Obamacare and Danville

Thank God For Danville to put health care in perspective!

Big surprise the other day—demonstration against Obamacare on one of the local freeway overpasses slowing traffic, and the protester pictured is from Danville. I'd have been pissed that my commute was once again slowed by the nuts, but it came at the end of a fun filled day listening to the radio filled with public opinion; some sane opinion on both sides of the debate occasionally punctured by comic relief when some would hysterically yell that “This is communistic.”
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Never mind that the federal government via the Veterans Administration provides direct medical care to veterans. Which conservative wants to end the VA?? At least we aren’t as communistic as when the government, though Public Health Service hospitals, provided direct medical care to Merchant Seamen. The first US Public Health Service Hospital started being communistic in 1798, under Premier John Adams. This foolishness ended under Saint Reagan in order to control federal spending and balanced the budget. Oh—neither happened but closing USPHS may have allowed for lower taxes on the good citizens of Danville.

Now, other opponents of Obamacare do point out that a government program will be costly and inefficient, and they are probably right. If the Anthem (lets raise premiums 30%) Blue Cross’ of the world provided affordable health insurance to young folks forced off of their parent's policy and to people with pre existing conditions, kept skyrocketing copays and drug prices in check, and offered policies that people could afford when they were out of work we wouldn’t need a government program. But they don’t, President Cheney had 8 years to correct the health insurance problem and he didn't, so this is the option we have.
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Now I pick on Danville as every time there is some wacky protest, a person from Danville is featured in the paper. This time its Monty of Danville. Last time, when Bill Ayers came to a local college to speak it was Rosanne of Danville, who was outraged by Ayers' selection as a speaker.

"I'm for free speech, but I'm not for a terrorist. The college is drifting from its values."

For those out of the area—the median income in Danville is 60% MORE than Beverly Hills, 25% more than Palo Alto's. They do have poverty in Danville, 2% (California as a whole 14%) so Monty and Rosanne may be from the underclass, and then I apologize to them for assuming they are from the leisure class.

If you can afford and can access the opulent heath providers around Danville, you don't need Obamacare.

Speaking of costs, I did see a staggering figure for this program, and it will probably wind up costing more. But then I took the $10 billion a month spent in Iraqi, multiplied it out, and the Bush-a-lie Iraqi boondoggle costs much more, which of course the good citizens of Danville don’t protest.


So I understand it must be hard to think there is a health crisis in this Country when you have your choice of cosmetic surgeons, and a tax increase to help other people get basic health care will cut into the fourth week in Paris.

Some of the rich citizens of Danville do some public service protesting against the important issues of the day. A few years ago they protested a youth baseball field (“Not in their backyard--Little League baseball practice field under fire for lack of permit, SFC August 28, 2007) Public vigilance is the price of liberty-or something like that. It must be shocking not having a president who just represents the rich.

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(Thanks to Ward Industries helping us photo healthcare facilities in Danville, and Calif---waii Mike, the closet progressive of Danville, for the tour of Blackhawk's Public Health Plastic Surgery Clinic, with the marble facade)

Davis 300km Brevet -Dat's 190 miles folks-2010

(March 20, 2010) Davis to Cobb Mountain & Back 300 km brevet, with, Dr. Dave and Jack. 7:00-7:31, 16,8 mph, 8,560' altitude

RANDOUNEER, BREVET-these strange sounding words constitute a small subset of the cycling world populated by a group that enjoy riding at night and sleep deprivation—who dream of qualifying to ride 745 miles around France. To do so they have to complete a series of 125, 185, 250 and 375 mile brevets with minimal support in the same year. There are certain rules the randoundeer’s follow, at night they need reflective ankle bands and a reflective school crossing sash, tail light CAN’T blink, and they can only use a Brooks Saddle (I might have made the last one up but am not sure.)

I did the 300km (185 mile) brevet with Don and California Mike a few years back when they qualified to ride around France at night. Compared to some “official” doubles, it brevet is a great ride—an out an back on the best part of the Davis Double, supported better than many doubles offered in the Southland, more climbing, and about a third of the price. The first and last 30 miles are a flat tour of the ag land around Davis, 55 of the middle miles are rollers through the Pope Valley (much faster heading north than on the return,) and 20 miles of up (and down) hill leaving Davis to the Pope Valley via the Cardiac Climb and later a very serious Cobb Mountain climb.

