC)

"Damn, the paparazzi found us," Johnna with clubmate (WI, not Steven Sands)
When they figure out how to make a high performance solid tire--cycling will take off. (PC)

Ward had asked the day before if I remember the road conditions--I didn't think they were all that bad. Shows I'm getting old and losing memory. First 8 miles along the service road next to the highway, and its like riding on cobblestones. Crappy patch job after crappy patch job. I speed up here to get warm--actually not that bad but heavily overcast. This is Jim weather. We get a good 4 person paceline going, but not to many riders up the road. We pass one poor lady who yells out "is this the 60 mile course?" We hated to tell her she already missed a turn.

Eventually we make turn and commercial strip/ suburbia ends and quick transition to rustic Mt. Veeder. Real gentle climb at first. I always have to laugh when I was rehabbing knee and could only do 60 miles (which does not include Veeder) and folks from my old club came in and made it sound like Mount Vetoux--so the first time I did the 100 mile course I expected a monster and was pleasantly surprised. At the start of Veeder no riders in sight--then about a quarter of the way up we saw pockets of riders all over the road ahead. Time to do climbing intervals--meaning hard from group to group, and then when get close to the top look for a pocket sans riders so I can start the downhill alone. At one point Ward and I were joined by Drew who sometimes, and we rode hard up Veeder. A few people joined us until the elevation kicked up near the top where I could get away and look to descent with just folks I know.
Going up Mt. Veeder many interesting sights, we were going to stop and "take Jesus for $100, Alex" (WI)
Music at the top--thinks he's playing "its a cold and damp twisty descent down Veeeeederrrrr."(PC)

Large group waiting at top of Veeder, so I wait until no one starts down the twisty road. Shades of Mt Tam, I could hardly see out of my glasses due to the dampness. Finally a pocket opened up--no one coming up or starting down so I took off. "Fun" being surprised after every turn what crap is on the road--chip seal here--cracks and ruts there. We have our usual regroup where the downhill ends after the bridge on Dry Creek Road--Jeanne under dressed and freezing, we now are going inland and eventually to the next valley to the East and all expect it to heat up--eventually.
(1) Jim and Jeanne arrive at regroup at Dry Creek (WI) (2) Jeanne on the rollers on Dry Creek. (WI)

Next 10 miles loads of fun. We start out on a fast section that will eventually become gentle rollers with some short steep roller surprised thrown in. We start out at a nice pace and immediately 3 lime green windbreaker folks shoot by without saying a word. Gets my dander up and I close right behind them--one lime green sees this and shoots out from the group and I get on his wheel.

From then on lime green puts in an attack and I just follow--looking back and seeing our group now passing the other two lime greeners and holding steady at 200' back. Another attack on a downhill where lime puts in some distance but I easily closed on next straightaway or uphill roller and now looks like lime is really straining to get away. Next time I turn around to see if group made progress I am pleasantly surprised as Ward is on my wheel, which is perfect as a steep roller surprise suddenly came up and I put in a dig--lost lime green. Ward came with me and rolling regroup for Jim and Jeanne. Now a couple of miles from rest stop and lime green tries to get by on the flats, Ward and then Jim up the speed of the paceline until lime green is gone for good. Rest stop 1, or the bathroom at an Aerosmith concert...............(WI)

Next part of course is real nice, after a few blocks of riding through suburbia we meander into the wine part of Napa, and eventually get on the Silverado Trail for 10 miles on the main road through the wine country. Coming back it would be exceedingly crowded with bikes and cars but at this early hour it is enjoyable. Mostly flat road past wineries not yet opened, with a few gentle uphills thrown in.

Here we made friends--to many. We had our 4 "man" rotating paceline going when all of a sudden a dozen people were riding in back of us. Two guys asked if we wanted help and volunteered to come to the front. Great. At one point I came off the front and figured I'd drop behind our Club riders, and two guys helping out, and anyone else who looked like they might. Mistake. Oh shit--line had swelled to about 16, no one was letting me in and I should have been insistent but wasn't. All of a sudden I was sitting about 16 back--no one else came through when our Club and two guys rotated, and it was real squirrly where I was sitting.

Approaching long uphill and I planned to get to the front. Ward now pulling and he was a tad pissed that not to much help from others, so he decided to up the pace on the uphill. That worked out well--line stretched out, I got back to 3rd wheel and could ameliorate my speed so Jeanne could get on my wheel and get to the top with our group and other two guys who had pulled. Now our group of 6 rode faster than the acktervulgers off the paceline and nice turn into the 1 1/2 mile gentle uphill to the next rest stop. Jeanne at the front--setting a nice pace, and quickly into mile 47 rest stop. Here it was expected (by me--cold wuzz) to be sunny--unfortunately still Jim weather (foggy and cool.) Eat a few spicy ginger cookies** that I don't re-taste to the next rest stop. (**In honor of Colin and Kitty who just finished P-B-P, and will eat anything on a long ride.) Planet Ultra-esque welcome sign at the Hennessey rest stop. Remember Jesus has answers--more porta-potties would solve this problem. (WI)
Entertainment at rest stop though still not playing The Doors (PC)

We are now heading for one more valley away from the ocean, so the sun is peeking out--yes!! After rest stop there is a fast climb that will lead us down to a long but fast climb into Pope Valley. Nice stretch of road but many cars on it heading to some local water recreation spots. Jim and Jeanne got caught behind a motorcade so Ward and I stop to regroup with them as we make the turn into Pope Valley.

More fun time; we are slowly rolling out when a big club, Monte Vista Velo, roars past. Someone yells out "Diablo Cyclists!" when they past. OK--our two best climbers are not on the ride but I figure its up to me to uphold our soiled reputation. I take off and sit in the back of the group of MVV riders with a few other folks also attached--intent is just to get to the top with them. Climb starts off gentle and will get steep, not super steep but noticeable, at the end. I'm content to ride with the MVV guys when the MVV guy in front looks back, sees me and immediately starts zooming away. I jump to get alongside him, meanwhile someone has blocked Ward off from passing in the rear of the disintegrating pack. MVV guys starts going harder and harder, I just take it easy alongside him, try to talk to him (no dice) while calling out a friendly "on your left" as we go up the Pope Valley Climb. MVV guy ain't saying a word and finally drops off--I then just ride pace toward the top when I hear someone getting closer and closer. 'Oh shit," I think, 'another dig by the MVV guy' and I'm ready to jump. Nice surprise--a woman comes along and I go back to the original plan, just ride pace with her to the top.

