The Hell of the Sierra Road (2012)

Happy Paris Roubaix Sunday (Greetings from the Church of Ward)

Century #9 (April 7, 2012)  Mines Road, Mt. Hamilton, Sierra Road loop.   w, Cisco Dave, Jack, Fredrick--Ward and Christine to the foot of Mt. Hammy, 112 miles,10,000' climbing, 14.2 avg.

From Ward Industries Historic Files--we actually also did this stupid ride a couple of years ago

Club is doing the Mines Road ride and a few options present itself.  Can do the same ride from last week--ride from Walnut Creek two hours early and then join the club for the (mostly) gradual Mines Road Climb, bonus miles up super steep Mt. Hamilton,  and return the same way.  Cisco Dave is agitating NOT to do an out and back but descend the long side (San Jose side) of Mt Hamilton and then go up the climb I hate the most--mega steep Sierra Road.  (In this case 'mega' is worse than 'super')  Wanted to leave options open to see if our injured hockey players Ward and Christine could do a long but shallower climbing miles, so an option I left open was to go down and back up to Patterson in the Central Valley with them and then upon return I could do the Del Valle climb in Livermore.  Leaving from Walnut Creek (at 7am)wouldn't do good for options 2 & 3 so I decided to leave with the Club in Livermore (at 9am).

Meanwhile Cisco Dave was "threatening" to bring people faster than him on our ride--after the way he rode last week I thought he meant Freddie Rodriguez.   In any event he started an hour earlier (8am) half way between where we were and Walnut Creek.

I'm riding with Christine on the flat beginnng of Mines Road (Ward-o-Photo)

When I woke up glad I chose to start as late as possible.  Last week it just stopped raining a couple of hours before our ride but it was 44 degrees in the early morning.  This week the sun was out strongly and it promised to touch the 70's in the afternoon--but it was 36 degrees (F--Dave and I already froze on Wednesday night coming down Mt. Diablo  it was 38 degrees at the top--with a 25mph wind chill....well you figure it out.)  Today at 9:00 it was warm enough that we could leave the hated glove liners behind. 

(above) Road goes up and Cisco Dave, Fredrick and I go up the road (below) Paparazzi shootout--Cisco Dave getting camera ready (both Ward-o-Photos)

Nice group for this popular ride, but many less riders than in past years.  See my description of Mines Road--Mt. Hamilton from last week for first part of the ride description.   Noticeable differences this week:

-Either a Sunday factor or morning wet road factor but last week Mines Road was deserted.  This week about two dozen motorcyclists passed us on the ride up (and a fuckin SUV who passed on a blind turn--bad enough as we'd be collateral damage by flying crap when he got hit head on--but in the curve he came quickly in from about 4' away from us to 6" away.)

--We had a much easier ride up Mines Road as last week going balls out--this week regrouped for my injured compatriots, and we still managed to be the 2nd group to arrive at the Junction.

--Traditional huge puddles were minuscule.

--Toby already at the Junction--he was doing the same loop we were doing for Ironman Training.  (He said he left before us but for all we know he left at 10am and whizzed past us.)  He'll be racing against some over hyped cyclist -- Toby's on my Team BRL (Beat Roubaixless Lance)

--For this ride switched wheels to my new Stan Rims/ King Hubs and even though before Memorial Day switched to my Gleaming White Carbon Soled Shoes.  (More comfortable foot bed then my other shoes but not the uppers.)  Want to get everything "spot on" before Devil Mountain Double.

--Loads of cyclists and motorcyclists at the Junction this week. 

Christine thought we were riding too cooperatively--so on the lead in to the last hill before the Junction she drafted off my wheel and then made a move to get ahead--but I was too motivated as I didn't want to suffer her taunting like some poor guy she passed on Mt. Diablo last week.  (Women arev in bad mood when Cinderella Ride is rained out

OH YEAH--Last Movie of the Season Being Done of the Ride--Will Be Here When Completed

Fredrick-Christine & me in the San Antonio Valley (CiscoDavevision)



At the Junction Ward/ Christine decided they didn't want to go to Patterson but would ride the rollers  (progressively steeper) out to the Isabel Creek Bridge before Cisco Dave/ Fredrick/ Jack and I started the Mt. Hamilton--Sierra Road loop.  We somehow lost Jack and rode a spirited ride through the beautiful country 10-15 miles out to the Isabella Creek Bridge.  Fredrick had done the Devil Mountain Double before so we were trading DMD stories.

(above) At Isabella Creek before Hammy Climb, Cisco Dave pestering the cows to go up Mt. Hamilton also (below) I prepare for it to get warm, (far below) Christine says good riddance to us and we prepare to go up Mt. Hamilton (Ward-o-photos)

We awaited about 10 minutes for Jack at the Bridge and he never showed (getting dropped from a fast moving paceline is sure death re the reduced speed and additional energy you have to put in.) .   We wanted to get out of there before our legs tightened up--and the aggressive cows that were over the fence and on the road charged us, so three of us left while two turned back.

Last week I was not happy on Mt. Hamilton while Dave zipped up.  This week I was much happier and Dave less so--which showed the fickleness of trying to hold condition when you work for a living and not 21 years old.  Unlike last week the Climb it stayed warm throughout (last week a cold headwind developed), and the snow from last week was all gone.   Good move getting rid of knee/ arm warmers and t-shirt at the bridge.

Only bad thing about observatory is that you have to take cleated shows off--and in restroom floor was wet.  From now on I'm looking for a tree outside.  

We were ready to go when Jack dieseled in.  He was in good spirits and he's super quick at rest stops so we waited a few minutes for him to get ready.  Seemed like downhill wouldn't be THAT cold--and didn't want to put on t-shirt and then take it off before Sierra Road so just threw on vest.  It was a little cold on the way down with just a vest but not bad.