When I did this brevet the first time I overpacked—not realizing that “self supported” to the wonderful Davis bike club meant three well stocked rest stops along the way and ample places to stragetically stop another three times (6 rest stops on this route would be perfect.) And while 10% of the crowd were on bikes with huge saddle/ handlebar bags that looked like they were going cross county on a mule—you really didn’t need to 'pack the camping gear.' But I figured it was supposed to be a brevet, and a heavier bike would be good training for the Alta Alpina Double, so I :

-Took my steel bike with rack and heavy wheels (+5 lbs over ti bike w race wheels)
-Added a brevet bag filled with lights, food, drink mix, extra tube/ CO2 (+2 lbs)
-Added extra water bottle (+2 lbs) (Had choice of putting camera holder, new water bottle bike stereo or water bottle in handelbar cage.)

I’m glad I got the training in with the heavy setup and once again its apparent that Mr. Rivendell is full of crap when he writes that bike weight doesn’t matter, as the heavy bike is like accelerating a truck. (But to give Mr. Rivendell his due—the bike rack I use was invented by them, they have good products but the leader has a strange attitude.)

So my setup was 9 pounds more than my usual doubles setup, not counting the cool weather clothes I started with. Of course whatever I took paled in comparison with Dr. Dave lugging his recumbent and steamer trunk over the climbs.
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Jack and Dr. Dave, the other two dedicated double nuts in my Diablo Cyclist bonus mile group, were in, though Dave had hurt himself last week on our 120 miler and might not go up Cobb Mountain on the ‘bent. Unfortunately other folks in our bonus mile group had been dropping like flies last week and passed on this event when I had hoped we'd have a small crowd.

Nature break at Lake Solano after 30 miles, many in Group 3 had the same idea.

The start has 75-100 people, which was about ¼ of what it is in a P-B-P qualifying year. Last week, when we started in 37 degrees, I wished for 15 more—this week I did get about half of what I wanted. Around 45, though in the fields around Davis it definitely dipped down—san toe warmers, heavy gloves, and wool socks of last week my extremities were colder. Mass start at 7:00 that took awhile to sort out. Not a timed double so no intent to hammer the ride but chance we could finish right at sundown if we hustled—two years ago we had about 3/4 hour of night riding, but that was with Mike having tire trouble, and Jack wouldn’t let us take many impromptu rest stops like Don had.

So being attentive, every time a subgroup on the road started backing up, I made a leap forward to the next subgroup. We could have worked hard at the beginning to latch on to the first group out, but the second was going at a nice 20-21 mph clip driven by two tandems. Eventually we settled into a 19mph pace and I was sure the 3rd group on the road would catch up to us, but looking back you couldn’t see anyone. Riding at 19mph without doing any pulling was nice and easy, but not doing any work didn’t help the frostbite settling in.

After a dozen miles Dave pulled off to water the local agriculture, but being on the ‘bent and with the road perfectly flat, he’d easily get back to us. Jack and I decided we’d wait until Lake Solano Park at mile 30 to stop and use park facilities, which might have been a mistake as the park bathrooms are well off the road—but after taking care of business and downing some food, a large part of the 3rd group pulled in with the same idea.

Upon leaving the rollers we started the lead in to the Cardiac Climb where we passed a few solo riders—the earlier pack riding usually breaks up here on the Davis Double. Luckily this section was definitely warmer. But no Dr. Dave—who we expected to see after any turn thought we had stopped at Lake Solano for minimally 10 minutes. We keep going and near the top if the climb is Dr. Dave leading a group of riders on wedge bikes up the hill. I had to take off the full fingered gloves and dig out the camera to get this shot—and as we wouldn’t stop I had to ride gloveless for another 25 miles to the first rest stop/ control, but it was worth it.

Up Cardiac Dr. Dave mano-a-mano with a brevet rider. Oh Bikeland Guy, check out the 'bent leading the riders over the same climb featured on the Davis Double.

Jack starting the Pope Valley section looking for some good background scenery.

At 1st rest stop at mile 60--Pope Valley. (above) Lori who we met in Sacramento, and Mr Lori, would later be pulling us on their tandem. (below) Campy Guy took two photos that almost form an Edward Hopper panorama together, (A) Dr Dave is staring at his recumbent, (B) I'm waiting in the food line in my resplendent tye-die triple crown jersey, (C) Jack in the background getting water (though his bike in the foreground) and (D) right behind Jack's bike is my hero, winner of Paris Roubaiux 2001 Servais Knaven (Campy Only photo)
Soon onto Pope Valley, with gentle rollers with lots of Vineyards off to the side. We stayed together well on this section—later Dr. Dave would have trouble as the rollers become steeper once in Lake County. Only mishap was when Jack forgot the Davis Double route and made a wrong turn—we quickly corrected and went back on the correct “back road” which is a crappy fast road with lots of hairpins—later I suffered on this, when it is crappy slow, on the way back.

