Southern California - 1st Annual 2008 Spring Stagecoach

Is anyone doing this century? I read the previous threads about the winter and it seems that the general consensus was that it was too cold. Would this be a good first century? I've never heard of Ocotillo. I wanted to do the Solvang Century as my first century since I was raised in the Santa Ynez Valley. But I know that area like the back of my hand. I thought I would be too bored and would end up riding home early.:o

http://www.shadowtour.com/Century_Rides/2008_Spring_Stagecoach.htm

I may, since now my road trips have been scaled back. I think Herb is doing it.

Also, as a first century, it would be a bit challenging, but I think doable. There is some good climbing on the way out and on the way back, so pacing and fueling is important. It's all one scenery the whole way but kind of hypnotic since it's out in the desert and that has it's special appeal for sure. I've done the winter century twice, and after last year's (and the freezing weather), I had decided no more. But I'm constantly changing my mind, and I may ride this again.

IMO, a better first century would be 50 miles one way on the coast and 50 miles back. Plenty of convenience stores and places to eat. I would say that Stagecoach is a medium level century. It's also in the middle of nowhere so you'll have to drive here very early in the morning or get a motel in El Centro.

I am definitely planning on this...already have my hotel in El centro...
I am hoping for great weather and wildflowers...

This is not a super hard century....but there are some pretty good climbs...
I havent done Solvang so I cant compare...I am doing it this year!

IMO, a better first century would be 50 miles one way on the coast and 50 miles back. Plenty of convenience stores and places to eat. I would say that Stagecoach is a medium level century. It's also in the middle of nowhere so you'll have to drive here very early in the morning or get a motel in El Centro.

I would agree on this, actually. You know, Grrlyrida, Happytime was kind enough to take me on a wonderful century that she knew the route of back in December. Once I'm back up and running, I'd like to pay that forward (and I'll be itching for a 100 miles). I could easily create a route very similar to what Frank is talking about, only we'd go up and off of PCH a little, and could plan to have lunch as well. Maybe others on here would want to join (including Happy). Of course, I understand if you want to do a paid, organized ride for your first one (that's an experience for sure with lots of other riders). In that case, Tour de Palm Springs is a pretty good first century.

Not that I'm knocking Stagecoach, but it does have it's limitations.

If you still haven't registered yet, "Stagecoach" (case sensitive and without the quotes) for $5 off.

I've done it last year and this year. Last year it was extremely cold; well, more like I (and most other riders) was totally unprepared. This year it was good. :)

The first few miles are actually slight uphill, so try not to push yourself too much to get a respectable "flatland cruising speed" there.

The Stagecoach scenery is ok, but not amazing. The good thing about it is that it's in the middle of nowhere with little traffic. IMO, Solvang and the Grand Tour rides have nicer sceneries.

I would agree on this, actually. You know, Grrlyrida, Happytime was kind enough to take me on a wonderful century that she knew the route of back in December. Once I'm back up and running, I'd like to pay that forward (and I'll be itching for a 100 miles). I could easily create a route very similar to what Frank is talking about, only we'd go up and off of PCH a little, and could plan to have lunch as well. Maybe others on here would want to join (including Happy). Of course, I understand if you want to do a paid, organized ride for your first one (that's an experience for sure with lots of other riders). In that case, Tour de Palm Springs is a pretty good first century.

Not that I'm knocking Stagecoach, but it does have it's limitations.

That's so kind ME. I would definitely be down with something like that. It doesn't have to be paid century for my first. I just want to cross that milestone. When I did the Grand Tour Lite, I did the 68 miler, but it came to 75 (I got lost). :o I just want to do a century with others and have a good time. When you organize it, I'll bring the homemade bagels!:D

I'll bring the homemade bagels!:DI'm in, as long as boys are allowed on this ride.

I did the 68 miler, but it came to 75 (I got lost). :o I just want to do a century with others and have a good time.


