Northern California - weekend ride reports - where'd ya ride?

Saturday: early-morning climb up Hwy 9, down Page Mill with a stop in Palo Alto for a medical test that it turns out they would not administer (long, boring story). Back home via Foothill. About 50 miles and 3200' of climbing.

Sunday: up to Los Altos to roll with the AV 'A' ride. Hung on as best I could, which ended up being around the bottom third of Old La Honda. Despite getting dropped like a warm turd, I still ended up with my best time up OLH so far this season. Still about 1.5 minutes shy of my PR but I'll get there. The ride was heading on to Pescadero but I had to get back home for Mother's Day festivities, so I continued south on Skyline and returned via Hwy 9. Another 50 miles and 3600' of climb.


Hermes: how did you guys like the B ride?

This weekend, I'm on-call, so the riding wasn't much.

Saturday: Sneaked out mid-day, to do a quick loop from Santa Clara to Los Altos and back. Then, in the evening, quick loop around Mt. Eden

Sunday: Sneaked out again, just after lunch, meeting up with Jobob, Lee, tprevost (and kids), Ellen, her roommate. It was great meeting y'all (finally). Didn't really ride together, but at least we got to get together, and yammer a while. Had to head back, just in case a call came in (living by the be available at a networked PC within 20 minutes). Luckily I didn't get a call.

28 miles today, with a run up to mile marker 3 on Mix Canyon. Last time I tried it in the rain, This time I started too late and hit it in the baking sun. Next time I'll get an early start. Then I saw a couple climbing up on a tandem. That's tough!

Yesterday, we started in SF, went across the Golden Gate, up the Marin Headlands (very nice, my first time up there) and rode around Marin a while, then climbed Mt. Tam before going back across the bridge. We ended up doing more than 90 miles, and a couple of people w/ altimeters said we did 9,000 feet of climbing. Nice, long, windy ride - there were a few times where headwinds got kind of annoying.

JB

According to SteveE, it was the fastest ride to date. I do not remember if that was for this particular route or all routes. Fastest that I recall for this particular ride. The Polhemus Loop Ride is as fast or faster. Someone on the ride told me they had 18.1mph for the 48 miles. I had 17.9mph for 61 miles door-to-door.

Hermes & Cranky Stoker did great. It's tough trying to match your speed on a tandem with a bunch of singles. You're usually faster on the flats and downhills but slower on the climbs. We haven't tackled Kings Mountain on the tandem yet, although we've done Old La Honda a few times.

Today, my wife wanted to go for a ride and also have a picnic. We rode - wife and one daughter on their singles, and my other daughter and me on the tandem - up through Portola Valley to Woodside. Got sandwiches and drinks at Roberts Market and biked over to Huddert Park where we had our picnic. Rode home the flat way.

Hermes: how did you guys like the B ride?

The B ride was fun but very fast. According to SteveE, it was the fastest ride to date. I do not remember if that was for this particular route or all routes.

Since we have 3 TTs coming up starting May 26th and we are riding the tandem, we decided to ride it figuring we would get a good workout. It was okay but...it is difficult to manage the accordian aspects and acceleration of pack on the tandem. We went to the front a couple of times but most of the time, we were in the back with others when the main bunch accelerated away. During the climb up Kings the stoker needed a biostop:rolleyes: . We soloed up Kings riding at LT for the whole climb. Got a late start after the regroup at Canada/92 (not sure why but a number of little things) and did not see anyone when we arrived at the Market. However, they were on the side where I did not see them:o . We went on thinking they were ahead. The group caught us going up Sand Hill and we were back with the pack to Peets.

To sum it up, great ride and group, pace was fast but taking the tandem was like taking a knife to a gun fight. The next time we will be on road bikes.