We steamed into Pope Valley Control/ Rest Stop (mile 60, 10:52.) Funny pulling in and only a dozen cyclists around—and this would be the most crowded a rest stop would be qat all day. Fresh sandwiches being made, Hammer Products being offered. There a woman who I rode with on Sacto Doug’s Grand Fondue, Lori, recognized me—more for the doubles tye-dye jersey she had heard about from Doug than anything else. Later her tandem would save our butts near the end of the ride when I was half dead.

Dave found the good background in Pope Valley.

So did Jack...

Not to be outdone Dave found the wildflowers...

and shiny metallic objects that glisten like diamonds in the light...

Now a little bit more of Napa Country mini rollers into Lake County serious rollers, where at first we’d slow to keep pace with Dr. Dave on the climbs, but he’d shoot off on the downhill so I soon wouldn’t wait—and this is where our group broke up with Jack and I riding together and leaving Dave far behind until he rocketed past us. Approaching Middletown we came across solo Benicia Cycling Club member, Jake, who lamented the fact that no one from his club was doing this ride. Ironically, two years ago we finished Auburn together, which he remembered well, and for the rest of the day he’d ride with us or we’d keep passing each other. He had an interesting saddlebag with outside U rings that you could tie a jacket to instead of “mushing” it in one’s jersey.

Jake thinking that other Benecia Bike club members could buy a cool saddlebag like this if they joined him up Cobb Mountain.

Dave was feeling well so he said he’d go up Cobb Mountain—which kind of presented a problem. Cobb Mountain is only 8 miles—but there is only one relief section and it goes from steep to very steep (as cars continually whiz by.) Dave is one of the best recumbent climbers in CA but he can’t put any speed on steep climbs (imagine climbing WITHOUT being able to stand), and if we started together he’d feel rushed. Additionally, I hate being bundled and warm on a climb. So in the same driveway that I think Don “turned his wheel” on the fixed a few Davis Doubles ago, I stopped to take off woolen tee shirt, sock liners, knee warmers, arm warmers and ate a Shot Block. Was perfect, I only caught back to Dave 3/4ers up the climb and I felt great and Dave relaxed.

Cobb Mountain rest stop (mile 95, at 1:20) is one of the great rest stops, picturesque and well off the beaten path. More fresh sandwiches, fruit, Hammer products including Rice Krispie Treats (which I stupidly didn’t take) If there was a lounge chair I could easily call it a day and take a good nap here. Vest back on and back downhill, where we saw about as many riders still coming up as we had seen descending when we were climbing---we were truly in the middle of the ride. Jack submitting is music requests to Lee Mitchell who pipes out tunes when he passed. I think Lee is saying "No Doors for YOU!"

Nice back to Pope Valley again, with Jake joining us, over the same steep rollers I like and Dave—not so much. Mile 122, 3:14, and the place wasn’t hoping at all. I made a strong concentration of Perpetuem, put the tee shirt back on (which I’d alternatively regret and be thankfully for the rest of the ride as I kept getting alternatively hot and cold.)

I had another half ham ONLY (no mustard, mayo, pickles, onions, cheese……) sandwich. @590g carbs and 67g protein for 8 ¼ ride. At 50 carbs and hour I was fine, but my protein was a deficient (425/4=106g) For whatever reason I’d start feeling low on energy for the rest of the ride.

The DC boys have their reflective ankle bands on. Ok, so I don't have the club jersey on but I'm the only one wearing club shorts.

The fast gentle rollers from this morning were now much slower in parts as the road went gently up and I had nothing to keep speed going on them. When we hit the crappy desolate section I started imagining little things that were wrong—like I wasn’t clipped in properly and then couldn’t reclip in—so much so Jack and Dave came back to see where I was.

Jake had left Pope Valley before us and we caught him on the Cardiac climb, which I was happy to be on as I felt best climbing. He pulled off at one point and we continued on, where we pulled into Lake Solano campgrounds for water and to put back on warmer clothes and lights. Jake didn’t know we stopped so he rode his heart out trying to get back to us when we were behind him (a frequent occurrence on a Diablo Cyclists ride.) At Lake Solano peacock’s were wailing away—more things to now bug the shit out of me. Michael Vick should get some of these.

Though it was now cooler and we were back on the flats I was baking and had to pull off the vest. I kept hearing P-R 2001 in my head, but instead of inspiring I’d just hear “Knaven is now in trouble….Knaven is now in trouble.” Dave and Jack doing all of the pulling and I was hanging on for dear life thinking—ok just 30 miles to go, just 30 miles to go, Knaven is now in trouble.