If you can do 75, 100 will be no problem. Centuries with ME are always fun. Just remember to bring your earplugs. :p;)

Thanks for the encouraging words Happy. I'll remember to bring some earplugs for other peeps, since I've been accused of being a chatty cathy too.:)

That's so kind ME. I would definitely be down with something like that. It doesn't have to be paid century for my first. I just want to cross that milestone. When I did the Grand Tour Lite, I did the 68 miler, but it came to 75 (I got lost). :o I just want to do a century with others and have a good time. When you organize it, I'll bring the homemade bagels!:D

Yippee!!! You're on, woman! Happy has to come now, especially after her earplug comment. :rolleyes: :p I'll start planning. It will give me something to look forward to as well. You'll have fun, I promise. The BF crowd has so many friendly, wonderful people in it. And on my century, no one is dropped (I say that for my own benefit, so don't none of you think you can drop me!)

I'm in, as long as boys are allowed on this ride.

:eek: Excuse me???? On MY ride? Boys are allowed, oggled, lusted after and desired. Where have you been? :D

Ok...I just registered!!!
I am IN!!

The ride that was so cold was the 2007 Winter Stagecoach. This year it was perfect. By April, it may even be too hot. :eek:

This was a very well supported ride. It did have some challenging climbs, but it was basically downhill all the way home. I've already signed up...I believe the price goes up on the 4th. Like Dave says, type the word Stagecoach and you will save $5. I signed up by mail because it saved me another $5 :D

[QUOTE=grrlyrida;6071614]Is anyone doing this century? I read the previous threads about the winter and it seems that the general consensus was that it was too cold. Would this be a good first century? I've never heard of Ocotillo. I wanted to do the Solvang Century as my first century since I was raised in the Santa Ynez Valley. But I know that area like the back of my hand. I thought I would be too bored and would end up riding home early.:o


The reports of the Winter Stagecoach are accurate, 06-super windy, 07-super cold. But no one has mentioned the 08 (search for the original thread leading to winter stage, it concludes with follow up posts).

I took those reports to heart and I was ready to bail until the last moment. What those who entered got for 08 were fantastic conditions of mild temps, the advertised tail wind on the return was a head wind although not too strong.

As Shnuddy and others said it is well supported, out and back, there was little to mostly no traffic, cars always passed with a wide berth, just a couple of stop signs where the route does a little (almost over supported) R then L to add an extension that eliminates a nutsy back and forth thing that riders of the century previously had to negotiate in order to total 100 miles.

Also, there are well marked bail out points along the way for 25 miles total 50 and so on. A distance for every ability.

I just got back on my bike in 06/07, this was my first official century, it was hard-no kidding, the climbs look formidable and were to these baby legs but oh the downhill. The last 25 30 miles really tested me but balance that against a saddle that wasn't working for me and cramping.

Its the desert, who knows what the day will bring, could be a howler, its spring maybe the bloom will still be going one. In any case I'll be there for the 1st annual Spring Stagecoach If your able to ride regularly your legs should be in fine shape for this event.

Palm Springs is also coming up 2/9 with intermediate distances
http://www.tourdepalmsprings.com/info.htm

My friend Jackie and I are both signed up. I'm getting Jackie ready to do Solvang as her first century, and she already wanted to sign up to do another!

I need to get her out to ride with Happytime one of these days...

Almost a month away....who else is in?

I'm doing 50 miles at Solvang next weekend, then plan on doing the Spring Stagecoach as my first century. Not so much because of the course, but because it just works with my schedule.

I've logged between 70 and 110 miles per week over the past few weeks including a 60 miler with some hills yesterday, so I'm feeling pretty confident that I'll be ready.

I'm doing 50 miles at Solvang next weekend, then plan on doing the Spring Stagecoach as my first century. Not so much because of the course, but because it just works with my schedule.

I've logged between 70 and 110 miles per week over the past few weeks including a 60 miler with some hills yesterday, so I'm feeling pretty confident that I'll be ready.

Cool deal Billyb...I will be at Solvang..and am probably doing the 50 as well....
We actually should have a pretty good group for that...you are most welcome to ride with us!!

Cool deal Billyb...I will be at Solvang..and am probably doing the 50 as well....
We actually should have a pretty good group for that...you are most welcome to ride with us!!

Just sent you my cell # via PM.

Let's try to meet up before the ride.

I am definitely planning on this...already have my hotel in El centro...
I am hoping for great weather and wildflowers...

