Northern California - How about an easy group ride for a change?

I'd love to join you folks on your group rides but they all seem so hard. I keep reading about these epic events and even though they're social rides, I'd feel guilty having you people wait for me at the top while I walk my bike up. OK, I'm exagerrating a bit but I am a very, very slow climber. I'll make it to the top but by the time I get there, you'll already be at your resting heart rate. I'll still be using mind over matter, focusing on keeping my ticker from jumping out of my XXL jersey.

Anyway, would anyone like to lead an easy ride? How about a 50 miler with no more than 2500' of elevation change and a lunch stop in the middle? I know this sounds like just a recovery ride to most of you folks but it'll be worth it, I promise. I'm great company :D

I'd organize and lead one but will you show up?

I'd love to join you folks on your group rides but they all seem so hard. I keep reading about these epic events and even though they're social rides, I'd feel guilty having you people wait for me at the top while I walk my bike up. OK, I'm exagerrating a bit but I am a very, very slow climber. I'll make it to the top but by the time I get there, you'll already be at your resting heart rate. I'll still be using mind over matter, focusing on keeping my ticker from jumping out of my XXL jersey.

Anyway, would anyone like to lead an easy ride? How about a 50 miler with no more than 2500' of elevation change and a lunch stop in the middle? I know this sounds like just a recovery ride to most of you folks but it'll be worth it, I promise. I'm great company :D

I'd organize and lead one but will you show up?

Glad you mentioned it!

I pitched a "low and slow" ride last year, but never got around to organizing it. Maybe start at the Park N' Ride in San Ramon off of 680/Bollinger Canyon, and go down San Ramon Valley Blvd up to Rossmore and back. Very little climbing, lots of places to stop for coffe/pastry/food. A lot of possible variations to add in miles, too.

Just a note. We like to claim epic. Like my skiing, I'm a lot faster on the net then on the road.

You'd have kept up with us in Vacaville last fall. There was no climbing whatsoever, right, Curtis & BBM?

This one (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=395521) should be a nice easy pace.

This one (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=395521) should be a nice easy pace.

IN!

Glad you mentioned it!

I pitched a "low and slow" ride last year, but never got around to organizing it. Maybe start at the Park N' Ride in San Ramon off of 680/Bollinger Canyon, and go down San Ramon Valley Blvd up to Rossmore and back. Very little climbing, lots of places to stop for coffe/pastry/food. A lot of possible variations to add in miles, too.

Pitch it again and I'll be there.

I'd love to join you folks on your group rides but they all seem so hard. I keep reading about these epic events and even though they're social rides,
?

Well said as a newbie Ill be there dependant on the family situation that day but if I have some notice I can arrange someone to look after the kids if needed

I'm leading a ride for the Davis Bike Club on Saturday, March 29 that I was planning on posting about here. Anyone interested is invited, send me a PM if you have any questions.

Here's the ride description:

Upper Cache Creek Ride, Saturday March 29, 9am. Terrain: flat valley with rolling hills, maybe 1,000' total climbing, pace 15-17 mph with no drops. 54 miles

Ride starts at Cache Creek Casino, in Yolo County's Capay Valley. Meet at the open parking lot next to the gas station. A quiet country ride through the glorious Capay Valley and Rumsey Canyon, previewing a portion of the Davis Double, turning around at State Highway 20. Beautiful scenery, low traffic, and limted services (no cell phone service), so bring your own snacks for the ride, with lunch at the casino a possiblity after. Water and restrooms are available at Cache Creek parks along the way. Rain cancels.

Joe Lynch

This is a great ride that I did last weekend: http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/927042 (morgan territory). I believe it's in your neck of the woods.
(not my motionbased site, though)

I'm leading a ride for the Davis Bike Club on Saturday, March 29 that I was planning on posting about here. Anyone interested is invited, send me a PM if you have any questions.

Here's the ride description:

Upper Cache Creek Ride, Saturday March 29, 9am. Terrain: flat valley with rolling hills, maybe 1,000' total climbing, pace 15-17 mph with no drops. 54 miles

Ride starts at Cache Creek Casino, in Yolo County's Capay Valley. Meet at the open parking lot next to the gas station. A quiet country ride through the glorious Capay Valley and Rumsey Canyon, previewing a portion of the Davis Double, turning around at State Highway 20. Beautiful scenery, low traffic, and limted services (no cell phone service), so bring your own snacks for the ride, with lunch at the casino a possiblity after. Water and restrooms are available at Cache Creek parks along the way. Rain cancels.

Joe Lynch

My wife might actually be up for that ride... althought that just means that she'd let me ride it while she was in the casino... It depends if we can get the grandparent's to babysit. I'll let you know!

As for any other rides for us mere mortals... I'm down!