With about 20 miles to go Lori on tandem shot by with a few single riders and Jack and Dave jumped right on—shit, I didn’t have any choice. Tandem was doing a nice 21 clip which I barely held when Dave volunteered to give them a break and went to the front and we were quickly doing 23. Next time Dave said he’d go back to the front to help out I yelled at him to stay where he was.

We came up to Jake who was trying to catch our nonexistent selves in front of him. Good timing as the tandem was out of water and with 10 miles to go they and their group pulled off and we continued on. Jack and I so happy to finally see a climb—even if it was a highway overpass. This climb must have thrown Dave as he promptly took a wrong turn—so I’m not even the Club leader in getting lost. Dave took a nicely paced pull and then Jake took over—and with the sun just setting we pulled into the finish at 7:31.

Sign in that we finished—no dinner—but not any different than a Planet Ulta double. Jack always has a big appitite when these finish, while I can barely eat, so he quickly found a taqueria across the highway where he had the Grande burrito and I had a baby taco.

Good training ride, good weather for most of the day (two days before winds of 20mph with gusts of 35mph all afternoon in Davis.) Next year should be more exciting with a large group of P-B-P qualifiers and hopefully we can get a bigger group from our Club.

Mines Road Double Metric-2010

(March 13, 2010) OPENING DAY Mines Road Climb, w/ Jack, Ward, Dr. Dave, Christine, (new) Steve, Andy, 124 miles, 6,000' climbing, 16.1 avg, 7:10-@4:30, meet rest of Club in Livermore, 60 miles into ride (*184 rating*)

Christine psyched to go and predicting a heat wave.

I had been sky high for this ride, but cramming to get everything ready the night before, going to sleep early, and waking up at 4:30 when it is freezing outside puts a damper on enthusiasm. At the start Dr. Dave came rolling in with huge Alaskan survivalist gloves which he gave to me to stash in my car--he said they hadn't helped, his hands were numb anyway, so he might as well just take a smaller pair of gloves. Our group was real quiet going from Walnut Creek to Danville (1st rest stop by Blackhawk, @mile 20)--as no one had gloves that kept their hands warm.

I wonder what the wind will be like on the return trip through Livermore? (Steady 9-12 mph wind in the PM) (Ward-o-photo)

Section of flats/ rollers on Highland was real nice, real quiet and for once no one sprinting or setting up an escape--no racers coming by or a tandem to escape from. No wind and it was almost warm. We kept a nice paceline as a group though we had to caution new Steve every time he went to the front to keep the pace steady.

Dr. Dave checking on the progress of his adopted plant in the organic garden.

We arrived in Livermore Civic Center @9:10 and met up with the larger group of Diablo Cyclists.

Ride supposedly starts at 9:00, lucky for us it seems that 9:25 is the customary start time when everyone finishes bsing at their cars--except for Rusty (known for his punctuality, or is it escaping to start early up climbs) who slipped away on time

Bruce and Jack charge in front of the pelaton to see Mines Road first (Ward-o-photo)

Nice flat rollout for 2-3 miles before hitting the @26 mile Mines Road climb. Weather is real nice, though with recent rains fully expect the two spots on the road that are traditionally flooded (50' sections of water to the bottom bracket) will be bad today. The first 4-6 miles of the climb are attention getting. Then the road starts to level off, great for pacelining, with occasional reminders that you are going uphill for @15 miles. Then there are @2 miles of short but steep rollers which leads into a @3 mile curvy downhill into the Junction--which is 2/3rds of the way to Mt. Hamilton.

Bonus miles riders join with the rest of the Diablo Cyclists, and continue onto Mines Road. Sarah wanted to know why I had my school lunch box with me. (Ward-o-photo)
The Junction Cafe--our turn around spot has been closed, so I brought extra bars and drink mix with me***--perfect to test out my new small handlebar bag that will get plenty of use at the Alta Alpina 8. Close by is a firehouse that we'll be able to get water from if the Cafe is closed. (***I now have to stop the "losing weight diet" portion of the year, and switch to the "endurance diet--approximately 50g carbs and 10g protein an hour." I got caught out a few weeks ago on one of our self supported century rides when I didn't come close to this goal and the energy just left. Good review article on what to eat the day before, for breakfast, during, and after an endurance ride is Kersick, International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Nutrient Timing (2008)

On Mines Road, Ward contemplating the California financial situation. Bike race on the road, not many motorcycles but lots of cars burning the shit gas dumped in third world countries, and climb started out warm but got colder and breezier.

