Balcom is so short you wont even know it when you see it.

The only real climb is Ojai, its pretty lengthy. Casitas is quick up and down.



Well, I'm so glad you feel this way, Ovo. :rolleyes: I'll expect you to do at least one repeat on both Balcom and the climb in Ojai. Should be a piece of cake for you since this ride is so easy. I'll take pics and report your progress back here...unless, of course, you disappear on one of the climbs like you did yesterday on Latigo. :p

O, you'll know Balcom when you see and are on her. Though the south side is shorter than the north side, she gets steep at the top. I always like the little sign above the guardrail at the summit that reads "Poison Point..one drop and you're dead" referring to the sheer cliff that many vehicles not paying attention have gone off.

Bump... :(

Thunderdomers, I mulled over this yesterday and talked with John (whom, as you know, is injured), and I realized that I have to back out of this. My plan was to ride aggressively for the next two weeks in prep for this century. Although I am praying I'm back on the bike next weekend, I'm not blonde enough to truly believe it (yet). Even if I'm back on the bike, I doubt I'll be riding hard and long. This century is a tough one, don't let anyone tell you otherwise, and I now seriously have doubts as to my ability to complete it and complete it feeling well.

So, two options:

1. I reschedule - if you are for this, please state so and provide me with at least two dates that will work for you in March and/or April.

2. You all ride without me and have a blast! There will be more this year and I'll just just join on the next one.

And, let me state upfront, my feelings will NOT be hurt if the majority votes to do this without me. It's a great ride and great group. I am but one rider...very loud rider...but just one. :p

3. Keep ride as is and I'll SAG it. Then lots of pics, snacks along the way and a raffle for one rider who gets to ride in the Nissan back. Do not assume I will baby you guys though. NOT happening!

Your thoughts?

Reschedule. I'm a little iffy on the schedule anyways. February is a bad month, since the Tour is rolling through. I'll probably coming down for that. I'll let everyone else's schedule dictate it, and if I'm available, I'll do it.

Mary,

There is a way for you to still do this ride, you could provide SAG support. That way everyone could see you and you will be able to use your new camera (since the old one was destroyed in you accident) and take lots of pictures of everyone.

Mary,

There is a way for you to still do this ride, you could provide SAG support. That way everyone could see you and you will be able to use your new camera (since the old one was destroyed in you accident) and take lots of pictures of everyone.

That's not a bad idea actually, Lee. All I have is a Nissan and I'd miss the train ride back, but yes, lots of pics and I could have a raffle to see what lucky rider gets to ride back with me to LA in lieu of the train. :p

Okay, third choice - keep ride as is and I SAG. Thoughts? I'll update my post below.

Dang it, making my decision tough. I think for me it will be a decision I'm making the day or two before. Jobob is leading a local ride up here on the same day. Tough decision. Maybe I'll flip a coin to decide.

If you do the SAG option, would you have a megaphone in the car so we could all hear your yammering? If not, it just wouldn't be the same.

I could do that, Dan. I could ride up beside you guys and yell, "Move your fat asses!" all the way up Casistas Pass. Anyone got a megaphone I can borrow?

I'm beginning to like this SAG idea quite a bit. :D

As if you needs a megaphone :p

As if you needs a megaphone :p

I do needs a megaphone, smarty...that a way, that can't put iPods in to tune me out. :p

I'm ok with either 1 or 3.

With 1, I'm ok as long as it isn't on the same weekend as PU's KOM rides.

With 3, you sure you'll be ok for this longish ride? It can get boring. Or you may just be yelling in our ears as you drive pass us... in which case I'll have my water bottle handy and apply the skillz I've learned on the roadie forum. ;):D

I could do that, Dan. I could ride up beside you guys and yell, "Move your fat asses!" all the way up Casistas Pass. Anyone got a megaphone I can borrow?

I'm beginning to like this SAG idea quite a bit. :D

I think I have one!!

I'm up for number 3. At least that way I wouldn't have to drag your @$$ up the hills.:D

I'm not going on this ride, so my vote doesn't count.

Here goes though. One of the things I liked about the ride last time was the lack of sag. It was "do it or call a cab". Sag stops at organized centuries are fine, but generally speaking I like to be self sufficient when possible. Plus I always feel bad for the sag driver.

If it was a ride out in the desert or mountains where there aren't places to stop, that'd be a different story altogether.

Having said that, I'm not even on the ride, so my vote doesn't count.

If you do the SAG option, would you have a megaphone in the car so we could all hear your yammering? If not, it just wouldn't be the same.

But if she's behind us, she'll be compelled to yell "car back" constantly which could create a recursive sound loop and disrupt the space/time/sound continuum.

