Southern California - Triple Crown

Anyone up for a Triple Crown Jersey next year? Basically, it's knocking out 3 doubles that are on the list in a calendar year. http://www.caltriplecrown.com I'm looking at the Butterfield, Death Valley Spring, Hemet, maybe Solvang, and the Davis doubles.

I'll start with one double. Maybe. If I can count two centuries together.

Well, I'm just an inch away from 100% commitment to ride the Spring Solvang Double, so I might be. I'd do Solvang and Grand Tour, but I'm not sure what other one yet. I've heard Hemet isn't so great (but easier than most).

err...no. Good luck with that, though. ;)

Normally I would be all over that, but I am going to do the KOM centuries this year.

I'll start with one double. Maybe. If I can count two centuries together.

You can spread them out. I was hurting during the Poway Century after doing the Grand Tour Lite the weekend before, definately felt it. :) My choices are based on elevation gain. I have to watch the schedule, as there's a mass start 25 mile road race at Pendelton a few of us want to do, and it may be on the same weekend as the Death Valley ride. Anyway, any 3 throughout the year and you can get he Jersey. Davis Double was my first this year, and it was a great ride, I will do that one again.

Well, I'm just an inch away from 100% commitment to ride the Spring Solvang Double, so I might be. I'd do Solvang and Grand Tour, but I'm not sure what other one yet. I've heard Hemet isn't so great (but easier than most).


Butterfield looks good. Davis is an awsome ride, very well supported. If you're going to do 2, might as well make it 3 and lay claim to a jersey. :)

Normally I would be all over that, but I am going to do the KOM centuries this year.

That's what we're going to aim for, right Voltaire? :D

That's what we're going to aim for, right Voltaire? :D

My bike's too small.

I'm not that hard core...sorry

My bike's too small.

You have six months to replace it.

Butterfield looks good. Davis is an awsome ride, very well supported. If you're going to do 2, might as well make it 3 and lay claim to a jersey. :)
There are much easier ways to obtain that jersey...;) I would do it more for the thrill of it. But I'm off my rocker five times to Sunday. :D

Haven't decided for sure about 2007 Triple Crown.

This year I did Butterfield, Spring Solvang, Hemet, Eastern Sierra, Grand Tour, Knoxville and Tour of Two Forests doubles. Missed Davis since I was on The 3-Speed Tour in Wisconsin that weekend.

I've earned the Triple Crown Jersey for the last five years, and the 1,000 Mile Club jersey for the last four.

So I think I may be addicted. Not sure though. Doubles are a wonderful adventure, and I have met a lot of wonderful people riding Triple Crown events.

Still, doubles are time consuming, and they get expensive with the entry fee, motel, eating out, gas money, etc. My wife and I did the math on it recently and it was pretty scary. She rode Butterfield, Davis and Grand Tour in 2006, so she got the Triple Crown Jersey (again), but not the thousand mile club (which she had planned).

I had planned to try the Bass Lake Powerhouse Double (Fresno area), but after doing Knoxville and Tour of Two Forests on consecutive weekends, then heading straight into Interbike, my body said "Enough!" and I was pretty sick for over a week. So maybe next year, if the timing works out better!

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

I might try one double with a group of BF folk. I don't think I'm ready to contemplate multiple doubles. A year ago at this time, I hadn't even done a 50-miler yet.

Maybe we can do a BF Butterfield double ride?

Haven't decided for sure about 2007 Triple Crown.

This year I did Butterfield, Spring Solvang, Hemet, Eastern Sierra, Grand Tour, Knoxville and Tour of Two Forests doubles. Missed Davis since I was on The 3-Speed Tour in Wisconsin that weekend.

I've earned the Triple Crown Jersey for the last five years, and the 1,000 Mile Club jersey for the last four.

So I think I may be addicted. Not sure though. Doubles are a wonderful adventure, and I have met a lot of wonderful people riding Triple Crown events.

Still, doubles are time consuming, and they get expensive with the entry fee, motel, eating out, gas money, etc. My wife and I did the math on it recently and it was pretty scary. She rode Butterfield, Davis and Grand Tour in 2006, so she got the Triple Crown Jersey (again), but not the thousand mile club (which she had planned).

I had planned to try the Bass Lake Powerhouse Double (Fresno area), but after doing Knoxville and Tour of Two Forests on consecutive weekends, then heading straight into Interbike, my body said "Enough!" and I was pretty sick for over a week. So maybe next year, if the timing works out better!

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

As Jim Kern said. It all starts with centuries and double centuries, next thing you know, you're RAAM qualified. :)

I might try one double with a group of BF folk. I don't think I'm ready to contemplate multiple doubles. A year ago at this time, I hadn't even done a 50-miler yet.

The LA Grand Tour is in June and I hear that is a well run event. I should be well recovered after the KOM rides in April and May. I would probably be up for a BF double.

I was 'sposed to do it this year, but got lazy. Gina has been riding well this year. She's now at 2500 miles. I told her I'd like to do the TC this year along with the KOM. Could take 6 months though. She said go for it and that she would ride with me one day a week. I hate to do that though! I work nights so the weekends are the only days I have for long rides. If she rides once a week, they may end up being painful rides for her.