When we hit Mines Road there were signs "race ahead"--there were college bike races going on all day--doing an out and back also, though not going as far as we were. One men's division had left right before us, which was good as we wouldn't have to worry about blocking riders. In fact our group caught some stragglers--one racer couldn't believe that we were doing 120 miles. Late in the day, Ward took 3rd in the women's division when he passed everyone and then ducked in behind the two women leaders so they couldn't illegally draft off of him.

The breakaway group on Mines Road (Ward-o-photo)

The Mines Road uphill is great for me (except for the last downhill finish) while the trip back down is too fast for me to stay with a lead group--so I focused on the uphill and organized a breakaway group once we hit the flats. Great to paceline the middle section of Mines Road, especially if Ward and Christine are in it. Luckily standing water on the road was minimal.

The firehouse banned recumbents.

We would have had Dr. Dave in our lead group also, but he was on the bent' which will perfect for the fast return trip. Here he is at the firehouse gate, just short of the Junction. Funny, Christine and I had put in a big effort to get over the attention getting rollers before the descent into the Junction. The fire station is paved over and the buildings block the wind. I was actually warm on the downhill and when we pulled in for water. That wouldn't last.

Like always Rusty having fun--but why is he on an Oakland A's bike?

We weren't sure if Rusty was ahead of us or not until we hit the rollers. Spoting him ahead provided impetus to jump out of the group and go hard. Later some of the college racers would get a warning from the officials for drafting behind Rusty, who can turn on the speed. Wish he had been in our group going up Mines Road.

Christine (1st overall to Junction) and Dr. Dave (1st alternative bike to the Junction)--both from the bonus miles group. Note that though sunny the bundled up folks in the background.

Just up the road the Junction Cafe was open. It was also windy and cold--so much so we left the picnic area and huddled on the side of the building which was blocking the wind (a first)--whereas I then froze changing a flat caused by my valve cracking. There wasn't the usual block of motorcycles on Mines Road, but we were passed by the "stinky car club" burning some gas mix made in Yugoslavia, who then set up some cooking equipment for a "frozen" bbq at the Junction.

June and Bruce may be the smartest, sitting inside the reopened Junction Cafe by the fire.

Said a quick hi to the new Junction owners, who seemed real friendly. The old owners always seemed out of it--and it would take 45 minutes to get a grilled cheese sandwich. Was unusually quiet inside.

Strange bike rack outside the Livermore Library.

Christine was only member of bonus mile group to stay in the lead pack BOTH on the uphill and on the return trip. Most of our Club called it a day while the bonus mile group still had to ride back another 30 miles. At the Livermore Civic Center library it was nice and warm--and we stayed awhile before we started up again.

The paparazzi stalk out Stephen after he scored 100 points against the school kids the night before. (1/2 Ward-o-photo)

An annual tradition is that June rides back with the bonus mile group and Stephen drives back, then takes the bike out, and rides back to wherever we are. I'm glad he made the commitment to ride back before anyone realized how windy and cold it would soon become.

Christine contemplating her being with the lead group on the fast return trip and if she should read a good book later, and then getting more relaxed (Ward-o-photo).

I'm finally warm and I don't want to leave for the bonus milers extra 30 miles back to the start.

Dr. Dave -the man of arts & letters.
The 30 miles back featured a constant @10mph cold wind from the North. We soon lost Andy (he told us to go on) in the crosswind, Ward's knee gave out half way back, and Dave did not look nearly as happy as he did at the library. But it was a good ride--great if it had been +15 warmer.

More and More East Bay Hills Century-2010

(March 6, 2010) Castro Valley-Redwood-Skyline-Tilden-Lets Do BOTH Bonus Options-Bears and Rodeo Refinery Loop, 100 miles, 15.3, w Ward, Jack, Christine, @80 miles with Stephen, June, Dave Last weeks Century ride seemed harder as tired from the day before, the climbing was all front loaded, and we were racing most of it, but today's century had more sustained climbing which we felt at the end. (Thanks to Ward Industries for the elevation graphs--now in their 100th year producing bicycle charts and other fine products.)
We were supposed to do the Foothill (Merced) Century (3500’ climbing) today but a few things conspired against it. (1) Merced is a long way away, and (2) weather forecast had a good chance of rain in Merced during the week, always with a little less chance in the East Bay. Even though forecast improved for Merced throughout the week, it always improved for the East Bay more. And (3) the Foothill is a nondescript century whereas we could easily ride a nicer route closer to home with alot more climbing. Its appeal is seeing a crit with domestic pros while eating the end o ride meal—unfortunately after a good end o ride BBQ a few years ago last years BBQ was something akin to road kill pigeon—awful at best.