But if she's behind us, she'll be compelled to yell "car back" constantly which could create a recursive sound loop and disrupt the space/time/sound continuum.

:rolleyes: If I do end up SAGing, your raffle ticket for the ride home in my Nissan will accidentally be ripped into tiny pieces and thrown into the trash can at the fire station on Casistas Pass. Oh, oops...how will that happen?

I'm for option 2 or 3. I could use someone yelling at me to go faster.

I'm for option 2 or 3. I could use someone yelling at me to go faster.

Oh, and I yell other things too, but they shouldn't be printed here. :D

Oh, and I yell other things too, but they shouldn't be printed here. :D

BTW...I have the megaphone for you...will take a pix tonite...

BTW...I have the megaphone for you...will take a pix tonite...

:lol: You know, if I can drive, it might actually be fun. If I have a megaphone and squirt gun, this could be a very entertaining day. :D

Mary, since I'm not racing I might be able to help you with the SAG duties. We could take my minivan, too.

Mary, since I'm not racing I might be able to help you with the SAG duties. We could take my minivan, too.

Now that would be fun!!!! :beer:

I agree with Ronjon, though, that this ride shouldn't become a SAG fest. So, gentlemen, get this straight. IF John and I SAG as injured parties, you boys have to work it! No babying allowed. In fact, we'll need two megaphones so John and I can both torture...um...I mean encourage you on. :D

Oh, and I yell other things too, but they shouldn't be printed here. :D

As long as somebody is making noise it's all good

As long as somebody is making noise it's all good

Um, what ride are you talking about? And does thunderdome have a different meaning? :p :D

Now that would be fun!!!! :beer:

I agree with Ronjon, though, that this ride shouldn't become a SAG fest. So, gentlemen, get this straight. IF John and I SAG as injured parties, you boys have to work it! No babying allowed. In fact, we'll need two megaphones so John and I can both torture...um...I mean encourage you on. :D

I vote for option #3. If this gets rescheduled I might feel compelled to do the TdPalmSprings which would be a nasty(er) drive and not as fun.

If you're worried about babying, the SAG vehicle could be stocked with clam juice and unrefrigerated tubs of potato salad, thus ensuring that the riders remain self sufficient on food and hydration.

If you're worried about babying, the SAG vehicle could be stocked with clam juice and unrefrigerated tubs of potato salad, thus ensuring that the riders remain self sufficient on food and hydration.

Clam juice is a liquid, Dan, and perfectly suitable for rehydrating. I have no issue with providing jugs full of the stuff for you men.

But I get the joke about the potato salad.

Okay, so far, I think I have:

Ride stays on 2/2 with Jpconrad and me SAGing. No one has really chimed in with alternate date suggestions (other than vague comments about not doing it on dates of other rides :rolleyes:).

So, last chance to speak up.


WHO IS STILL IN FOR THIS RIDE?

I need to know how much clam juice to bring.

I am (weather permitting)

im always game

If it's on, I'm on.

I am if it's still on the 2nd.

As long as it's not pouring rain in the forecast.

Mad Max? Oh, Mad Max? You still in on 2/2 if I SAG? I promise I won't interfere with the rough and tumble aspect of the century. I'll just be around to yell taunts, take photos and carry exta tubes and stuff. :D

If Mad Max refuses, then we have to reschedule.

Guys, just a word of caution. I've seen her drive. She's much safer on a bike.

Guys, just a word of caution. I've seen her drive. She's much safer on a bike.

:rolleyes: Remember to bring your helmet, Joel, for the...um..."action" shots I have planned just for you.

Guys, just a word of caution. I've seen her drive. She's much safer on a bike.

If I'm SAGing I'll be driving. ;)

If I'm SAGing I'll be driving. ;)

OH, yeah, that's right. That leaves me with two free hands, a mouth, and a desire to pump you all up and raise your spirits. This just keeps getting better and better. :D

I'm still in for, Thunderdome or bust:D

I'm still in for, Thunderdome or bust:D

Sorry, even with me along and not riding...there will be no bust.

OH, yeah, that's right. That leaves me with two free hands, a mouth, and a desire to pump you all up and raise your spirits. This just keeps getting better and better. :D

That reminds me of a video I saw...

nevermind

Hey, now there's an idea. I could video tape the ride! :D

Hey, now there's an idea. I could video tape the ride! :D

KINKY !

KINKY !

Does this mean you're in?

Does this mean you're in?

Of course.

Of course.

:D

But where is Mad Max???? :cry:

I'm in rain or shine.

in

Well, I'm still waiting for Mad Max to pipe up. He's been very, very quiet.

whos mad max