Unlike last week when we returned on the super steep east side (curvy, wide, decently paved, silt covered, super steep road), this week we were going down  the super curvy, narrow, cruddy paved, fallen rock covered west road--at least its not super steep, a steady 4-5%.    But loads of caution around every hairpin--most had gravel/ rocks around the bend.

Dave and Fredrick slowed for me after the downhiill and we rode the "fun part" of the ride together--about 3-4 medium rollers and the rest is fast on a well paved road.  I pointed out on DMD the fun ends when you have to take a side street to the LAST HOUSE on the top of a hill for a rest stop/ check in.

(above) Fredrick gets special Hammar Nutrition before tackling Sierra Road (below) I just finished 37 minutes of punishment (CiscoDavevision)

Suddenly in suburbia for the first time since Livermore--66 miles ago.  We zig zag the neighborhood streets, following the DMD markings, for 3 miles.  It is now nice and warm.  We stop of at a 7-11 to rehydrate as there will be no water en route ON the Sierra Road climb and after Sierra Road for 25 miles.  Here Frederik cements 'man of the match' status by downing a 7-11 Hotdog before the warm climb.  Shades of Kitty and Collen.  While enjoying the sunshine Jack pulls in and stokes up on a muffin.  (Plenty of places to get 'stuff' on this ride but for some stupid reason I again decided to have a handlebar bag stuffed with 2 lbs of food and drink mix--on DMD I'll instantly lose a couple of lbs--great!!)

We go a few blocks, suddenly the wall in front of us appears--its Sierra Road.  Dave had a nice recovery from his Mt. Hammy and went up well.  I was smart and didn't chase on this climb that I HATE.***   Hot on the climb and my back didn't give out; I was pleased as I had same time as a couple of months ago when we rode up it only after a leisurely Calaveras Road climb. 

***Why I Hate Sierra Road.  I'm not a pure climber and can power over short steep climbs well--that's why the Mt Tam Double or Gold Country rides are my favorite.   Extending this--a climb that has steep sections followed by recovery sections is great.  I love Mt. Tam from Alpine Lake--steep hairpins between gradual uphill recovery sections.    If I'm riding well Mt. Hammy from the steep side isn't bad.  But I can't sit and spin at 100000 RPM.   Sierra Road has no recovery sections and instead of attack-relax-attack its just a constant grind.   F-me.

Jack arrived and we started the long super fast road back to Calavaras.  I still am a slow downhiller so can't take advantage of the speedway--but can now hang in there.  After "the Wall" (short but steep climb) that starts Calavaras we had to wait for Jack--and as Dave and Fredrick were parked in the other direction after Sunol they took off and  I waited for the Captain.  Funny comment from Fredrick though--he wanted to detour around Sunol so wouldn't have to take the short noticeable climb out of town--what--ducking a pissy Sunol Climb after you just flew up Mines Road--Mt Hamilton and Sierra Road?? 

Jack pulled in and we two manned to Sunol where they had a GREAT frozen rice pudding pop.  Then Jack added on a mini bonus loop before on to Pleasanton and then Livermore--where the most dangerous part of the ride was trying to get to the bathrooms at the sports park where a tournament was going on and the parents were driving all which ways.

The 10 Year Anniversary

Felt much better than the week before.  So now its time to register for Devil Mountain Double.  As the great Johan Museeuw said "I trained well, tomorrow (during the race) I'm gonna do the maximum, but more I can't do."  Going into DMD I don't think I can do any nuttier training rides than the ones I've done this spring.
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Note--bad week for cyclists--Nancy Y who writes a positive cycling blog (counterbalances my cynical blog) and makes movies of doubles rides was injured in a bike accident on an organized ride.    And the news gets much worse--the ultimate tragedy--a family on a leisurely bike ride near where we start our club from, when dad and daughter were killed by a wayward SUV while on the sidewalk.  And of course week before cyclist plows into and kills a pedestrian in San Francisco.  Of course soon a bunch of lawyers will proclaim their clienst the greatest guys since Abe Lincoln--just ignore prior DUI's, hit & runs etc.    Click here re brother of SF Giant who drove into cyclists last year.

De Ronde van Mines Road-Mt Hamilton Vlaanderen (2012)

Century #8-Longest Self Supported Ride Ever-160 miles

It's good to see cycling going the way of all the overhyped commercial sports.  Soon we'll have the Muur de Poulan Weedeater or the Alpe de'Tostitos.  "Here we are...On Cobblestone Section Farmers Insurance followed by the real bad section-the Cobblestone Section Fed Ex."  

IMO the best race is Paris Roublex when it is wet.  When it is dry the Tour of Flanders, aka de Ronde van Vlaanderen is the best.  Unlike the stage races of multiple days of short lengths interrupted by days of cycling parades like the Tour de France, the one day balls out high intensity races are great.  And the Tour of Flanders, with its repeatedly short but steep climbs (many cobbled) climaxes on the penultimate climb, the feared cobbled Muur van Geraardsbergen/Mur de Grammont.  The Muur is 1075 meters at 9.3%, with a maximum grade of close to 20%, everyone waits for the winning move to be made on it.  The Muur is the place where an old Johan Museeuw tried in desperation to attack the group in 2002--fell off badly-- and had a resurrection ("he never gives UP--EVER!"--Phil Liggett)  and made the podium.  More recently the place where Fabian Cancellara said bye bye to Tom Boonen, both who were involved in their own two man race with everyone a few levels below them.

2009 Tour of Flanders
Announcer Paul Sherwin-"With 20km to go Stijn Devolder has shown that got some strong legs today and he'll start to think of the Mur de Grammont that is coming up in 6km time.

Announcer Paul Sherwin-It's 2.2 km to the start of THE CLIMB and if you have never been there it is a beast of a climb--the Mur de Grammont.