So Friday snuck up, no one suggested Foothill, but the emails were flying as to how we could change the bike club route (50 miles, 2500’ feet with easy climbs of Redwood Road at the base of the Oakland Hills.) to get a longer ride in. Of course I didn’t realize that we were looping into Redwood Road from Castro Valley instead of doing our more popular ride where we hit it fast from Moraga—so my route change made no sense. Ward and Jack came up with options which all sounded OK to me, my only sticking point was that I wanted us to get 100 miles in.

Forecast jogged to slightly worse the night before the ride—50%-30%-00% chance of rain popped back to 20%. But Saturday morning was, though chilly, real clear with lots of blue. While it didn’t get as warm as last Sunday it stayed nice throughout the day (66 high in Martinez, the county seat, by 12: 47, with gusts topping out at 7mph.) and almost always sunny unless riding through a dense stand of trees.

Not a big turnout for the Club ride. No MC Hammer Twins or anyone else that would get our dander up and force an upped pace at the beginning. Stephen had a flat on the Blvd, where lots of early groups passed while he problems changing the tire, so our ride out was at a real sane pace which doesn’t happen often. The Ward-Jack plan was to keep us with the larger bike club for a large part of the ride, by half the bike club had other ideas and was doing a flat ride down to Sunol instead—so the bonus mile group parted ways with the bike club early.

We rode cooperatively to Castro Valley towards Redwood Road, just having to regroup 1-2 times. Ride featured lots of mini climbs on the edge of suburbia. After last Saturday made sure I was ingesting enough carbs (50 an hour) and had upped the Heed concentration and took a bottle of Perpetuem with me—though there are better flavors to add to the chalky mix than Hammergel Banana. Felt good except left calf inexplicably sore, maybe because cool weather in early morning didn’t make it happy (Castelli knee warmers a good fit but NOT long, and after too many socks including high sock liners last week just riding with a short wool pair this week)

Another short but attention getting climb out of Castro Valley towards the Redwood Road climb. Climb was great and on the speedy downhill that turns into a speedy flat I regrouped with Christine, Ward, and Dave. Christine pushed the pace and I was soon dropped, but not by her pacemaking but by the comedy of Professor Dave—who was riding a regular framed bike today.

At the Davis Double last year, while waiting at the end for Dave another recumbent rider pulled in and by chance I asked him if he had seen Dave on the road. I start describing Dave but the recumbent rider knows him, and had ridden with him, and gave me specifics as to where Dave was on the course. This led me to conclude that all recumbent riders are in a secret sect where they all know each other—so whenever we pass a recumbent I have to yell out to Dave “do you know him.” So we are speeding on the rustic straightaway next to the Lake Chabot Golf Course and in the opposite direction two recumbent riders ride by. I wave and yell out hello—though one rider looks goofy as his ‘bent" has a huge windshield that is painted with Dr Seuss candy cane stripes. When I ask Dave if he know them, usually mellow Dave cuts me off and sternly says “if I ever look like that go ahead and shoot me.” This is so unlike Dave I suddenly double over laughing while the group rides away, where I just hear Dave’s surely voice again and can’t do anything but laugh until the road turns up.

On Redwood Road there are lots of motorcycles shooting by and a few bikes coming from the opposite direction. Getting us ready for our 120 miler on Mines Road next week. Christine sets a torrid pace and Dave and I stay with her. We get to the top and Ward and June close behind but no Stephen, Jack or Andy, who I figure we’ll have to wait a few minutes for. But a few minutes pass and no one?—then Andy appears and says Jack flatted at the base of the climb so Ward and I ride back down and do a large part of the Redwood Climb again.

After a long downhill the official ride has us turn back to base via Moraga, but everyone but Andy wanted to do extended miles, so we climbed up to the Oakland hills with June setting a steady but reasonably fast pace; so much so that we joked when Stephen took over that we slowed too much. Warm rest stop at the top of Skyline were we continued riding the ridge line overlooking Oakland the “wrong way” (more steady/ gradual climbing when going South—our Northern route featured many short but steep climbs.) At Sibley Rest stop riders zooming out--we were in the middle of a cyclocross race. An East Bay Cyclocross Club woman shot by and a few of us got on her wheel—she was a good climber and on a headwind section I went to the front. When the road suddenly turned fast downhill I didn't try to keep pace with her—but Christine nicely did. (Funny-today Christine wearing a Death Ride jersey, not a Cinderella one so no constant camaraderie from her bike sistas.)

