Wow what a day. First Id like to say that Western Wheelers did a great job. The route was marked well, they had people out at intersections to point folks in the right direstion, and the rest stops had something for everybody. Thanks to the Western Wheelers I was able to set to personal bests. First this was my longest ride to date at 111 miles. Second was the climbing at over 10,000ft according to my Garmin 305.
So I met up with Alan(SesameCrunch), and his 2 friends Jens and Paul. Jens is a punisher. He likes to go fast, and he was killing me with a brutal pace. Paul is a Death Ride finisher, and is very good at pacing. Alan and I are very equal type riders, just trying to finish. At the start I did my normal fast start to try and warm up, but the route had a big climb at mile 5 so warm or not the punishment was about to begin. The first climb was a tough one, and made me wonder if this was a good ride choice.:rolleyes: Anyway, I made it to the top with Alan and Paul where we met up with Jens and decended Alpine Rd. Then another short 3 mile climb and another decent. This is where things starting picking up. It was pretty much a hammer fest the next 20 miles to the rest stop along hwy 1. At this time a 20mph was implemented. Im not sure why, but it seemed like the only time we were doing 20mph was going uphill.:eek: Somewhere around mile 55 I realized that there was no way I could keep up this pace so I slowed a bit. My body was already aching at this point, my legs were feeling tired, and I knew I was gonna soon have to go into survival mode.
After the lunch stop this ride turns brutal. Its also the last time Alan and I saw Paul and Jens until the finish as they were long gone. So at 65 miles in we begin our ascent up the mountian. A rather cruel ascent I might add. 3500ft with many short stretches reaching 20%. At this point Alan was begining to struggle with cramps. We climbed slowly, like we could do anything but that. A couple hours later we were at the top. 97 miles now and most of the climbing was over. I think we both realized at this point that we were gonna finish this ride, because we were suddenly back up in the 20+ mph range and cruised to the finish.
What a day. Im not one to toot my own horn, but Im very proud to have completed this ride.:D Alan, thanks for the company and conversation.
Here is a link to my MB profile.
http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/2920644
tprevost
06-04-07, 08:58 AM
Great Report (tired or not ;) ) Sean!!! Well done, I am impressed at how well you did on this :p Also, good job to Alan as well!
I'm still bummed you didn't take any pics though... but I guess bombing down hills at 47mph it isn't very easy to whip out the camera huh? :D
nesdog
06-04-07, 09:04 AM
Nice job, Sean! This sounds like one loooooong day on the bike!
Sheldon
SesameCrunch
06-04-07, 10:04 AM
Yeah, it was really nice ride. The route selection was super! The weather was incredible, and the company was great. Other than having to deal with cramping up Mt. Charlie, it was a really fun day.
Two were two anecdotes worth embellishing on this ride:
First, after my first cramping episode following a 20% grade for 100 yards up Mt. Charlie, I was really giving up hope. We still had 2300 ft more to climb, and my quads were screaming "Stop now, or you'll really be sorry!". After a brief rest, we kept on going, but at the next incline, I started cramping again. At this point, I was really frustrated and I declared that I was done and was going to SAG it in. Sean gave me a disappointed look and said "OK, see you later." So, I was ready to face an ignominious end to the ride. Abut 30 seconds later, however, Sean turns around and yells "The summit is right here!!!". That gave me some hope, so I started riding and made it to the "summit". Of course, that was just a temporary peak, there was probably still 1800 more feet to climb, but somehow, making it to the top of that little peak made things seem better. I kept on plugging and was finally able to experience the satisfaction of riding back into the finish area (and actually finishing strong for the last 9 or so miles).
The second anecdote is about 4 guys with more testosterone than sense. Our first 45 miles was way too fast, thanks to my so-called friend, Jens. We had zoomed up Page Mill Road, gone at a 23+ mph paceline down the Coast for about 20 miles. At this point, I tried to inject some sense into the group. I suggested that since this was an endurance ride and not a timed race, that we keep the paceline at 20 mph for the ride down to Santa Cruz and save some energy for the climb back. So, everybody agrees this is the sensible thing to do. Our follow through on this strategy was a little shaky. We went 20 mph for about 20 minutes, with Jens leading. Then, some guy in a Webcor kit passed us, and Jens has this primal reflex to keep up with the dude. The paceline jumps to over 24, 25 mph at point. Truth be told, it was a blast. There's nothing more fun than screaming down the road with a bunch of strong riders. Sean and I both knew it was going to bite us starting at mile 65 when we had to climb 3500 ft to the top. But we were seduced by the adrenaline and the short term gratification. It was fun while it lasted, but the rest was agony.... When will we ever learn?