Annoncer Phi Liggett-The chapel at the top seen through the trees.  Its where cyclists go in Belgium-to a mecca to see what the rides go through...Life is about to change as the rides go up the wall of  Geraardsbergen
So in 2012 the sacred place--the Mur de Grammont--The Muur van Geraardsbegen-- has been tossed from the Tour of Flanders.

Diablo Cyclists watch the Tour of Flanders Mt Diablo Route (added for $$$ payment)--Ward Industries

The Ronde's organizers could get more money if they looped the same lesser climbs a few times--better to put up fancy hospitality tents and have patrons with $$$$ plop down and see the race a few times without moving instead of having the hoi polloi see the race for free along the road--then jump in their car and tear off to another spot--with the wildest spectator section being the Muur van Geraardsbergen. 

So on Sunday, while this farce of a Tour of Flanders is going on, we decide to break custom and get a long ride in for Sunday--which is usually what Saturday is for.  But it decided to storm on this Saturday as it did on the last Saturday and the one before that.  In fact--got an early self supported century in at the beginning of March and sat on "1" for the rest of the month.  Now its April 1st--maybe taking the Muur van Geraardsbergen out of the Ronde is an April fools joke, so a few of us decided to do the ride we were supposed to do two weeks ago.  Start from Walnut Creek and ride the 30 mile flatlands out to Mines Road--which is then a 30 mile mostly gentle (OK-forgetting about the beginning few miles and the ending few miles which are steep) climb.  From there if it is warm we can go 20 miles further to the top fo Mt Hamilton, or if cool go down the 25 miles to Patterson.  Of course this will then make it a 180 mile ride--but best get into gear with if I plan to sign up for Devil Mountain Double.  Endless hours in the garage on my ski machine ain't gonna cut it.

FUCK YOU Dr. Earl, the insurance expert, who said I did't need any corrective surgery as "i'm not an athlete."  Insurance attorney (who was actually OK--unlike swarmy insurance adjuster) thought it was amusing that my accident was on April Fools Day.

Lots of trepidation riding on April 1st--for years I never did--superstition I guess.  April Fools day 2001 my front wheel was undercut by a border collie which left me with an uneven shoulder and torn up knee which still has to be wrapped before I ride, and hurts when cool.    So what would be a better way to celebrate the Ronde and celebrate April 1st by doing some insane ride.

(April 1, 2012)  Walnut Creek to Mt Hamilton via Mines Road.  160 miles with Cisco Dave and Jack.  @8,100' climbing.  7:00-7:30, 15.1 mph.

I proposed this and Captain Jack and Cisco Dave were takers.  Our usual 7am start for "opening day" (which had been rained out) where we just go half way toward Mt Hamilton and stop at the Junction.   (Damn-Jack is supposed to be sensible and talk me out of things like this.)   Cisco started politicking for an 8:00 start where Jack responded "toughen up--if you want to do DMD it starts at 5:00"  Truth be told Cisco could have started at 9:00 and eventually caught up with us.

For self supported ride loaded up handlebar bag with container (Hammergel grenade) of Heed and container of Perpetuem--2 Z Bars, 2 Cliff Bars, and a Peanut Butter Sandwich.    Will be great on organized ride--I'll quickly lose 2 pounds.    Figured my bag would gradually empty out and then could put my rain jacket in it.  It had stopped raining 2 hours before and everything was drenched; the day promised to be dry but it was damp and cold outside. Jack rode in at 6:55 and we discovered that all the bathrooms at Heather Farms were locked.  We wondered if Cisco was going to join us en route and off we went.

Cisco Dave met us on the road outside Walnut Creek and we quietly made our way through tony suburbia.  Not many cars out but some early morning runners and cyclists.  In 15 miles of Central County we saw more cyclists than my 150 miles in East County the last few weeks.  First stop--15 miles at gas station outside Blackhawk, 15 miles after Jack and I needed one.   Cisco just turned 50 so he joined in the old person conversation regarding constipation and how Hammar needs to have dried prune fiber bars. 



Jack and I on Collier Canyon Road--part of the gentle 30 mile ride out to Livermore (Cisco Dave I-PHONE XXXVII with Nikon App Photo)



Movie by Cisco Dave--he made me say my lines--otherwise he wasn't going to pull us all he way back

Now getting warm and rain jacket and glove liners could be put away.    After Blackhawk are numerous backroads to Livermore--mostly flat with some baby rollers--all popular with cyclists.  Jack suggested we deviate a little and go Collier Canyon which was perfect as had a tailwind most of the way into Livermore.

30 miles--in Livermore at 9:10.   Sports park--bathrooms LOCKED.  Doen't anything open up on Sunday morning.    We see some guys wearing Bikes 4 Life kits, my local bike shop, start up towards Mines Road.  At least water fountain was working so we could mix sports drink.  Maybe Jack was trying to talk sense into me--he asked a few times "So you really want to go up Mt Hamilton??"  Unfortunately he asked when I felt great and was full of enthusiasm.

(above) One of the traditional Mines Roads scentic water crossing (below) Closeup of Dave and I (Cisco Dave photo)

From here its about 34 miles to the Junction--with each mile marked in huge numbers on the road so helicopters know where to land to medivac people out.   Very rustic, few buildings, no cell phone reception--not much until the Junction Cafe 34 miles away.  After a few miles of flat the road suddenly goes up seriously for a couple of miles--then gently for the 20--with a few sharp rollers and short but serious climbs which lead into a fast downhill and short uphill into the valley where the Junction Cafe (and fire station) are.  I guess the last downhill is "fun" for most people but I get sawed off on it--and then coming back its a bitch to climb when you're tired.  In fact, in 2002 after knee surgery from my April 1st accident i could barely climb out of it. 

