Riding events for 2008 - what are your plans? [Archive]

Holywood

12-28-07, 07:56 PM

Hi everyone!

I was hoping to get input from you on what cycling events in 2008 you plan to participate in. Last year I had a great time at the Tour De Max and plan on doing this event again, August 10th 2008.

Anyone have a favorite cycling event that I can place on my 2008 calendar? I am primarily interested in NorCal events but if you have an epic ride event I am interested in hearing about it.

Thanks,
Holywood

spingineer

12-28-07, 08:07 PM

Well, this year, not sure about my plans, but here are the key events that are recognized on my calendar:

Solvang Double - end of March
Tierra Bella - Mid- April
Wildflower - end April ...there are two ... one in Chico, and one in Reston. Depends if you want to travel north or south.
Wine Country Century - beginning May
Grizzly Peak Century - beginning May
Giro di Peninsula - end June
Auburn Century - September (thanks to Dauphin for recommending this ... awesome ride)

ken cummings

12-28-07, 08:16 PM

spingineer

12-28-07, 08:18 PM

If you like the Wine Country Century then you'll love the Terrible Two. About twice as long and 3-4 times the climbing. Even if you only do it in a car consider taking two days with a layover in Cloverdale.

Only thing I don't like about Terrible Two is there is the same amount of climbing in the first 100 miles as the 2nd 100 miles. Ok, I'm a wimp.

UmneyDurak

12-28-07, 08:26 PM

If nothing goes wrong like last year, Everest Challenge.

cantdrv55

12-28-07, 08:30 PM

Tour de Cure - Napa
Marin Century
Bike Around The Buttes
Wildflower
Solvang
Foxy's Fall
and I'm going to conquer Diablo

Not necessarily in this order too.

Red Rider

12-28-07, 08:38 PM

Here's our tentative schedule, as we're a tandem team:
Feb: Palm Springs? Or local self-supported
March: Solvang
April: Chico wildflower
May: Monticello (right out our back door!)
June: ?
July: ?
August: Marin (best food EVer)
Sept: ?
Oct: Foxy's Fall
Nov: ?
Dec: ?

Frankly, there isn't a bad century up here, as far as I'm concerned. In fact, you could probably do two or three a month if you wanted to.

Let us know which ones you ride; we can save a spot on our wheel for you. :D

taxi777

12-28-07, 11:33 PM

1.Primavera - anyone else from the BF group doing this one? I'd like to ride un-solo this year. : (
2.Mt.Hamilton Challenge (?)
3.Wine Ride 200K
4.Davis Dble - Maybe with some fellow BF'rs.....?
5.Marin Century
6.Tour de Max

Maybe a couple more in between those. Maybe some good long Bf rides.

jonathanb715

12-29-07, 12:37 PM

1. Tour of the Unknown Coast
2. Death Ride (I intend to ride a bit more than 7 miles in it this year!)
3...?

Other events will be last minute decisions as it gets close - too many family obligations to plan out too far (I'll be coaching soccer again in the fall, I'm a stroke and turn judge for swimming in the spring and summer, family vacations, etc. etc. etc.). Last year I managed to squeeze in the Tour of Napa Valley, The Grizzly Century and el Tour de Tucson in addition to the very abbreviated Death Ride.

JB

PrincessZippy

12-29-07, 12:51 PM

1. Solvang Spring Double
2. Devil Mountain Double
3. Central Coast Double
4. Mt Tam Double
5. Knoxville Double

The San Francisco Randonneurs 200 and 300 K Brevets.

That's it so far.

Veronica

spingineer

12-29-07, 01:39 PM

1. Solvang Spring Double
2. Devil Mountain Double
3. Central Coast Double
4. Mt Tam Double
5. Knoxville Double

The San Francisco Randonneurs 200 and 300 K Brevets.

That's it so far.

Veronica

Dang, that's a hardcore list. I guess that's your 1000 mile schedule?

I did forget one ... Eastern Sierra. I think I'll shoot for that one. I also heard Bass Lake Double is a very good one too, but not sure if I can handle that one.

cccorlew

12-29-07, 01:46 PM

I'm thinking, right now....
Tierra Bella -- Possible
Wildflower-- Likely
Davis Double -- Trying to talk myself into it. I'm doing a pretty good job so far.
Seattle to Portland if Tricia is up for it.
I'd like to find some sorta supported tour down the Oregon coast.

PrincessZippy

12-29-07, 01:55 PM

Yep, I'm aiming for the 1,000 mile Gold Club this year. DMD is a big stretch for me. If I DNF on it, I'll be adding in Bass Lake or maybe Eastern Sierra again. The scenery on ES is amazing, but that 20 mile stretch of expansion joints was icky!

