Solvang Double Reports & Pics

[Tiffanie]

Just heard from Brandy...

She wanted me to report that her finishing time was 12:01! :eek: :eek:
George (Vireo) came in at 11:10.

She sounded waaaaaaaaayyyyyy to chipper to have just ridden 200 miles! :p
Good job, guys!

[Gretzky]

Awesome job! Congrats Brandy, and George!! :beer:

[VanceMac]

Blazing times. Can't wait to see pics.

[roadfix]

Wow!...those are impressive numbers! Holy Smokes! :beer:

[magicant]

Rode hard and got put away wet.

[VanceMac]

Rode hard and got put away wet.

Yes, but what about the ride?

[Scootcore]

the ride was hard and kinda wet!!

[herbm]

the ride was hard and kinda wet!!

Wet??? oh no....

[Scootcore]

in the foggy sense...not a drop of rain

[jpconrad]

It was definitely moist.

[Blastinbob]

Just heard from Brandy...

She wanted me to report that her finishing time was 12:01! :eek: :eek:
George (Vireo) came in at 11:10.

She sounded waaaaaaaaayyyyyy to chipper to have just ridden 200 miles! :p
Good job, guys!
Way to go! I see all that climbing last weekend helped.:D

Bob

[merider1]

Well, well…another torture fest of 200 miles. Yippee! Lucky me, I got to ride with three virgins (who gets to say that with a straight face these days?:p ) and all three of them put up with my shenanigans for the full day! Since I tend to be loooooonnnnggg winded, I’ll give a briefer than usual ride report in hopes that one or all three boys will post theirs.

It all started with me, sick with a head and chest cold (as you all have heard me whine about for a week), full of snot, deciding that I was headed to Solvang, bike in tow, with the thoughts that I might be well enough (or sick enough in the head) to actually ride the darn thing. My mental illness/addiction/whatever won out. After arriving in Solvang on Friday night with Scootcore and Magicant (Bill and Joel) and meeting up with Jpconrad - (John) and DanteB (Dan) for dinner (at the Little Mermaid – skip it), we were in the room and lights out at 9:00pm. I didn’t sleep well. The room was nice, but like most hotel rooms, it was hot/cold all night. Plus, I kept coughing, keeping both guys up I’m sure, and blowing my nose. But still, 4:00am rolled around and I was up, overly cheery and convinced I’d either finish the 200 miles or pass out trying. Either way, I’d have an interesting ride report.

We three were out the door and met John in front of the hotel, rode over to the start line and were off at 5:15am into the freezing-your-balls-off temperatures! It was so cold and really dark on those Solvang back roads riding out toward Foxen Canyon. The moon was surrounded my many stars and I had no choice but to pop on my HID as my little LED back-up light didn’t illuminate worth squat.

Within 10 minutes of departing, I heard a familiar voice behind me. It was the ADO guys whom I was so pleased to see again after my wonderful experience riding with them at Butterfield. Clem, Roland and Ron were already off on a good pace. It was Clem’s 50th double yesterday and he was grinning ear-to-ear – one of the nicest smiles I had the pleasure of seeing (I also ran into his very sweet daughter, Renee, who was out riding the double as if it was nothing). I introduced them to my guys and saw their taillights for about 20 minutes more and no more for the day. I hope they had a wonderful ride and that Clem’s celebration afterwards was just great.

As the sun started to peek out over the hills, we were all hopeful that it would warm up. I was a snot mess (really, no need for me to be ladylike as no amount of tissues could have helped) and I was coughing away. But for the most part, I felt like I could hang and just prayed for heat. Like a dummy, I didn’t bring long-fingered gloves or my toe warmers. Big mistake! My fingers and toes were icicles. The guys claimed the same but we were in good spirits. Joel was already singing different variations of several tunes, Bill cracking jokes and John laughing as he flew up the hills effortlessly. Foxen Canyon felt good and not so daunting, and the first 50 or so miles were a breeze it seemed. Unfortunately, since that area up there looks so much the same to me, blow by blow would be difficult, but here are some of the day's highlights:

- Joel was patient and kind enough to let me stop and take pictures of some Llamas (no, they didn’t try to spit on me and even let me pet them – but man do they stink, which I’m sure they thought the same of me!)
- DanteB caught up to us around stop 2 which was nice (I figured he’d fly by and we’d not recognize him or him us)
- We met WhiteCarbonDude (another virgin who finished in just a little over 11 hours!)
- We saw Vireo and Brandy at Morro Bay and then again at lunch (but then they, too, were off like lightening)
- I ran into my friend, Stan, who commented how much better the weather was this year on the ride!
- I ran into Francis (who after climbing frickin’ Fargo last week 51 times still finished in just over 11 hours!) at the lunch stop and got a pic with him.
- I was taken care of by three very sweet men (who could have smoked me easily):o

I actually felt better during this double than Butterfield. I was fortunate that the guys were so nice to hang with me even though I told them they could leave me (yeah, right, I would have cried into my water bottles – which I left both at check stop 4, and we had to stop so I could buy Propels!) Joel, whom I pet and poked and teased way too much I’m sure, was his usual chivalrous and entertaining self along the route. Bill, too, who waited for me many times and provided much humor along the way. John was so excited. I told him around mile 160 how proud he should be of himself for not only losing 120 pounds in the last year but for completing his first century and double century! You could see in his eyes how much this ride mattered as he had never ridden over 100 miles.

All three of those men rode their first 200 with nary a complaint (I whined the whole way but more for dramatic effect than anything else) and were so strong during those miles. When we finally got to the last stop, we snacked a little (nice touch with the cup-o-noodles provided by Planet Ultra, who again put on an extremely well-supported ride! Thanks to the volunteers, too, who were so upbeat and friendly throughout), and I was on cloud nine. Even with a cold, I knew I would finish my second double for the year and was grateful that Joel had talked (teased and challenged) me into riding. My left knee was hurting pretty badly (not sure why but something to solve before my next double!), I was dirty, stanky, sticky and ready to be done, but I was happy nonetheless. Once we hit Drum Canyon, I turned to Joel and said, “I got nothing.” And I meant it! In my granny’s granny gear, I could barely turn the pedals over. But I crawled up that silly hill (which is nothing if not encountered at mile 174!) and as I came down off the back, it was getting dark, the moon was in full glory, the air cool and crisp and it was spectacular! That was my favorite moment. I couldn’t have asked for better (or cuter – that’s to the single one) company and I felt like a little kid out past my bedtime riding in the dark. That memory will certainly stay with me. And here is where I will be just a little sentimental and emotional. As I am completing this report, I just found out that a past coworker (and acquaintance friend) died on Friday at the tender age of 27. Life truly is so short and fragile. Having the experience I did this weekend and then hearing that tragic news has yet again reminded me how unbelievably fortunate I truly am.

As we came to the bottom of Drum, John got our one and only flat for the day. I teased the boys that I could change it faster than any of them, and so to humor me, they let me. I didn’t do it perfectly in the dark, but fortunately Bill caught the bulge (:eek:), it was done and we were off, shivering from the cold and sudden stop. Then it was 246 into Buellton and Solvang - and that last little ***** of a hill. OMG! That was the WORST climb of the day as I really had NOTHING. But I eeked up it, cursing the boys, who had suddenly gotten their fifth wind and were flying up it, caught up to Bill (who was waiting at the top) and to Joel and John, who were waiting around the corner, and we finished together. I’m so proud of those boys (MEN – Manly MEN) for their first double!!!! Yippee!

We ended the night taking Joel to dinner at Chumash (skip it) and having the waitresses bring him out a big piece of chocolate cake. We all sang Happy Birthday to him (the waitresses sang "Happy Birthday, dear...guest" even though I told them his name was JOEL) and then promptly departed for the hotel and to bed! We were TIE-EERED!

Oh, did I say I’d make this report brief? I lied. :D

Pics to follow (lots) – I’m uploading now…

[I am The Edge]

woohoo! nice going m.e. and the boys.

[magicant]

Ummm... nothing else to say except when we were waiting for food, I put $3 into a slot machine at Chumash and $117 came out. My birthday present from the slot machine gods.


