Southern California - Windmill Century

Is anyone doing the Windmill Century. I signed-up for it last week and was wondering if any other BF’ers are doing this ride?

Is anyone doing the Windmill Century. I signed-up for it last week and was wondering if any other BF’ers are doing this ride?

Vicki and I are on the fence about it, however we'll end up doing the shorter 40 mile ride as she isn't ready for a Century yet.

Sheldon

Doesn't it get kinda warm this time of year?

Doesn't it get kinda warm this time of year?

You start out in the morning inland while it is cool. Then head towards the coast for lunch. In the afternoon you get coastal breezes to cool it back down. I didn’t ride it last year, but 2 years ago it averaged 70 degrees for the day with the high being 84. I was just looking at the weather for Santa Maria and it shows temps in the low to mid 70’s for the high and Los Alamos is in the low 70’s in the morning and low 90’s in the afternoon right now. I’m in Cayucos for the next 3 weeks and right now we are having a heat wave. I don’t know what it is going to be like in 3 weeks, but I’ve never had it extremely hot.

I'm sort of interested, but it's the same weekend as the Central Coast Century. It is closer, though.

I'm sort of interested, but it's the same weekend as the Central Coast Century. It is closer, though.

If it seems like I’m slow at answering posts it's because I'm on dial up form the next three weeks, OMG is it slow!:eek: :eek:

Ok, now I'm leaning towards this one...

Well, the CCC is for a charity, so I'm leaning toward that one, but I have heard that the Windmill is great. I can't decide yet...

I can drive to this one, ride it, and return the same day easier than I can the CCC. And it's only 40 bucks.

Well, the CCC is for a charity, so I'm leaning toward that one, but I have heard that the Windmill is great. I can't decide yet...

The Central Coast Century covers basically the same route as the Lighthouse Century. The Windmill has some of both Solvang Doubles. The Central Coast looks to be mostly an out and back, the Windmill is a loop. I guess I’m doing the Windmill because of two reasons. First they support the American Lung Association, my wife works there:) , also other charities:) and second I’m riding most of the area the Central Coast does for the next three weeks.:D I’ll be ready for a change in scenery.

Oh, I didn't realize that the WC is for the Lung Association - and since I have asthma - perhaps I should reconsider! I'll look to see if there is still room.

You know you wanna do it... We can carpool up together that morning, do the ride, eat some BBQ, then head home! 40 bucks seems reasonable for that!

Besides, have you checked hotel rates for Avila Beach?

Okay, I'm in. I'm going to have to start saving money for real anyway. I'm pretty much set on buying a new car in August which is going to drain some of my savings!

This is one busy weekend ... Windmill, Central Coast Century, and Healdsburg, all on the same day. Maybe I'll just be a couch potato, as the choices are making my head spin!

Okay, I'm in. I'm going to have to start saving money for real anyway. I'm pretty much set on buying a new car in August which is going to drain some of my savings!

I'll probably sign up today for it as soon as I get some money.

Is this a century that fills up quickly?

I registered for it. Since I'm going to Toronto for a week next month I couldn't afford the CCC one, perhaps next time.

Since I'm going to Toronto for a week next month...My family and friends in TO have been telling me it's uncomfortably hot and humid over there.

I did The Windmill last year. At the finish it was 102 degrees. The morning started on the warm side, but it was nice. Turning into the wind after lunch was a bit of a bother, but the breeze was cool.

There was a shallow climb at the beginning, some rollers in the first half, and one "major" climb in the second half towards the finish. It wasn't a bad climb, but it was out of the wind and pretty hot.

I don't think there were more than 3-4k feet of climbing total. I enjoyed it, and it was a pretty fast ride. I did not sign up ahead of time, but rather registered that morning without problems. I doubt they ever sell out on this one.

They have change things a little, I couldn’t find where they took day of registrations. It seems the only way to sign-up now days is through Active.com. The hottest temp I’ve ever had on the ride is 96 and that was right at the finish.

Bump. Was anyone else doing this besides Dante and me? Are you in ME?

No, I'm sorry to be a big fat flake on this ride and the Central Coast Century, but I'm staying in town. :o

No, I'm sorry to be a big fat flake on this ride and the Central Coast Century, but I'm staying in town. :o

No problem!

No, I'm sorry to be a big fat flake on this ride and the Central Coast Century, but I'm staying in town. :o

I know the ride start too late, you’re use to getting up and being to work by 3. Sorry you can’t make it, I was looking forward to riding with you.:(

I know the ride start too late, you’re use to getting up and being to work by 3. Sorry you can’t make it, I was looking forward to riding with you.:(

When are you planning on starting? I had thought about starting later, but now I think I want to get the inland stuff done as early as possible.

BTW, is there an IHOP is Buellton (sp)?

No, I'm sorry to be a big fat flake on this ride and the Central Coast Century, but I'm staying in town. :o

No, you’re not a big fat flake. You’re not fat.:D

No, you’re not a big fat flake. You’re not fat.:D
:p

:p
corn flake?

corn flake?

Yes, she's a corn flake.

not sure why, But I'm seriously thinkin of doin this...
just couldn't get myself organized to do the CCC.
its been many moons since I've done an organized century
If I do, I'll prolly register late on the closing day - Thurs -19th.
I think weather forecast for up here is a slight cooling trend all through the week.

any plans for 'start' times for youz? meet location?

anyone whose done this before - they have food/fruit at the start or should I bring some for the early leg?

for ID, I'll prolly wear Club Kit - EchelonSB Blue-Green, as moi below...

I'm probably going to start early so I can avoid the heat as much as possible. 6:30, I guess?

Several riders from my club are going to be going, and seeing as how our Vineman plans are out, I'll probably do it.

Say hello when you pass me by!