Veronica

ericm979

12-29-07, 02:18 PM

Everest Challenge will be my big "A" race again this year. I also intend to do more regular road races too. I'll probably do the Death Ride for fun and training. I'm on the fence about the SoCal KOM series- they're great rides but it's a lot of driving to go down there. If there's any local centuries that fit in after all that I'll probably do them too.

cantdrv55

12-29-07, 06:38 PM

I guess I'm the lightweight in this bunch since I'm planning to do mainly metric centuries.

PrincessZippy

12-29-07, 07:54 PM

All that matters is you enjoy the ride. I only do doubles so I can eat whatever I want. :D

Veronica

spingineer

12-29-07, 08:54 PM

All that matters is you enjoy the ride. I only do doubles so I can eat whatever I want. :D

Veronica

That is the best advise ... my goal in 2007 was to complete my triple crown. I did that, and then I felt I had to keep it up by doing centuries every month. I realized that I wasn't having as much fun, so I stopped doing centuries in November. I guess I suffered burnout. I'll be back at it in January, though.

jobob

12-29-07, 11:01 PM

I'd like to do a 200K brevet every month, for a RUSA R-12 award.

And perhaps the Mt. Hamilton Challenge (which is the same day as DMD; I'll wave at Pricess Zippy as we pass each other heading in opposite directions :D ) and the Davis Double.

But, we'll see what happens, I'm going to take it one month at a time.

spingineer

12-30-07, 12:02 AM

I'd like to do a 200K brevet every month.

:eek: Dang ... oops, I guess it's not that much more than the Century a Month I was doing. :D

Alphamoose

12-30-07, 12:23 AM

I'm shooting for Solvang, Tierra Bella (or the Primavera, but not both), then the Wine Country 200k, and the Marin 200k in August. 200 miles seems like too much of a good thing to me. (This year).

jobob

12-30-07, 12:26 AM

:eek: Dang ... oops, I guess it's not that much more than the Century a Month I was doing. :D Heck, it's only another 25 miles ! she says blithely

ricebowl

12-30-07, 01:41 AM

Just one for me, waves to wine.

'nother

12-30-07, 08:50 AM

BigSean

12-30-07, 09:10 AM

Rides: I'll probably do the Mt. Hamilton Challenge as recon for the Road Race later in the season. Maybe some others like Sequoia and the Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge. Others to be evaluated as they come up.

But I'm focusing more on racing this year than distance, so that will be: a few more Cyclocross races, a few of the Early Bird crits, Menlo Park GP, Cat's Hill Crit, Sea Otter Road and Circuit races, Wente RR, Mt. Hamilton RR, maybe the Memorial Day crit too just for good measure and see how that goes. They're all early-mid season. I may end up just peaking early and chill for the latter portion of the season while I gear up for another season of 'cross...

This is also my plan. More racing, ride harder when I am on the bike, and maybe a century or two. Last year I did the Sequoia Century, awesome ride by the way. Bring your climbing legs. Ive been wanting to do the Santa Cruz Mt Challenge, but its the same weekend as Marin, ahhhh choices.

Your early season schedule is a bit busy for me. Im going to wing it a bit. Probably stay away from the big climbing races, maybe not. Im kinda big. Are you racing with a team this year?

'nother

12-30-07, 09:16 AM

This is also my plan. More racing, ride harder when I am on the bike, and maybe a century or two. Last year I did the Sequoia Century, awesome ride by the way. Bring your climbing legs. Ive been wanting to do the Santa Cruz Mt Challenge, but its the same weekend as Marin, ahhhh choices.

Your early season schedule is a bit busy for me. Im going to wing it a bit. Probably stay away from the big climbing races, maybe not. Im kinda big. Are you racing with a team this year?

Yeah, I am with AV. This is my second year racing, though last year was barely a warm-up. More like "testing the waters". Got my Cat 4 upgrade but not much else to speak of. So this year my goal is to just get out more. It's busy, sure, but they're not all "A" races. Some will be more for spectacle (Sea Otter) than for trying to do anything big.

I've done Sequoia a couple of times. Maybe 3. I forgot. I usually do the 200k. Always fun. The Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge is fun, too...hits a lot of tucked-away climbs that we valley-ites don't normally hit.

BigSean

12-30-07, 09:50 AM

Yeah, I am with AV. This is my second year racing, though last year was barely a warm-up. More like "testing the waters". Got my Cat 4 upgrade but not much else to speak of. So this year my goal is to just get out more. It's busy, sure, but they're not all "A" races. Some will be more for spectacle (Sea Otter) than for trying to do anything big.