It was a great day though. We made it back in good shape, ready to fight another day.
Thanks again to Sean for being a great riding partner!
Alan
uspspro
06-04-07, 10:46 AM
Great report! Sounds like an epic ride.
BlastRadius
06-04-07, 10:58 AM
That looks like a fun century. Good job.
I'll look at doing the Sequoia or Sierra next year. AMBBR is just too crowded with Team In Training folks.
spingineer
06-04-07, 11:52 AM
There were actually a couple of reasons why I didn't do Sequoia this year.
1. I know the climbs, and have done all of them, just not consecutively. Mt. Charlie just kicked my butt. However, I like it due to its stair step type of grades, where you climb, then level, then climb some more, then level.
2. Ride with ME in SoCal .... like it's any easier ... went up Mt. Baldy!!!
SesameCrunch
06-04-07, 12:08 PM
T Mt. Charlie just kicked my butt. However, I like it due to its stair step type of grades, where you climb, then level, then climb some more, then level.
It is a nice climb, but I wasn't feeling a whole lot of love after 75 miles of hammering with some crazy guys :o
Frogger
06-04-07, 12:15 PM
Here's a graph of the Sequoia Century download from my GPS.
I did it in a more sane pace with very short rest/lunch stops. You recalled when we were at the Pescadero store, I said I hated long stops because then my leg would freeze up on me.
I skipped both the first and last rest stops. I had an unplanned stop @ mile 33 when my windbreaker fell off my back pocket and got sucked in between the cassette and spokes. It took me 15 minutes to finally get it (shredded) out.
The century start to finish took me exactly 9 hours. No drafting!
Frogger
SesameCrunch
06-04-07, 03:39 PM
Yikes :eek: :eek: :eek: ! I just saw on Sean's Garmin report that the ride was almost 11K ft (10,913). Now, I'm really tired!
Public Service Announcement: Do not go horseback riding on the day after you do an epic bike ride. Horse saddles are no more friendly to your butt than the typical road saddle :( .
spingineer
06-04-07, 03:52 PM
Yikes :eek: :eek: :eek: ! I just saw on Sean's Garmin report that the ride was almost 11K ft (10,913). Now, I'm really tired!
Public Service Announcement: Do not go horseback riding on the day after you do an epic bike ride. Horse saddles are no more friendly to your butt than the typical road saddle :( .
It's not that bad ... besides, 111 miles, 11000 feet of climbing .... that's your basic 1000 feet of climbing per 10 miles. That seems to be the litmus test for WW rides.
BigSean
06-04-07, 04:04 PM
Yikes :eek: :eek: :eek: ! I just saw on Sean's Garmin report that the ride was almost 11K ft (10,913). Now, I'm really tired!
Public Service Announcement: Do not go horseback riding on the day after you do an epic bike ride. Horse saddles are no more friendly to your butt than the typical road saddle :( .
My legs dont work today.:eek:
nygirl777
06-04-07, 04:08 PM
wow guys nice ride......impressive.
<<< note to self >>> don't ride with those 2 :)
deolmstead
06-04-07, 04:29 PM
I hope you don't mind if I chip in here with my experience of the Sequoia.
My fiancee and I did the 50k ride. It was our very first organized ride, and we just wanted to dip our toes in case we didn't like it, so we went with the shortest route. Well, it wound up being a lot of fun and very educational, but WAYYYYYY too easy. We're planning on doing the 100k in Healdsburg next month, which will hopefully be more our speed - we're definitely not ready for 100 miles yet. However when we were done we did drive the first part of the ride that you did (Page Mill) and wow - what a brutal hill!
Anyway, noobie lessons learned for next time:
- don't leave your water bottle on the shelf by the door. (a testament to the ease of the ride that I did the whole thing without water and was fine)
- don't lose your map in the first 5 miles (thankfully the route was really well-marked) and both of us should bring a copy.
- pin down all four corners of your number, as the flapping gets very annoying.
- take it easy at rest stops. Just because the food is there doesn't mean you should eat it all.
BigSean
06-04-07, 04:38 PM
I hope you don't mind if I chip in here with my experience of the Sequoia.
My fiancee and I did the 50k ride. It was our very first organized ride, and we just wanted to dip our toes in case we didn't like it, so we went with the shortest route. Well, it wound up being a lot of fun and very educational, but WAYYYYYY too easy. We're planning on doing the 100k in Healdsburg next month, which will hopefully be more our speed - we're definitely not ready for 100 miles yet. However when we were done we did drive the first part of the ride that you did (Page Mill) and wow - what a brutal hill!