Paparazzi still out as we regroup at the top of the Pope Valley climb (WI)

Now downhill rollers and a tree lined fast course along a road filled with crappy pothole fill and cracks--the tree cast shade makes it so hard to pick many of them out. On this fast segment Jim, Ward and Jeanne cook. At the start two guys--one wearing an Orange Christian Hammergel Jersey and one wearing a shoppe jersey in Belgium colors (both color combos I like) shoot by hard, then slow, then look back, then try to dig again, and Jim, Ward and Jeanne are right on them as I stay in the back and take a dig on any uphill roller. We get to a long roller and Ward and I get off the front.

A calmer moment in Pope Valley. Sun is finally out, tee shirt and knee and arm warmers coming off at lunch. (WI)

At the Pope Valley General Store Jim/ Jeanne say goodbye--and cut off 5 miles to the often crowded lunch stop to start up Ink Grade, the signature climb of the day. Here I just want to spin a little so legs wouldn't be so dog assed tight when we leave lunch. Two North Rim Outdoors Sports guys come by and I'm content to ride behind them. Ward goes to the front for a pull but in the no good deed goes unpunished category, one guy quickly repasses and tries to put a dig in the front which we just stay behind.Paparazzi strike again-Jim and Jeanne at the Pope Valley general store.(WI)

So this is how you mix a massive dose of drink mix--1 part drink mix-10000 parts water. But they made up for the weak drink mix with ice nearby. (PC)

Lunch spot crowded but much better when they used to have it across the road squeezed onto the side of a golf course. Spot a lady with the rare "Mr Rossi of Siena" jersey. Ward spots the guy who blocking the road earlier and one of the lime green racers. Good deli meat and cheese sandwiches NOT PRE SMOTHERED with Mayo or Mustard. Yippie.

Go back slightly uphill for a few miles until the sudden right had turn--Ink Grade. Its only 4 miles and not that steep but does have a few 12-15% kicks, one of these spots are where I walked my bike @14 years ago--as some would be doing today. Usually I try to enact revenge on Ink Grade but this time just figured I'd ride pace. This lasted until we came across our Orange Hammer friend who again kicked it in on the beginning uphill when he saw us coming. I took a dig past, Ward told me that Orange Hammer tried to respond but couldn't. Ward came around and plan was to ride up at Ward's pace. Plan lasted for about 500'

Shortly guy from another big club, Tropia, was hauling butt and zoomed past on this first section that isn't that steep. He continued to fly onward and I kicked it in trying to get back to him--but was soon about 15 seconds behind. On the middle sections where it gets steep I started closing a little--down to 10 seconds, but when the climb flattened out a little I wasn't getting any closer to the Tropia guy. Get to the top in seemingly no time--later kinda disappointed when I look at Ink Grade times from 2003-2004 and I'm 30 seconds-1:30 slower thoug I/ bike are 10 lbs lighter.

One more steep pitch before a fast flat into a fast downhill. I set out with Tropia guy-he's regrouped with a buddy while I rode over to group of DMC women to see if Johnna is there. I beat Tropica guy and his buddy up steep climb--then they raced past me when road flattened out--I jumped on their wheel and stayed with them until the descent began. I'm getting better on descents not going to try to stay with anyone fast. For the rest of the downhill only one other rider passed (I expected more.) Guy wearing a brevet type (lots of foreign words with some strange kilometer number) jersey passed on a downhill straight section and nicely said "on your left." How many rides have I been in when some stupidass squeezes by on a hairpin on the right without saying a word. There is a crazy hairpin at the end of descent where in past years riders went crashing as some missed the turn and went into turning bicycles--Ward and I had planned to regroup at the bottom of the hairpin. Wisely Napa folks has a guy directing traffic before the turn--big change from mini directional arrow right on the turn years ago that no one saw until too late.

Ward has great bike handling skills, so support worker trying to get him to turn and ride downhill in the dirt. (PC)

Stark reminder that bicycling is risky--we hit a nice back road that is better paved than the main roads we've been on when cyclist is laying out on theside of the road, already surrounded by other cyclists, and we can hear the ambulance sirens approach. Damn.

Kinda peaceful on this back road (Crystal Springs), which it wouldn't be when we make the turn on the busy Silverado trail for the @15 miles back--now loaded with cars wine tasting on the road and a shoulder usually full of cyclists riding side by side blocking forward progress. Ward and I start a two man and very soon comes across the brevet guy who was so courteous on the downhill, he asks if he can join our paceline and i thank him for his downhill tact. Crosswind through the wine fields but we're still holding 20+ mph, and surprisingly only one rider would not know the meaning of "on your left" on the whole run in.

A few miles later came across Walnut Creek tri guy who was one of the two people who helped pull earlier in the day. Yelled out a "hop on" before we passed, and now we had a nice 4 man for the rest of the way.

Its warm and one rest stop on a side road detour only 12 miles from the finish--stop to refuel and once again find out (I know this but had to retest) that watermelon and I don't agree on cycling rides. Meanwhile a car driver is yelling at a whole group of people for blocking the road--Ward tries to reason with her (spur off Silverado trail where offending act took place is about 500' and riders have to make a left turn into rest area)--for his effort she yelled at him also. We leave and get our paceline back--pass the DMC woman (who run the Cruella Challenge , turn your speakers WAY UP before clicking on this link) would were riding at the pace of their slowest rider so they didn't hop on. Came into a long gentle uphill when I went to the front and determied to keep the pace steady but high until the road went back down--and I was feeling great. Went to the back stoked as we turned toward Youtville--ride organizers stationed at first few blocks stop signs making sure we came to a complete stop on mostly empty streets. Luckily a bike path has been built on the edge of town and we now go on that--thus avoiding a half dozen more full stops.