This is not a super hard century....but there are some pretty good climbs...
I havent done Solvang so I cant compare...I am doing it this year!

I just signed up for this - what hotel are you staying at?

The Ramada in El Centro

The Ramada in El Centro

Anyone interested, not yet entered, I can't make it, the promoters offer a transfer up to 24 hours prior, PM and lets talk.

Also on rooms there is location not listed just short drive to Ocotillo check the Lux Inn you can see it from I-8
http://www.luxinnresort.com/services.html

Yikes...

Weather: Current weather forecasts from AccuWeather (http://www.meyerowitz.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001fyiiv8WRJ-so18e2G1Ao4Afu-u7JP7gQ4-IvgiJG9ld-64jPqNotv8y79_7olPjDQICtlDRVUPqK5UsjQyM9GyRTyfWJ-qfisJjm0nkDOITNDRSLCRmr7xmBGVuY5rvADhxOTgPgdX_DLOHDSoQzvSwImxytg77Vz_V1EkYWy81rlSEaYLH_Hq5rPpyVm6M6y oiwwYYduqz8xt64KyMyRQ8P74z6m9Sz) call for "Plenty of sunshine with a gusty breeze" all day Saturday near Ocotillo, with early morning lows in the mid 50's F and afternoon highs in the mid 80's F. Winds are expected to be heavy, from the WNW, at 13-26 MPH, with gusts to 52 MPH in the late afternoon. Weather conditions are always in play in the desert. The forecasts for the day prior (Friday) and day after (Sunday) currently show less wind, but much warmer conditions into the mid 90's. If the current windy conditions persist, be prepared for a very challenging northbound ride. We recommend small pacelines of 5 to 10 riders working together to draft into the wind. Take on extra water as warm desert winds have a dehydrating effect on most riders. The return ride will likely be highly wind-aided, so be especially careful on the technical descents.

Interesting there is no wind in the forecast on other weather sites. And forecasts this far out are probably iffy. However I also know that April is the second windiest month of the year over in Arizona (know that from people doing Ironman Arizona iin a couple of weeks...), so it would not surprise me. Means that I want to hit the road as early as possibke and get as far up the road as we can before the wind does pick up.

The updated AccuWeasther forecast has diminshed winds (NW 9 mph, gusting to 18 mph (probably later in the afternoon). But now they are forecasting a high temp of 90 deg!! Going to be a warm one!

Also they have moved up the start time to 7:05 (guess there were not many takers for the Team Time Trial). I want to get out on the road with Jackie as early as possible so we can avoid as much of the heat and wind as we can.

So who all is still in? So far I see myself and Jackie, herbm, Shnuddy, and BillyB.

I'm in. I'll be leaving Encinitas at around 5:20 am to get there around 6:45 am.

The updated AccuWeasther forecast has diminshed winds (NW 9 mph, gusting to 18 mph (probably later in the afternoon). But now they are forecasting a high temp of 90 deg!! Going to be a warm one!

Also they have moved up the start time to 7:05 (guess there were not many takers for the Team Time Trial). I want to get out on the road with Jackie as early as possible so we can avoid as much of the heat and wind as we can.

So who all is still in? So far I see myself and Jackie, herbm, Shnuddy, and BillyB.

Actually, being a desert rat, I prefer the 90 degrees to the wind. :) Thanks for the info about the new start time. With the warm weather, desert rat or no, I want to start as early as possible.

With the rest stops 9-10 miles apart...hydration shouldnt be too hard....
I agree- roll as soon as possible....

Forecast high is now up to 92 deg!!! "Very warm with plenty of sunshine"

Forecast high is now up to 92 deg!!! "Very warm with plenty of sunshine"

Very warm seems a tad of an understatement.

Very warm seems a tad of an understatement.

It's the desert. It's not considered hot until it's over 100 :eek:

)(*^&^%%(*__+)(*&%$^%T)*(

I am 80% out....am having a major tooth issue...needs a root canal....dentist worked on it yesterday, said it would be ok....NOT...slept 2.5 hrs and one side of my face is very red from the ice packs I have had to keep on it so it doesnt hurt as bad...I am not a happy camper....

I was really looking forward to doing this ride...and seeing Jackie do her first century....