Okay, a few more details from my perspective:

- it was freakin' freezing in the morning. I was definitely *****ing about it. Last time I trust the weather report. Fingers were frozen - full finger gloves would have made a big difference.
- overall the day was very cool (unexpectedly so) - every time I took my base layer off, I'd have to put it on again about 30 minutes later. Finally I decided to just leave it on and sweat through the warmer spots.
- the route was really fantastic. Beautiful countryside much of the way. There were a few spots that were pretty hectic with traffic, but I guess when you do a 200 mile route, you have to hit something, somewhere, sometime.
- had a great day, I too was filled with snot - because of hay fever that only bugs me a few weeks a year. This was definitely one of those weeks, but I didn't want to ride with antihistamine in my system.
- the ride was well put together, well supported and a nice blend of relaxing & challenging
- felt great on the ride - still had a fair amount of strength riding up Drum Canyon so I sprinted up a stretch (immediately regretted it, but it was fun regardless)
- I had cucumber/pepper burps for about 2 hours after eating the Subway sandwich at the rest stop
- great company on the ride, as m.e. said -- but she's my favorite for the constant stream of entertainment and comedic gems (mostly the unintentional ones - my favorite of the weekend: After her shower: "I didn't use the hot water, I only used the warm water").
- thanks to Bill and John for putting up with a) my stream of consciousness humor, random pop culture references, movie quotes and every other bit of spew that comes from my brain and b) putting up with me and m.e. bickering/arguing/poking/prodding/teasing/torturing each other all day and all night.
- nice to see & meet the other BF riders: Brandy & George (who also sounded really sick); Dan, who joined us for dinner both nights; all the other folks m.e. introduced me to but I forget in a haze of pedaling
- oh, and this morning, Paula's Pancake house was the best food -EVER!

Thanks again to everyone for a great weekend and for helping me to say "F*** you" to old age... :D

[ronjon10]

Great reports everyone! I'm somewhat in awe that you're able to do these rides not feeling well. I don't even like to ride 50 (or any!) miles when I'm not feeling well!

Now then, on to the important stuff. Go add those miles to bike journal. Looks like we're 130 miles out of 3rd place and I believe we may have 1,200+ miles from this group alone :)

[merider1]

Having dinner the night before at the Little Mermaid, Joel, M.E., John, Dan, Bill:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic1.jpg

DanteB (Dan):
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic2.jpg

The virgins, ready to be sacrificed (insert evil laugh here):
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic3.jpg

The sun just peeking over the mountains:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic4.jpg

Bill
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic5.jpg

Joel
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic6.jpg

John
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic7.jpg

The suns out and we're off into those lovely hills:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic8.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic9.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic10.jpg

[merider1]

It doesn't get any prettier than this!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic11.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic12.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic13.jpg

Rest Stop 1
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic14.jpg

Joel, with his usual million dollar smile:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic15.jpg

Bill - I had to take this picture three times to get him in frame, since I'm still not good at actions shots!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic17.jpg

John, one of the few shots of him behind me!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic16.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic18.jpg

Heading into some thick fog! It was really eerie and put the moist into the day!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic19.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic20.jpg

[merider1]

The day finally starts to warm up a bit!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic21.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic23.jpg

The llamas, who were prancing like rockstars when they saw us approaching - I have this effect on animals:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic24.jpg

Now, that's a face I could love...well...or pet anyway:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic25.jpg

Wild flowers in bloom
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic26.jpg

John, still riding strong (and did so all day!)
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic27.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic28.jpg

My friend, Stan, and me
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic30.jpg

Whitecarbondude (John) on his first double century!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic29.jpg

Me putting my hands on...I mean...taking a pic with Joel
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic31.jpg

[magicant]

It doesn't get any prettier than this!

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic12.jpg



Thanks! I agree!