I've done Sequoia a couple of times. Maybe 3. I forgot. I usually do the 200k. Always fun. The Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge is fun, too...hits a lot of tucked-away climbs that we valley-ites don't normally hit.

I had intended to do the early bird crits so I could cat up. However Ive been sick through most of Dec and Im out of shape.:( Just got back to doing base again. Hopefully Im fully recovered in another week. rIGHT NOW iVE GOT NO LUNGS. Just trying to get saddle time at the moment. Im hoping to do something at Sea Otter.

Is The Mt Challenge any harder then the Sequoia?

uspspro

12-30-07, 11:36 AM

Spring: Mt. Hamilton Challenge
Summer: Sequoia Century, Giro Di Peninsula, Marin Century (Mt. Tam)
Fall: Diablo Challenge

I don't know if I'll make the Marin Century because I am trying to go to Europe this summer around that time. I want to incorporate the tour. My plan is to watch the finish of stage 17 on the summit of L'Alpe-d'Huez.

It will be a crazy stage. 210km and three mountains (Galibier, Croix-de-Fer and L'Alpe-d'Huez) all in one stage!

My plan would be to get some rented road bikes and ride up L'Alpe-d'Huez the day before, stay the night and go to sleep EARLY, and get out super early in the AM to actually get a spot.

http://www.letour.fr/PHOTOS/TDF/2008/1700/PROFIL.gif

'nother

12-30-07, 02:35 PM

I had intended to do the early bird crits so I could cat up. However Ive been sick through most of Dec and Im out of shape.:( Just got back to doing base again. Hopefully Im fully recovered in another week. rIGHT NOW iVE GOT NO LUNGS. Just trying to get saddle time at the moment. Im hoping to do something at Sea Otter.

Is The Mt Challenge any harder then the Sequoia?

I would do the early birds anyway if I were you. All you have to do is show up and you get your experience points (I assume you mean 5 -> 4). I mean, it's nice if you can actually do well at them, but no loss if you don't. I go to learn and get pack time. *everyone* is out of shape this time of year :)

qpliu

12-30-07, 03:08 PM

'nother

12-30-07, 04:30 PM

Note that the 2008 Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge is uncertain (http://www.santacruzcycling.org/roadrunner/01-02-08_Roadrunner.pdf). Unless someone steps up to be the SCMC director, it will be canceled.

Bummer. I hope someone fills the slot, it's a great ride.

ericm979

12-30-07, 04:36 PM

Is The Mt Challenge any harder then the Sequoia?

If you are not prepared, the climb up Jamison will make you see God.

But if you're ok with steep climbs, or brought the gearing, then they are about the same. The Sequoia 200k has a couple thousand feet more climbing but it's more spread out.

BigSean

12-30-07, 05:07 PM

I would do the early birds anyway if I were you. All you have to do is show up and you get your experience points (I assume you mean 5 -> 4). I mean, it's nice if you can actually do well at them, but no loss if you don't. I go to learn and get pack time. *everyone* is out of shape this time of year :)

Yes 5 to 4. Many club member recommend this is a better route. Im not sure how out of shape I am. I just did a 71 mile ride in less then 4 hours, and that was including 5400ft of climbing. Problem is I got no lungs. Once my HR goes over 160 I pop. Thats a good 20bpm under normal. Still, I was shocked at my speed since I was trying to keep in in zone 3 and under. Legs started hurting really bad. It was freezing up on Skyline. If I can get this stuff out of my lungs I may be just fine.

Rushfan

01-01-08, 05:51 PM

Took 2007 off for the most part, now planning on ramping up. Tentative events...

1. Chico Wildflower full century-I've done the metric 3 times, time to do the full century
2. Napa Tour de Cure with the family
3. Seattle To Portland in a day-rode it a couple of years ago with some slower friends, now want to do it at my own pace.

Gee3

01-02-08, 02:41 PM

I plan to do the Waves To Wine again this year. Hopefully we can get a team together again. And hopefully I can get Matt McNamara at Sterling Sports to donate another free cycling class and Vo2 Max session like he did last year. We raffled them off within the team.

I also would like to take the Climbing and Descending class with Matt again this year since last year I cramped right before going up Montebello and couldn't finish the lesson. :( Kicked my butt, but I learned a lot!

As for other rides, maybe Giro d' Italia again and a few others. But I'll probably end up doing mostly BF rides.