Suddenly back to the start--well not the start as we're in the lower parking lot a mile+ away. Change into "street clothes" and ride bike to very crowded lunch area. Road is blocked by other people tried driving up to get closer to lunch and disappointed cars coming back who couldn't find anything. Long, long, long line--did I mention long line, but worth it for some good veggie salads and BBQ veggie burgers (first time I had a veggie burger was here years ago), chicken, soda and ice cream. Not that many seats so had to sit in full sun--tri guy who joined our pacelines twice sits with us. At one point he asks Ward "how many century rides have you guys done this year." Ward says "one almost every week." When its been warm out that certainly has been true. Tell tri guy about Plymouth Sierra Century Redux we are going to do in a few weeks, and then pester Johnna who has been a mainstay on our annual Plymouth pilmigrage if she is going to be there. Can't wait.
Recounting with Johnna how she spun away from everyone on the Death Ride Climbs and see these guys unsuccessfully try to chase her down (WI)

The DMC women both admiring Ward's Lion of Flanders socks and giving him leg shaving tips. (PC)

Calavaras-The Wall-Palomares Century-2011

2011-08-14T21:55:00.000-07:00

(August 13, 2011) Walnut Creek via Sunol to end of Calavaras--down and back up "The Wall" and back via Palomares. Diablo Cyclist metric ride, bonus miles done with Ward, Jack and June. 95 miles, 5,000' climbing, 16.7 mph. Special appearance by Rusty, International Cycling Man of Mystery..

A favorite club ride featuring the recumbent/ fixed gear gentle, tree lined, Calavaras climb at the end. An early season Century, the Primavara, is nondescript but its best sections are coming over Calavaras and then the much steeper still tree lined Palomares.
***

I had an idea for bonus miles the night before--Sierra Road, the 3.5 mile, 9.4% climb up 1973' (per Phil Liggett on the tour of California, but as he called "Mt. Hamilton" "Mt. Vernon" a number of times, who knows if this is true.) The night before I watched the Tour of CA DVD to see how fast pro riders go up Sierra Road. Good amature riders can do it in 30 minutes, I think my best is 35. Chris Horner was first up the climb in 2011 at @14:20, Andy Schleck came in @15:30. The first guy who started the climb and faded a little, Ryder Hesjedal, did Sierra Road in @16:15. So I just needed to seel it to my club mates as a 15 minute climb. Ironically Ward watched the same race the day before.

***

Didn't have a large group for this usually popular ride, and after going balls out last weekend on the double didn't mind just spinning on flat Diablo Blvd which is full of traffic lights until the freeway intersection about 20 miles out. When the Jeffrey tandem went to the front we just organized into parade formation behind it--we made a light that most of our club mates caught and the Jeffrey tandem zoomed out and a few of us just rode easily behind. At the regroup before the freeway Dr. Dave on the bent' told me that we missed some fireworks. "Vino," some rider in an Astana Kit, passed the group at a light--Dave caught and zoomed out ahead, but then when Dave stopped for a red light Vino ran the light. Green light-Dave catches up--passes Vino--next red light--Vino runs. Repeat.

After the freeway is a nice 15 mile run in to Sunol--only a couple of controlled intersections, nice shoulder for much of it, auto traffic falls off from pre freeway, and some nice noticable rollers that do lead to some very fast falt portions until a short 3 stage climb into Sunol. Ward and I agree that we'll stop being lazy after the freeway and pick up the pace--especially early so we can put some distance on the Jeffrey tandem on the rollers and don't have to keep tandem pace on the fast sections.

Of course Dr. Dave and his bent' is around to keep us honest. A few of us spring out on the rollers, but when the course turns fast Dave roars by, on next roller we put a little distance on him until he rolls by again on the flats. But intramural hi jinx ends when we pass a rider who hooks on to the end of our paceline and wouldn't come to the front to take a pull. Ward volunteers to sacrifice himself to do"the Old 2001" (watch Paris Roubaix 2001 where Paul Sherwin say "Come on, Hincapie says but they can't; George is now frustrated) so we drop the Sports Basement rider before the hill--but all of a sudden a tandem shoots by--not the Jeffrey tandem but one unknown and they are flying. Time to go into sprint mode and catch their rear wheel on the fastest part of the run in to Sunol. Dr. Dave passes and takes a dig at the front which tandem drags me along to pass--then when road turns up I take a dig at the front but quickly drop behind them as they ease back to my wheel. Then with about 500' to the uphill before Sunol Dr. Dave takes another dig at the front and passes the tandem--and starts the climb while we're still 100' back. I stay with the tandem that tried to drop us into the climb and thank them for the pull after I pass them--"yeah, right" captain retorts. I get back to Dr. Dave and I know he can fly the bent uphill much faster than the tandem, but he's worried about the Sports Basement guy getting back to us and tells me to go on without him--unknown to us SB guy had turned into a park a mile behind us. All fun and games but hardest effort of the day.

Regroup at Sunol where June had started early and goes on with us. Unfortunately Dr Dave hurting after he just came back from climbing Mt. Vetoux and he turns around. Weather is not a scorcher but hotter than expected (or warm) and lots of riders are already coming back along the fast Calavares return course as going out is the slow course which is slightly uphill punctuated with long hairpins that kick up but nothing bad. Jack, June, Ward and I keeping a nice pace but nothing real hard, and soon we are off the front. Dave's friend "Vino" rests behind the outhouses in Sunol. Dr. Dave catches up to him on the ride back--Vino runs a red light to get ahead--when this happens a third time Dave yells out "are you kidding me?, you're running the light again" No response. Dave--of course no response--Astana is a team from Kazakhstan and you didn't yell out at the rider in Kazakh or Russian, and he probably has never seen a traffic light in Almaty. (WardWorldwideFoto Spycam)

***

At the end of Calavaras Ward and I do "the Wall then regroup at the usual shade tree--joined by Jack and June. After 15 minutes no one comes along--good possibility that everyone else turned around at the top of Calavaras and cut the ride short. I try to sell the Sierra bonus but the hot weather ain't getting me any takers. Palomaras is proposed as an alternative, I'm not training for anything else so instead of going on solo I throw my lot in with the rest of the bonus group.