Anyway, noobie lessons learned for next time:
- don't leave your water bottle on the shelf by the door. (a testament to the ease of the ride that I did the whole thing without water and was fine)
- don't lose your map in the first 5 miles (thankfully the route was really well-marked) and both of us should bring a copy.
- pin down all four corners of your number, as the flapping gets very annoying.
- take it easy at rest stops. Just because the food is there doesn't mean you should eat it all.
Well you picked a great one for your first. Not all of em are so well organized. Good to get your feet wet. If you can make it check out the Giro at the end of the month that alot of us are doing. There is also several routes to choose from.
nygirl777
06-04-07, 04:46 PM
I hope you don't mind if I chip in here with my experience of the Sequoia.
My
Anyway, noobie lessons learned for next time:
- don't leave your water bottle on the shelf by the door. (a testament to the ease of the ride that I did the whole thing without water and was fine)
- don't lose your map in the first 5 miles (thankfully the route was really well-marked) and both of us should bring a copy.
- pin down all four corners of your number, as the flapping gets very annoying.
- take it easy at rest stops. Just because the food is there doesn't mean you should eat it all.
:roflmao: :lol: :lol: :roflmao:
SesameCrunch
06-04-07, 04:54 PM
<<< note to self >>> don't ride with those 2 :)
Oh no, don't say that!!! Puhleeeeeze???
tprevost
06-04-07, 04:55 PM
I hope you don't mind if I chip in here with my experience of the Sequoia.
My fiancee and I did the 50k ride. It was our very first organized ride, and we just wanted to dip our toes in case we didn't like it, so we went with the shortest route. Well, it wound up being a lot of fun and very educational, but WAYYYYYY too easy. We're planning on doing the 100k in Healdsburg next month, which will hopefully be more our speed - we're definitely not ready for 100 miles yet. However when we were done we did drive the first part of the ride that you did (Page Mill) and wow - what a brutal hill!
Anyway, noobie lessons learned for next time:
- don't leave your water bottle on the shelf by the door. (a testament to the ease of the ride that I did the whole thing without water and was fine)
- don't lose your map in the first 5 miles (thankfully the route was really well-marked) and both of us should bring a copy.
- pin down all four corners of your number, as the flapping gets very annoying.
- take it easy at rest stops. Just because the food is there doesn't mean you should eat it all.
VMC and I will be at Healdsburg as well... I've done that ride many times and it is a beautiful route and well organized. :p
tprevost
06-04-07, 04:56 PM
wow guys nice ride......impressive.
<<< note to self >>> don't ride with those 2 :)
Ahhhh no worries Asia... they always lap back and pick up us (no, that doesn't include YOU) slackers :p ... and Sesame Crunch will lead ya on the short route too ;)
BigSean
06-04-07, 04:57 PM
Oh no, don't say that!!! Puhleeeeeze???
She would of been right there with us Alan. She is queen sandbagger.:eek:
BigSean
06-04-07, 04:58 PM
Ahhhh no worries Asia... they always lap back and pick up us (no, that doesn't include YOU) slackers :p ... and Sesame Crunch will lead ya on the short route too ;)
What does "pick up us" mean?:p
7rider
06-04-07, 04:58 PM
Thanks for the ride report, Big Sean. I think I'll shoot for the 112-mile route next year. Before now and then, I might do the Marin Century. Here's my 100km report:
I decided to ride the Sequoia Century 100km on Sunday, June 3, 2007 on my new Merlin Works CR 3/2.5 although its lowest gear is a 39×25 vs. the 34×25 on my Trek Madone 5.2 SL. The Merlin seemed to be a very good climber in a test ride on the Los Altos Hills loop, so I decided to go with it on the 100km ride. In retrospect, I should have gone with the Trek since I had to traverse the steepest sections on Pagemill and West Alpine road. The previous weekend, I had climbed up West Alpine on my Trek, and I didn’t need to resort to a traverse to clear the steepest sections. On the less steep sections though, the Merlin was a very good climber and very sure on the fast descents on 84, Skyline and Highway 9. The two rest stops put on by the Western Wheelers were a very nice break with their fluid and food refreshments. At the first rest stop at Sam McDonald Park, I filled my water bottles with Gatorade, and took a break sitting down while I ate some fruit and Fig Newtons. I then went on the West Alpine climb which is a beautiful narrow road overshadowed by redwoods which soon becomes steeper and sunnier. I’ll definitely have to ride West Alpine more in the future since it’s a very quiet road with glorious scenery. There were some downhill sections at the top of West Alpine which had a layer of loose gravel and sand over them, but fortunately, those sections weren’t too twisty and steep.