So I had three hour zone 2 planned for Sunday and some hill intervals for Saturdays. I was still getting over the cold and on Friday I had titanium rod inserted in to my lower jaw in preparation for replacement tooth. So I figured I do zone2 on Saturday. Plus I discovered my rear training wheel was wobbly. Took of the cassete, and took it to the LBS, it's a long my training ride, to get trued. Was too lazy to put 12/27 on my rear racing wheel (it runs 11/23). Didn't really feel like doing high intesity anything. It went well. By the time I got back I was pretty tired.Two and half weeks of drinking and chasing women around Europe probably had something to do with that.
Today I did some "fun" hill intervals, after putting 12/27 on it in the morning, on Kings Mountain. Three on/off 10 minute hill intervals pretty much killed my legs. Even worse then last time I did them. Again the whole drinking thing. :D Finished it off with three 10 minute z2/z3 (well zone2). My legs were pretty much done. One fun note. After one turn around I was passed by some guy on descent. I was still picking up speed. He ended up going not all that fast so I passed him. I think to him it looked like he passed some slow descender who then got pissy and passed him. Descending Kings Mountain is tons of fun. Pavement is good, and not a lot of cars. Only bummer is a lot of blind turns. Which present a problem because some idiots in cars like to pass cyclists on a blind turn. :mad:

Yesterday I did an ACTC club ride starting from Sunol, so I rode out to the start. The wind was blowing unusually strong at 9 am and it was a tailwind for most of the ride eastbound out along the AC Trail and Niles Canyon Rd., so the 15 mile flat-ish ride took me about 45 minutes, whee. I knew there'd be payback though :rolleyes: The group headed out from Sunol back into the headwind :p and up Palomares. Luckily Palomares Rd. was fairly well protected from the wind, altho it was windy and freezing at the top waiting for the others, so a few of us kept going. We had another nice tailwind heading east on Dubin Canyon Road, and the wind on Foothill Rd. back into Sunol wasn't too bad. Most of us met up in Sunol for lunch and an impromptu birthday celebration for the ride leader. My husband Lee was able to get out & drive out to meet us for lunch. As we were heading out of the cafe after lunch, I looked at the flag across the street sticking straight out in the wind, in the exact direction opposite to where I was heading, so I bummed a ride home from Lee. :o About 45 miles.

Today Lee & I went across the Dumbarton, through Menlo Park & Atherton up to Woodside. We then took Whiskey Hill to Sand Hill & Portola Rd., then I turned right and went up Alpine Road & turned back (I was feeling really good during this ride, best I've felt since before the head cold that set me back a few weeks, yay). Lee opted out of the climb & headed down Alpine directly. We met up at the Chain Reaction on Foothill in Los Altos a bit after 1, just in time to see Tracy walking into the Carvell with her boys. Mmmm, soft serve. :D We chatted for a bit while enjoying our ice cream, and soon spingineer showed up in his CSC jersey - I knew it was him the moment I spotted him :) We chatted some more, during which time a couple of Trac's & my friends from the TE list showed up. Lee and I headed for home (accompanied for a mile or 2 by spingineer), along Casto St. in Mtn View and thru Shorline Park. By then the bay wind had really whipped up! I was still feeling really good, but Lee's allergies were starting to wear him down, so I was able to pull him most of the way home. Since he used to have to pull me all the time, I'm glad to be able to return the favor once in a while ! It was about 68 miles.

I'm really jazzed with how good I felt today, my crazy Solvang Autumn Double idea is seeming a little less crazy :)

The Solvang Autumn Double is still awhile away, so there's plenty of time to train for that. It's not that crazy. Just do a century a weekend till then ... :D

According to SteveE, it was the fastest ride to date.

Apparently it was fast enough for him to achieve time travel! He quotes your message before it appears?

Apparently it was fast enough for him to achieve time travel! He quotes your message before it appears?

SteveE is pretty fast...he may have exceeded the speed of light or found a worm hole in space - Serrota technology. In reality, I started writing a post and somehow :eek: posted it partially complete. SteveE responded. I saw the partial post and deleted it. That is why he led my final post. Technology.:rolleyes:

SteveE is fast ... like the others in the Alto Velo B ride. Maybe after I complete my Triple Crown (after Grand Tour), I'll try riding with them again ... at least now I feel better about my climbing ... I still won't be able to climb as fast as them.

