DEVIL MOUNTAIN DOUBLE-2006

(April 29, 2006) Devil Mountain Double, 18,600' climbing, 206 miles, start w/ Don, Mike H., & Kitty, 17:24 hrs total time, 79th of 146 riders who finished (? how many started or average speed)


Unfortuantely this is one of the ride reports that got destroyed on Geocities. Below is an email I had sent about this brutal ride, with some notes added in orange.



Sometimes things just don’t work out (Paul Sherwin) Bet when I check my splits I was one of the slowest riders from Junction Café (mile 116) to end (206) Of course that meant I did real well until Junction. But afterwards I must have gotten off of bike a half dozen times, sweating profusely on climb (was it low grade fever or Amishdale wool shirt?), feet killing me as metatarsal balls digging into arches (ripped them off arch support at Crothers-mile 151), feet, back and knees hurting so couldn’t stand from Mt Hamilton inwards—and po’d that I wanted to sag in.

Couldn’t climb and until feet pain subsided after cosmetic surgery on arches felt every bump in the road when coming down Hammy. Sagging in was a recurring theme from Hamilton onward as riders I had easily passes in the morning were now shooting by me, and I had nothing-but pain. Then at “Pet the Goat” (mile 161) when my lights didn’t show up and I mentioned to Kitty (woman’s 1st place in Stage Races last year) that I was thinking of sagging in she said “you NEVER sag in” just take longer at rest stops. Actually at rest stops I felt better, it was on the bike between rest stops I felt like crap.—what had been 5 minute rest stops earlier in the day were now 10-15 stops along with 2-3 impromptu stops from Junction onward.



I was having so much fun in the morning, well after I missed going into the ditch by the Athenian School in the dark right before we begin the climb up Diablo. (Mini Cat-Eye not cutting it at hight speed in the dark.) Fast morning sprint to Diablo, I lost Don when he dropped a water bottle in the dark. Inversion layer on Diablo lead to a surprise warm top as Grizzly Mark and I hammered up. (est 1:08 climb from South Gate, time 6:44) Downhill wasn't that bad and Donna nicely waiting for me at the base to take excess clothes/ thermal vest before heading off to Morgan Territory Climb (time 9:01). Luckily I retained buff and put over mouth as fruit flies were out on this pothole covered climb. Uncle Steve up at top working the rest stop--he's done this ride the last few years and he climbs slowly (does everything else fast.)



Felt great going down to Altamont and next gentle climb up Patterson Pass. Well gentle when I did practice run with Steve and said how easy it is, and he said "if windmills are turning you are screwed." Well turning they were so whole climb was in block headwind.



Still felt wonderful on start (time 11:39) of long but gentle Mines Road climb; zipping by anyone I saw on the road. Many Diablo Cyclists were doing the "whimpy ride"-- the 125 mile Mt. Hamilton Challenge that runs against us--and I passed a group of them near their Mines Road rest stop. Later many told me how happy I looked--and I was. My plan had been to go hard to the top of Mt. Hammy then recover on the long (20 mile) downhill-- but that was about to change.



Roared into Junction Cafe, mile 116 at 1:27. Legandary long distance rider Ish giving massages but unlike Knoxville this is a timed event so I told him I'd take a rain check and got out of the stop in 11 minutes-hell, up to this point I figure I only spent 37 minutes at rest stops.



As had done the whole ride, nibbled on food leaving the rest stops so as not to lose time. Fast course leaving junction turns into series of harder and harder rollers. Suddenly I wasn't going that fast on the fast portion, and was passed by some cyclists on the rollers who looked like they shouldn't pass me, but I couldn't put in a dig back to them. Energy felt real low. And as I had stood on climbs for much of this ride, the meditarsal domes that prevent my toes from cramping on flatter rides was now digging through my instep with every pedal stroke.



The climb up the steep side of Mt. Hamilton is only 5 miles but it was brutal--and felt like the rolling dead when I reached the water stop manned by Tom of Tandemhearts--his wife was somewhere on this ride. I didn't want to leave the water stop but did after 18 minutes. Another mile to reach the top--where the rough downhill continued to kill me as every jolt just shot up through my instep. Next rest stop at been moved to a house in a small subdivision--LAST house up a hill. Finally pulled into Crothers (time 4:55) and stayed another 15 minutes. I took off my shoes and ripped the domed cushions out of the arch.



Continue downhill and then onto Sierra Road--a brutal 4 mile climb. Well, wasn't so bad a few weeks before when I did it in @35 minutes, while scrubbing speed so I could set a target for Mike who is not a climber. Well now I was trying to go hard and I "sped" up at 48:29. Every steep hairpin was kicking me in the you know what.




I'm getting close to the top of Mt. Hamilton from the hard side and in the last 10 miles I've lost energy and feet hurt. Note BMX glove on my left hand as it is covering a brace on my broken finger. (Tom of TandemHearts photo, later his wife would call it quits at this point.)



More rollers off of Sierra Road and on the downhills I'm just coasting and trying to alternate taking my feet out of the pedals. Get to the "Pet the Goat" mini-rest stop (time 6:25) where I sent one of my two 10 watt lights; it is still light out but still have to go over Calavaras and will probably pull into Sunol just when it is turning dark. Go to get my lights--they are not at the rest stop. That is when I lose it and am ready to quit--luckily Kitty is there. She isn't the fastest rider in the world but probably manages rest stops better than anyone, she eventually won the women's division of the Triple Crown Stage Race series. She gets her schoolteach voice on and says "you NEVER sag in." After 10 minutes and NOT PETTING NO FN GOAT I continued through Calavaras, usually a fast section if the course, now everyone was moving fast except for me. I was surprised to have not seen Don, but he was pacing Mike through much of the course.



Twilight set in as I came into Sunol (8:00) but the fast road in and cooler weather had me get back some energy--also knowing that most of the climbs were now behind me. Was ready to leave when Don pulled in--prospect of riding with him was nice, he's real easygoing, and now we'd be riding rural roads in total darkness so two lights are better than one.



We went down the Niles Canyon mini highway--narrow shoulder and lots of cars. Wish I wasn't such a weight weenie now and had something more than a mini-LED backlight. Then turn onto Palamaras climb which was cool in the darkness--strange animal sounds and running water. Then back into civilization, nasty Crow Canyon Road with no shoulder and lots of traffic-Don almost got wiped out by a boat on a trailer, and lightly traveled Norris Canyon Road--who cared about more short steep climps as there was no traffic. which dropped us into surburbia and one business park away from teh finish at 10:24 pm, 17:24 total time with @74 minutes of rest stops.


So good news is I did ride and finished—which would have delighted me years ago. Actually it would have delighted me when in I and Jessie were in Intensive Care this winter. But I had bigger expectations (a top third finish and feeling strong at the end) instead of feeling like crap. Part of my motivation had been to finish at 8:45 so I wouldn’t have to ride in the dark so much, bit finishing at @10:30 kind of killed that plan. (Actually Palomaras at nite is kinda cool with running water off the side. Crow canyon Highway sucks.) Mike was the last rider to get to "Pet the Goat" in the light and get his picture taken there. He didn't finish far behind Don/ I, and in a much better mood that I was in.



And is it harder than the Terrible Twos. 6 weeks of less training and endless climbs (TT had 2 great long straight sections on Silverado and along Ocean, DMD really just has one around Altamont—whole ride is climbing) and more climbs (TT had 5 climbs-DMD has 7).Sign of the times—day before I was po’d to learn that we’d have to get off the bike and walk it on Sierra Road at a 40’ closed section. On the ride I was delighted.



I guess I got my wish—the whole week I thought it would be great to finish with Don. But he had been riding with Mike and taking a long time at rest stops earlier. So I guess my wish should have been more explicit. To finish with Don but 2 hours earlier.



Weather notes
cold foggy below 2500’ on Diablo, clear and sunny on Top Sunny going up tree shades Morgan-cold, fogy and windy going down. Overcast and block headwind on Patterson Pass. Sunny up most of Mines Road-scorching (someone said 90) up Hamilton. Sunny but cooling on Sierra.

TIERRA BELLA DOUBLE METRIC-2006

(April 8, 2006) TIERRA BELLA Double Metric, 127 miles, 7130' climbing, @7:45-5:30, 16.5 average w/Big Mike, Ward, Jack, Steve, on 120+ mile course; w/ Jeannie, Don, Chris, Doug and Brian on first 58 miles (where 100 & 120 mile course split) Thanks to Ward and his new GPS toy, this is rest stop/ elevation of Tierra Bella. Ward also figured out how late we started, how long we were at each rest stop, and how many blonds were on the road earlier in the day. We should have started at 7:10-7:20 instead of 7:45 (would have saved 30 minutes), skipped rest stop at mile 13 (save 10 minutes) and all others should stay for no more than 10 minutes--20 minutes at Silver Creek where Jack had a mechnical (save 24 minutes.) So if we didn't goof around would have come in easily an hour+ earlier . At least we got quicker out of rest stops as the day went on.

At the beginning of last year was waiting to see how weather shook out--and when I decided to register for Tierra Bella just two weeks before it occurred the ride was already filled up and closed. At the end of last year, after my crash and looking like shit, told Big Mike I'd like to do this one 4 months away--he said he love to see my try to come back from my injuries and ride it. With all this anticipation the Tierra Bella kind of fell off the radar as now focus on doubles so century rides are not that important and it rained almost every day in March, with no letup in April. Been concentrating on route descriptions and time splits of similar riders for Devil Mountain Double, which I signed up for day after Solvang, so I finally read about the Tierra Bella two days before the event. Hmmm 7000+ feet of climbing, and my Litespeed is in the shop undergoing a bottom bracket overhaul (FSA mega-X0 bearings shot after only 1 1/4 years??) so I'd have to take the steel GT, 5+ pounds heavier. But I didn't care,-great training for the DMD, so didn't even take off the rack.

Very popular Diablo Cyclist ride, some of the "oldtimers" recounting the route changes over the years and the big Metcalf climb, which had fixed gear Don and Brian actually bring out a bike with a derailleur. I'm sure 10 years ago much more rustic, and that nature of route has drastically changed due to explosive South Bay growth.