On Skyline, my legs felt a little sore from all the climbing, and I felt some slight cramping in my right thigh, but I alleviated the cramping with rests on the downhill sections of Skyline and a Mocha Mocha Clifshot. I followed the rolling terrain until the next stop at the Saratoga Gap fire station and decided to take another break for food and fluids. I ate some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at the second stop since I needed something a little more solid. Right before I left the rest stop, I felt a sharp twinge in my inner thighs as I pulled my knees up to my chest to stretch out my legs, but I was fine after walking around a little. At this point, the finish was only 20 miles away and mostly downhill, so I wasn’t too concerned about finishing. When I entered the descent on Highway 9, I had the unfortunate luck to be riding behind a lady who going very slowly and constantly applying her brakes. I wasn’t able to pass her safely until 2/3 of the way down to Pierce road, and then I had a lot of fun descending. I overshot the Mt. Eden route on Pierce road, but I realized it soon after I passed Quarry road so I didn’t have to backtrack too far. As I backtracked, about 10 other people on the ride shot past me, so I don’t think I was the only one who missed the left on to Mt. Eden. There was a steep short section on Mt. Eden, but it was over pretty quickly, and after that, I was on automatic pilot on Stevens Creek and Foothill back to the VA. There was a mild headwind on the way in, but nothing too serious.
Between riding to the start and the 100km ride, I rode 70 miles that day according to the bike computer (I had attached a Cateye Strada Wireless the day before, and it has a small size and nice stem mount). I could have ridden home, but I was fortunate enough to have my wife and kids come pick me up at the finish and drive me home. It was a welcome sight to see my daughter bringing me my sandals, and I split an It’s It for her and her brother. The two big revelations for the ride were that I definitely need the lower gearing of a compact crank if I decide to do a long ride again through the local hills, and that the Fizik Arione is a very comfortable saddle for long rides. I rode the Trek to work today, and the Bontrager Race Lite saddle on it seems way too fat, so I’ll be replacing it soon with an Arione.
Western Wheelers did a great job with the rest stops and finish, and the many sag vehicles. At the finish, it was good to see and say hi to Terry Morse whom I haven’t seen since he dropped off some Myrmidon software at the office many years ago. At the rest stops and finish, there was quite a display of nice rides with a high concentration of Colnago and Calfee frames. The weather was warmer than last weekend when a layer of fog covered the ridgeline and everything west of it, but it was probably good for the overall safety of the ride since the ridgeline was also pretty wet at some places last weekend. I was happy with how the ride turned out, and I look forward to completing my first century after doing my first 100km ride.
tprevost
06-04-07, 04:59 PM
What does "pick up us" mean?:p
ooops... okay mister, you know what I mean :mad:
they will ride back and pick us up.... how's that? :p
tprevost
06-04-07, 05:01 PM
I was happy with how the ride turned out, and I look forward to completing my first century after doing my first 100km ride.
Well done 7rider!!!! Come ride the giro de peninsula with us!!!!
BigSean
06-04-07, 05:20 PM
Thanks for the ride report, Big Sean. I think I'll shoot for the 112-mile route next year. Before now and then, I might do the Marin Century. Here's my 100km report:
Great report 7rider. I do the Old La Honda Alpine Loop a couple times a month. Let me know if ya wanna join me some time. I will be doing it with a standard double also. I figure its good training, then I ride my 5.2SL with a compact for the century rides.;)
BigSean
06-04-07, 05:21 PM
ooops... okay mister, you know what I mean :mad:
they will ride back and pick us up.... how's that? :p
Yeah, about that. You need to pick up the pace cause Im getting tired.:p :p :p
tprevost
06-04-07, 05:23 PM
Yeah, about that. You need to pick up the pace cause Im getting tired.:p :p :p
funny.... I hear that from VMC all the time :rolleyes: I hear its hard to purposely ride slower than your normal pace :p
BigSean
06-04-07, 05:25 PM
funny.... I hear that from VMC all the time :rolleyes: I hear its hard to purposely ride slower than your normal pace :p
That it is, atleast while climbing. You do just fine on the flats, just gotta dial it up to 400watts on the climbs.:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:
tprevost
06-04-07, 05:27 PM
That it is, atleast while climbing. You do just fine on the flats, just gotta dial it up to 400watts on the climbs.:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: