Road Cycling - Solvang Century in March?

Is anyone planning on doing the Solvang Century in March? It sure would be nice to put a face to some of these posts:p It will be my first, and surely not my last!

Good thread.. We do any organized rides, we Forum members might have a pre-ride caucus.. I had thought about Solvang..
I really like the sun.. I think that same weekend the Planet Ultra organizers are putting on a century ride in Death Valley. I am quite sure I will do that... Any of us thinking about that one.? Besides that is the same weekend as my Birthday. .Think my non-cyclist spouse will respect my B'day wishes and go along with me? I know she will spend away my ride time in the sulfur pool at the National Park cabins..
ps Did any of the Bike Forum members get together recently during the "Tour De Tucson.? Seems I recall several thinking of entering that ride...

I was supposed to go to the tour de tuscon, but my friend decided he couldn't make it and I didn't really want to drive 8 hours alone to somewhere I've never been. perhaps death valley, or maybe some of the BF members can come out to vegas for the Las Vegas century :D

The Tour de Palm Springs sounds pretty good, too. They've gotta 55 & a 100 mile route. I hear it gets a pretty large turn out.

Vegas.. get me some where cheap or free to stay and I'm all over vegas:D
-Arleigh

We'll probably be doing the Tour de Palm Springs again in February. It's a good first time century, around 3600 feet of climbing over 104 miles, no killer grades. Because it is the desert, you can expect a 40F difference in temperature over the ride: 45F at the start, 85F by midday. By the first rest stop people usually shuck their arm warmers, leg warmers, and glove liners. By the lunch stop, folks who didn't pack lip balm are usually regretting it. I've attached a photo from last year's ride which shows my wife and me pulling in at the end.

The Solvang Century is great. It's 5200 feet over 106 miles, going through marvelous scenery. Definitely one of the more enjoyable rides. The biggest bummer is that if you didn't get a room way, way early (like right after the last one), you might have to settle for a motel from as far away as Santa Maria or Santa Barbara. Seeing if we can cage floor space from someone who is already set up may be the deciding factor on whether we do it this year.

UncaStuart, thanks for the ride descriptions. I think sometimes people who are new to the sport or who have never done a charity ride might be intimidated by the ride due to lack of information. The rides are usually discribed in a few sentances, and a newbie thinks he/she will be overwhelmed. That's too bad because charity rides have been some of the best times I have had on my bike. The Solvang century will be my first on my road bike, up until this time I have been doing them on my mountain bike, so I am really looking forward to it.

So . . . . .

Who's doing Solvang?

I am, assuming I get out of bed in time. Didn't secure accomodations so I'm driving up that morning from L.A.

If I see anyone with a 'forums jersey I'll say hello.