We regroup and went down Golf Course road—I'd have rather taken the longer but flatter (past Lake Anza) wau but somehow the road never gets repaired at the edge of the park. Quick rest stop, and the uphill rollers back to Inspiration Point—I was po’d that my calf had tightened up (which it never does) and I couldn’t get the oomph I like on the rollers. Then the long downhill and we were on the Bears, which was one of the two bonus mile options Jack/ Ward had presented the day before.

At Tilden Ward took a few photos, then tried a few with the timer, and then a guy voluenteered to take a few--while climbing onto a bench he almost knocked over my bike so I have a freaked out look in the official team photo, so this composite will have to do. Note Mt. Diablo behind Jack (far right)
Stephen, June and Dave turn off to Orinda as the rest of us start up Papa Bear—kids will be kids—a few cyclists came in from behind and got to close so Christine and I had to rev it up a notch to get away, knowing that Ward would regroup on the downhills. Poor Jack was hurting on the climbs but he knows where to make up time, and came in at the end right behind us.

OK—we had the knarly uphill to the Pig left, which I like but I’m in the minority. Trouble is that going back via the Pig might be great torture but would only get us @80-85 miles. Ward showed his genius by suggesting we also do route bonus two—the refinery loop through Rodeo and the edge of Crockett. Great idea—better still as we had a tailwind and a couple of miles where the road wasn’t going up or down for the first time since the start of the ride. We had a nice paceline and then climb through the refineries where we pass under what looks like the mine head at the enter of the Arenburg Forest in Paris Roubaix. Sweet.

Long downhill which ends in a roller and a traditional Club sprint point and then we then took turns cannibalizing each other on all other subsequent rollers back to Pleasant Hill-Walnut Creek. Funny-no major signature climbs like the other two self supported century rides (Calavaras-Sierra Road Century, 5875’ and Tilden-Palomaras from the Castro Valley Side—6800’), but going up and down all day so had more elevation gain.

Postscript-next day we were all dead—my calf killing me and heavily wrapped—so we decided to take a nice spin though Highland Road after going to breakfast with the Club-and TAKE IT EASY on a relatively flat 50 miler. **Some racers had other ideas and when they jumped off our paceline we chased; when I caught their lead guy on the rollers he told me how he and his friend took a hard ride the day before, and then I told him about our Century. **Dave came by on the 'bent to take out the sprint. **Later on I rode hard back with Christine and Jim in tow (until we hit the flats where Jim took over) to a big group (my old bike Club) 1/4 mile up the road while Big Jim kept mentioning carrots—he musta been thinking about dinner. **We regrouped and then some guy from Bikeland jumped hard from a stoplight and tried to stay ahead of Ward, while Ward easily paced him from the side. **Luckily Dave didn't yet know that this guy dislikes recumbents--I don't want to see Dave get surely again and roll his Triple Crown jersey into a rat tail and snap it at riders making fun of 'bents who don't own a Triple Crown jersey.

Later I found out, as a (M) Club Cut Jersey is essentailly the same as a (L) Race Cut Jersey, a (XL) neoprene Elbow Brace is essentially the same as a (M) calf brace. And I also signed up for the Alta Alpina 8 Double-20,000' climbing.

BEARS-TILDEN-OAKLAND HILLS-PALOMARES FROM HELL CENTURY-2010

(Feb 28, 2010) Diablo Cyclist ride then w/ Jack, Ward & Christine on too many bonuuuuuuuuuusssssssss miles. 96 miles, 6,800' climbing (@6,000' in the first 60 miles.) Average speed 15.5 mph.

Today is Sunday, its supposed to be an easy day after our usual extended Saturday ride. But with bad weather forecast my three compatriots were hibernating yesterday which featured a bit of a wind but great weather for 65 miles! Dr. Dave and I rode pace with Stephen and the Club unless we wanted to stay ahead of the M.C. Hammertwin Tandem. Stephen got us organized in echelon practice. Unfortunately the route was 80 miles, and for the middle 15 miles the sky opened up and we got hit by a heavy rain storm. After the showers the M.C. Hammertwins disappeared, every one's legs had locked up, so we rode back easy, covering any weak riders. But as indicated it was beautiful an hour later, so dried off albeit soggy feet Dr. Dave (and he's supposed to be the smart one) suggested we ride half way up Mt. Diablo to get rid of any energy we had left.

To get a cheep (sic) light color jersey we should all buy the M C Hammer jersey and wear it on almost every ride....