)(*^&^%%(*__+)(*&%$^%T)*(

I am 80% out....am having a major tooth issue...needs a root canal....dentist worked on it yesterday, said it would be ok....NOT...slept 2.5 hrs and one side of my face is very red from the ice packs I have had to keep on it so it doesnt hurt as bad...I am not a happy camper....

I was really looking forward to doing this ride...and seeing Jackie do her first century....

oh bummer... I thought you were gonna make it w/that darned tooth!!! :( Can the dentist do anything else for you so you can go?

oh bummer... I thought you were gonna make it w/that darned tooth!!! :( Can the dentist do anything else for you so you can go?

Thats what he did yesterday...so even if I go back to see him today..I dont think I want to take the chance since its so far away....

Sorry to hear that Herb! We'll miss you!

Temperature forecast is down (upper 80's) but the wind forecast is up. Hourly forecast says there is going to be some headwind going out even at 7am in the morning :-(

Sorry to hear that Herb! We'll miss you!

Temperature forecast is down (upper 80's) but the wind forecast is up. Hourly forecast says there is going to be some headwind going out even at 7am in the morning :-(


I am 100% out....sorry
I just dont want to take the chance of being miserable and having a 4 hr drive each way...

Everyone have a great ride!!!

I am 100% out....sorry
I just dont want to take the chance of being miserable and having a 4 hr drive each way...

Everyone have a great ride!!!

Clearly you're missing the point of doing Centurys :D

Clearly you're missing the point of doing Centurys :D

Clearly....but I am usually miserable on them anyway....dont need extra help from a bad tooth...

Well Stagecoach was kind of a bust for Jackie and me. Strong (20+) gusting head/crosswinds for the first 10 miles. We met Debbie at the start, but dropped off her pace early as Jackie struggled to just keep from getting blown off the road at times! Took over an hour to cover the 10 miles to the first rest stop!! We got a reprieve for a few miles after the downhill, but then the headwinds kicked up in earnest again, and we slowly roll into rest stop at mile 25, realizing the century is not in the cards today. I was having saddle and shoulder problems that usually don't hit me until mile 70 or 80!! Debated pushing on, but at our rate of forward progress into the wind, the next rest stop was at least 1.5 hrs away! At that point, we decided to just turn around and head back from there. Ride back was FAST downhill and strong tailwind for 10 miles. But the last 10 we still got buffetted by strong crosswinds, plus a couple miles of REALLY lousy pavement.

I'm sun and wind burned, despite bathing in SPF 45, my eyes hurt from all the blowing dust, despite wearing sunglasses, my legs are much sorer than they should be for just riding 50 miles, and I'm feeling somewhat disappointed. But some days it's just not meant to be. At least we rolled back into San Diego in time to get a nice late brunch at Park House. And shared an adventure with a good friend.

This was the most brutal bike ride I've ever done. I felt like quitting so many times I lost count. The wind started at 20 mph, and then in the northern part of the ride I was told they clocked it at 33 mph, with gusts up to 45. I was one of the last people they let through to the 50 mile turnaround for the century. The whole ride took me 8 1/2 hours, with no lunch break and just short 3 minute breaks every 10 miles.

There were parts on the way back that were pure joy. For about 10 or 15 miles, I had that wind directly at my back, and was going between 30 and 45 mph for 15 or 20 miles. But the first 50 was incredibly brutal.

At one point, about 90 miles in, I was going up about a 2 or 3% grade, and both my legs cramped up -- quads, calves, and even ham strings. The pain was unreal. All I could do was unclip and stretch my legs out. I thought I would have to stop, but the wind was so strong, it just blew me right up the hill without even pedaling.

Of course, on the way north, there were lots of times I was going downhill, and couldn't even get past 9 mph the wind was so strong.

Because of leg cramping from the wind, I had to walk up some of the steeper hills.

Like Mark said, the crosswinds were pretty scary. Unless the wind was directly at your back, you were getting pushed all over the place.

I might have some pics tomorrow, since I took my camera with me. My bike already weighs 40 pounds, so another 2 pounds from the camera didn't make much of a difference.

I still can't believe I made it.