Dave and I Jack on the initial climb--but Dave loves fn around with his I-Phone (he thinks its a camera) so we're making movies and taking photos.    After the road flattened off to a 1% uphill at mile 8, we stop and wait for Jack.   Jack joined us and we all pacelined for the next 20 miles.   Well, we pacelined until we had to ride through the two traditional puddles that are on the road--then we gingerly rolled through those washouts one by one.

Sun is out but cool.  Surprisingly not to many cyclists out--nor motorcycles.  This is a big motorcycle route--with many motorcycles usually taking the curves at speed where we can almost reach out and pat them on the helmet as they lean in and come by.  I guess last night rains had motorcyclist starting out later today.

Dave riding great--he was fn around with the camera and still setting a great pace.  We went over the first sharp climb--he waited for me on the downhill--then we went over the next sharp climb together. But far down the road you could see the Bikes 4 Life guys so he started to chase.  I would have also but I can't add speed on a downhill. 

I saw Dave catch them at the end of the downhill where the road suddenly straightens out and leads into a short steep climb--and I saw the Bike 4 Life guys try to get on his wheel but they couldn't.  I then put in a dig to try to catch Dave if he slacked which had me whip around these guys also.

At the Junction Dave tried to make friends (I think)

Dave-You guys going up Mt. Hamilton?

Bike 4 Life Guys-No

Dave-You should go up to Mt Hamilton, we are

Bike 4 Life Guys-No

Dave-Where did you start from?

Bike 4 Life Guys-Livermore

Dave-We started in Walnut Creek

Bike 4 Life Guys-Good for You

Cisco Dave at the Junction--20 Miles to the top of Mt Hamilton on the way to San Jose.   Other option is to go down into Patterson in the Central Valley  (Pumpkincycle photo)

At least they weren't so pissed that they did tell me the Tour of Flanders results.  Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Butter Sandwich was perfect.  A little concern as we didn't see Jack for a long time, and cyclists coming up couldn't tell us if they had seen him.  Its such a long time that we think Jack pulled an April 1st prank and went back down to Livermore--but he's the serious one in our group so probably not.  When we were ready to circle back to look for him Jack pulled in. 

I had told Jack/ Dave that the determining factor going up to Mt. Hamilton should be the weather at the Junction--if cold--no.  'Problem' was that it wasn't cold--just cool.   Jack gave me the option again and I said lets go.   Besides reasons already stated next week is Club ride up here and if a group of friends rather go down to Patterson in the Central Valley (25 miles downhill) instead of Mt. Hamilton (20 miles uphill) we'll probably do that.

Now a careful reader will ask "who cares if uphill or downhill--if you are doing an out and back you have to eventually climb.  The difference is that the road slope to Patterson is generally modest--Mt Hamilton is a bitch.

I'm on one of the rollers before the serious climbing starts up Mt. Hamilton (Cisco Dave Photo)

Actually the first few miles from the Junction sucker you in..  It is relatively flat through the San Antonio Valley with wide up acres on each side.  Then gradually there are small rollers.  Then the road transforms into significant rollers.  Then you suddenly drop down to a bridge on the valley floor guarding a creek and Mt. Hamilton is only 5 miles away.  Straight up.

In five miles you go up 2,100 feet.  (By way of comparison, the Ranger Station half way up Mt Diablo-- is a 1850' climb for  six and a half miles.)  Dave climbing great--he circled back for me a few times or stopped to take photos.  We then both started comparing his I-Phone XXXX with my antique cellular phone--Dave definitely a phone snob and insisted that we only take photos with his I-Phone XXXXX.  Jack joined us and we continued up.



(above) Jay & Jack riding up Mt Hamilton; Dave riding up Mt Hamilton.
(below) Snow and Grizzly Peak Cyclists Mark on the top of Mt. Hamilton

  

Two surprises at the top.  Snow and Grizzly Mark.  Snow packing the shoulder though one section of Northern Exposure trees were covered with dripping ice.  Then almost to the observatory Grizzly Mark and his band of Grizzly Peak Cyclists were leaving--they were doing a circular self supported century and would be returning the same way we'd be going.

Cisco Dave, Captain Jack and The Pumpkin of Flanders at the top of Mt Hamilton--80 milex from where we started

Shoes off to go into the observatory, water and bathroom.  Dave eats his 3rd of 4th Hammar Almond Joy of the day.  Now close to 2pm--we'd have to leave fast to get back before nightfall.  In any event the sunny Courtyard--sheltered from the cold winds-- is usually a great place to spend time at 4,200' but today it was even cool in the sun.  The 5 mile descent sucked--it always sucks as too fn steep and curvy and though the road surface looks smooth there are some surprise bumps/ dips.  Today there was a layer of silt on the surface that made the downhill worse than usual. 

And can it get worse department--I hear something fall of my bike on the bumpy descent but don't notice anything missing.  Then when I go to take a drink from my bottle I thing I'm chug a lugging a Porter--my bottle cap is gone.

Get back to the valley bridge, take off the extra layer and we start out when someone with a Sharp Bike jersey passes red faced.  What's it with guys with bike shoppe jerseys and seems like Sharp Bike Jersey riders are the worse.  Dave easily passes and goes on--I get shelled on the downhill roller but get back on the next uphill and pass the guy and his friend.    Up ahead Dave has stopped--kicking rocks off the road--while Sharp guys rolls on ahead..   When Dave finishes housecleaning we start two manning--with Dave doing all of the work.  Suddenly we get to a crowd of the Grizzly Peak Cyclists looking down--oh shit an accident.   Its not a cyclists but a motorcyclist who has crashed.  We briefly stop--there is no cell phone reception, someone has ridden back to call the medics from the Junction Cafe.   We continue our two man and catch up to lead Sharp Guy who who then tries to jump ahead--Dave shoots by him, but when Dave slows after getting into the Junction Cafe Parking lot the Sharp guy still is trying to fly by him--almost through the front door.  Stupidass--the road ended 100' ago. 