[merider1]

DanteB as he flys on by!
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic33.jpg

The A team, Vireo and Brandy, at the lunch stop:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic34.jpg

My friend, Francis, the Fargo climbin' crazy man, and me
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic35.jpg

Hitting the ocean
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic36.jpg

The moon out on Drum Canyon - this picture does not do justice to the beauty there:
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic37.jpg

Wonder what they're trying to say? :p
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p27/merider/Solvang%20Double/pic38.jpg

[merider1]

Thanks! I agree!
gee...just cause it's your birthday...I'll let that slide. ;)

[I am The Edge]

groovy. :)

[magicant]

Here are a few I took:
John, Bill and m.e. in the John Carpenter scenery...
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/solvang/IMGP1338.jpg

Bill and m.e.



http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/solvang/IMGP1344.jpg

some photos write their own captions.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/solvang/IMGP1345.jpg

at the top of a hill, about 2 seconds after she flipped me off.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/solvang/IMGP1350.jpg

nature -- tormenting me with its dirty, dirty pollen. Looking so sweet and innocent - DON'T TRUST IT!! It's insidious in working its way into your mucus membrane.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/solvang/IMGP1339.jpg

[roadfix]

Far out!

[magicant]

Two more:

On a hill somewhere, overlooking something.

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/solvang/IMGP1348.jpg

John at the top of that hill

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n256/magicant2000/solvang/IMGP1349.jpg

[I am The Edge]

Far out!



is that you, george? did you change your name? :p

[VanceMac]

some photos write their own captions.


Classic! Kudos on the quick thinking, quick trigger finger.

[roadfix]

is that you, george? did you change your name? :p

Since we were given mod priviledges overnight, I thought I'd take advantage and switch my account, permanently......and it worked! :D

[thomson]

Hey guys, great ride reports and fantastic pictures. I am sorry I missed y'all. We must have been just in front of you.

Double congratulations to all the first timers. You guys rock.

[I am The Edge]

Since we were given mod priviledges overnight, I thought I'd take advantage and switch my account, permanently......and it worked! :D


niiiiice! did you ban anyone? :lol:

[tprevost]

finally got online (dial-up :eek: ) and got to read this thread!! WOW!!! Well Done everyone! Great reports and pictures!!

[sshakari]

Congrats to everyone... Nice report ME.
who is this crazy lookin guy with arrows on his back chasing you!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/sshakari/IMGP1350.jpg

[Mr. Beanz]

Nice pix and good job to the first timers and everyone else!:D

[Dubbayoo]

200 frickin miles..................insanity! I've only done 200 miles in a week 3-4 times in my life.

[Scootcore]

Congrats to everyone... Nice report ME.
who is this crazy lookin guy with arrows on his back chasing you!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/sshakari/IMGP1350.jpg


ha!!! id have never looked at it that way!!!!

[merider1]

Great reports everyone! I'm somewhat in awe that you're able to do these rides not feeling well. I don't even like to ride 50 (or any!) miles when I'm not feeling well!

Now then, on to the important stuff. Go add those miles to bike journal. Looks like we're 130 miles out of 3rd place and I believe we may have 1,200+ miles from this group alone :) Well, Ron, to be honest, the way I am, I always air on the side of caution for others. But for myself, I'll act the fool. Would I recommend anyone ride ill? No. In fact, I encouraged Brandy to be careful and to take care, yet when I saw her (very briefly) at the lunch stop, she was glowing and gorgeous (albeit sick). So, go figure. We all know when to push and when not. Truth is, I love riding with Joel (the other guys too, don't get me wrong, but being that he's single, I get to act out a little...he he he) and the opportunity to do so on his first double was more tempting than my being cautious. If I had been truly ill and nonjovial, etc. those boys would not have allowed me to ride. But there was that fine line of sick but not super ill....does that make sense? Still...I wouldn't recommend it. But I'm fine if not exhausted (I'll be out like a light soon). The ride was also a first for me. I pushed through when I wasn't sure I could. With that being said, I had some lows - but the company I was in made the difference. What I've learned thus far this year from Butterfield and Solvang is that if not for the kindness of other riders, I'd be screwed! I mean that. Butterfield, the ADO men helped me. On this ride, the BF men helped me. Without either group of guys (both in threes - how odd!), I wouldn't have finished or, if I did, I wouldn't have had as nice an experience. This leads me to why I love men so much...a whole other topic :p. Women could do it too, I'm sure - but so far, it's been some sweet, manly men! :D

Okay, enough on that...
I'll go in Bikejournals in a moment and enter stats. I think 195 with 8,800 ft of climbing - according to one garmin. But those can be wrong, so ????