Although i'd like to do a really flat ride so I can pull my daughter in the trailer and so Siu can come out without having to worry about her asthma. Maybe Siu can hitch a ride in my trailer with my daughter! hehe! ;)

BlastRadius

01-02-08, 04:00 PM

Here's what I plan to do:

April 5th - Party Pardee
June 28? - Giro di Peninsula
August 3rd - SF Marathon

We should do more BF rides and mix it up with some MTB rides too.
It's nice having rest stops but we can have just as much fun without paying for it.

I propose the next end-of-month BF ride be Saturday February 23rd, or gasp! LEAP day, Friday February 29th. Critical Mass would be that day too. Can anyone suggest a "Meet Siu" route?

caloso

01-02-08, 04:05 PM

I'll do all the local crits (Land Park, Folsom, Davis, Vacaville, maybe Cherry Pie and Suisun) plus I'd really like to do the Copperopolis and Bariani road races. And the Mt. Diablo Challenge. (I'm going to get one of those t-shirts or go out like Tommy Simpson).

parity

01-02-08, 10:43 PM

It will be a crazy stage. 210km and three mountains (Galibier, Croix-de-Fer and L'Alpe-d'Huez) all in one stage!

My plan would be to get some rented road bikes and ride up L'Alpe-d'Huez the day before, stay the night and go to sleep EARLY, and get out super early in the AM to actually get a spot.

While you are there maybe you should consider doing La Marmotte. It's a 174k ride with 17000 feet of climbing. It goes over col de la Croix de Fer, col du Telegraphe, col du Galibier and finishes at the top of Alpe d'Huez. You'll really get to know what its like to ride a stage in the TDF. Here is one person's account:

http://www.dailypeloton.com/displayarticle.asp?pk=4565

Be sure to check out the pictures at the end. :)

genejockey

01-03-08, 10:51 AM

I've been trying to figure out what rides to do. I'd like to do spring, summer, and fall century rides, and I've pretty much chosen the Giro de Peninsula as the summer one - since I can ride to the start half a mile form my house! But I'm having difficulty finding a schedule of rides.

Anyone have any suggestions?

qpliu

01-29-08, 09:39 AM

Note that the 2008 Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge is uncertain (http://www.santacruzcycling.org/roadrunner/01-02-08_Roadrunner.pdf). Unless someone steps up to be the SCMC director, it will be canceled.

The SCMC is on for 2008. It will be the last Saturday of July, the 26th, this year, a week earlier than in past years.

'nother

01-29-08, 09:46 AM

The SCMC is on for 2008. It will be the last Saturday of July, the 26th, this year, a week earlier than in past years.

Cool, glad to hear it. Thanks for the update qpliu.

1jacktripper

01-29-08, 10:42 AM

March - L.A. Marathon
June - Sequoia Century
August - Full Vineman Triathlon
September - Big Kahuna Half Triathlon
October - SJ Rock'nRoll Half Marathon

Whew...

SesameCrunch

01-29-08, 11:50 AM

1. Solvang Spring Double
2. Devil Mountain Double
3. Central Coast Double
4. Mt Tam Double
5. Knoxville Double

The San Francisco Randonneurs 200 and 300 K Brevets.

That's it so far.

Veronica

http://deephousepage.com/smilies/praise2.gif http://deephousepage.com/smilies/praise2.gif http://deephousepage.com/smilies/praise2.gif

I'm sooo not worthy....

PrincessZippy

01-29-08, 05:07 PM

Oh, so not true.

It's all about pain management. :D

Veronica

spingineer

01-29-08, 05:52 PM

Oh, so not true.

It's all about pain management. :D

Veronica

It makes my puny goals seem so insignificant compared to yours. :p

PrincessZippy

01-29-08, 07:21 PM

No one has puny goals. Your goals are about you. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

I've just found this niche of doing hard rides, kinda slowly. :p

I read the racer guys goals and think, "That's cool! I wish I could go that fast!" But I'm old and I don't like riding so closely to other people and I don't want to work that hard and I'd get upset if I didn't win and I'd have to have another bike and I'd have to lose a bizillion pounds and I couldn't eat ice cream and that's enough run ons.

In short, their goals wouldn't work for me.

Thank you though! I just hope I can accomplish them this year. :)

Veronica

minivandriveby

01-29-08, 08:26 PM

I thought I posted already but I guess I didn't...
The big ride planned is the STP in 1-day (July). I'm doing it with my brother (and hopefully my best friend).
The Sierra Century in June.
Foxy's Fall Century
The Diablo Challenge (although I want to at least ride it a few times before commiting to that one). Gotta have goals.
And then a bunch of rides in-between.