Jack comes in--quick break at mile 100.  I'm suddenly very thirsty--not good.  This usually leads to nausea on the doubles.  And I've been drinking a lot all day.  Get a Gatorade bottle to take the place of the capless water bottle--but a few miles out of the Junction I will have downed the rest of my Perpetuem and would have to stop to transfer the Gatorade to my other water bottle.

And what a few fn miles it is.  The screeming downhill that first got us into the Junction now has to get reclimbed--and I'm thirsty and a little nauseous so trying to keep a gentle pace up but I'm struggling.  Plus we now have a headwind--which we'd have for the rest of the ride down Mines Road.  I just keep telling myself soon we'll get to the gentle downhill rollers and then the big downhill--so just have to battle though this.    Luckily when I stop to transfer the Gatorade Dave waits for me and he paces me back up to Jack. 

Dave later "complained" that he didn't take many photos on the ride back.  I'm glad he didn't--I musta looked like a zombie.  The whole ride down Mines Road I just focused on Dave or Jack's wheel in front of me--making sure to get as much draft protection as possible while guarding my front wheel.  Vest was pulled off when I felt like I was overheating, then on when I was chilled.  On vest, off vest, repeat, repeat...

Luckily library in Livermore was open on Sunday at 5:30.  The rest and now riding the flats did a world of good.   We went back the same was we came and had a tailwind again.  Got out of my stupor fully at Blackhawk when a racer came by and I quickly got on her wheel for a few lights then took a turn when motioned forward to pull.  She turned off and my compatriots joined me and Dave resumed setting the pace.

Sun now disappearing quickly.  Luckily we all had small lights with us.  Final sprint--I was happy to go 24--Dave was unhappy he couldn't hit 30.  Dave and Jack pulled off sideroads to go home and while I rode back to the car in the semi-darkness.  Tired but LONGEST SELF SUPPORTED RIDE EVER DONE on the anniversary  of my big accident.   Disappointed that I faded from mile 100-130.  This was supposed to be a signpost for the DMD but inconclusive.   Not for Cisco Dave--if he signs up for DMD and rides like he did today he'll finish in the top 20. 

Heard Fabian Cancellara had a bad accident in today's race--hope a border collie didn't come off their front yard and undercut his wheel, like one did to me in 2001.

March Madness (2012)

Right after the 200k Davis brevet left to visit mom in Florida.  Added bonus, my sister and her two daughters are coming down--and I haven't seen them in 7 years.

Mom lives in one of the massive retiree condo complexes (think Del Boca Vista.)  Lowlight of the trip was when I was bs'ing with my sister in a common area patio and a resident came over and asked me

"so did you just move in?"

OUCH

I shouldn't be surprised by this.  Twenty years ago the  NY Style Deli by mom's new house played 101 strings, Mantovani type music--YECH.  Last year I was shocked when the Door's Light My Fire was playing--one of my favorites.  This year they played something by No Doubt--my daughter's favorite group. 

My sister and I have the same philosophy--we don't like sitting around.  As my sister put it--we both think if we're both walking down A Street the greatest thing in the world is on B Street so we have to see that also.   So mid week we took a drive w/ mom down to Key West--unbeknownst to us it was smack in the middle of spring break.  Mom fit in--he has more to drink than me and my sister combined.    Oldest niece was the adult of our group and youngest one will rule the world one day.

Back to California and checked 5 day forecast for 300k brevet for the end of the week.  Also daylight savings started so can go up Mt. Diablo mid week.   No and no.  Forecast:  Monday-Heavy Rain, Tuesday-Heavy Rain, Wednesday-Heavy Rain, Thursday-Light Rain, Friday-Heavy Rain, Saturday (Brevet Day)-Heavy Rain.  ShitFuck

Which reminds me, one should check out Ward Industries' new adopted anthem .  Funniest video since 'Performance'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgCqz3l33kU

As it turned out it stormed on Friday night and for the 2nd year in a row we all bailed on the Davis 300k.  Next day sky was threatening and was cool but stayed dry as I cycled 50 miles around East County on my fixed gear in full rainwear (which I had never done) waiting for the deluge.  It never came and I was pissed at myself for not doing the Davis Brevet.  Came home and did some errands and going into Trader Joe's the sky turned black, it suddenly got cold, and the wind whipped up.  Leaving Trader Joe's, @5:30 it was coming down heavy & cold while people were running to their cars in the parking lot--and stayed that way for another 15 minutes whereas it then continued to rain but lighter for an hour or so.  If on the brevet I'd be about 30-40 miles out from the finish.

Scenes from East County (above) last two have Mt Diablo far in the background

Next morning you could hear the wind whipping around so I went back to sleep hoping that the wind would die down.  It didn't.   Oh what the hell--I don't want to go on the trainer--rather go cycling outside so figured I'd take my travel bike.  But tyres on travel bike had visible threads so I took out fixed again--so my cadence was either 122 with the wind or 37 against the wind.  Did the same loop as the day before.

If Central County where Mt Diablo, Palomares, Morgan and Calavares climbs are is the Tour De France area of the County--the windswept flat farmland and secondary roads of East County is Paris Roubaix.  The only climb of any note in the area--the dam in the watershed--is under expansion and will be closed for a few more months.  Even when it opens it pales in comparison to the choices in Central County.  Additionally, with plenty of disposable income, you can't go a mile in Central County without seeing a group of cyclists--but in foreclosure city-farmland-holyland East County you're shocking when you see one.  In the 100 miles I did in two days I saw 3 other cyclists--not counting the kids at the BMX park.  (I also saw 3 pit bulls on the loose which got my heart rate up)   But today windy flat barren East County was convenient and proved a good workout.

Postscript-3/25--a weekend later, more rain in forecast cancelling club ride up Mines Road.  Did the 50 miles Delta Pedaler loop again--adding a tour around Discovery Bay--a boating community that used to be pimped as only an hour away from San Francisco (by Fighter Jet.)  Came back 15 minutes before serious rain began.   Did see 6! cyclists today--but 4 were dressed in cheep (sic) suits and ties hawking god door to door.  So that's 5 cyclist in East Contra Costa County in 150 miles.   Cycling mecca it ain't.

Davis 200k Brevet (2012)

Century #7 for the year (March 3, 2012) Davis 200k Brevet-w/ Dr Dave, Cisco Dave, Christine and 1/2 with Jack. 130 miles, 17.1 mph, @4800' climbing

The Davis Brevet series is the best bargain for an organized ride in California. For a few dollars there are rest stops, support, and well organized. In Brest-Paris-Brest (yes I know) years there series is jammed with people wanting to qualify, But for those of us who think riding at night is a necessary evil, I stop at the 200k and 300k rides in the series.
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Unusual cast of characters on the ride--even the relatively short 200k. Being a randonneur is like being part a religious cult-hub lights--giant safe-tee triangles--Brooks saddles (of course)--huge saddle bags that look they're packet for a world tour. On this ride about 10% of the hard core randonneurs are out in full dress.

Jack, Dr. Dave and I have done these rides before. So has CA. Mike but he's on the injured list. Ward probably would have done the ride for the first time but he's on the long distance injured list also. On the plus side Cisco Dave and Christine joined in the fun for the first time.  This could have been a great club ride.

Looking forward to this ride all week UNTIL TODAY when the alarm clock went off at 3:30am and it was 35 degrees. I knew it wouldn't be much better in Davis--surrounded by agriculture land. Unlike the dry gold country where it feels 10 degrees warmer--the damp area around Davis feels 10 degrees colder. Though the sun was out and no wind, at 46 degrees I was shivering uncontrollably at the red light right at the 7am start (last one for 130 miles.) Dr. Dave and Christine burning Yule Logs in their gloves.  Cisco Dave recorded 39 degrees once we were on the road with vast fields of dirt surrounding us.

Route covers much of the first third of the Davis Double, though the trip around the flat farmland around Davis is different. An out and back course the first and last 24 miles is pancake flat. Then there is 10 miles of serious rollers and one attention getting climb to get us into the next valley. The middle 30 miles is fast (slightly downhill) along a pothole covered road punctuated by some serious rollers--conversely the return trip is slow. This ride would only have one official rest stop at the 65 mile turnaround but we planned to stop 2 other places both outbound and inbound.

As noted previously laving Davis it was COLD and I was trying to warm up--our group started a nice paceline and before long we had a dozen "friends" behind us. One nice guy was on a fixed gear--he and another rider were part of a 4 person team who is going to do the 508 on a fixed. Later in the day we ran into someone who thanked our group for pulling in the morning. Most of the time we stayed at the front and pulled--maybe not a great tactical decision but I looked at this ride as a training ride.

Cisco Dave feeding peacock something to help it poop. (Dr. Dave photo)

We pulled into Lake Sonoma Campgrounds at mile 29--half the group kept going (those randoneers hate to stop) and the other folks went to the day park across the street. Our average with little effort was 19.1 mph. The campgrounds are nice and tranquil--with peacocks running around. Went to fill up water and Jack said, to late, "watch out for the peacock poop on the ground." Fuck--mashed in my cleats.

Pulled vest and one of two tee shirts I was wearing. Getting close to pulling glove liners--which I hate as can't get stuff easily from pockets while riding. Cisco Dave, Christine, and I did the Cardiac Climb together while Dr. Dave on the recumbent suffered. There is a tipping point somewhere--lets say its 15mph--for a 3mph difference between a recumbent and our diamond frames. If all of us are going 17 mph Dr. Dave on the bent can easily do 20. Then if we are doing something below 15 mph--climbing at 9mph Dr. Dave is going up at 6. Fortunately we've ridden with Dr. Dave so much that he ameliorates his speed on flat portions of the course and he's a real good climber so it just takes a few minutes for him to catch us on the subsequent downhill or flatlands. Climb was only section of ride with moderate vehicle traffic as folks taking their boats out Lake Berryessa.

In Pope Valley, mile 45, we regroup and get water. My odometer contacts have to be cleaned so it keeps cutting out all day and I only have 33 miles to this point. Pope Valley is generally fast punctuated by some steep rollers--and Napa uses NONE of their winery money for road repair so the surface generally sucks (on the 300km we go into poor Lake County which as roads as smooth as glass.)

Cisco Dave usually in front, I'm second wheel and will occasionally give him a short break. If road is real fast Dr. Dave in front of us--if we just met a roller Dr. Dave is behind us. I have a hard time riding in the drops and pointing out crap in the road (or stops where the road is crap) so have to sit up more than I like. I'm doing a study of brevet riders saddle bags-movie to come soon

MOVIE ABOUT RIDE & BREVET RIDER SADDLE BAGS --short low quality version

Quiz question--which of these people are NOT a randonneur?

Dr. Dave writes -- No seriously annoying riders out, although one young lady on a tri bike did make the mistake of saying "Good job" to me as she passed me cresting a hill. I felt obliged to bury her on the descent. For the rest of the day, every time Mr. Pumpkin  would pass me, he'd pat me patronizingly on the top of the helmet and say "good job."

We pass about a dozen brevet riders but no big paceline forms. Only excitement is when a tri-girl who is not on our ride shaves past without saying anything--I jump on her wheel and on teh next roller Cisco Dave and I take off. When the road becomes fast again Dr. Dave zooms by--and then does tri-girl. I get on her wheel again and she shouts something like "I want to ride with your friend on the recumbent" (I think I have this on film--have to study it like the Zapruda film)  Cisco Dave and I drop off but Dr. Dave races tri girl to the control. His karma payback--flat tire right when he pulls into the control.