Store near Sunol has a big collection of Whirligigs--as football season just started here a couple gives us a demonstration of what happens to Raiders quarterbacks.

Rest of the ride is uneventful except for Rusty passing through Sunol as we are resting--so we get to bs with him for awhile. We take Palomaras at June's pace which is businesslike and very steady. At the end talk to a CAL coed who is waiting for a Oakland Yellowjacket older guy struggling on the climb. I'm stoked that on the downhill I do less braking than I usually do on a downhill and feel good. Nice tailwind on Dublin Grade climb, and great downhill via Schaefer Ranch after a short attention getting climb. When we regroup it now feels really hot and great to get ice at gas station. Too many lights on the way back and we paceline nicely between them. Good effort but nothing hard except for run in to Sunol--easy self supported Century.

Mt. Tam Double-2011

2011-08-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

(August 6, 2011) Mt. Tam Double, 197 miles, 14,500 climbing, 13:35 (5:00-6:35), 15.3 mph; 41 min rest stops. 43rd of 275 riders**; 11:12 winning time; 12:51 25th rider; 14:58 median finisher; 81% starters finished, middle of course run "backwards" (Petaluma to Ocean) into headwind

**Fast top end of the field--1st (non pro) rider and 25th rider has best time of any of the Mt Tam Doubles I've done. But new course wasn't fast--median finisher and % of people dropping out around the average. I'm not getting much slower but much more excellent riders now doing Doubles.

2005 13:48 (6:48 finish), 36th of 211 riders, start w/ Don, Steve, Mike, Tom (11:20 winning time; 13:32-25th rider; 14:00-median finisher; 85% starters finished)
2006 14:15 (7:15 finish), 35th of 233 riders, whole ride with Don (11:13 winning time; 13:57-25th rider; 15:26-median finisher; 81% starters finished)
2007 13:42 (6:42 finish), 23rd of 247 riders including Steve Cozza who finished @3 hours ahead of me (but he also did Paris Roubaix), solo (10:50 Steve Cozza 10:50, 11:39-2nd place; 13:47-26th place; 15:24 median finish; (82% starters finished)
2008 14:35 (7:35 finish on slow windy course), 28th or 29th of 199 riders, most of ride with Jack, whole ride and finish with Don (11:32 winning time; 14:33 25th rider; 15:47 median finisher; 72% starters finished)
2009 13:34 (6:34 finish), 33rd of 289 starters (Triple Crown race so field enhanced, Mt Tam closed so climbed 2x halfway), start with Don and Jack (11:29 winning time; 13:17-25th rider; 15:03-median finisher; 84% starters finished)
2010 Did Not Start-Death in family

When Mt. Tam Double/ Marin Century sent out a promo email--the first photo in email was Don and I chasing a rider out of Petaluma in 2008

There is one thing I can do well on a bike, stand and grind up short but steep climbs. To this skill the Mt. Tam Double course is great for me. At 14,500' in elevation gain its 7th out of the 22 doubles on the schedule (range is Alta Alpina at 20,300' to a few tandem friendly ones under 8,000'.) Has a big climb up Mt. Tam but climb is a series of steep hairpins and recovery points and rollers, most of the rest of the course are Italian rollers (long ones you can't power over), a few Eddie Stankey rollers (never mind, see post for Tomales-Petaluma Century last month), and a hard steep climb up Coleman Valley.

Usually I'm sky high for this event and its the focus of my year (I used to joke on the Death Ride that it was a training ride for the Mt Tam Double) but I'm a little nervous this year. Alta Alpina was my focus this year. I missed the Mt Tam Double last year. Middle of course is being run in reverse and while I like a slow course full of steep rollers this would also throw in headwind and I'd be unfamiliar with course run the first time last year. Also after Alta Alpina I stopped watching weight, and while I was focused dove down to 145 two years ago year before this event I gained up to 144 coming in, whereas if I had teh same foxus from two years ago I could have come in at 140. Also faded at Knoxville last year at mile 160 and same on Alta Alpina this year--hoped that this was not a trend. Worse thing is NO teammates starting this ride--it will be a long day. Hope to come off of the Mt. Tam climb before Grizzly Mark and then we'd ride together like we did in DMD. Things going for me are good endurance training rides. and luckily scouted out the middle of this course a few weeks ago.

Mt. Tam with San Quentin sitting at the base. (top) Day before nice and sunny (bottom) Colorization trying to match gloom hanging over Mt. Tam day of race. All photos unless indicated taken day before on 40 mile small ring spinning ride at beginning of course. This is Marin Civic Center Auditorium--designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
***
Mass start ride starts at 5:00, about 45 minutes before daylight. This year the Mt. Tam Double is one of the three tough Doubles combined for the stage race series so the field is enhanced. After short snooze I start getting bike ready at 4:30 at a school in residential neighborhood, and enjoying the quiet, but that doesn't stop some of the yentas from throwing a party (seems the same few hundred crazies do these rides.) One yenta is yelling from across the parking lot about some Grizzly Peak Cyclist who broke their collarbone last week (oh shut up), and a woman who took 147 photos on their last ride. When we cue up for mass start nervous energy continues a guy next to me yacks on about this being his first ride not on his fixed gear, even Mt. Baldy?--then with 5 minutes to go he notices he still has on slippers and not his cycling shoes.

Then race director says something no one can hear (I used to start in the rear, now solidly in middle of pack as don't want to miss out if only traffic light on ride-500' from start/ finish--turns red as it did a few years back,) and its balls out in the darkness up a neighborhood hill and then a left turn on Lucas Valley Road, with an almost immediate steep climb up to Big Rock and then downhill in the darkness through Redwoods. I always have motivation to go hard up the Big Rock climb, though descending doesn't scare me like it did a few years back, I still want to go downhill with as few people as possible. Turn onto Lucas Valley Road marked, but can't be seen when we started at night. This year no road markings used but signs. Unfortunately at mid course some signs were stolen so a little confusion and backtracking to stay on route.

At night no one would see the Indian guarding the base of Big Rock Climb.