Got out Saturday morning for a quick ride on the tandem and the first time on a bike in three weeks. Did a quick 25 miler out and back, fairly flat and averaged 20 mph. Got up this morning for a nice hill climbing ride with cfblue. We were headed to Montecello dam and were to meet cf at the camp ground below. Got about 20 miles into the ride and our friend told us the back wheel was wobbling. Got off and sure enough there was broken dxxn spoke. CF met us and gave us a ride back home. What a nice guy and we just met him in person. Took the wheel in to the LBS. Hope to get it back soon cause we have the Montecello Century on Sunday. Anyone out there coming out to Vacaville to ride?

Anyone out there coming out to Vacaville to ride?

We are racing the Dunlap TT June 3rd in Winters, CA in the tandem division. http://dbcraceteam.org/Events-results/2007/dunlap.html It is a 34.3 K course that is flat with good roads.

Good luck to you guys. I should be back from Europe by then so maybe we can come out and cheer you on. That is pretty flat country. The only drawback would be if the wind picks up. It can blow wicked bad through there.

Good luck to you guys. I should be back from Europe by then so maybe we can come out and cheer you on. That is pretty flat country. The only drawback would be if the wind picks up. It can blow wicked bad through there.

It would be great if you come to watch, but you and RR should join us...the entry fee is cheap and you each can buy a one day license at the event. You century riders cannot be afraid of a little 34.3 K fast paced ride on flat terrain?? Seriously, TTs are fun on the tandem, perfectly safe and you do not need to worry about any special equipment. Your bike is fine and it is typical to what we see at other races. There is not exotic stuff in the tandem group. You can set your own goals. It will add an entirely new dimension to your riding and training.:)

I rode up Page Mill to Highway 35 for the first time yesterday. Before that I would stop at Moody and head back down. I think it's time to put on the 12-27 cassette and not the 12-23. There were a few points up the latter part of the hill where I had to pull over and grab a quick breather in the shade. Another cyclist helped keep me motivated to make it to the top, thanks! I didn't put on enough sunscreen so the arms got a bit red from the sun. I'm slowly upping the miles (41 yesterday, most so far) as I try to get in better cycling form after a several year layoff.

Did a family ride on Sunday from Campbell to Willow Glen. Beautiful day with lots of bikes out on the town! (Not all of these reports have to be hammer-fests, right?)

My only ride this weekend was a couple of times around the block with my 3 year old son. I ride the fixed gear so that I can ride at his pace.

It would be great if you come to watch, but you and RR should join us...the entry fee is cheap and you each can buy a one day license at the event. You century riders cannot be afraid of a little 34.3 K fast paced ride on flat terrain?? Seriously, TTs are fun on the tandem, perfectly safe and you do not need to worry about any special equipment. Your bike is fine and it is typical to what we see at other races. There is not exotic stuff in the tandem group. You can set your own goals. It will add an entirely new dimension to your riding and training.:)

Okay, you convinced us. We will do it.

I rode the Tour of the Unknown Coast with my Dad and Uncle on Saturday, which, for me, was a brutal 100 miles with 9,800 feet of climbing. The ride was mostly made difficult because the ride is rear-loaded, with most of the climbing in the last 25 miles, and by a nasty head and crosswind that hit us at the beginning of that stretch and followed us all the way into Ferndale. I liked the ride though, and would sign-up again.

Sunday I did a quick loop from Ukiah to Hopland on Old River Road, mostly to stretch out the kinks.

A friend did the Tour of the Unknown Coast 100 mi route, and yes, it sounded tough! Well done. :beer:

I rode the Central Coast Double on Saturday. It was a great ride, with almost perfect riding conditions except for a stretch in the Salinas Valley with a severe headwind. Nacimiento Road is probably one of the most scenic climbs in California. Plus, I did it without cramps, nausea or the strong desire to quit cycling forever that often hits in the middle of a double century...