Nice and warm at the control. Lori & Mr. Lori--who've we've ridden long distance rides with before working the rest stop. Knee warmers off for the first time all year--my handlebar bag is now stuffed. Deli and Bread sandwich. Jack ready to leave right away--he's 2 steps away from being a randonneur--and yelps at Dr. Dave "YOUR GOING TO SIT DOWN??!??" when Dave finally gets comfortable to eat after changing the flat. Jack eventually takes off solo.

Now like riding in quicksand with general uphill--and wind from the side has picked up a bit. We hit a backroad section that Dr. Dave loves--its a recumbent killer--very short rollers but very steep that you can't take a charge into. Cisco Dave has to make an emergency stop and I wait for him then we haul butt to get back to Dr. Dave and Christine.

Now going back over big climb on the ride and I get lazy. Not on the climb but the fast run in to it. Dr. Dave takes off--Christine and Cisco Dave get on his wheel and I just wave bye-bye. I figured I'd get back to Dr. Dave on the climb--but was amazed how fast the trio could get out--Cisco waited for me at the base of the climb--I eventually got past Dr. Dave--but Christine was almost to the top.

Fast downhill and another stop at Lake Solano. Surprisingly my thighs were tight---usually my cardio goes before my legs but I was having trouble as we hammered the flats--of at least when Cisco picked up the pace to 22. Payback for all the work this morning. Cisco and Dr, Dave then kept the pace at 20 and did almost all the pulling--but a long climb would have been so much easier than POUND-POUND-POUND the pedals. Its funny--I feel great from the climbing Mt Tam Double with roller after roller but always feel like crap after the flat ending to the Davis Double--and feeling like crap was happening again.

I'm happy we stopped for a map check--I need the rest (Cisco Dave photo)

Unlike last year we passed a few riders but hooked up with no large group. Got my second wind after the magnificent, majestic Pendrick Climb---a freeway overpass--only climb in 24 miles. Secret control a few miles from the finish in case anyone tried a direct route through Davis instead of the circumnavigation we had done. Guy at control was one of the ride organizers--and shocked I don't do these rides to qualify for P-B-P. Hell, its just fun.

Back a little before 4:00--same as last year. Not bad--130 miles--1 traffic light at the start/ finish and maybe 4 Stop signs en route. Weather turned out great-- I probably could have pulled off tee-shirt. Legs felt like crap at the end of the ride--loosened up when I walked to a clothes store for some thing I needed to pick up for vacation. Need to be smarter on the 300k and don't put in a lot of work early on and don't race tri-girls. That ride should be epic.

Pulaski Bike-2012

Quick post--doing brevet in two days then leaving for family visit--don't think I've seen my sister for 8 years.  Hopefully she'll correct my faulty memory.  Too close to brevet-trip to start taxes--so writing something is a good excuse to procrastinate.

Item 1--Found my long lost cycling brother.   Check out this great blog entry:

Blog Entry--Click Here

If I can ever get the Domo Farm Mercyx Team SC frame on the cheap its going up on the pot shelf over the entrance way

Item 2-Don bought a new bike while antiquing.  Dr. Dave says it reminds him of the Tappan Zee Bridge.  I think the frame is designed more like the Pulaski Skyway.

 


Majestic Tappan Zee Bridge to the left--funky General Pulaski Skyway (look at that drop at the end of the bridge) to the right.  Images from Wikipekia



     But maybe it is simple enough to compare to a Altamont train trestle

Redwood Road-Claremont Avenue-da Bears-Mt. Diablo Potpourri Century (2012)

CENTURY #6 (February 25, 2012)  Redwood Road-Claremont Avenue-da Bears-Mt. Diablo Potpourri  Century, 98 miles ?? lots of climbing, with Cisco Dave & Jack fro first 75 miles

Was hoping to do Patterson Pass again today--hell--haven't done it in four days--but Club ride was going West instead of East.  Felt cold--especially after we had a few days in the 70's mid week--on Wednesday night I went out on the fixed gear without a vest and I'm a cold wimp.  But now back in the low 50's.  Having remnants of a cold didn't help regulate body temperature---compared to last weekend I felt great but on any exertion I became a snotball machine.



Sara telling everyone how she's going to ride by the cows and attack on the downhills

 Strange club ride--we had lots of people at the start but 1/2 would disappear before the first rest stop (@ mile 20), and 1/2 of who remained by the second rest stop (@ mile 30.)  Seemed that the Club used to do the whole ride and the bonus mile group would cut out near the end--but lately people just vanish.  And its not like I was riding at the front--on any hill when the leaders put in a big effort I fell back.  Then we spent lots of time at rest stops with people asking what happened to ????, and waiting to see who came up.    Club isn't as cohesive as it used to be.
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Meanwhile Cisco Dave and I throwing out bonus mile ideas.   On our Peets Coffee ride we usually go down Claremont (steep) and up Tunnel (moderate.)  He suggested mid week to go down to Berkeley and come up Claremont--which I thought meant an out and back which I really didn't want to.  Day of ride I suggested going back up Centennial (steep), which would mean riding out through the campus.  Turns out Dave did racing intervals the day before and he wasn't sure he wanted to drop down to Berkeley and then back up--but I was all in as need the training for Devil Mountain Double and Alta Alpina.

So our Club ride took a clockwise route out to Castro Valley.  At 1st rest stop Ward had to take off before he locked up--especially when we just stayed there--stayed there---and stayed there.  At 2nd rest stop Stephen wondered why we needed to stop so soon, and he was right--but we also lagged a long time at it.  Meanwhile Jack said he was in for bonus miles, Dave proposed still coming up Claremont but dropping down on the steep Marlborough-Strathmore-Alvarado Road side streets which would keep us out of traffic.  Good in theory but not the greatest ride--more on this later.