If she continues to improve on her riding, maybe we'll just join a few organized centuries together. If she chooses to stay in bed when the cold weather begins, then I'm going for it!

If she chooses to ride, I'm not stopping her. I'll just do it the next year! The years are going by quickly anyway. I set out to do a 50 mile ride in '93, and haven't stopped yet! Last 8 have been 4,000-7,000 miles per year so I've been consistent. I have plenty of time!:D

But if I do one, I'm doing both, TC and KOM!

Yes, I would recommend the Grand Tour for a first dobule since it's close, very well organized and marked, plus you have a choice of Highland and Lowland routes to suit your climbing preferences.

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

I've been toying with the idea, but I'm really hoping to move my sorry butt out of California early next year. We'll see how that goes though.

Yes, I would recommend the Grand Tour for a first dobule since it's close, very well organized and marked, plus you have a choice of Highland and Lowland routes to suit your climbing preferences.

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

Lots of daylight hours in June as well - also good for a first double :D

Haven't decided for sure about 2007 Triple Crown.

This year I did Butterfield, Spring Solvang, Hemet, Eastern Sierra, Grand Tour, Knoxville and Tour of Two Forests doubles. Missed Davis since I was on The 3-Speed Tour in Wisconsin that weekend.

I've earned the Triple Crown Jersey for the last five years, and the 1,000 Mile Club jersey for the last four.


Still, doubles are time consuming, and they get expensive with the entry fee, motel, eating out, gas money, etc. My wife and I did the math on it recently and it was pretty scary. She rode Butterfield, Davis and Grand Tour in 2006, so she got the Triple Crown Jersey (again), but not the thousand mile club (which she had planned).



Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

Wow Rick! You and Jackie do great! I don't think Gina would be interested in doing the doubles with me. You're right about the expense. I'm thinking most of the rides are on Saturdays. I'd have to take every Friday night off before a ride. Don't think I could do doubles with 2 or 3 hours of sleep. Pain in the butt, but I still want to do it!

I might try one double with a group of BF folk. I don't think I'm ready to contemplate multiple doubles. A year ago at this time, I hadn't even done a 50-miler yet.

LA Grand Tour lowland double is an easy double. I think a few BF'ers will be in for this one.

im hoping to get my lazy ass that jersey next year....if work doesnt try and blow it for me....stupid work....

LA Grand Tour lowland double is an easy double. I think a few BF'ers will be in for this one.
IF I do a double next year, that probably would be the one. You thinking of doing it again?

LA Grand Tour lowland double is an easy double. I think a few BF'ers will be in for this one.
easy double?! :eek: I beg your pardon. It was NOT easy...head winds and no downhill "coast" breaks! Deceiving perhaps, but not easy.

easy double?! :eek: I beg your pardon. It was NOT easy...head winds and no downhill "coast" breaks! Deceiving perhaps, but not easy.

It’s all relative. In relation to the Mullholland double (for example), I would consider the lowland double a much easier route.

I get your drift though, at the most basic level spening 10-12 hours on the saddle on one day is never easy!

IF I do a double next year, that probably would be the one. You thinking of doing it again?Most definitely! :)

On the Triple Crown homepage Chuck Bramwell (the CA Triple Crown Guy) states: "There is no such thing as an easy double."

If you haven't already, check out the CA Triple Crown website at:

http://www.caltriplecrown.com/

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

It gets easier the more that you do. :) I don't think I'd have done a double without being on the Bacchetta.
My left shoulder will start aching after 50-60 miles on the road bike. :(

I am not sure about completing it next year, but I probably will. I have the TC for 2005 and 2006 and pending the outcome of this weekend I'll be in the 1000 mile club for 2006.

Next year the goal is to do the KOM Double Style (Mulholland and Heartbreak Doubles + Breathless)....

Yeah, I've been thinking about it. Probably try for DV Spring, definitely the Grand Tour (done it 3 time so far anyway) and a third TBD.

I'm going to do the KOM centuries... maybe 2008 I'll do some doubles! :)

I was actually thinking about trying a double later next year - but not 3 - I am working on doing the 3 hilly centuries this year!

Next year I'll be 55 and to celebrate. I have on my schedule Butterfield, Spring Solvang, Eastern Sierra, Grand Tour Lite, Lotoja, Fall Solvang doubles. Should be able to pick up a couple of jersey's. Triple Crown and Grand Slam.

Besides those doubles I am also planning on the KOM series and the Death Ride.

Guess I'll have to wait until 2008 for the Climb to Kaiser and the Everest Challenge.

I'm definitely up for making one of the doubles a BF ride.

I did five this year, Solvang Spring and Fall, Grand Tour Highland, Tour of two Forrests and the Eastern Sierra. The Eastern Sierra ride was the nicest ride. The scenery was amazing.

Those that have commented that the Grand Tour has the most daylight but, when I did it the weather was incredibly hot, almost 100 at times with no breeze, it was brutal. I finished the eastern sierra about 3 hours sooner than I finished the Grand Tour.

I did five this year, Solvang Spring and Fall, Grand Tour Highland, Tour of two Forrests and the Eastern Sierra. The Eastern Sierra ride was the nicest ride. The scenery was amazing.

Those that have commented that the Grand Tour has the most daylight but, when I did it the weather was incredibly hot, almost 100 at times with no breeze, it was brutal. I finished the eastern sierra about 3 hours sooner than I finished the Grand Tour.
Isn't five a grand slam? Do you get a jersey for that? And, man, your legs must be steel rods.

I'm definitely up for making one of the doubles a BF ride.
I'd join you on a double for sure. I'm not considering Triple Crown or GS either. I'm taking it double at a time! Those rides are nothing to sneeze at.

four planet ultra events...so he made it!!!

i think we should get as many of us as possible up for the eastern sierra...i love that place!!

Hi madmike,

Speaking of the Grand Tour (Highland) vs. Eastern Sierra, my results were almost exactly the opposite from yours!

But then, I have trouble with the thin air above 8,000 ft. and we had three peaks above 8,000 ft. on Eastern Sierra, whereas the Grand Tour never got close to those altitudes. Agreed, Eastern Sierra has the best scenery of any double, with Knoxville running 2nd in that regard.

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

Isn't five a grand slam? Do you get a jersey for that? And, man, your legs must be steel rods.

I get to buy three jerseys: Triple crown, Planet Ultra Grand Slam and the Thousand Mile Club. :D

Yes, my legs are pretty tight at the moment. I think I might take this weekend off.

I'd join you on a double for sure. I'm not considering Triple Crown or GS either. I'm taking it double at a time! Those rides are nothing to sneeze at.
One double would be plenty for me, too. I want to do it once just to see what it's like to ride 200 miles in one day.

On the other hand, that's how I felt after my first century. I wanted to just do an occasional one, but not as a regular event. Now... I look forward to doing lots and lots of centuries. Maybe I'll eventually look forward to more doubles, too.

Hi madmike,

Speaking of the Grand Tour (Highland) vs. Eastern Sierra, my results were almost exactly the opposite from yours!

But then, I have trouble with the thin air above 8,000 ft. and we had three peaks above 8,000 ft. on Eastern Sierra, whereas the Grand Tour never got close to those altitudes. Agreed, Eastern Sierra has the best scenery of any double, with Knoxville running 2nd in that regard.

Best Regs,
Rick / OCRR

I have the opposite problem, I can deal with the altitude but really don't like the heat. I think if you take time to acclimate -- spend the night before in Mammoth instead of Bishop -- it's a big help.

Let me know if you have any tips for dealing with the heat.

i think we should get as many of us as possible up for the eastern sierra...i love that place!!

Count me in :D

Count me in for 2007 Eastern Sierra double too. Should be a fun BF ride!

For a photo of me on the 2006 ride. please go to:

http://redbikephoto.com/2006_eastern_sierra_double_century/image18.html

Best Regs,
Rick

Count me in for 2007 Eastern Sierra double too. Should be a fun BF ride!

For a photo of me on the 2006 ride. please go to:

http://redbikephoto.com/2006_eastern_sierra_double_century/image18.html

Best Regs,
Rick
Yeah, okay, that's a great pic and all, but clearly you are just going on up! How much climbing is in that ES double, anyway? I've only completed the Grand tour Lowland, and my legs were tired after 200 miles with minamal climbing. I can't imagine 200 with massive climbing. :eek:

For a photo of me on the 2006 ride. please go to:
http://redbikephoto.com/2006_eastern_sierra_double_century/image18.html
here is you again...
photo #2 (http://redbikephoto.com/2006_eastern_sierra_double_century/image164.html)
here is me on the same ride...
Red Bike Photo (http://redbikephoto.com/2006_eastern_sierra_double_century/image143.html)

Red Bike Photo (http://redbikephoto.com/2006_eastern_sierra_double_century/image143.html)
Shameless self promotion...:rolleyes: You don't even look like you're pedaling hard...na na nee na na.:p I'm sure you're going to tell me to get my butt on a bike on up that moutain for 200 miles. Which brings me back to my original question, how much climbing is there on that double? And, yes, I'm too lazy (and sick) to go onto the Sierra Double Website to find the answer. Please just feed it to me. :o

Shameless self promotion...:rolleyes: You don't even look like you're pedaling hard...na na nee na na.:p I'm sure you're going to tell me to get my butt on a bike on up that moutain for 200 miles. Which brings me back to my original question, how much climbing is there on that double? And, yes, I'm too lazy (and sick) to go onto the Sierra Double Website to find the answer. Please just feed it to me. :o


from the website (http://www.planetultra.com/easternsierra/index.html)...
This course has 10,200 feet of elevation gain, more than half of which is between mile 30 and mile 70. As doubles go, it's not that tough and the views and roads are so incredible, you won't even notice the climbing that it does have!

and that photo was taken like 40 miles into the ride at the top of Sherman Grade, big hill, but it is a the beginning of the ride... Sagehen was much worse!