I rode the Central Coast Double on Saturday. It was a great ride, with almost perfect riding conditions except for a stretch in the Salinas Valley with a severe headwind. Nacimiento Road is probably one of the most scenic climbs in California. Plus, I did it without cramps, nausea or the strong desire to quit cycling forever that often hits in the middle of a double century...
I hear there were freezing winds at the last rest stop. Small 100-ish turnout. What was your time?

I hear there were freezing winds at the last rest stop. Small 100-ish turnout. What was your time?

Yeah, there was a very stiff north wind in Salinas Valley. On the 5-10 miles heading north toward the Bradley stop it was very tough going. That was the low point though. I finished in just about exactly 15 hours, more or less in the middle of the group, I guess.

Saturday rode our tandem from Canada/92 via a different route to Peet's in Los Altos. Canada, Moutain Home, rt Portola, lft Alpine, rt Arascadero (sp), rt Page Mill and climb 2 miles, lft Moody, rt El Monte, lft Foothill, rt Main returning via Foothill to Alpine and rt on Portola - 46 mile hard ride with hills and intervals. On Sunday rode singles from Canada/Edgewood to Peet's and saw SteveE at Peet's - 30 miles easy zone 2. Nice weather and temperature both days; but a looooooooot of wind.

Okay, you convinced us. We will do it.

OMG! :eek: What have you got us into???:eek: :eek:

I did the Old La Honda-Alpine Loop from the Page Mill park and ride. Beautiful day today, just a bit windy.

Lodi Sunrise Century. My first one. 102.97 miles, 7:17. Little slower than I had hoped, but I'll take it.

Did Davis Double Century. Forgot my cycling shorts, so I did the 200 mile ride in walking shorts. Due to a brushfire on Hwy 128, they had to alter the route. We essentially did an out and back route. Very tough ride, but still 8650 feet (just a little over the originally planned altitude gain).

Fremont Freewheelers "Cruisin' to Panama" ride. Niles to Livermore(Panama Coffee) and back. Didn't think I'd make it up to Foothill from Sunol on my fairly new 'bent, so I rode the DF. I NOW remember VERY clearly why I like my 'bent seat so much.;)

On Saturday I rode with some friends from Winters to Fairfield, up Hwy 121 to Moskovite Corner, then on the closed-off part of Hwy 128 past the brush fire. Having Hwy 128 practically all to ourselves was really neat, and riding right past the still-buring fires along the side of the road was an experience I won't soon forget. :) About 65 miles & 2800 feet of climbing

Sunday I joined a LunaChix ride up & back down the west side of Mt. Hamilton. It was really nice up there ! About 40 miles & 5000 ft of climbing.

Saturday: rode from San José to Los Altos to do part of the Alto Velo B ride (up Old La Honda), then south on Skyline, descending Page Mill Road, then home again via Foothill.

Sunday: early morning power-fest...Toll Gate, Pierce, then Bohlman-On Orbit-Bohlman just to reduce any semblance of musculature that I had into goo.

Monday: day off!

Saturday: Modesto Cat4/5 Crit. With one lap to go was crashed out. Along with some broken equipment got sprained, maybe even fractured, left wrist. Will try to get x-ray done on Monday.
Sunday: 60 mile loop climbing Page Mill. It's as brutal as I remember. Probably wasn't a good idea, couldn't even shift with my left arm.

Planned to join the AV B-ride on Sat. Arrived at Peets and realized I forgot my helmet (high fred level)!
Ended up going back to grap my helmet and did the Old La Honda - Hwy 84 route alone. Very nice day though.

Rode a very hilly solo century in the Placerville area. I had to change my route at one point, as there was a bear in the road! No idea they came down that low. As I approached I thought oh crap, a loose dog on the road, then OH CRAP!! run away!

Rode an extended Winters loop from Vacaville. 38.5 miles, only a 17.3 average. Guess I was talking Red Rider's ear off. It was great to get a decent ride in. Picked up a 5 degree stem to replace my previous 17 degree one.The Yoga is paying off. I replaced my crash damaged saddle with an Avatar Gel saddle. Both were great improvements. I plan on a ride tomorrow afternoon also.

Rode Bike Forum Memorial Day Ride. 68.44 miles, 6822 feet climbing. Went out to Old La Honda, Stage Road, and Tunitas Creek. Fun ride!

Rode to work. Blah.

Rode an extended Winters loop from Vacaville. 38.5 miles, only a 17.3 average. Guess I was talking Red Rider's ear off. It was great to get a decent ride in. Picked up a 5 degree stem to replace my previous 17 degree one.The Yoga is paying off. I replaced my crash damaged saddle with an Avatar Gel saddle. Both were great improvements. I plan on a ride tomorrow afternoon also.

And here I thought I talked your ear off! Either way the conversation was as fun as the actual ride.

A couple of us are meeting at the clock tower at 9 this morning to do a Gordon Valley Loop. Others are welcome to join us.

Local club ride, from Palo Alto to Redwood City, and climbed a few hills there. 30.51 miles, 2174 feet climbing.

Saturday: tiny portion of Alto Velo B ride.
Sunday: Mt. Hamilton Road Race. Not the greatest result, but I wasn't last, and I didn't crash :)

Saturday: AV B-Ride. About 58 miles
Sunday: AV A-Ride. Only five of us did the entire distance. One is a Cat 1 racer and one a former World Champion. The remaining 3 of us were hanging on for dear life! Fortunately(?), there were regroups along the way - Skylonda, top of Haskins, Pescadero, San Gregorio, and Skylonda. 84 miles.

Did I say my legs are pretty tired?

Saturday: AV B-Ride. About 58 miles
Sunday: AV A-Ride. Only five of us did the entire distance. One is a Cat 1 racer and one a former World Champion. The remaining 3 of us were hanging on for dear life! Fortunately(?), there were regroups along the way - Skylonda, top of Haskins, Pescadero, San Gregorio, and Skylonda. 84 miles.

Did I say my legs are pretty tired?
Just saying AV A-ride is exhausting ... I'll bust my HRM doing that!!!! :eek:

After much vacillation 3 of us rode another Winters Loop. I was very tired, had no energy, kept wishing someone would offer me a nickel to go home. Turned out that I was .40 mph off yesterday's pace. Sure felt like I was pedaling through molasses.

Planning to get to bed early, get up early & do a couple Cantelow repeaters, then as fast a Winters Loop as I can stand. I'll be riding alone; maybe the pain of the 2nd repeater will take my mind off my lonliness. :p

We went out this AM w/the intention of doing the 'freeway ride' from eastern Contra Costa to the Carquinez Straits, but the wind out near Bay Pt BART and the trail parallel to Hwy 4 about knocked us over. Upon further review (and much debate), we turned back and did some of the usual stuff out in Antioch and Oakley. We were all happier for the experience and will do the aforementioned freeway ride another day.

I got in a 32 mile ride this morning on the American River trail, with a stop at REI on the way back. The longest ride I've done in quite a long time. The weather was perfect aside from a bit of wind in places, lots of people, and it felt great.

I can't wait to get my new bike (which will hopefully fit better) and give it another go. Maybe I'll work up from a half-metric to a full metric. ;)

Quick 18 miles today, I'm back to riding everyday and I feel much better.

On Saturday, we did the Beat the Clock time trial on Canada Road on our tandem. It was a great time and usual and there was a good turnout. The promoters did a excellent job of organizing the race. After the TT, we rode to Peet’s in Los Altos and on the way back saw SteveE charging up Portola leading the Peloton of the AV B ride – 46 miles. On Sunday, we rode from Edgewood to Los Altos and back – 34 miles. We plan another 44 miles on Monday.

Here's what I did today. What a awesome ride (for the few MTB'ers out there). I can;t wait to explore more trails out that way.

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2861177

I know I know... I should have made the climb back to the starting point but we were pressed for time. For some reason my heart rate data was not working.