...instead Ward recolored (or decolored) our Club Jersey

Next day was had the best weekend weather of the young year. The Club had a gently hilly 35 mile ride scheduled--so figured to do A BIT of add on to get to 60 miles. Plus Ward was bringing the jersey samples so once again we could see if there is any difference between a Voler Medium Club Cut and a Large Race Cut. (There isn't.) The Diablo Cyclist present day jersey looks great but it's a dark US Postal blue that retains heat on hot days--I've been lobbying for a lighter color. A Domo Farm Light Blue would have been great but consensus was that while some light blues look good, other light blues look like crap--so white was decided on. Hmmmm-dyable material.

...
I showed up early for the jersey try on and it was 1) COLD, and 2) a LARGE group was already there--wow-our lazyass bike club turning up early (Sunday the 9:00 start time is usually 9:20)
for the jersey try on. But actually it was a half dozen folks from BikeDirect Forums.com (guarantee I messed up their name)-someone had done the Davis Double (great support) and now they were training for the Solvang Double (hee hee hee.)

Dr. Dave did prove to be smart--he showed up for the jersey try on but after yesterday he wasn't going to get suckered in and ride. We had a big group and though I felt surprisingly good for having done an 80 miler yesterday, I was sooo content to sit in the pelaton--until a tri guy from the Olympic Club motored past. Christine knew what would happen-she told a new rider "watch this" as I jumped out and got on tri guys wheel. At first tri guy tried to drop me but I put in the effort on the flats to stay with him as my legs suddenly screamed, but on any uphill he took alot off and I could recover at his pace. When we got to the end of the road--Pig Hill, the guy knew he wasn't going to outclimb me so he started taking. Turned out to be a nice guy, told him I wouldn't have jumped on his wheel if he had called out when passing our group--he said "oh I would have if I was on my road bike."

Before the Bears we regroup as a Club and off the first climb we can usually form a paceline to charge into the second and third climb. Ward and a new guy joined me--but so did Sprinter "Ballarini," great guy but he wouldn't take a turn at the front so we spent the last climb attacking and attacking until Ballarini fell off--and then I kept up a big effort to stay ahead of him on the downhill.

At the next regroup low on energy--I had eaten just enough to go 80 miles yesterday and had not stoked up on carbs overnight. Jack & Ward indicate they want to go up Tilden Park--what the hell--Christine and I came along. In Tilden a Racer came shooting by on a downhill--I wouldn't race on a downhill, but Ward/ Christine were right on his wheel. The downhill dumps into a short but semi-steep climb right before the Brazilian Room--Ward leads Christine out past the Racer and I tag right behind him in case he catches and passes Christine, but he can't.

At the "top of Tilden" Castro Valley is mentioned so we rode along Skyline where Christine alternatively made friends with and attacked ("that's the largest bag I've ever seen") other sister Cinderella riders. To Castro Valley I was still riding hard, good speed but no zip in my legs on the rollers, and energy low, but after Castro Valley it would be flat back. NO!

At Castro Valley someone says--how about Palomares? Definitely more than I want to do but I figure really good back to back training. Turns out to be training in riding while suffering.

On Palomares I lost it--sweating too much and so out of it didn't even see the "scenic water crossings" when we rode by them (usually my job to call them out.) I was out of it. Luckily had an emergency gel--my drinks were so diluted they were basically pure water. Christine and Jack zoomed up the climb.

I was never so happy to see a downhill in my life. I've gotten better on the downhills and this was the second time (first on Skyline) that I could stay relatively close to Jack as he passed and I could benefit from being in his draft. Even a bigger benefit when Ward pulled all the way up Niles Canyon--with the usual westerly wind we rode up Niles Canyon faster than we usually ride down.

I figure at Sunol we were 4 1/2 hours into our 6 hour ride. I should have had about 50 carb grams an hour so 225 would have been right. At that point I had 200, which wouldn't have been that bad a deficit if I wasn't depleted from the day before.

At the great Sunol General Store it was the cyclist special--Gatoraid, Strawberry Fruit Bar, and a Power Harvest Bar--100 instant carbs.

The weather was getting nicer and nicer--glove liners had long come but kept knee warmers on more for their insulating thigh properties than to protect the knees. Oh yeah--still had toe warmers, wool socks, and sock liners on. Strange weekend-Saturday-wet foot, Sunday-hot foot. Great rotating paceline on the great Foothill Blvd with nary a traffic control, which we continued on Danville Road which looks like the stop light salesman made his fortune. The bonus mile group motored into Walnut Creek at 22 mph and touched 30 in the sprint. Great pre season ride--first double metric Club ride a few weeks away--opening day on Mines Road.