Crest of Big Rock Climb--but no one would see it as still dark out (above) ...then it got foggy and cool for the downhill (below)

Still dark at mile 11.3 when we make a left and a series of rollers to Mt. Tam. Century riders later would go right and ride mostly flat where they'd join us at mile 75 and push the pace to Petaluma.

***

In the dark managed to get over Big Rock nicely and luckily descend with just a small group of people. It was suddenly foggy and visibility was poor. I used to hate this descent on clear bright days, now taking it slow but calmly--small group rode behind me as my Exposure Joystick Light (@75 g, 200+ lumens) was perfect. When the road started to level out a paceline came by and I jumped on the back. After left turn suddenly a big cluster of riders as many riders coming up and many caught up with--but this pocket quickly breaks up on three substantial rollers. Small paceline to Fairfax, again do well on climb and start downhill by myself--I know I'll get passed but hopefully near the base of the descent. Works out and ride into Fairfax with a small group--bs with a nice guy from San Francisco doing his first double as we start the Mt. Tam climb.

Mt. Tam climb starts as a gradual/ consistent grade--not something I'm particularly well at doing. If we were kids trying to imitate our favorite pro players, picture Andy Schleck easily spinning while seating up a mountain--I can't even try this. I ride more like (a crap version of) Cadel Evans-pogo'ing out of the saddle which doesn't help on the shallow stuff or when there is a headwind--but great for short steep sections of road. So on the shallow climb a few pure climbers are passing me (or already off ahead in the distance) but I'm also passing lots of folks.

Rest stop at mile 24, I get here at 6:30. Many long distance riders pass this up but I have to stop but do so for only 5 minutes. Start climbing again and pass big group led by Fresno Lori's tandem--doing doubles solo is too easy for her now so she instantly forms best co-ed tandem. I shout out that she should yell out when ready to pass me on a downhill--and all day long I expect to have her tandem roar by on the flats or a downhill but they never do.

I'm passed by a few riders on twisty descent to Lake Alpine but this starts one of my favorite long climbs. Next few miles of climbs is steep hairpins joined by shallower road--like a series of rollers. I love this climb with good legs and ride just began so I'm feeling great. Here I pass many riders and can't wait to get to Ridgecrest--the 7 miles of rollers on Tam where it is always clear above the clouds.

But today we're fucked. It ain't getting sunny as we approach Ridgecrest. The mist is rolling through and the tall trees are dripping wet. Hold on--that ain't the trees dripping--ITS RAINING. A minute or two of rain , a reprieve for a few minutes and then another minute or two of rain. Repeat. Repeat. And first gate (and later another gate) is locked so we have to dismount in the drizzle and make a path through the redwood needles.

Ward/ Christine on the Century and they'd be going over Mt. Tam about 3 hours after me. (below) Christine riding by Lake Alpine at base of Mt. Tam in full sun. At the top its much nicer than when I went through and you can still see remnants of the clouds/ fog laying over the road. (WWF-Worldwide Ward Foto).

***
It's so foggy at the top can hardly see the two bikes who just crested the roller 100' in front of me. In fact soon I can't see 10' in front of me as glasses steamed. I ride most of Tam's Ridgecrest peering over my glasses on the tip of my nose, so at least I can see 3' out clearly. After Alta Alpina debacle where I overdressed I only had a vest/ undershirt/ arm warmers with me today--no jacket or knee warmers or cap, now I wished I had everything I left behind.

I could hardly see the start of the downhill to Muir Woods that is half way on Ridgecrest that we'd come back to. Luckily by the "radar" that looks like a huge golfball, about three quarters on Ridgecrest, the sun broke through strongly, started drying off, and the impetus returned. At the same time started to see a dozen riders who had already reached the checkpoint at the end of Ridgecrest and now were returning to start the descent.

***

Reached the end of Ridgecrest checkpoint at 7:43, mile 38, which was my same time as in 2005 when I was a much faster climber. (In 2005 stayed at 1st rest stop 3 more minutes, but didn't have to navigate two closed gates or the drizzle.) This was great as my descending since 2005 has improved greatly. And I would need the improvement today on the wet/ foggy descents. Took a few minutes to grab/ release water at the top as I planned to skip the next rest stop

On the way back I saw Grizzly Mark coming up but no other familiar faces. Hoped that in 1/2 hour? it took to ride back to the "T" intersection, that the sun hadmoved over the descent down to the Muir Woods and the Pacific. Not a chance. Usually a fog layer is waiting at the base of Tam next to the Pacific Ocean, but even before the intersection fog/ drizzle started again. It had been nice riding with glasses, they soon came off again.

Luckily this part of the Course was familiar; when I came to the fork that splits the road going directly to Stinson Beach instead of the long way past Muir Woods and miles to the south of Stinson I couldn't see any road signs. I went left and didn't see any riders ahead, and slowed down and for a few minutes no one passed me--so I really thought I took the wrong turn and was off course. (Usually there are packs of riders going down at this point.) I was never so happy to suddenly be passed by two riders--yippie--going the right way.

***

Some more spot drizzle, catch up to and follow one rider on next turn down twisty road to Muir Woods. Another descent that used to terrify me--I'm now slow but relaxed. Seemed we were very soon on flat road by Muir Woods and then past rest stop at mile 50--I yell in my number for worker to take down (ride not the greatest making it clear where checkpoints are) and continue on in the fog. Luckily a few steep rollers out to Highway 1 so can get warm and pass a few other riders.

Beginning of this part of Highway 1 tight to the Pacific Ocean is relatively flat with a few Eddie Stanky (aka easy--you can get a running start) rollers. Usually lots of pacelining but I rode for miles--past Stinson Beach, as a solo cyclist. Where is Lori's Tandem pulling a line or Grizzly Mark organizing one?? A little past Stinson one paceline shot by, I was a little tired but picked up the pace to hop on the back. Luckily for me Highway 1 turns inland and the roller start kicking up so the paceline slows considerably. Its also easier for me to go hard on rollers and stay ahead of the paceline so I wouldn't have to scramble back to the paceline on the downhill. On flat section paceline reformed quickly--we all rode fast and cooperatively to Pt. Reyes Station, mile 73, and quick 4 minute stop at mini rest stop. Day before--in Pt Reyes Station, on redwood recumbent seat.
Out of Pt. Reyes Station, pointing the way to Petaluma, 20 miles away.