Several riders from my club are going to be going, and seeing as how our Vineman plans are out, I'll probably do it.

So, who else is goin up? news to me - nobody ever posts stuff on the club list/group - whatz with that?

I'll be driving the van, so plenty O room for bikes, stuff...

I'm gonna try to get there early, but signing in might take some time ...

So, who else is goin up? news to me - nobody ever posts stuff on the club list/group - whatz with that?

Denise said something about going. It sounded like others too. I just posted on the group about it and I'll ask her at the board meeting tonight.

So, anyone who's done this century before...

What kind of provisions can be expected at the rest stops? 'Windmill' Website is not helpful with any details.
Should I expect to need to carry provisions for entire/most of the ride or is there usually some lite stuff like bananas, Donuts :o, etc at rest stops?
I'm gonna carry a bit, but bananas just lookin and tasting pretty awful after a few hours in the heat...

I'm gonna email them, but really don;t expect any answers this late in the pre-game show...

I'm expecting to start sometime before 7 am, closer to 6:30 is preferred, iff'n anyone wants to roll off together...
Probable sub for the green/blue echelon jersey, I may opt for a plain (no script) 2 tone orange jersey (cannondale) which is my preferred jersey for hotter/longer rides...

...just look for chicken legs stuck under an orange potatoe... astride a Spec Roubaix Elite... dark silver helmutt...

I'll be there, probably wearing a white Assos Jersey and I plan to start before 7, too.

I'll probably be on this bike, too, or my other one that has the same paint scheme.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1417/847362564_29c2f67ade.jpg

I'm expecting to start sometime before 7 am, closer to 6:30 is preferred, iff'n anyone wants to roll off together...
Probable sub for the green/blue echelon jersey, I may opt for a plain (no script) 2 tone orange jersey (cannondale) which is my preferred jersey for hotter/longer rides...

It looks like the Echelon train will be rolling out around 7ish. Probably a bit later in reality. There should be at least 4 of us in colors, Denise will be in her pink and Ed will probably be in that old fastrack jersey he always wears. Sounds like Fran, Peter, Wendy, Stuart are also doing it, but some may be shorter distance.

It looks like the Echelon train will be rolling out around 7ish.


Kool, I'll see all youz at the start.

Looks like a bunch of other riders I know will be there. Another friend who will be doin his 1st century. Steady guy, will hang tough, since hez also an olde hippie...
some more varied riders from the SB area...

we'll connect at the reg area.

I'll prolly want to roll easy with my friend and whomever for the 1st half and if the saddle time starts gettin longish, crank out the rest...

BTW, after some conversation with another rider whose done this ride before, the 'rest' stops also have basic 'provisions' besides water, whatever that might be... so I can leave the panniers at home.:) (I like to fuel UP).

gonna be fun...

BTW, after some conversation with another rider whose done this ride before, the 'rest' stops also have basic 'provisions' besides water, whatever that might be... so I can leave the panniers at home.:) (I like to fuel UP).

Give me two Clif bars and two bottles and I'm good for a century. I'd like to try to do sub 5 hours if the rest of the group is willing...

Their rest stops are stocked with the usual ride goodies, the lunch stop has sandwiches. I’ll be there around 6:30, I’m wearing an orange, yellow and white jersey with “The Lung Ride” on it. I’m not quite up to a sub 5 hour century. John, I’ll see you there.

Have fun guys. All you fast men will finish way before I could. Enjoy and be safe riding. :)

Have fun guys. All you fast men will finish way before I could. Enjoy and be safe riding. :)
You're a fast woman :D

Their rest stops are stocked with the usual ride goodies, the lunch stop has sandwiches. I’ll be there around 6:30, I’m wearing an orange, yellow and white jersey with “The Lung Ride” on it. I’m not quite up to a sub 5 hour century. John, I’ll see you there.

4:49 (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/3389472) :D

I met Dante; he hung with our group for a bit and even did a few pulls before calling "mercy" at the Guadalupe rest stop (my group didn't stop).

4:49 (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/3389472) :D



You're not normal. :rolleyes::p But I'm glad you had fun (as I know you did, you speed demon). :D

5:09 (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/email/accept.mb?senderPk.pkValue=84283&unitSystemPkValue=2&episodePk.pkValue=3390298)

Solo. :D

5:09 (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/email/accept.mb?senderPk.pkValue=84283&unitSystemPkValue=2&episodePk.pkValue=3390298)

Solo. :D

:rolleyes: You're not normal either. And I would have slowed you down for sure. To hell if I'm riding a 5:09 century. What is wrong with you men?! :p

:rolleyes: You're not normal either. And I would have slowed you down for sure. To hell if I'm riding a 5:09 century. What is wrong with you men?! :p

There really wasn't a lot to look at. :(

5:09 (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/invitation/email/accept.mb?senderPk.pkValue=84283&unitSystemPkValue=2&episodePk.pkValue=3390298)

Solo. :D

That's a pretty good time solo. We probably would have been faster but we were nursing one of riders with a cramp. I left the group and pulling in one other rider the last 10 miles or so. It is interesting your motionbased activity shows about 1500 feet more elevation gain than mine, and about a mile more distance. Did you see us go by near the end?

Edit: Just did a dot race (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/race/dot.mb?sortOrder=55&pks=3389472,3390298) (with the real time option) and I see that we never crossed on the road, but we were at the lunch stop at the same time.

:rolleyes: You're not normal either. And I would have slowed you down for sure. To hell if I'm riding a 5:09 century. What is wrong with you men?! :p


I even brought a camera. A real camera, not my just cell phone camera, but its a little hard to take a picture pulling in a paceline at 25mph... A sub-5 hour century has been a goal of mine for a while... now to try it solo...