Plan was to start at 7:30, which is too late for a 120 miler (see Mt Hamilton last year), but was appreciated when I had to set the clock for super early 4:00 for the 1 1/2 hour drive. Starting place at Gavilan College in Gilroy showed how much organization and great support Almaden Cycling Club would provide--plenty of parking with lots of volunteers in lot directing the cars nicely. Then at registration windows a NOVEL idea with signs over each one that said "ANY LINE OK"--not like alpha sorted madness/lines at most events that have some huge J-K-L-M-N check in lines that take a half hour+ to get through (waiting on Death Ride lines harder than doing all passes) , while no one cued up on the X-Y-Z line. Only thing strange is that we couldn't get a 120 mile route sheet, and were told that it would be available at the 3rd rest stop. Sure enough one of us (Chris) was late changing into their cycling clothes so we first left at 7:45. Not before Jack made fun of the cloth covering I put on rack to act like a mudguard, "looks like something (local bike eccentric) Dick A. would invent," and Steve made fun of my mismatched glove--BMX glove on my left hand to hold and protect brace--with regular cycling glove on right hand. I told some people that the mud cover on rack was a wind faring to make me go faster...Thanks to Almaden Cycling club photographer who got us all in at rest stop 2, Coyote River--the more rustic portion of the ride. That is Jack hiding in the back.-we tried to get Jeanie in the front but Don did what he usually does when riding and pushed his way to the front.

First rest stop only 13 miles away mostly on roads off the beaten path with enough rollers to separate the group. With so many doubles or strong 120 milers we normally would have blown off the first rest stop, but we wanting to regroup so we made the sharp right turn over a badly placed cattle guard (some woman fell in on the turn.) BS'd with some folks from Benicia Cycling Club we do rides with. Alameden Cycling Club worker going around taking rider photos. Good date/ nut cake. I know Jack and Steve were impatient as we probably stayed there 15 minutes, which would be the MO of the day.

As soon as we left a climb started, which I liked as chance to warm up, as ride was now on back roads with lots of shade cast by trees. Actually nice once we got going as a pleasant 60 degrees and partially sunny. A 5 mile climb over a gentle grade, which Chris, Mike and I going at a good working pace. At one point near the top we passed 3-4 young guys who then jumped back past us and the race was on. But the downhill was steep and curvy (someone dressed as skeleton with a slow down sign), I fell off but Chris and Mike were off to the races, joined by Ward who came over the top and down rapidly . I was now in no mans land--off by myself. When I got near the bottom of the downhill figured I'd take it easy and wait for the rest of the Diablo Cyclists. No need to wait as Steve came roaring by. He slowed for me when the road flatted out and then it was all business as Steve was determined to catch Big Mike and Big Chris--though I told him no way we'd catch those powerhouses together unless we chased them for 100 miles. (Chris is the Ludo Dierckxsen of the Club, will go balls out until he can't go any longer, Mike, the strongest rider I know, will pace himself better but he doesn't train but rides himself into shape as the year goes by--so his endurance probably down this early in the season. We went a few mile and then saw Ward ahead with one of the guys from the race group, so then we had a 4 man for the 18 miles to the Coyote River Rest Stop at mile 37. I think Steve was a little frustrated that we never saw Chris/ Mike up ahead--and when we finally pulled into the rest stop they were already looking very comfortable. Wait another 5 minutes for rest of Diablo Cyclists, more date/ nut bread. Another volunteer taking photos. A few huge multicolor hula-hoop out--I exclaim loudly that they are the Rivendall Speedblend tires I just bought for my "get coffee" hybrid. We again get out of rest stop 15 minutes after pulling in.

Now we head towards civilization, streets with traffic. I'm a little frustrated, I finally put an odometer that works on the road (had one for when bike is on trainer), but had forgot to reset it until we left rest stop 1. Plus didn't know the course and the terrain coming up.. The big climb of the day, Metcalf, loomed ahead. Lucidly on the 5 mile run in on the Monterey Highway Chris, probably feeling bad that he was changing clothes at the start when we wanted to leave, decided to pull the whole way. Chris did a great job as we flew by all the cyclists on the shoulder--most cyclists riding two abreast heeded Chris' "on your left” warning and moved over--I was sitting 2nd wheel and would call out greetings. . But woe to the cyclists who didn't heed Chris, twice person blocking our way didn't move an inch--Chris passed ever so closely and then cut them off as soon as he was in front of them.Almaden Cycling Club takes photos of all the riders at this rest stop.

All of a sudden we were on the Metcalf climb-47 miles into the ride. Only two miles but medium steep and I didn't know how long it would be. And sun was out in full force--I felt great. . I set a moderate pace and kept passing all the cyclists ahead. One guy passes me and I ramped up the pace to stay off his wheel though I couldn't repass. Hand strength in injured hand 1/2 of what it should be (measured at p.t day before) but I no longer have much trouble grabbing the hoods, so I could stand on the pedals whenever I wanted to. About the time I crested I passed another two cyclists and then Big Mike came roaring up to join me up at the same time. I think about slowing to regroup but the two cyclists I just pass put on the gas and repassed, and Mike chasing. I was already pissed about being dropped on the last downhill, and this downhill was straighter than the last so I took it more at speed and hustled back to get on Big Mike's wheel when on the flats and then held on to the back of the pelaton-at one point a rider who we passed jumped right in front of me on Mike's wheel but was no holding a line--didn't want to take a chance and repass on narrow road. . A few other cyclists that we passed joined in and we flew into Silver Oak School, 9 miles away, mile 57. We got in about 11:40 but wouldn't leave for 30 minutes. Again rest of Diablo Cyclists rejoined in about 5 minutes, and Jack another 5 minutes behind as he had a flat and his brake rubbing against tire. This stop had the "Sweet and Salty" bars that I love, so started a diet of a couple of them, half banana, and mixed a new batch of Perpetuem.Our group bsing before we'd split on the Course.

Cutoff to start bonus loop of 26.5 miles, 2200' feet of climbing, which Tierra Bella said would take 2 hours, was 12:30 and we finally left at 12:15, after picking up the bonus loop route sheet. It showed us continuing north to the base of Mt Hamilton in San Jose. About half of our group decided to do the 100 mile route, but Steve had befriended a mountain bike racer named Jeff who joined us for the bonus loop. At this point the road tuned suburban ugly as we weaved through subdivision after subdivision, traffic picked up, load of street changes and doing the bonus loop seemed like a mistake. At least most turns were well marked turns. When we first left Silver Oak we were pretty sluggish but Steve would have none of that and picked up the pace. As I am the 2005 Diablo Cyclist Club Champion--in getting lost., I was happy that Steve and Ward did most of the pulling and spotting the turns. This part was an "out and back" and as we got closer to Alum Rock, 10 miles away, cyclists going the other way gave us the "shit eating grin"--probably thinking "you suckers don't know what you are in for." We'd have the same smirks when we were riding back and other were cyclists first coming out.

Don't remember when the series of climbs started, but all of a sudden we hit a series of short but steep climbs maybe 2 blocks long but 10% grades. We'd see a dead end approaching and just KNOW that the road was turning to the UPHILL side. On the Alum Rock-Crothers-Mt Hamilton loop some of the grades hit 19%. I was feeling good and happy on the climbs as I figured good DMD training and could easily stand--don't think anyone else was in a good mood. At one point off the front and suddenly wonder "OH SHIT am I going the right way," so I slow for someone I had passed wearing a"Triple Crown" jersey so I could ask. On fast downhill on Mt Hamilton back to Alum Rock again and had a fleeting thought that I had gone the wrong way and how the hell would I get back to Gilroy. Luckily rest of Diablo Cyclists came down behind me and we went behind a parked semi and did a symbolic Sierra Club dedication towards the golf course--symbolic to me as no doubt tomorrow there will be Masters-Masters-Masters-Green Jacket news without a mention of Paris Roublex. At first rest stop-early in the morning-relatively warm and dry--finally. Nice touch Almaden Cycling Club running around with cameras at rest stops. Back towards Silver Oak School stop, which we got to at 2:15, yep, it took 2 hours. Now at now barren rest stop 10 minutes as due to close soon and next rest stop would close within the hour (though route sheet had more generous times, signs posted had rest stops closing 1/2 hour earlier.) Now through industrial park sections where Ward continued to take long pulls. I am content to sit near the back until we got to a subdivison with a castle type entry gate which had 3 thing that was like waving a red flag in front of a bull. 1) A long cobbled entryway, 2) An immediate steep uphill, 3) Riders from ANOTHER club. I went up hard and I try not to look back, after I pass on a climb I figure I should go full out just as if the other rider was right on my ass. Now, with the super fast riders long gone, I managed to pass the rest of the riders I encountered on any hill for the rest of the day.

I was actually happy at my aggressive mindset as with everything that happened in the past few months I lost most of the my competitive fire--if passed on a climb on a Club ride by someone I that I could easily stay with I really didn't care and let them go. But as series of Doubles are timed events I was worried that I'd be too laid back going into them--so the Tierra Bella got me stoked. And knew I had to go hard up every climb as I am worst descended in group, and Steve would be hammering to get back to me--when he did I'd return the favor re what he did earlier, wait for him, and then we'd two man. In any event there'd be at least one noticeable climb between every rest stop for the rest of the ride. Ward also wouldn't let me pull for long, especially when I wouldn't follow an arrow as it looked like it was going into a shopping center parking lot.

We got to next rest stop at mile 99 at 3:28. Nice park (McKean/ Calero.) Route would again get scenic. More "Sweet and Salty." and again 3 porta-potties (which is appreciated when some rides have only 1 w/ long lines per stop.) Now getting out of rest stops faster--in @10 minutes, as they are all due to close shortly after we arrive.. Another climb I went hard on, on downhill a guy who I had passed shot by just when road was flatting out. I pulled a Museeuw and just rode behind him. Slowed down to regroup when we got to intersection, guy jumps away on turn but Diablo Cyclists just 1/2 minute behind, we get into 6 person paceline and shortly pass solo rider who was left dangling in the wind. Great being able to put in an effort and then rest behind Steve, Jack, Ward, Big Mike and Jeff who was still riding with us.

Not sure where this happened by tragedy almost struck. We're pacelining on the shoulder of another busy road--and Ward hit an uneven lip on the asphalt which suddenly had him propelled off the road into the high grass towards a ditch or worse. Using his mountain bike skills he kept the bike upright and returned shaken but OK--ready to lead me into the next climb--flew by more people from other clubs--and again Steve rejoined me at the end of the downhill and we two manned to the next rest stop. At some point the road became rustic again and passed a nice looking reservoir--only traffic the frequent passing SAG vehicle.

At Machado School., mile 114, 4:35. Though have talked and corresponded about doubles with Steve had never ridden with him so I was surprised when he starts puking. But told that this is normal for him and he was OK. Now near end of ride so I had some of the deli wraps that I had bypasses at the 2nd rest stop. We may have stayed here for 15 minutes.

Now our pace line joined by a NYer who was working Sea Otter tomorrow and we bs'd about training and racing. I was frustrated that I wasn't exactly sure where end of ride was as I usually feel better at mile 120 than mile 10 and love to go hard at the end. Jack now picking up the pace as he feels the same way, and Steve would never slack off if we slowed. Finally got to Santa Theresa Blvd. so I knew finish was a mile away so when Steve jumped I went with him.

College parking about 4/5 empty as 60 & 100 milers and people who started 128 miler at 7:00 and not 7:45 long gone. Nice meal at end--Almaden Bike Club ran a first class event. (Can you guys run the Solvang Double???, please) Only negative--about 1/2 the ride in suburbia or on heavily traveled roads.

Post ride meal great chance to b.s. and recap the ride. We tell Jeff about other great century rides, and talk about what constitutes a great century***. We also keep wondering how we came in so late--in reality we should have left 30 minutes earlier and 100 minutes of rest stops 30-50 minutes more than we use on the doubles. Mike and Ward real tired (we all were, just a little less) and Mike surprised when Jack and I both agreed that this ride definitely harder than the Solvang 200.

Long long drive back home, but I am real happy as it was an unexpected day when good legs and good breathing come together--the type of day that anything is possible. Now put in a 200 mile ride and a very hilly double metric for training, though Devil Mountain Double would be 50% longer with 3x as much climbing. But my bike will be lighter and my gearing will be easier (27x with a compact crank.) Unfortunately will not have 5 compatriots to ride with. With next weeks Diablo Cyclist Mt Hamilton run I hope to go in to DMD well prepared. Can't do much more than what I've been doing. Thanks to Ward and his new GPS toy, this is rest stop/ elevation of Tierra Bella. Ward also figured out how late we started, how long we were at each rest stop, and how many blonds were on the road earlier in the day. We should have started at 7:10-7:20 instead of 7:45 (would have saved 30 minutes), skipped rest stop at mile 13 (save 10 minutes) and all others should stay for no more than 10 minutes--20 minutes at Silver Creek where Jack had a mechanical (save 24 minutes.) So if we didn't goof around would have come in easily an hour+ earlier . At least we got quicker out of rest stops as the day went on.

***So what constitutes a great century. ***
There is 1st rate support
1) Uncrowded check in lines (any line open to all!)
2) Patch and as many maps as you like.
3) Frequent passing sags
4) Energetic, enthusiastic and friendly volunteers.
5) Numerous toilets in start area (here they could have had more) and at rest stops.
6) Rest stops with a variety of carbs (BONUS for unique local goods and/or Hammar products)7) Variety of sports drink (not just Gatoraid or even worse, just lemonaid)
8) Good hot meal at the end.
9) Frequent photography
10) Bike repair at rest stops

Second is great route
11) Little traffic.
12) Nice rustic scenery.
13) "Oh wow" view
14) Maintained roads
15) Memorable climbs
16) Good road markings, especially well before downhill turns
17) Few road changes
18) Minimal traffic lights

SOLVANG DOUBLE-2006

(March 25, 2006) SOLVANG DOUBLE, 200 miles, 5:40-7:20, Don +3 flats, me +2 flats, 17.6 until it got dark--where my cordless odometer wouldn't work with a light on. w/ Don (on fixed gear) and CA Mike rain-rain-rain

Listening to Patti Smith’s Cartwheels at work and felt same sort of uneasiness as back in 2004 before chicanery had me doing Century rides solo. But now not doing solo--but it is an unknown double. After Knoxville thought that this would be a piece of cake—now after a lousy winter (I was in ICU with head injury 4 month prior and then daughter had brain surgery with same neurosurgeon)…

My goal for this one is to keep a few of us together—if not now, when? After a winter where I felt like I was 70, I just want to have fun with the guys I train with—can go balls out the rest of the year. This is not a timed event and relatively flat. I’m just looking at this as a ride to get in miles for the Devil Mountain Double—lots of climbing doesn’t scare me as much as additional miles. Cal Mike not feeling good after flu for month so he will probably have the most difficulty but Don on a fixed gear, Jack admittedly not particularly strong on last weekend training ride and lots of emails from Steve who likes flat courses—he is looking forward to hammering this one so don’t expect to see him. So if we ride at Jack’s pace-and we scramble out of the rest stops-CA Mike should be able to stay with us if we pull him along.

Week of
Jessie (daughter) doing good, probably her last week off from school. We went full circle as on Wednesday I took her to the buritto shop that I would eat dinner at while she was in the hospital. Forecast for weekend looked good, on Monday the high for Solvang was forecast to be 69 degrees, partly cloudy, with a 20% chance of rain (day before 72 degrees, sunny, 0 %). By Friday AM forecast had been revised to 65 degrees, partly cloudy and 30% change of rain (by Friday evening it was rain overnight and 70% chance of rain.) I also got the brace off middle finger early in the week—though still have to use it for lifting, sleeping and athletics. I had planned to use it at Solvang anyway, but at least with the brace off 2/3 of the time my raw skin can finally heal. But hand still hurts a lot when I try to close it—luckily I triple tape the tops of bars (though double tape drops still hurt.) Finally, as cassette not working properly on double metric Mines Road ride bike into bike shop—new cassette-chain damages spokes replaced and told that new bottom bracket needed soon. Two new tires put on American Classic wheels.

As this crept up on me—doubt I would be doing it until 2-3 weeks ago, no arrangements to drive down or share room.

Day of
Friday morning ez trainer-40 minutes at 60-70% hr; last year in mileage induced state want to preride everything. In Jan-Feb I have 150 LESS miles than last year but 3x as many trainer minutes.

Drove down Highway 5 which was boring as shit, then across to Paso Robles on 101. Hit a few bike shops along the way, Charm less K-Man Cyclery in warehouse building, but nice clerks, and while in store they were playing TdF 2001 and SERVAIS KNAVEN name blasted out by Phil Liggett. Bought a couple of water bottles for the two K men, Jack and I. Cambria Cyclery in San Luis Obispo was a nicer store but and picked up some clothes—a great artsy cat coffee mug for wife next odor but they didn’t take ATM (and closed when I returned on Sunday.)

What seemed like forever driving reached Bullerton at 4:00-napped until 5 :30 as I was beat, and then drove to Solvang where I met Mike, Mrs Mike and Jack for decent pasta dinner. Jack says if it rains overnight into morning he’ll just drive home—“no big deal” about getting Triple Crown credit. Solvang nice looking mock Dutch town with absolutely nothing I want to buy—at one point I said Hallmark artist Thomas Kincaid should have a store her, Mike said “it is across the street.”

Scenes from Solvang. Christmas all Year round--i'm ready to move there.

This was my first Planet “known for lousy support” Ultra event. First big sign at check in said “patronize local restaurants—no food at end of ride.” FIRST Century/ Double I've done not to feed riders. I asked for a 2nd route (no map) sheet “no, you need to get it at a rest stop, no extras here.” Lights could be turned in and strangely brought to the 2nd to last rest stop at mile 144—and I didn’t have a bag or magic marker. And they had a whole table selling stuff-especially the ankle reflectors that would cause you to dq if you didn’t have them on at night. Everyone said goodnite way to early, I got a cup of coffee and walked off dinner looking around cutesy town and finally found an ATM. Back to hotel to watch weather channel and see predictions for rain overnight and “50 & dry all over with scattered rain towards pm.. Oh shit. All night long I thought I hear rain and woke up at 1, 2, 3, and then startled by 3:45 alarm clock. Luckily I went to sleep at 10:30. But like I found w/ Donna years ago when we did a 50 miler at Solvang—walked outside and it was cool but dry-dry-dry.

I was going to go hatless and no rain jacket, or turn in jacket to bring at mile 144 as it usually got 10 degrees cooler from 3-6pm. But the afternoon rain forecast had me luckily wearing both my Domo Cap and the rain jacket in lieu of a 2nd vest.

Jack had set the departure time of 5:30. Ran into Steve and Don at parking lot. Don said 5:30 was his plan also. On this ride you leave when you feel like it. When we cued up at 5:30 Steve already off to the races—and NO Jack. People wondered if he started already, if he knew where to meet us etc-I said he was an “asst professor” lets give him 10 minutes. At 5:35 Jack shows up and has to turn in his main light—we start between 5:40-5:45.

Start
Head east where we’ll “U turn” in Santa Ybez and then head Northwest along Foxen Canyon Road to Santa Maria. Ride starts on a moderately long but easy uphill-great way to start to get warm. On a ride with many turns Foxen Canyon is the longest stretch, 17 miles, and it relatively slightly downhill punctuated with smaller rollers and a tailwind. Don, on his fixed gear, keeps a great steady pace on the flats and uphill rollers but he can’t spin fast enough on the downhill portions where it is easy to coast. Conversely Mike falls back on the uphill rollers and scrambles to catch up on the downhills. I try to stay in the middle to give Mike a target. On the flats we do a comfortable 20-22mph, though a few pacelines come roaring by at 26-28mph. Jack grabs one and he is long gone. From time to time I’ll do a sprint out but then fall back to be with my compatriots. The farm land surrounding is nice—kind of like the Santa Rosa area. Dark clods are ominous to the northwest hanging of the coats. Maybe like Strawberry fields they’ll stay there. In this section I am getting so warm the jacket come off (also I have to piss every hour until the afternoon.) A few cars pass—they are actually Planet Ultra Sag vehicles out in force.

Mile 38 1st rest stop outside Santa Maria, 7:46, 18.2 average speed. About 10 minutes at rest stop—just at the corner of a field. Here they have strange combination of Sustained Energy and Gatorade. Lots of riders (550 entered for this one) rushing to the Hammer Nutrition smorgasbord. One rider yelled at for trying to take the stuff himself—I dump a premeasured two scoops into my bottle. Turns out plain Sustained Energy has a malt like flavor-good, while Tropical Fruit hammergel tastes like shit. They have E caps-NOT endurolights, I take 2 at each rest stop (except for #2) and then I top off my maldterian with water. Spot Tom and Veronica pulling out. Rest stop 1 (38m, 7:46, 18.2 avg, stay for about 10 min-piss behind crowded outhouses.) On back on the road and I spot two bicycles carrying luggage in the back; I slow to bs with Tom, Veronica for a minute or two—nice folks Hard to believe it was 2003 we did the Holstein semi-together. We start following a group of riders through Paso Robles, the arrows on the road have become less and less frequent (later told that they were put down that AM and were washed away by rain)—finally someone yells are we are going the wrong way. Everyone stops—determined we have to backtrack to get back on course—adds a mile of slow town riding. At mile 55-56 we get on another long stretch, 12 miles of Thomson Avenue—and soon we are hit with a pesky drizzle. Luckily Don and I had stopped to put on rain jackets (Mike wearing his one under his jersey.) Unluckily Don has a flat—just when the rain starts picking up. Our trio stays together for the flat change-Don remains calm while I think I’d scream if I had to change flat in the rain. My Glove soaked and hand can’t close, and I start to shiver worse than when I am going down Diablo underdressed. Don fixes flat quickly—we get going, I ride hard uphill to get warm when boom—another flat-Don used a patched tube that handed held. More rain—and this time I just shake right away. Right after he fixes both flats a sag shows up with a floor pump.
Me, Don (on a fixed gear) and CA Mike rolling through the rain, for about 30 miles between miles 40 & 80. A rarity that we are rolling as Don had 3 flats while it was raining--and the SAG wagons to help were............nowhere (Probably taken by sag driver Victor Cooper who I'd ride with on the Eastern Sierra hailstorm 3 years later)

Get going again—another crazy on a Rivendale fixed comes by and he keeps wanting to ride ahead of Don or me. I am not drafting anyone—even with racing fenders Don’s bike is squirting water back—and this guy in the fixes is now shooting lots of water up. It is windy so water going on glasses despite hat and trying to wipe with wet glove only smears more—so I put in a few digs to stay in front of Rivendale guy. Rivendale guys is also a little wacko—he yells at a few people “your ass is foaming” as suds build on clothes that had too much soap in laundry. (or too much butt creame)

I’ll guess rest stop 2 in Arroyo Grande but I’m not sure. (Rest stop 2-mile 83, no statistics, probably stayed for 25 minutes) Huge crowd at rest stop—it is raining hard, with cinder block bathroom building. I grab two cliff bars too eat—maybe I’m nit eating enough and that is why I’m cold, and stay close to wall behind bathrooms under awning.. Mike finds me chattering like a skeleton—Don is under the playground structure—what else, changing a flat. Someone suggests I move to the front of the building so the wind is blocked but I’m in just as bad shape—one guy keeps asking me “are you OK.” I finally go into men’s room-bring bike with me--surprisingly uncrowded and has a hand dryer in lieu of paper towels. Usually I hate those things, now I have it blowing on hands, in shirt on pants—other cyclists inside were unaware of it, a few come over and we share. At least I stop shivering when hot air hits me and I keep pressing button over and over. But even when door opens I start shivering again. Finally Mike yells don’s ready-I hope that hard riding will warm me up but for about 5 minutes I’m chattering away on bike. I get a Paris Roubaix visualization—but this is when they get to take hot showers at the end of the race. Mike suggests that if this keeps up he can call his wife who can pick us up. I agree to this. Then I start thinking of all the $$$ spent on this, how I need doubles prep, I can toughen it out, and the rain turns into drizzle—still cold but now a reprieve,. I cycle close to mike and yell “fuck Mike, we are finishing this ride!” Road flatens out and Mike comes up—he does a good job organizing pacelines At this point body feels OK, rain more a pain than anything—and I think 1/3 done, 120 miles left of riding in the rain which I once did (actually just 60 miles in rain) in Santa Rosa.

With wet feet and soggy glove underlines we soon get where Hwy 1 and 101 combine and start a 12 miles trek-slightly uphill, on the shoulder. Here we need to miss debris and riders riding abreast of each other across the shoulder. Don can’t slow down and speed up—he need to ride at a steady pace—and that he does all day—beating most people up climbs. Sun was peaking through clouds and getting slightly warmer. At beginning of ride I’d lag for Mike as we could easily coast up to Don on the downhills, but after a few climbs with no appreciable downhill I’d suddenly be 300’ behind and have a hard time catching up to him. Soon we made a series of turns, was in another nondescript small town where THERE IT WAS-a GIANT ROCK growing out of the water. Morro Bay, mile 111, the furthest point on our ride. Morro Bay Control, , 12:17 17.9 avg speed, 2 minute stop). 6 ½ hours for the first 100 miles—at this rate we should finish at 6:30.

The only real scenic portion of this ride was riding toward Big Rock in Morro Bay. Otherwise for being near the Coast real drab--development gone amuck in Pismo Beach. Photo from Wikipedia.

I took these photos the day after the ride--found by Ward Industries Data Recovery Service.

Now we make a few turns away from the ocean, go through a park, and wind up at Lunch-Rest Stop 3, mile 115, 1:10, 17.9 average speed. This is one of the few official check ins—instead of recording your number the worker has to mark your number with a magic marker and puts a hole in it with a pen knife—kinda hard when the number is on the side panel 3 layers down. It is still lightly overcast—but calm and almost 60—it feels like a regular heat wave though shoes/socks still damp almost everything else is dry. Here they have Subway sandwiches which I forgo (come on, bring back for dinner) and continue my menu of another 2 scoops of Sustained Energy, a cliff bar and a banana at each rest stop. At this stop I add a shot of Hammergel to the Sustained Energy to get a chocolate malted.

We now start going through crowded Pismo Beach—this can’t be one of the “quiet, or “desolate” roads that frequent the ride description (some to think of it most roads had lots of traffic.) We may be along the Pacific Coats Highway but it is a far different that the stretch up north on the Terrible Two—this street full of stores and strip malls. We follow some riders and go off course by a block or two-don notices and we go back on course—on a busy street with a bike lane fronting rows of bungalow type houses. I’m in front and up ahead a pickup pulled out of his driveway and back is a few feet to the outside of the bike lane. I’m going and idiot does a U turn away from me and back in front of me blocking bike path-I yell, and turn my bike in direction idiot went-stick out my braced arm and forearm and slam his door so my bike wouldn’t hit. I’m pissed but OK though bruise on arm would hurt for rest of the ride. I’m even more pissed when a few blocks later—thump-thump-thump, back wheel flat.

There have been tons of folks on the side of the road with flats and notice lots of ambient glass-not big chunks but lots of little sparklers. At least I get the flat when sun is out and sidewalk to change it on. SAG vehicle drives right by without stopping.

We get back on an 11 mile stretch of Highway 1. Again we are going up and I can get out of the saddle more)-though hand is starting to sting and so is arm where I hit truck. But sun is now out and while climbing feeling good.

Getting kinda thirsty. In morning pissed on side of road before rest stop 1 and rest stop 2—after that comfortable before and waiting for each rest stop. Not drinking that much Maldextrian refilled water but ½ a Sustained Energy-Chocolote Hammergel malted before each rest stop. Wonder if I have to drink more. Arm where I hit truck sore—wearing arm warmers on climbs—which I never do unless freezing.

Suddenly we are at rest stop 4-Guadalupe-mile 144, 3:30, avg 17.8, stayed for about 10 minutes. Real bathroom at community Center. Ran into Doug from Sacto Wheelmen who did ride with us in Riverbank. Put on lights-unfortunately this was pick up spot, not next rest stop which would have made more sense. Asked for endurolites—told they are e-caps—mixed another sustained energy shake, and eat another cliff bar. . Mike bitching that they don’t have his soda.

Heat of day from 3:20-4:20 and sun was out so I should have been feeling good. But hand is throbbing, arm sore bugging me, and I skip a few pulls through farmland with Don setting a torrid pace. Mike calls him an animal—I quickly dub him a penguin in the hopes he’d slow down. Mike also observes that when Don says he will switch out his wheel for big climb both cassettes look identical. I promptly dub them the 17 and 17 ¼ gear. But mile 150 and I’m a little worried about my condition—hoping it doesn’t quickly go down the toilet as it has in Davis.

No need to worry, at mile 155 we get on an uphill 7 mile stretch of Highway 1 that turns into an 11 mil uphill stretch of Highway 135, with the wind to out back. I go to the front and set a nice pace—some lady passes and indicates she is getting over a broken collarbone and fell before. We slowly reel her in and repass, but I’m going at a comfortable pace so Don right on my wheel and Mike either on or not lagging by far. At one point Don indicates Mike is off so I slow and guy in yellow jacket and women go by. I drop back to help Mike, he comes up and says that guy in yellow jacket po’d him—he got on Mike’ wheel and wouldn’t exchanmge pulls. Now they are about 500’ up the road, next rest stop 2 miles away—so I sprint out at 27mph and catch and blow past yellow jacket guy and woman, then settle into 21 mph until I join a young guy paceline and pull into rest stop 5. Now 5:20, 17.9 average speed, mile 173. Stay for about 10 minutes—getting chilly so I get a cup of soup. People talking abouit BIG CLIMB coming up-9 miles-probably 3 steep-up Drum Canyon. I’m not scared of the fn climb-I welcome it as way to stretch out.

We start out and pass a couple wearing same jerseys—guy just blabbering away and he yells “look at those socks.” I tell him “guys on fixed gears can wear anything they want.” Young guy is impressed with Don—so is everyone else who noticed he was on a fixed gear. Don flying by everyone and I dig to stay with him, and then I just ride up at his pace—doing Tour of Flanders “Museeuw now in trouble” highlights. We get to top and I tell Don I’ll wait for Mike-Don starts fast 6 mile decent down road that is “not the best,” but much better than Morgan territory.

Mike comes up in about 5 minutes. I lose ground on the downhill-missing potholes while twilight sets in. I see Don waiting then starting in the distance and dig to catch up. A guy blows by who says something like "Mt. Diablo, nice hill” I dig to catch up to him but then settle back for Don and Mike.

Still light outside—just would like to use my little light to blink but it suddenly isn’t working so turn on big light-which means my odometer stops working. Hit highway 246 shoulder, Don about 100 feet ahead when my bike starts bouncing—shit another flat—at which time the sun sets. Now cold, change flat but hand hurting so much cant grab tire to finish putting it on rim, which mike does for me. Bugged a little by well meaning cyclists who keep shouting as they pass. “Do I need anything”—yeah-a non existent sag wagon. Don is off—now how the hell will we find the finish. Mike thinks we are coming up thru Solvang but we soon are in Bullerton so I know where we are. Only 3 miles to go—mike a little freaked that they are climbing miles but I stay with him. Once I yell back how you are doing and deep voice says OK-someone joined us. Mike explains to guy that he can go ahead as he’ll beat Mike but not me on climb—usually that would be a challenge but I yell out well keep together. At @ 7:15 into center of town. Can’t check in until Plant Ultra Police read some guy a riot act in parking lot about light on his helmet and not on bike. —Jack had finished about 6:00-don didn’t realize I had flatted until someone told him in Bullerton. Would be great to have a post ride meal with everyone but only a bowl of candy out. Heck, I’m going back to motel to take longest hot shower of my life—like they do under Paris Roubaix velodrome.

Per Planet Ultra: A record number 540 riders signed up for the Solvang Double Century. Rain scared some of them away... Of the 468 dedicated cyclists who started, 383 toughed out the morning showers and were rewarded with sunshine and tailwinds from Morro Bay back to Solvang. Stats for the ride: 486 starters; 383 finishers, 82 DNFs and 4 DQs.

From the OH FUCK department

STAGES OF HYPOTHERMIA; 98 - 95 degrees - Sensation of chilliness, skin numbness; minor impairment in muscular performance, especially in use of hands; shivering begins. Hypothermia usually comes on gradually.

Often, people aren't aware that they need medical attention. Common signs to look for are shivering, which is your body's attempt to generate heat through muscle act.

Hypothermia can happen not just in cold winter weather, when there are low temperatures or low wind chill factors, but under more mild conditions as well. A rain shower that soaks you to the skin on a cool day can lead to hypothermia if you don't move inside to warm up and dry off. If you stay outside, evaporation of the water from your skin further cools your body, dropping your internal temperature. A wind blowing over the wet parts of your body greatly increases evaporation and cooling.

(univ maryland) Nutrition- Eating enough calories in the form of proteins and fats before and during exposure to cold weather may help prevent hypothermia, particularly in the elderly. If you expect to be exposed to the cold, carry high-calorie snacks, such as protein bars and nuts. Regular intake of fluids-water, juices, and electrolyte replacement drinks-is important, too, and prevents dehydration. Being dehydrated increases your risk for hypothermia. Do not wait until you are hungry or thirsty to eat or to drink fluids. Don't drink alcohol or caffeine, as these substances dilate your blood vessels and increase blood flow away from your central core, causing it to cool down.

Mines Road Self Supported Doub le Metric-2006

(March 8, 2006)-Mines Road Self Supported DOUBLE METRIC, with Diablo Cyclists, Jack, Ward, Big Mike, Jim, Don, Brian and partially with other Diablo Cyclists, and sighting of Delta Pedalers including Donna! 125 miles, 6,000' climbing, 16.6 average

**NO PHOTOS--Big Mike started taking ride photos in 2004-05, I did it in 2006 and Ward kinda took over that role in 2007. So I should have taken a few on this ride, but pockets were full and was a weight weenie and left the instant camera home


Next week is the Solvang Double, and while I look at Solvang as a training ride for Devil Mountain Double, with a lack of a series of century rides and medical dysfunctions the last few months I need to put in some good miles. Diablo Cyclist ride is to do a 60 miler out and back up Mines Road-starting in Livermore. By coincidence, the Delta Pedalers, my old bike club and wife's current one, doing same ride at same time. (at least this year they don't have me listed as the ride leader as some bozo has me down for last year after my not riding with THAT club for about a year.) Our Diablo Cyclist bonus mile gruppo at first thought about going past junction (turn around spot), and up and over and around Mt Hamilton. But we don't need climbing miles for rolling Solvang Double, and all week long the temperatures on top of Mt Hamilton, at 1pm, were a freezing 35-37-34-35 degrees. So the Diablo Cyclist "Bonus Mile" Gruppo decides to start super early in Walnut Creek, adding the 30 miles until we get to Livermore and start the Mines Road climb with the rest of our club..

I want to surprise Donna so I don't tell her that this is where I'm riding. So I'm happy when Big Mike* shows up late--as this means I'll see Donna on the road instead of the parking lot where I'd probably see either Whiny Mike* or Jo Jo close by. As Whiny Mike's new girlfriend wouldn't let him ride with Jo-Jo I'll probably just see one snake on this ride.. Ironically, Jo-Jo's ex? husband saw my wife in the parking lot before the ride and as he had checked the Diablo Cyclist web site, so he was trying to convince Donna that I'd be on the ride. And when my gruppo arrive in Livermore-15 minutes after Delta Pedalers took off, California Mike* (who was in on the secret) told me that some guy he had never seen was telling Donna that I'd be on this ride so I HAD to have told someone. Strange. (*note-too many Mike's, so need nicknames to delineate)

But I get ahead of myself. Almost a heat wave of 50 degrees at the start and surprised at the 7:00 turnout of 9 folks. Don is into punishing himself for turning 50 so he had his fixed gear bike. I had Paris Roublex highlight blasting from my stereo--couldn't believe we were actually doing a double metric with NO registration lines, and I was sky high. Still have splint on finger--as have trouble closing hand bars are triple taped on the top and wear a closed BMX glove on left hand only, to hold splint in place. But now that Jessie's medical problems resolved feel 50 pounds lighter and am sky high.

Started with two vests and now trying out a liquid diet of Perpetuem with reduced solids. Lucky for me as Jack and Steve could have a competition to see who bypasses more rest stops and gets out of rest stops faster. There would be only one chance for a semi-long food break all day. I was surprised when they agreed we could stop at near Blackhawk for a quick whizz break.

We had a good pace going-high aerobic but non interval as Don on his fixed gear tops out at 26 or so while he spins at 140 rpm,. and Jack knows how to ride at a fast but steady pace for the long haul. But if we were too lazy Steve would have none of that on the flats and shoot out ahead on his aero bars with his great bike (Litespeed Siena.) Only place a few of us went nuts was turning into Eucalyptus Trees speedway--2 significant rollers but tailwind flats, where Ward, Big Mike, Steve and I jumped out and I went up hard on the rollers and then Steve caught up and finished with me at the end (bonus time to take another whizz-damn it is cold.) Someone said Jack would make us pay for this at the end of the ride. One result was that "Country" who had surprisingly started with us in Walnut Creek was now nowhere to be seen. He never does long rides with us and his incessant barrage of rhetorical questions about nothing and personal question directed to the ladies has managed to piss alot of folks off --so no one suggested riding back or waiting for him. After this sprint we were all on good behavior, all taking turns rotating in the paceline.

After the Trees I have no idea how we got to Livermore. I had printed the directions in my pocket in case I got separated from the group, and luckily I did as for all I knew we were in Italy.. But soon we were in Livermore--someone had poured green dye in the city center fountain for St Patty's day. It was 9:05.

Get to library-see where Delta Pedalers park (on street) but no sign of them--they left on time? See Tom and Veronica loading up their retro Rivendalls-heard she is going to do the DMD--I waive but they don't know who I am as we speed by. Diablo Cyclists in parking lot, California Mike rushes over to me with the aforetold story about Donna, I don't believe him as I haven't told anyone except a few in our bonus mile gruppo. Doug, one of our 2005 Doubles Triple Crown rookies (along with me, California Mike, and Domo Tom) comes over--I haven't seen him for awhile. They indicate that the Delta Pedalers left 10 minutes ago going at a very easy pace. I am eager to chase but we still have some people setting up their bikes. Someone comes up and gives me a hard time for modifying my jersey--saved some scraps from my jersey that was trashed in my accident; dress shop added scraps, and the jersey I now wear reads that I'm a member of DOMO DIABLO CYCLISTS FARM FRITES. When we finally leave in another 5 minutes, Big Mike asks when I think we'll catch up toe the Delta Pedalers. I say before "mile 10" but am unsure and I want to first surprise Donna on the road--not at the Junction Cafe--so I put some urgency in our pace. After a few mile flat rollout we start uphill and new guy? (Joe-good climber), Big Mike, Stephen, Michigan Tom, Doug, Jim and June come up with me.

Unfortunately I changed back to my good wheels that I haven't used for 4 months to preride before Solvang Double, and my gearing is off and when I shift I can hear the gears mash. Though I adjusted bike 2-3x I could hear this all day and couldn't stand as much as I wanted--or use the largest 3-4 cogs. Never mind--just a small setback as I was sky high.

Within 2 miles passed a rider-turned around and it was Mary. Saw someone who I thought was wearing Team in Training Jersey--that would mean Whiny Mike would be on this ride--but it was actually an Arthritis Ride Jersey which meant that Jo-Jo was on it. Delta Pedalers actually just had about a half dozen members on this ride;, they are now dependant on hooking up with charity groups for many their long outings, by contrast we probably had more than 30 Diablo Cyclists on this ride. Much better that it was Arthritis Bunch instead of Team in Training as I as I know some nice people from the arthritis group. Soon I'd see their fun ride leader Jerry and later see Bob/Leticia--she's always nice and friendly and I have tons of respect for Bob. Pass Tom/ Veronica with small suitcases on the back of their bikes (Rivendale seat bags) who call out "what took you guys so long." Late I find out that they are continuing up to Mt. Hamilton I'm driving with my climbing group--we're not killing but keeping nice steady pace. All of a sudden, around mile 7 (I think) see a big clump of riders up ahead. Put on the gas but see no one I know. Fall back and then another group up ahead--get closer and see "Sierra Century jersey" and Stefan Wesserman upright style--it is Donna! . Riding with two riders--one guy telling a loong story and...ah f...Jo Jo there also , but at least that means Whiny B.S. Mike not on this ride, and she probably has the good sense not to say anything to me.


Pull behind Donna as guy from Arthritis group rambles on. I stay there for about 3-4 minutes, and luckily my climbing compatriots turn off the jets as well. When Arthritis guy finishes story I say something to Donna-she is very surprised, and we chat for a minute or so before Jim turns the jets back on and I'm off again. Big Mike stays behind to chat a little more. Now I'm really stoked--surprised Donna!, great seeing her on a ride and see that she is climbing so effortlessly--especially with the Death Ride in her future. A little further up the road we'd see Dave and quiet Bruce back from Arizona--always nice to see Bruce on the road as he always looks like he is enjoying the ride.

We are all setting a nice tempo up the road--I'm suffering a bit as if I can't stand it is hard for me to climb fast as I can't spin as well as June or deliver the power seated that Stephan can. All of a sudden Big Mike and Michigan Tom shoot by, new guy Joe starts to chase but he is caught in no mans land. June, Stephen, Doug and I get a paceline going but while it is a good tempo paceline--it is not a chasing paceline, so Doug can tell me that I don't eat enough vegetables and vegetarian California Mike--who is recovering from a month long flu--doesn't get the needed amino acids from meat protein. I tell Doug that between California Mike and myself we probably have a great diet going. We get to the first of the overflow water crossing where Joe? is waited for us. Doug and I reminisce about last year's ride where it snowed on us on top of Mt Hamilton and when the water crossing the road went over the bottom bracket.

Soon road gets steep again, we finish a climb and -Doug indicates nature calling. We jump off the bikes at top of climb where I quickly take care of business but Doug, who just told me his goal on doubles is to get out of rest stops quicker this year, is literally watering the whole forest as cyclists now come up from behind. I yell that everyone should cover their eyes and the first bunch does. I take off so I can adjust my gearing, again and it has been a great up tempo ride and glad to be able to catch up with Doug.

Sudden downhill and Big Mike and Michigan Tom are riding back from the junction--I don't feel like going uphill and want to fix my gears, so quickly stop at junction where I see Jo-Jo's ex, a real nice guy who ironically ran into me in my last bike accident, and also got hurt. I feel bad for him-he got screwed big time and still pines for his ex? wife. Too nice a guy. He said he thought I'd be on the ride and asked if I was going up to Hamilton, "No-too fn cold," and we chat for awhile. Then I kept going past the junction for a few miles, stopping often to adjust gearing.

Bad move--when I got back from the extra 5 miles lots of cyclists cuing up in front of with bewildered counter guy. I just wanted water which took 20 minutes, and only 4 people in front of me. Donna wound up a few people behind me--cool, even though it meant Jo-Jo close by though we did our best to ignore each other. Men's restroom "out of order" so I follow other guys using women's room-Donna calls out and gives me a hard time. I yell back "but I left the seat down.". Talked to lots of good people who I cycled with seemingly a lifetime ago. Jo-Jo's ex outside sitting with Diablo Cyclists so I introduced him to the other Diablo Cyclists milling around. Meanwhile Big Mike waiting a half hour for his peanut and butter sandwich, while Jack and Steve getting ready to leave.

Big Mike isn't ready--but bonus mile vets are rolling on the short but steep climb to get out of the Junction valley. I figure that Big Mike will catch us on downhill and I follow. Don is actually pushing the uphill pace on the fixed gear. I spot racers Michigan Tom and Jeanie in front of us, and figure everyone is going to pass me on the downhill--Don, Ward and Jack great downhillers, though Don will have to spin on his fixed gear at 250 rpm (always a treat to see.)-- so I catch Tom and Jeanie and form an escape group After the climb we paceline through the 10-15 miles of rollers until the last few miles of serious downhills where I am dropped.. Eventually, we get down Mines Road about 3 minutes ahead of my bonus mile gruppo, who Jo-Jo's ex had ridden back with. At start of Mines Road I wait for my gruppo, as who knows if Jack/ Steve will let anyone stop before leaving town. Surprised that Big Mike not down yet but when we get back to Livermore Library our group waits about 15 minutes or so. I talk to Jo-Jo's ex, a great climber but actually a worse descender than me, and tell him he should come out for more of our rides. Still no Big Mike when we all decide time to go--as if Mike had a mechanical etc. he can get a lift back to Walnut Creek with the many people still on the road who had parked at the library. Stephen and June are cute--first June is going to ride back with us but because Stephen has to work tomorrow and can't ride she'll take care of the car and Stephen will ride back with us.

So now Stephen basically takes Big Mike's place. Don, Steve, Jack, Jim, Ward and I start back to Countrywood, flat course with some small roller, but now a crosswind has picked up. But the 60 degrees feels good, especially compared to the 40 degrees that we've had daily for weeks (my sister in Washington DC thinks California are weather wimp)

A little less energy than before but Steve will have none of a pace letdown. Damn he rides with an ACL brace and pushes the pace whenever the road is pancake flat. When starting out it felt like hard work hanging on but I soon got second wind. We all tried to keep the pace at no more than 22 for Don on his fixed gear--once I was pulling and consciously holding between 20-21 when someone said "GO." By the time we got to the uphill portion by Blackhawk my second wind was complete and I pushed the pace uphill with Stephen--easy as on approaches to climbs Ward was taking long pulls in the crosswind. Jim was hurting but recovered briefly when we were joined by a young blond who managed to ride 3rd wheel most of the time. Soon we were on Danville Blvd. where our paceline was joined by someone--no way could I let this guy beat us to the sprint point even if we had just done 120 miles. I upped the pace, trying to hold 25 as long as possible, momentum ruined by a traffic light. At the end Steve had a nice sprint and shot by--jeeze--we just finished 120 miles and we were all going around 25 mph.

We had started at 7:15 and now it was around 4:00. 125 miles with just one longest rest stop--maybe 20 minutes at the junction, and a few 5 minute stop. Out of everything my backside the most sore. After self supported mountain century a few weeks ago and now this we are as ready for the Solvang Double as could be this early in the year. I felt like I had stayed current on calories--maybe a little hungry from so much liquid food but energy level sky high. Big Mike showed his fortitude--rode back all the way from Livermore solo (California Mike was going to drive him back)--semi dead when he came in but made it. Bonus Gruppo goes for coffee and I kinda internally reminisce and answer a few questions as to why I had left Delta Pedalers and joined the Diablo Cyclists. When I first left Delta Pedalers and joined Diablo Cyclists it felt so strange. In retrospect now, it was a great move and hard to believe I was ever a member of another Club.

Cesky Suvenyr Self Supported Century-2006

(March 4, 2006) "Cesky' Suvenyr'" Century*-Self Supported and with Diablo Cyclists. 97 miles-up Mt Diablo to Ranger Station-over Morgan Territory--back to Northgate and up to Mt Diablo Ranger Station again. @7,000 feet climbing.

*On Century rides (or metric century rides) I used to live for the patch you got at the end. My oldest daughter had been studying in Europe, and when I came home from this ride she had a Czech Republic patch for me.

Need to get into shape for Devil Mountain Double so got to Countrywood early (not early enough) while it was 42 degrees and went half way up Diablo. Came back to start after 20 miles and missed start of Diablo Cyclist ride, so chased them back to Clayton where gruppo just pulling out of rest stop. Big climb to Morgan Territory where I got dropped by fastest guys and gal (June) at end. Then partially back up from other side and hard chase with racer Brian where we caught end of gruppo in Danville.

Legs dead but went up Diablo again-slowest time since 2002. Cold nasty day and spent half riding solo but kinda fit mood and could reflect things over last few months. Seems like 2006 JUST started; ironically McLane Pacific Road race this weekend-2 years ago my season started so early had over a half dozen races by this time and this was weekend of FINAL one. As left hand still can't close had wrapped bars with gel pad but like double tape on tops better.

A SHITTY YEAR 2/27/06

Can a winter be any crappier, without someone dying?. No. Since September 2004 to December 2005, from Italy onward, I had the illusion that I was in control, and could do anything how hard it was. Then had bike accident in December 2005, but even from that I figured I could pull a Museeuw and with hard work it wasn't much of a setback (though three months later two fingers still ripped up and one in a splint.) Luckily I had gotten a Kirk Kinetic Trainer, which becomes harder with the more power you apply, just like on the road--as I more than doubled my indoor trainer minutes from last year to this year. (The computrainer looked interesting, designing courses and riding famous but there were 2000 reasons not to get it, expect in 3 years price will fall, with computer, from $2000 to $500 and then it will be great)

Then, the accident wasn't enough the wrath of Zeus came down.

My youngest came down with a brain tumor. It was so incredibly fucked up scary until they figured out it was "probably" benign, and still scary as still had to go through brain surgery. Ironically she saw many doctors who saw me in ER two months ago, (great neurosurgeon who I didn't remember but remembered me--thought he'd be an old stern graybeard, turned out to be younger then me and with a real gentle manner, and treated daughter wonderfully) and luckily operation a success. And while daughter acting a little teenage flaky the past year she did the greatest job getting ready and staying in control before surgery. Great attitude-I'm so proud of her. But longest 1 month, from dx to operation, in my life. Luckily work/ bosses great, understanding and supportive.

But all this shit wasn't even enough. During this US Senate took a vote which essentially would do away with my job. After a week of posturing and hijinx It lost by one vote--conservative Republican's (didn't want taxpayers screwed) joined with liberal Democrats (didn't want workers screwed.)

When all this going on incredibly frustrating that you realize you are not in control of anything--nothing you can do can change anything. Low to no energy most times this year. I suddenly feel so fuckin old. Can we start 2007 now??

My baby posed with Litespeed when I first got it. Ironically she wouldn't ride a bike as helmet would mess up her hair. No one could have done a better job facing major surgery than she did.

(Postcript--a good byproduct of my being in intensive care with head injury, was that after my accident, for a month everything moved in slow motion--I couldn't focus, would take me a day to read the comics page. So when daughter recovering from her surgery, I had empathy I might not have had to help her along at her pace.)

KNOXVILLE DOUBLE-2005

(September 17, 2005) Knoxville Double, 198 miles, 12,000 climbing. W/ Jack, Doug and California Mike (sort of) 5:35-8:03 with plenty of f'n around as not a timed event (20 minute massage, unscheduled rest stops)

Note-Ward Industries saved half of this original post (up to seeing Ish at lunch) when Yahoo Geocities went belly up. The last part of the post will eventually be recreated from emails and faulty memory.

After two hard 200 mile races looked forward to this ride. Not timed so only goal was to finish at 7:30, right before it got dark, and to keep Diablo Cyclist group together, Failed on both items.

As noted earlier dog bite hindered my training--and finally, on Wednesday nite before ride, when I was supposed to be tapering, I went balls out on climb up Diablo and on sprint down Danville Blvd. After a few weeks of riding on a sore ankle, worrying about rabies etc. it felt good to cut loose. And now not worried at all about 200 mile distance.


Lots of the usual doubles crew weren't going to be doing this ride--either vacationing or got their 3 doubles in. One-three and five are the magic doubles numbers. Some people do one double, Davis, hate it and don't do another. Others go for 3--to earn "California Triple Crown" status and yellow jersey. The next level is 5-where you earn placement in the "1000 mile club" and get a white jersey that looks like part of an Admiral Dewey Dress uniform. So I was going (along with Jack) for our 4th, and last one of the year. Ironically, my earlier goal had been to do 3 doubles to earn the yellow jersey--but after the guy in the yellow jersey came up the wrong side of Ebbetts, and the rides had become fun and not a struggle--I didn't care about the jersey any more.

Weather turned unseasonable cool the week before Knoxville, and forecasts predicted 40 degrees through Napa in early morning, and nothing more than 70 degrees in the afternoon by Lower Lake and Lake Bereyessa. It turned out to be a little warmer than predicted, but not by much.

I went for a test ride at night with my portable Cateye's that throw out 90 and 1000 candlepower--the same lights I couldn't see dookie with at the beginning of Mt Tam. Riding around suburban subdivisions still could barely see. As an alternative I have an old unreliable Niterider that takes up a water bottle holder and craps out suddenly after 45-75 minutes (bright bright 10w white changes to quick yellow fade to nada). As we were going to be riding for an hour in the dark in the morning, and who know for how long at night--I went out the day before and got a new Niterider that you can knock up to 15w or down to 6w, and it tells you how long your top tube battery had. Guess I will have to do Devil Mountain Double next year to justify the expense.

Finally staying at nice/ inexpensive motel in Vacaville-unfortunately in the outlet (useless stuff) factory store area. When I set up for my test ride my Zero Gravity brakes were crapping out. I did my best to fix them, got them barely workable, and headed toward a listed bike store that took me away from suburbia and towards downtown. In a nice old 4 block downtown found Ray's Bicycles--where co owner Chris did a quick brake repair and gave me a bicycle map of the area which allowed me to take back streets and a great trail to Pena Adobe Park--where we'd check in later in the day and start the ride tomorrow morning. Saw Diablo Cyclist member and doubles vet Jeanie unload a tandem she was testing for tomorrow. Later met California Mike and Doug in downtown Vacaville where we went back to Ray's Bikes to buy some stuff (damn-beautiful cogset mobile wasn't for sale.) Some of the stained glass windows up high with bike themes reminded me of the Madonna Del Ghisallo Cycling Church--wow, it's been a year since the surreal trip to Italy.
Shoulda brought camera on this ride but didn't. This taken day before in Ray's Bicycle in Vacaville; bicycle themed stained glass reminiscent of Madonna di GhiselloChurch, patron saint of cycling church in Lake Como, Italy--which ironically I was at a year ago.

This marked the third great cycling year in a row, but the first absent associated bullshit and angst. Have Diablo Cyclists and especially our "bonus mile" club to thank for so much enjoyable riding--though I ride better (more competitive) when I'm pissed. Dinner was at a good pasta house in downtown Vacaville--unfortunately I had the same thing Doug (of long trips to the outhouse) had which would guarantee me stomach problems the next day.

Low key checkin Friday night; like most of the doubles you just show up and grab your packet with your number and get to sleep. As only 200-250 crazy people (more for Davis) do these events, no vendors or checkin festivities. Back to motel, and without my usual doubles room mate flipping through old movies it was too damn quiet. Saw part of Ali's title fight against Patterson in 1965, --damn was he fast, and read in the motel lounge, but was quickly asleep at 11pm until the 3:45 wake up call. Outside was warmer than expected, quick drive down to Pena Adobe Park which was also warm, so warm in fact that Doug decided against taking the jacket he had planned on wearing. . No mass start for this ride--many people already taking off. Knowing that there would be a clothes drop at rest stop 1 and that we'd be riding in the dark for an hour I still took glove liners and two vests. Jack, who had driven up from home, was at the start-ready to get going at 5:30 and 0 seconds. Doug had to go to the rest room at the last minute. It is 5:34 and Jack was raring to go. Keeping this group together may be harder than I thought. (At Davis, Jack decided to blow rest stop 1 off so he could jump on a tandem train while Doug got in a long restroom line--which would start the ever increasing time gap throughout the day. Later, when California Mike, who rode with Doug, asked me how much time we spent at the lunch stop, I yelled "lunch stop, what lunch stop, Jack didn't let us take lunch...") But a 2nd ride description said "most of the climbing is in the morning" I was hoping we could 4 man the 2nd half of the course while finishing right before dark..

Beginning of ride is through Vacaville subdivisions. Mike, Doug and Jack were wisely using low power lights as the full moon, streetlights and other riders w/ lights didn’t necessitate a powerful light. I took my new high power light with me. Though mostly (thank buddha) uphill I was still wary of nighttime riding and not setting any kind of pace. Noticed that while some riders were using minimal lights, some riders looked like they stole the light towers from Pac Bell Park.

Light coming up and suddenly ride is so much better as you can see. First I saw that I never switched on my odometer. Then Jack saw me riding about 2 feet from the yellow line and kept wanting to know "why I was riding in the middle of the road." Uh--goatheads all along shoulder and no cars out at 6:45am. Later in the day California Mike riding in middle of the road--told him he's lucky that Jack not around to see this.


Soon hit the Mt George climb and Jack took the lead which was fine as this would help us stay together. Mike is fast on the descents but tends to get sawed off on the climbs, and I am the fastest climber but the worst descended. Jack and Doug good all rounders-with Jack having incredible stamina--seemingly never getting tired. Weather is good--until the downhill into Napa Valley which is encased in fog. Somehow we lost Doug on the climb, which wasn't noticed at first as on the descent we had to pay close attention to the road through fog covered glasses. Feet cold, had to go to bathroom badly, dew on arm warmers, luckily brought glove inserts, too cold to stop--Jack, Mike and I pacelined up Silverado Trail. One partial break in the clouds where hot air balloons float 50' over vineyards, but soon back in the fog. Rest Stop 1-Napa Ecological Reserve-mile 37-@ 15 minutes at rest stop, at 7:45. Did I mention that I have to go to the bathroom.

Wasn't keeping close track of time at rest stop but it was set up poorly in a vacant field. Only two outhouses for mass of riders with two distinct lines (usually large group arrive together at 1st rest stop), line I got on didn't move for 5 minutes. (Banks in the 1960's got rid of separate lines for each window, why weren't outhouses together w/ one line for both.) I got off line to grab some food and went on the other outhouse line as Doug was pulling in--and Jack anise to leave, I'm not nearly ready. Jack and Mike take off--I leave about 5 minutes after them after grabbing some carbs, endurolites and hammergel, and getting rid of lights. When I'm ready to go Doug still taking care of business, and I have to leave NOW if I want to ride back to Jack and Mike.. So much for keeping group together.

Next 12 miles flattest part of ride along Highway 29 and Silverado Trail. I'm hammering and passing a few lone riders, but no pacelines to latch on to or come through. Difference between timed events and this--no urgency among many riders. I picture Mike and Jack riding a 2 man and putting more time between them and me. Soon hit 8 mile climb of Howell Mountain Road, I figure I am 7 minutes behind Jack and Mike. I hammer up climb as here is where I can catch up to them--passing scores of riders. Pass one Grizzly Peak Cyclist who says two Diablo Cyclists passed him about 5 minutes ago--"isn't one of them Jack." (Everyone knows Jack) He asks me where our fixed gear contingent is--told him "the crazy people" are not on this ride. (Later at a rest stop woman, seeing my Diablo Cyclist jersey, would ask me if I was riding a regular bike or a fixed gear.) Diablo Cyclists have a reputation...


Didn't catch up to Mike or Jack on uphill, and now 2 mile sweeping downhill which wasn't bad--I took it well and wasn't repassed by anyone. On Pope Valley Road think I spot a Diablo Cyclist jersey in the distance, hammer and catch up to Mike, and we ride in together towards #2-Knoxville Road/ Lake Berryessa. Told him that we should have all left last rest stop together and could have done a 4 man paceline and stuck together, but in reality course too hilly for that now. Now sun is out and getting really warm--and of course I have to go to the bathroom.

Get to rest stop #2, at mile 71, at 10:15. When we leave this rest stop it will be around 300 minutes since we first started, at this rate we'll finish the ride around 7:35--a few minutes after darkness. But the course supposedly gets easier. Wound up staying here for about 20 minutes.

Two pleasant surprises at the rest stop. I call out my number to checkin and lady says "I already have you down Jay." It is Veronica, old time Delta Pedaler member who usually rides a tandem with husband Tom, who was also working at the rest stop. I hadn't seen them since I drafted off their tandem for half of the Holstein in 2003. They were seemingly the two people who loved riding the most and did their own thing, and were immune from the infighting and chicanery of the Delta Pedalers. Where the heck has the time gone? Other pleasant surprise was that this was ANOTHER clothes drop off--and I didn't relish the prospect of riding around with pockets filled with glove inserts, arm warmers and two vests. Kept one vest and was real happy to get rid of the rest.

Oh the downside--ONE f'n bathroom with another long line. Many people joked on line that we have to move fast when we are in there--shit, I was ready to pull out a newspaper and sit around for 10 minutes. But after loooong wait hustled in and out and planned to stop again at 1st gas station or winery I saw.

Jack ready so he takes off, Mike follows. I am getting some HEED scooped by workers by funnel, wolf down a Cliff Bar and then plan to hammer to get back to Jack and Mike. As Doug last person to this rest stop he is again not ready to leave.

We were almost immediately on Knoxville Road, a 32 mile stretch that goes (slightly) uphill towards Lower Lake. Great plan I had to catch a bathroom along the way--unfortunately the whole road is so desolate that there is NOTHING on the road except the Homestake Mine. For a desolate road it is nicely paved (unlike the Geysers) except for the occasional dip in the road that is supposedly flooded in the winter.

Catch up to Mike and then Jack--who hints that we better ride at a faster clip if we want to get in before nightfall. But I don't care--I feel so f'n bloated I'm going to stop at the first bathroom I see. Meanwhile riding hard, Jack and I playing tag with one of the many riders wearing a yellow triple crown jersey (were YOU the person riding up the wrong side of Ebbetts???) We are zooming past lots of riders when Jack flats--I make the decision to keep going so I can stop at the bathroom that doesn't exist (maybe at the water stop along the road.) I had just met Jeanie, an old time Diablo Cyclist and veteran of doing speedy 200's, the week before and she comes through on the back of a tandem with 4-5 cyclists in her draft. But then the road gets a little steeper and I go forward, and one guy comes with me for the remaining climb--past the water stop with NO outhouse and the Homestake Mine with the cheesy entrance sign, heck, almost no one ever sees it.


At water stop dumped one bottle of HEED--getting sick of it and noticed my stomach reacting to it, and filled up with water. Much better--but 14 remaining miles to lunch stop was oh so painful. Passed lady in yellow jersey who yelled out "don't you say hello." It is Kitty, triple crown stage winner and who I rode with for the first time a week ago. But I chided her for NOT wearing a Diablo Cyclist jersey--"how am I supposed to recognize you when I pass." Now just dreaming of Lower Lake Lunch stop with lots of porta potties.

Pull into #-3 Lower Lake Lunch Stop, mile 108, at 12:59. In retrospect, with a 20 minute lunch, now running to 8pm. But no other Diablo Cyclists in yet so plan to take my time. But once again THERE IS JUST ONE F'N TOILET, and a long line.

On the plus size RAAM finisher Ish and wife Nonnie giving free massages and no one at Nonnie's table. Why not. I must have gotten a 15-20 minute massage. Nonnie noticed bandage on ankle, she asked and told her it was from dog bite. Ish laughed "You don't have much luck with dogs." He remembered when I flipped over dog in 2001.

After this point post has to be recreated

Felt good—saw that Jack was already in, didn’t see Mike or Doug. They came in a little later and Doug went over for a quick massage, then they went over to eat, with Jack ready to go. I planned to hit the Lower Lake bathroom, wanted to fill bottles and didn’t need to rush, so I told Jack to go ahead, and told Mike/ Doug they’d probably catch up to me as I’m going to make frequent stops along the way. So after a half hour I was off.

When left Lower Lake didn’t have to stop at gas station. Last year on the classic from Pope valley to Lower Lake and back I had done this route. Starts off as a climb out of Lower Lake and here I passed a few riders. But all of a sudden my right arch was hurting, had to go to the bathroom, was thirsty, and was tired. A few riders passed me on the bumpy/ rough Big Canyon Road, where you had too stay alert to miss the frequent bumps. All of a sudden stomach, energy level and foot bugging me—my odometer was off but figured not to far from Middletown—the midpoint where I stopped on my solo ride last year.

One thing to mention about the course, marked really well by the Quackcyclists and many roads were straight through with minimal turns—17 segments 4 miles of more. Suddenly in Middletown and stopped at gas station/ mini market.

As no lock started bring bike back to bathrooms with me but guy at counter told me to leave it up front, he’d watch it. Then of course men’s room was taken, but women’s was not. One stall restroom-ridiculous when they designate sexes on it so I went in to women’s. Finally, no line, as long as I want, clean restroom……Two minutes later a knock on the door and a jiggle of the lock. I didn’t answer and came out a few minutes later. Three women waiting for bathroom—dirty looks.

Then I bought a Diet Coke and pulled out a Cliff bar and sat around inside with shoes off eating it. Was there for about 20-30 minutes, figured Mike/ Doug now would be close.

Started off solo but with renewed energy for last 5 miles on Butts Canyon Road. Caught up with a guy—Mr Doubles and women. They weren’t motoring but I got ion their draft for about a mile and then pulled at an easy 15-16 while we talked about Mt Shasta ride. Thing guy was surprised that this was my first year of doing multiple doubles. Was going to now try Sustained Energy, but without knowing my predicament Mr Double said that for people new to SE they sometimes get gas. Oh—no thanks. At rest stop woman wanted d to know when we’d be leaving, but I intended to quicken the pace and was going to try to come in before dark—even with 15-20 minute massage lunch and 20-30 minute Middletown stop. (Rest stop #4-Pelican Lake-132 mile-3:20-55 minutes behind schedule) Even though almost an hour behind schedule the terrain was supposed to get easier. Ha.

Doug of Nevada was riding sag and asked him if he saw Mike/ Doug. Said he just came from other side of Middletown and they were on the road with a sag wagon. Oh crap. Ten-fifteen miles behind, and stopped with a mechanical. Long rest stop at Middletown had not really gotten them much closer and I’d now have to hustle to make it back by nightfall. Probably got out of this rest stop close to 10 minutes—fastest stop all day.

Instead of flat were no on long rollers on Butts Canyon Road. Usually riding in some gully, where might get hit by a tricky wind which would slow the downhill. But more likely got support from a strong tailwind, and was doing uphills at 15+. One guy flew by me, and I got on his wheel, and we traded pulls, ramping up some of the uphills to 20+--though there were enough long uphills without a wind assist that dropped speeds top 8. We seemingly flew into Rest stop #5-Lake Hennessey-Pope Valley Road-mile 157-4:55, still 54 minutes behind.

Foot was hurting again so I took some time, maybe 15 minutes, sitting in chair, rubbing foot, with diet coke and cookie. Told rest stop worker that was sick of HEED, would now be only on water—she wanted to know if I wanted a shake which they had in cooler. Afraid that stomach may revolt I declined, but most workers were really nice though without the insane enthusiasm of the Terrible Two, but more organized than the Mt Tam Double.

At stop girl resting, upon seeing Diablo Cyclist jersey. wanted to know if I was riding fixed gear. We also talked about Strawberry Fields. But then time to leave for rest of easy part of course.

About a dozen folks at rest stop, and lots of pick up bags there, but for next 28 miles on Highway 128 may have passed 1 rider—never saw anyone else in far distance or far behind. In fact, when not worried about boat traffic zooming by on road with narrow-disappearing shoulder, or worried about endless uphill which slowed speed to crawl, worried that I was lost badly. At one point pulled over and took a whiz, and put on backlite in twilight, and though I may see a cyclist come up. No one. Sag wagons which were numerous earlier in the day were now nonexistent. So I just kept going—climbing, climbing. I knew 27 miles to final rest stop where my lights were—and if I was going correctly should get there by 7:00. Damn, would only have about 15 minutes of daylight riding.

Hit rest stop 6-Pleasant valley Road at 7:02. Innocuous rest stop at the side of a store where I found my two bags among not that many that remained. I still didn’t remember my number. I asked worker who told me that half the riders had come through. Only 13 miles remained-found out it was a straight road (good), slightly uphill, but was a farm road with no streetlights. Ah shit—but at least new Niterider had ½ its power still stored-so could easily ride 15 minutes at 6 watts in twilight and then turn on 10-15 watts for last ½ hour. Grabbed a power bar and was off—first time I didn’t have to use the can all day. Still warm-pockets stuffed with extra clothes from the morning (should have sent them back to last stop) except for arm warmers.

Road went slightly up and nice stand of trees and rural houses on each side—dusk has solidly arrived. Figured I’d be riding ½ hour in the dark—but with no turns felt OK. Forgot that on the map Pleasant Valley Road looks like a major suburban thoroughfare on the west side of Vacaville. Forgot that the dreaded Mix Canyon Road intersects it,. Forgot that some years there is a Vaca Valley Climbing loop offered. Now I was intent on staring at the edge of the road to make sure I didn’t slip off the shoulder on a sudden downhill turn, but none was forthcoming.

Oh yeah, my odometer was out.—so no idea how fast I was going or how close I was to the end. Darkness hit and I was traveling about 15mph on the slight uphill, once again NO ONE up or down the road. Time just seemed to drag. All of a sudden a whirl came by, a guy standing on pedals and hammering. Shit—I might as well follow and I did. I think guy, Mark A? from Grizzly peak Cyclists (Jack knew him, of course) though he’d blast by me, when he couldn’t pace me off his wheel I went to the front and we exchanged pulls. Speed now about 20 and much easier either following someone light or having another headlight illuminate the road. Two or three intersection when I’d yell out straight and Mark would yell back yeah—he doesn’t know my penchant fro getting lots. Then sudden left turn-Mark hammers and I follow over Highway 80 boom—we’re back.

No rousing reception like the Terrible Two or adrenaline rush from catching riders at Mt Tam. Jack waiting in street clothes and wondered how I was doing. Felt great-told him I had stayed at Middletown to use bathroom and then see if Doug/ Mike would regroup. Jack had come in at 7:30—in retrospect I should have ridden with him—but then would have forgone massage. Jack said he also didn’t see many riders, just passed anyone he could.

Jack left and I waited for Doug/ Mike to come in. Chewy chicken but two great pasta salads and good salad. Most folks knew each other—many wearing their “triple” jersey or talking about Furnace Creek. Nice incestuous group who really love these 200 milers. This one had great scenery and was challenging but disappointed didn’t ride as a group—though now recognize that you can only ride as a group on 100 milers where there are no time constraints. But letdown as this event wasn’t timed so no sense of urgency. And no pushing to the limit. I think next year I’ll focus on 100 milers for fun and 200 milers for time.

Jack and Doug come in about 8:50, with woman from Sacto that Mike is trying to set Doug up with until they find out she’s married. But they were ecstatic—Doug’s 3rd and Mike’s 5th. Now I’m pissed that I didn’t do a 5th ride—don’t want the yellow jersey and though the white one (for 5) looks like an admirals dress whites…oh what the hell, having 4 is cool. And after all the TT jersey had father time and was orange and black, and I’m only getting orange and black jerseys or ones with skeletons or devils on them. ,