[merider1]

Hey guys, great ride reports and fantastic pictures. I am sorry I missed y'all. We must have been just in front of you.

Double congratulations to all the first timers. You guys rock.
Sorry we missed you, Jim! I hope you'll join on Santa Barbara on 4/28! You're a blast to ride with for sure. :)

[Grumpy Pig]

Congratulations, everyone.

Nice pictures, M.E.

[awiner]

Good show to all !!!!

[Shnuddy]

Thanks, ME, for your report and pics. I feel like I was there (without actually having to ride 200 miles :o ;)).

Great job to all of those who finished and especially to the first timers. Next time you'll be the veterans helping the virgins (like myself, one of these days!) through it all.

[1265 Lombardi]

Thanks for the great photos and ride reports. I dont think I'll ever be crazy enough to try a double centry.I have not even done a single yet!:D Great job! I am sure it wasnt easy.

[merider1]

Thanks, ME, for your report and pics. I feel like I was there (without actually having to ride 200 miles :o ;)).

Great job to all of those who finished and especially to the first timers. Next time you'll be the veterans helping the virgins (like myself, one of these days!) through it all. You'll be out there, chick, when you're ready.;) I'd gladly accompany you as I'm sure some of the other double riders would as well. I'm delighted you enjoyed the report and pics (the true reason to post them!). :)

[Shnuddy]

I'd gladly accompany you as I'm sure some of the other double riders will be as well.

Thanks, I'm looking forward to the day. :) Baby steps--Hemet Single Century up next.

[tprevost]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/443049160_3e71229a68.jpg

Great Pics B!!! Looks like you had a great weekend!! Great Job!

[merider1]

Thanks, I'm looking forward to the day. :) Baby steps--Hemet Single Century up next.
Baby steps, my baby-oiled ass! ;) Girl, a century is no baby step. It's an accomplishment! Tell us how the hemet century is. I'm still considering the hemet double...scratch that. Regardless of what, where, who, why...I'm riding Hemet. I'm in that weird double-riding-fool-space and I figure if I commit, I'll ride. If I finish Hemet...I'm Triple Crown. So, Hemet for sure. When is the century?

[Shnuddy]

Baby steps, my baby-oiled ass! ;) Girl, a century is no baby step. It's an accomplishment! Tell us how the hemet century is. I'm still considering the hemet double...scratch that. Regardless of what, where, who, why...I'm riding Hemet. I'm in that weird double-riding-fool-space and I figure if I commit, I'll ride. If I finish Hemet...I'm Triple Crown. So, Hemet for sure. When is the century?

Thanks, the double is on the same day--April 14--That'll give you two weeks to psych back up! :D I do hope you'll be there, ME. I'm starting with the first loop, maybe we could ride together for a while (100 miles or so! ;) )

[merider1]

Thanks, the double is on the same day--April 14--That'll give you two weeks to psych back up! :D I do hope you'll be there, ME. I'm starting with the first loop, maybe we could ride together for a while (100 miles or so! ;) )
PM me your cell #, please, if you haven't already. I'll be there and would love to have you along for as long as possible - although we may start at different times making that difficult. :o I may be out there as early as 5AM! :eek: But regardless, we should plan to meet up down there! :D

[Shnuddy]

PM me your cell #, please, if you haven't already. I'll be there and would love to have you along for as long as possible - although we may start at different times making that difficult. :o I may be out there as early as 5AM! :eek: But regardless, we should plan to meet up down there! :D

I can do 5. :D I'll be driving in from the desert, but I'm an early bird. I'll send you my number. My hubby will be with me, he's tons of fun--will make the time fly--;) (Actually, he'll ride ahead and come back to check on me but he is tons of fun :o )

[merider1]

I can do 5. :D I'll be driving in from the desert, but I'm an early bird. I'll send you my number. My hubby will be with me, he's tons of fun--will make the time fly--;) (Actually, he'll ride ahead and come back to check on me but he is tons of fun :o )
You need not worry, my dear, from your posts, I'm sure you are both tons of fun and great company! ;) :) Okay, well, depending on departure time you're comfortable with, come along (you'll probably smoke me!) I look foward to meeting you and the hub. :D

[Luwin1026]

Great report, guys, and pics!! Congrats to all! ;)