***
Out of Pt. Reyes Station some mini rollers. One guy from Peninsula Velo does most of the pulling, while another guy makes sure he never gets to the front. We are now cutting across Marin County, West to East, in a new direction. All of the earlier Mt. Tam Doubles I did eventually turned North and came back to Petaluma at the end of the day well after the Century ride was well over. But now we'd see Petaluma early in the day, and when we merged with the Century riders just starting out havoc reigned.

We merge with Century riders who have 15 flat miles in their legs, and we have 75 hilly miles. Right after the merge is the Cheese Factory climb, attention getting but nothing hard. As Peninsula Velo guy pulled most of the time figure I'd ride his pace on the Cheese Factory hill, and in fact Peninsula Velo guy and the Passenger started pulling away from me at the base of the climb. But then two Century riders quickly passed without saying anything and shot by the other two Doubles riders. That got my dander up--I put in a spurt and stayed even with them for the rest of the climb.

After the climb the road to Petaluma was fast and Century pacelines sped by with Doubles riders trying to jump in. I missed one but a big guy with his number flopping pulled me back. Then another fast paceline came through that we jumped on until crappy road in Petaluma City Limits started. At Petaluma rest stop, mile 93, at 10:48, out in 6 minutes.

***

Now had to recross Marin, going West, on Chileno Valley Road. On old version of ride this was done near the end, some sharp rollers but with tailwind--sweet. Now into a headwind and had ridden balls out for 93 miles and energy low. Traded pulls with one other rider for a few miles but when a fast Doubles/ Century mix came by I was too tired to stay on.

***

To digress--around mile 105 is where I couldn't stay on the paceline. For the rest of the ride I don't remember catching anyone and three Doubles riders caught up with me--so for 95 miles I just saw 3 Doubles riders.

***

Luckily this is portion of course Ward/ I rode a few weeks earlier (see photos from July post)--solid cow country. At some intersections NO direction signs--later told they were "stolen." A couple of times had to circle intersection and double back after looking at route sheet. After fading last year at Knoxville and Alta Alpina I was a little worried about low energy now. Map had a checkpoint at mile 118 that didn't exist. Real happy when hit Valley Ford lunch stop at mile 124 at 12:44--7:44 after start. Bike Mechanic Ryan working ride (built my front wheel years ago)--good talking with him briefly. Stop has special table for Doubles Riders with drink mix I'm used to (by now bottle had mixture of Cliff/ HEED & Gatorade)--nice but table far in the back of rest stop.

Loaded pockets with mini muffins and got out in less than 9 minutes. Then started the 30 mile Northern Loop that contains the steep Coleman climb. And before Coleman its a long drag out over steep Bay Hill and Hwy 1 (inland portion with lots of traffic and uphill.) By now my legs starting to tire and my right ankle mysteriously hurting, but I rather take my chances on slow climbs than on flats with another speeding paceline coming by. Passed a few Century riders but no Doubles riders on the road. Started singing "When the Music Over" and "In Shreds" on the desolate climbs. Laughed when passing a point on Highway 1 where years ago I was dead and "luckily" Don/I got stuck by a horse camp crossing. Not so funny when a auto PARKED on Highway 1 blocking traffic with everyone yelling at the dazed driver-parker. Watermelon GU Chomps I had carried from start were perfect here. Cursed myself for not losing 5 pounds when Coleman Climb was kicking my butt. Coleman checkpoint/Mini stop at mile 136 was great, 2:22, a few funny workers here. Took Advil for ankle, took off undershirt figuring it would be warm (wrong) rest of the day. Worker voluenteered that I was doing great--about 137th rider. 137th??, oh crap, but he quickly corrected himself and said "I meant around 37th." Just like a few years back this knowledge made me redouble my effort to defend my position and try to catch other riders.

Worker also told me that pothole strewn Joy Road, which was a long descent leading back to Valley Ford, was kinda fixed--potholes filled with an uneven patch job. Shade from tall trees made it hard to see many of the patch jobs. I was surprised that I was not passed on this downhill, and didn't see anyone until back at Valley Ford Rest Stop, now mile 153, now 3:20, and now most Century riders gone--and so was I after 5 minutes. As I was leaving two doubles riders also leaving but talking each other into first starting the Coleman loop.

Now feeling better as knew rest of course--a few short but real steep rollers, rollers down Highway 1, and the Marshall Wall backwards. There were two more rest stops on the course but I'd only stop at the one after the Marshall Wall, as the one at Nicasio was only 11 miles from the finish. Though I didn't like long headwind drag out from Petaluma earlier--the new course modifications meant an easier home stretch.

Again desolate on steep rollers and actually nice going downhill into Tomales instead of climb into headwind out of Tomales as in the past. Soon on Highway 1--small rollers of all varieties and flat sections where (damn, why did I watch 2002 Tour of Flanders last week where Erwin Thijs is run down and caught near the finish, instead of 2002 Paris Roubaix where Johan Museeuw motors away from US Postal chasers) I expected a large paceline to zoom past--but no one ever does.

***

Quick turn and suddenly past the Peace Bell and climbing Marshall Wall. More wrong expectations (when riding solo have alot of time to think) -- I expect it to get warm and sunny after we turn East but it never does. On the climb I don't expect to get caught but I soon hear a guy and woman bs'ing far behind me--and as we go further up the climb they get a little louder as they move close. Marshall Wall is easier in this direction, soon on undulated top part the guy and woman catch me and inch ahead as we start the downhill. To my surprise both pretty large (tall) folks. On downhill they put in more distance away from me, but then my next surprise is I catch them in the @ 3 mile flat run in to the rest stop, and then I just ride in their draft. Woman clad in a Luna Kit, guy has a light jacket on--and she seems to be slowing for him. and urging him on.

Pull into Walker Creek rest stop at mile 172 at 4:57. Usually I'd stay awhile at the penultimate rest stop (in the past Petaluma) as I wouldn't stop in Nicasio and want to refule for the last fast 28 miles. But here I felt good albeit strength in my legs kinda down. Club member and super long distance rider Kitty working rest stop--and instead of yelling at me for dawdling at a rest stop as she does when she rides a Double, she offers food, suntan lotion, drink, etc. I just gobble down another a mini-muffin and get fresh energy drink and I'm out in less than 6 minutes--though Luna Gal and Jacket Guy have already left.

At Walker Creek rest stop--couple I came in with from Marshall Wall in upper left. I'm happier than I look--thinking about what I need to get out of rest stop quickly. Thanks to Kitty for taking the photo and letting me dawdle for five minutes.

Road markers show just 4 miles to the end of fast/ flat Hicks Valley Road, where we'd turn to do the Cheese Factory Climb from the easy side albeit headwind. Coming off Hicks Valley Road one rider did catch me and he pulled into the climb, so on the climb I went to the front to block the wind. I lost guy on subsequent long downhill, and knew I wouldn't catch him on the fast run back to the finish but I hoped to pass other riders.

I'm now on fast tailwind flat road back to Nicasio past Nicasio Reservior. Check out the clouds covering teh Coast in upper right. (Photocrazy)

Map indicates Nicasio rest stop is a checkpoint so I slowed to yell out "who is taking numbers" as no one near the entrance doing same. Someone yelled back "we're not taking numbers here." Didn't notice if any/ many riders in the stop as I quickly go through Nicasio and start the 11 mile uphill along Lucas Valley Road--but the uphill is gentle as we're pushed along by the tailwind. Years ago after knee surgery I was amazed that I could do 20mph on an uphill along this section.

(above) Nicasio Rest Stop--I've never set foot in it on 6 doubles. (below) Town of Nicasio--so close to the Bay Area but looks like it belongs in a different century. (far below) The turn into Lucas Valley Road, one of the great ending roads of any ride--outbound wind is neutral, then picks up during the day so always get a tailwind inbound.

Lose much of the daylight in first section of road when suddenly surrounded by redwoods. Spring is back in my legs as I stand on the pedals--see and catch a few riders ahead but they are the remnants of the Century ride and no Doubles riders. Seems like in a flash where Redwoods end, and sunlight and yellow vegitation begins, and then the 2-3 turns on road that never gets steep but you finally realize you are on an uphill.

Redwoods (above) and front yard art (below) on Lucas Valley Road. We didn't see any of this when still dark 13 hours ago.

All of a sudden at Big Rock--semi steep but short in this direction. I always liked the climb but the twisty descent off of it used to really scare me--organizers put a few warning signs on this downhill and found out later club member Todd had crashed here on the Century, in about same place another club member crashed years ago on a training ride. As a relaxing mechinism I count out the 22 hairpins and curves as negotiated, usually do it quietly by now yelling ".....7........8........9......." as I'm sky high. Coming off downhill I usually catch a rider or two on flat fast run in but no one visable down the road.

(above) Start of Big Rock Eastern descent (below) One of the many curves complete with warning signs. (far below) Earlier on the century ride WWF News Fotos--covering the Todd crash--gets photo of rider who just overshot the curve while rider behind quickly unclips. (WWF photo)

If Chileno Valley dragged earlier in the day and seemed like hours to ride--the few miles on Lucas Valley seemed like seconds before right turn onto last street before Highway where we climb through suburban neighborhood. Three blocks from the finish we have to cross a main street/ parkway where I almost always catch the "red" light--and it just turns red when I'm 100' from the intersection. To the amusement of two Century riders waiting patiently I keep hitting the -walk- button where the machine announces somethin inane as I bob up and down waiting for the light to change. When light changes I'm now wound up, skid into Courtyard of school (checkin is in the middle, not the front) where at 6:35 I shout out my number a few times ...

***

Unlike most post doubles I have a good appitite at the finish. Courtyard is a little depressing as workers already putting stuff away as Century riders finished hours ago. Also not like past years where some cubmates at the finish with me or we wait for them to come in. But after hours of stuffing mini-muffins in my mouth while "on the run" or drinking some chalky Hammar product time to enjoy some pizza and ice cream--real food, and then start drive home still in daylight..

2011-08-01T22:45:00.001-07:00

Trip to Southern California to visit Jessie at her new place in West Hollywood--one of the best urban walking areas in America in the center of car centric from hell Los Angeles. So we wound up walking everywhere--thinking we'd only view the HOLLYWOOD sign from afar we started up with Bierkenstocks/ flip flops and not enough suntan lotion for a 2 mile hike up the Hollyridge trail. First part is a shared horse path and full of horse shit--great baking in the sun.

But second part is paved. First good view of San Fernando Valley. Then eventually up past the HOLLYWOOD sign (the areas immediately around the sign is fenced in with strict no trespassing enforced) With great views of welcome messages and the Los Angeles basin (though downtown is hardly visible through the smog.) Next day we walked in the opposite direction and into Beverley Hills. Luckily the stores were closed in the early morning (except for a Rite-Aid pharmacy where we could afford refreshments.)

Century Doubleheader-Game 2-Tour of Middle of Marin Double

2011-07-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

(7/24/2011) Middle of Mt Tam Double Century, 100 miles, 6,666' climbing, w/ Ward. I had to promise Ward that there would be no chasing today, but even without a promise my legs at the start screamed "get off the bike." I could feel every one of the 10,000' climbing from yesterday. But had to do this ride--even though I've done Mt. Tam Double numerous times and always finish in the top third on the course full of rollers that I love--last year they ran the middle section backwards--going out to the Coast. Great--instead of a tailwind we'd now cross Marin in a headwind. No doubt the organizers want to get us out of Petaluma, the largest city en route, in the morning instead of late in the day. I figured after last year they'd change back--and due to death in family I didn't do the double last year. But organizers didn't and I wanted to become familiar with the course.

As mentioned I love the Double--with two tough climbs we wouldn't do today. But the rest of the Course is filled with "Italian Rollers*"--the ones that are too long and steep to attack and have to grind up, and "Eddie Stanky Rollers*"--the ones you can fly over if you get a running start off the downhill section if the previous roller. I like the Italian Rollers, Ward flys over the Eddie Stanky Rollers. (*In Italy seemingly every roller looked gentle at the beginning, and after a curve in the road suddenly apparent that the road still went up another 600' and grade had jumped 10%+. Eddie Stanky was "The Brat" of the NY Giants who, on third base tag up plays would stand 10' BEHIND third base and then get a running start just before the catch--baseball had to amend the rule book to ban this.)

Ward and I started out near where the Double starts, but instead of going towards and over Mt. Tam we kept inland through the very familiar Nicasio. Near Big Rock (short

but steep climb near the beginning--some co-eds wondered if we were on the Tour de Marin ride. At Nicasio--12' miles down the road the co-eds pulled in, pulled out terrible maps and an I phone (they needed the gadget pimped in San Gregorio during the TdF)--no one could figure out that their turn around rest stop was about 500' down the road. "But the ride arrows make no sense!" Turns out that turn around rest stop was about 500' to the right of the stop sign in upper right hand corner.

While almost ready to leave an English (or Australian, or Kiwi (Ward's guess), or South African (my guess) pulled in yapping and wanted to know if we were on the ride or training for a Century. When I told him training for a Double he whined "oh, doubles are for girls--I do back to back doubles--you must be a type A personality." I was too tired for his shit, so just walked away to take some photos.

Yappy New Zealand guy will have trouble at this point in the course.

Flat for a few miles out of Nicasio--some friendly guy passed us saying hi--Ward gave me the"NO CHASING" sign, and again that was my last intent. Then we turned right heading East towards Petaluma and had to go over the attention getting Cheese Factory climb. Loads of cyclists going over it--many struggling, we came off it with two young guys wearing U of Michigan jersey's and their buddy wearing the wrong Domo (Lotto Domo) jersey. When we hit the flats they pushed the pace and ward jumped in behind them. This hurt---luckily Ward decided to jump off when we hit the small hills outside Petaluma.

Glad doing the route as we diddled around missing a turn or two. Ward had done the Century run the same day as the Double so he was familiar with where we should be--but both of us a little challenged as on how to get there. Houses nice and unique in Petaluma but roads the shits--full of cracks and potholes.

Front yard decorations in Petaluma.

Leaving Petaluma a familiar subdivision climb, a few sudden turns, but soon on a 12 mile stretch of Chileno Valley Road though cow country. Yep--a headwind. We passed a guy in a Garmin-Cervelo kit--he joined us and shared the workload for part of the road. Slow course, but more from headwind than rollers.

Cow crossing in mid Marin--at least sign doesn't smell.

Looking for the map in cow country. Another uniquely landscaped yard.

As we got closer to West Marin the rollers picked up and the sky turned cloudier.

Did we miss a turn-emergency map check-Ward photo

Alright, I'm stoked--less headwind and more rollers-Ward photo.

Slow course across Marin--seemingly slower as not sure where we were going. Over every rise we expected Highway 1--so we'd be near a town--but it was about 15 miles zig zagging around. Finally reached Valley Ford--tiny town with lots of traffic.

Valley Ford is in background--apart from pavement little has changed -Ward photo

Sunflowers in Valley Ford.

Ward capturing the interesting architecture.

Long stop at general store in Valley Ford, we had really been hoping for the bakery in Tomales that Cervelo guy had told us about. Of course I wanted to go the wrong way leaving Valley Ford--Ward properly turned around and all was good until the first short 12% climb followed by a short 10% climb followed by.... You get the idea. Ward kinda knew where we were as he remembered the pain from these hills in the Century. I didn't remember much until we hit a fast downhill outside Tomalas, and first advantage of doing course in reverse became apparent--usually have to do this as a tough climb into strong headwind.

Great bakery stop--bakery in a converted barber shop/ gas station. Ironic that yesterday on Skyline a clusterfuck of motorcycles around, today 1-2 rides and we bs'd with one motorcyclist and compared all of the same rodes we do.

Ward doesn't care that NO Hammer products at bakery.

The Bakery-Ward photo.

I wanted to get some money here but no ATM as "Not A Bank."

Legs had loosened up a little and energy started to come back--either from brownie bar or loss of the headwind. Now 7 miles down Highway 1 until another significant climb--"The Marshall Wall."

This part of Highway 1 full of semi Italian Rollers and Eddie Stanky Rollers, so Ward and I alternately enjoyed life. Ward's fun ended briefly when he came off a roller hard and steaming into the next one a car looking for a parking spot making a U turn on the Highway blocked the road and the momentum going up the next roller.

Suddenly we are at the Marshall Wall and stop at the Peace Bell 200' up the climb in order to take off knee warmers. When we were ready to go two riders came by like bats out of hell--one wearing the 2011 Barney Death Ride Purple Jersey. We started up a little after them, never thought we'd see them again--but soon these guys had died out and we were passing them. More importantly--found out that the Marshall Wall from the Coast is relatively easy--shorter and a tailwind on the climb. Sunny and about 75--when Ward and I regrouped at the top a few cyclists also stopped--one bug guy was dying from the HEAT. What heat?

Ward at the top of the Marshall Wall.

Instead of the slow 9 mile East to West run in to the Marshall Wall (slightly uphill rollers into a headwind) the West to East reverse course was fast. Soon at the Cheese Factory for the last rest stop. Cheese Factory climb was easy--and the usual fast run in through Nicasio and back up to Big Rock--it is mostly a gradual climb but we have the usual tailwind and while the Big Rock portion is steep it is real short from this direction..

Finally a good photo of Big Rock with Ward trying to show how big it is.

Coming off Big Rock I count the 22 turns--downhill here used to terrify me but counting the turns was a good calming mechanism and I still have fun doing same. Now 4-5 miles of a slight downhill with a wind and Ward is pulling me along at 25mph+, amazing with 199 miles in our legs from the weekend. This was a great ride--a lot more climbs than yesterday--luckily climbs alot shorter. Another ride to do again when 100 degrees in the East Bay. Luckily Mt Tam Double will have arrows in the ground but great to become re-familiar with the old sections of the ride and familiar with the new reverse sections.