I agree--it was brutal! Didn't mean to drop you, Mark, but I felt I had to set my pace (or fall over! :eek:) Yeah, I was speeding along, I made the first stop, mile 11.5 in an hour.

I really felt like I was riding 2 rides--the first half and the second half. For the first, I just dug in and worked. The winds were so strong, both the headwind and the crosswind were amazing. Even on the flats (which were few and far between), I'd look down and see I was going about 9 mph! I just wanted to get to the halfway point, so I didn't dally at the rest stops. Skipped the one at 25, stopped briefly at the first and the one at 36. Planned for the lunch stop on the way back. First half: 50 miles, 4:21 (11.5 average!), 3,392 climbing.

Immediately after the turn-around, it was a different ride. Hitting 30 mph and more--it was great! Stopped for lunch (they had veggie Subways!), but got on the road quickly. Between 60 and 65, I felt like the wind had shifted. Suddenly we had a headwind again, plus some of the few uphills on the return. Fortunately, after about 65 the tailwind was back, we were hitting 30-35 mpm, finally having fun! Crosswinds were still a challenge (my arms are sore from holding on so tight!). Tough climb at 87, my quads were so burnt out from riding against the wind, I wasn't sure I'd survive that hill! :D

But then, downhill, tailwind most of the last 10 miles home. Yeah! Second half: 50 miles, 2:39 (18.9 average), 1400 climbing.

Ride time: 7:00 even, 7:25 total.

Now I'm off to party like a rock star! (that's the theme, anyway). A couple pics tomorrow.

http://www.tomoscott.com/stagecoach/C20_1347.jpg
I arrived at Ocotillo at 7 am. Little did I know what was in store for me! Look at the palm trees in the background, though, and you'll get some idea about the wind.
http://www.tomoscott.com/stagecoach/C20_5197.jpg
By 7:30 am, when I finally got on the road, almost all the riders had already left. Nothing ahead of me but road.
http://www.tomoscott.com/stagecoach/C20_5198.jpg
The ocotillo were still in bloom.
http://www.tomoscott.com/stagecoach/C20_5202.jpg
I believe this was at rest stop number 2, about 20 miles into the ride. The rest stops were well organized and well stocked.
http://www.tomoscott.com/stagecoach/C20_5210.jpg
Up the first hill. The views on this ride were spectacular.

http://www.tomoscott.com/stagecoach/C20_5214.jpg
At the 50 mile turnaround. I was one of the last riders they let through, at 12:45 pm -- 5 hours of slogging through the headwind.
http://www.tomoscott.com/stagecoach/c20_5223.jpg
The very last hill, around 87 miles in. My quads were toast at this point. And it was in the 90's.

Amazing shot of the ocotillo.

Thanks for the new desktop!

Chaco I saw you, you were probably at about 44 miles--I was wondering if your wind screen would work like a sail on the way home :D

Chaco I saw you, you were probably at about 44 miles--I was wondering if your wind screen would work like a sail on the way home :D

Well, when the wind was directly behind me, I was in heaven. On that stretch from Rte. 76 to about 20 miles south of that, I got up to 45 mph, and averaged about 30 mph. That was fun!

But when there was a crosswind, it was very interesting, because the fairing caught the wind and I had to hold on for dear life. But it seems like everyone had that problem.

Amazing shot of the ocotillo.

Thanks for the new desktop!

If you want one sized to your desktop, just pm me, and I'll send it to you.

We were at rest stop 2 together!! It was at mile 25. That is me in the left of the picture hobbling like an old man over to the food table :eek: I saw the 'bent parked there, but was so hurting at that point that didn't think to ask if it was you.

LOL, whadya know! Talk about hobbling -- you should have seen me at the end. Pathetic!

I found one more pic that was taken after a very joyful part of the trip.

http://www.tomoscott.com/stagecoach/C20_5216.jpg
This was nearing the end of a 20 mile stretch where the wind was almost always at your back. Just before I took this, I hit a top speed of 45 mph -- a real thrill after slogging away at 8 or 9 mph for so long!

When the wind was directly behind you, so there was not crosswind at all, it was almost eerie. As soon as you reached 30 to 35 mph, it was like there was no wind at all -- everything was still, almost like being in the eye of a hurricane. It was a feeling I've never had before on a bike.