Cyclocross Mark, Cisco Dave and Dr. Dave resplendent in his golden Grand Tour Double Jersey

 After getting dropped again on the Redwood Climb-I went West with Cisco Dave and Jack up to Skyline while the remnants of the Club continued East to Moraga.  Dave, trying to make the ride as hard as possible, raced a guy with a Roaring Mouse Cycling Jersey up to Skyline.  Actually Dave was gaining on this guy who kept turning around, and then tried to jump out when Dave got near--when Dave passed  the guy then suddenly turned around to go back downhill.

We stopped at Sibley Canyon on Skyline for water--a big group of red-white-blue clad cyclists there--in fact we'd see loads of cyclists (except most of those we started with) most of the day.  Soon we turned off the main road onto Marlborough for our descent into Berkeley.

Though no traffic the descent sucked.
1) Narrow steep streets that necessitated riding the brakes
2) Sudden U turns--I'm glad Cisco Dave knew where we were going.
3) Reasonably nice road surface scarred about a half dozen times with sudden major ruts in the road surface
4) We didn't wind up in Berkeley for the reclimb but came in half way up on the Claremont Climb.  Now the part we had to do was the steep part, but need to do a grinding long climb even if the part we missed is shallow.

What a view from the top of Skyline/ top of the Oakland Hills--SF and Bay Bridge in the background

Though cool the sun was out and visibility on the Oakland Hills was great.   When we got to Tilden Park Dave proposed going down South Park--another real steep road that is closed to traffic this time of year.  But unlike our earlier misadventure the road is straight and surfaced nicely and was a good call for the descent.

Cisco Dave on  the Bears before he turns off

Best portion of ride was yet to come--the Three Bears (moderate.).  Now on the side of the hills away from the Bay, weather jumped up +10 degrees.  Lots of people on the Bears--a big woman's training group being lead by a guy wearing a Climb to Kaiser jersey.  I was wearing mine and we bs'd about the ride--which is harder than the more famous "Death Ride."    Half way through the Bears Dave turned to do Happy Valley Road (steep) which gets him closer to home.

Jack on the Pig Climb

Rest of ride is uneventful, Jack splits when we get close to the Walnut Creek start and when I get back to the car its 3:00 and 78 miles are in.  Sun is also out full bore and its warmer than any other time of the day.  Though climbing all day (Schaefer Ranch, Redwood Road, Claremont, 3 Bears & The Pig) I felt pretty good.  What the hell, lets go up to the Mt. Diablo Junction (moderate) and make this a century.  Quickly made more drink mix, grabbed another packet of GU Chomps, a windbreaker, and started up.

Seemed like a great idea for ride to Mt. Diablo gate and first couple of miles on Diablo--nice and warm--no wind.  A few riders coming down, no one going up, not that many cars on the road.  Then suddenly an Animal Control vehicle with lights flashing went by and pulled over 200' in front.  About 50' in front of them were the tallest-fattest 'German Shepherds"  I had ever seen.  Oh yeah--I'm deathly afraid of dogs.

Wildlife on Diablo--all I know is they are not pink elephants

Great job by County Animal Control.  Antioch opted out of County Animal Control to save money--if this happened in Antioch they'd want to know if anyone was being eaten and if so to call back between 12-1 pm Tuesday and Thursday only.

Ranger pulls up to animal control. They walk up to the closer-smaller one and get him on a leash--while the bigger animal watches 100' away--and put him in the cage on the back of the truck.  .  I ain't going anywhere--and a few car start stacking up behind.  Now there are coyotes on Diablo but these were much much bigger--I asked the Animal Control officer what these were and he says "part grey wolf part------" I don't remember what the 2nd thing is as I'm blown away by the wolf part.  When Animal Control/ Ranger started walking towards the larger animal he took off in the brush.    Before taking off after him the Animal Control officer gave the sheriff a big rod "in case the animal turns on them."

I'm at the Junction--last climb of the day.

One SUV stacked up wanted to know what was going on and I showed them the photos.    Then I started up and the SUV was waiting a mile up to tell me to be careful--they saw Wolf X off on the side.  Oh crap--little shaken but kept going up to the Junction. 

Junction deserted except for one driver who I asked to handle photo duties.  Sun all of a sudden was rapidly setting and it wasn't as warm as the climb had made it.  Happy I took the windbreaker and going down I saw Animal Control/ Ranger off to the side--they already corralled the 2nd "Wolf X"    So no worries and back to the car.

Next week is the first organized event of the year--the start of the Davis Bike Club Brevet series.  We have a few people in for the 200k, and then a few weeks later is the welll supported 300k, the best bike ride bargain of the year.

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120 miler next week should take  7 1/2 hours of riding time
100 milers that we've been doing taking 6 1/2 hours--slow as lost of climing involved

For the 100 mile self supported rides trying to down 40-60 g carbs and hour and 4-8 g protein an hour.  For this ride-
Drink Mix
Bottle 1 (Start Off 3x drink mix)
4 Cliff Electrolites--320 calories-76 g carbs- 0 g protein
Bottle 2 (Start off 5x drink mix, 3/4 frozen)
5 Perpetuem-675 calories- 135 g carbs- 18 g protein
Hammar Shot- 90 calories- 90 g carbs- 0 g protein
Food
GU Chomps-2 packets- 360 calories- 92 g carbs- 0 grams protein
Cliff Z Bars-2 bars-*for kids*-260 calories- 46 g carbs- 6 grams protein
Cliff Bat-240 calories- 41 g carbs- 9 grams protein

So for 6 1/2 ride that's 1945 calories for 6 1/2 hours (300 calories an hour), 480 g carbs ( 74g hour) and 33 g protein ( 5g hour).   So (mostly thanks to drink mix) carbs running high and protein intake running at low end.  For brevet (+1 hour longer) will add a peanut butter and pumpkin butter sandwich--315 calories, 45 g carbs, 12 g protein which will help this imbalance.  Also add another portion of Cliff Electrolite drink mix.