I'm leading a ride for the Davis Bike Club on Saturday, March 29 that I was planning on posting about here. Anyone interested is invited, send me a PM if you have any questions.

Here's the ride description:

Upper Cache Creek Ride, Saturday March 29, 9am. Terrain: flat valley with rolling hills, maybe 1,000' total climbing, pace 15-17 mph with no drops. 54 miles

Ride starts at Cache Creek Casino, in Yolo County's Capay Valley. Meet at the open parking lot next to the gas station. A quiet country ride through the glorious Capay Valley and Rumsey Canyon, previewing a portion of the Davis Double, turning around at State Highway 20. Beautiful scenery, low traffic, and limted services (no cell phone service), so bring your own snacks for the ride, with lunch at the casino a possiblity after. Water and restrooms are available at Cache Creek parks along the way. Rain cancels.

Joe Lynch

This sounds like a great ride. Unfortunately, I will be on vacation with the family - spring break for the kiddies. Please let me know of future rides, though. I'd really love to join you folks.

Cache Creek ride: Forgot to mention-club rules dictate everyone must have a helmet.

I'm leading a ride for the Davis Bike Club on Saturday, March 29 that I was planning on posting about here. Anyone interested is invited, send me a PM if you have any questions.

Here's the ride description:

Upper Cache Creek Ride, Saturday March 29, 9am. Terrain: flat valley with rolling hills, maybe 1,000' total climbing, pace 15-17 mph with no drops. 54 miles

Ride starts at Cache Creek Casino, in Yolo County's Capay Valley. Meet at the open parking lot next to the gas station. A quiet country ride through the glorious Capay Valley and Rumsey Canyon, previewing a portion of the Davis Double, turning around at State Highway 20. Beautiful scenery, low traffic, and limted services (no cell phone service), so bring your own snacks for the ride, with lunch at the casino a possiblity after. Water and restrooms are available at Cache Creek parks along the way. Rain cancels.

Joe Lynch

This ride is still on, and you all are welcome to join us. Looks like rain Friday night but dry Saturday. PM me for more info or to confirm your interest.

Hi, Joe, thanks for shooting me the info; I think we're still on for your ride w/ the tandem, so we'll just keep our fingers crossed w/ the rain and alarm clock.. Did you get a chance to convince DBCSteve to come out for the ride?

I've been pretty quiet but if there's enough interest, I could lead a ride on one of my usual weekend routes out of Davis. It would be 35-45ish miles of pretty much flat riding with maybe one overpass with a stop at a great coffee shop at the halfway. 14-17mph no drop similar to the DBC ride. This would be some variation of Davis to winters and back with detours added in depending on what length ride everyone wants. We can even arrange it so the start/end is at one of the great mexican/burrito restaurants in town. Start/End could also be on the UCD campus as there is free parking on weekends and it's closer to downtown where most of the restaurants are. Yeah, I'm writing in generalities but if there's interest, I can come up with a more specific plan. What say all of you?

Huy, put it out there, we'll come. :) Who can resist the classic Davis to Winters and back. I know this is a ways off, but, how about one of these in July-ish when the apricots ripen? The rule is it's fair game if they're on the ground, right?

I'd love to join you folks on your group rides but they all seem so hard. I keep reading about these epic events and even though they're social rides, I'd feel guilty having you people wait for me at the top while I walk my bike up. OK, I'm exagerrating a bit but I am a very, very slow climber. I'll make it to the top but by the time I get there, you'll already be at your resting heart rate. I'll still be using mind over matter, focusing on keeping my ticker from jumping out of my XXL jersey.

Anyway, would anyone like to lead an easy ride? How about a 50 miler with no more than 2500' of elevation change and a lunch stop in the middle? I know this sounds like just a recovery ride to most of you folks but it'll be worth it, I promise. I'm great company :D

I'd organize and lead one but will you show up?

Dont let the talk intimidate you. The rides Ive been on are very mellow. Actually thats why I dont show up much anymore. not that Im real fast, I just prefer to keep riding. So I ride alone, alot.:D I will make a group ride soon. Actually the ride they are doing this weekend falls into this catagory, just a bit more climbing.;)

I've been pretty quiet but if there's enough interest, I could lead a ride on one of my usual weekend routes out of Davis. It would be 35-45ish miles of pretty much flat riding with maybe one overpass with a stop at a great coffee shop at the halfway. 14-17mph no drop similar to the DBC ride. This would be some variation of Davis to winters and back with detours added in depending on what length ride everyone wants. We can even arrange it so the start/end is at one of the great mexican/burrito restaurants in town. Start/End could also be on the UCD campus as there is free parking on weekends and it's closer to downtown where most of the restaurants are. Yeah, I'm writing in generalities but if there's interest, I can come up with a more specific plan. What say all of you?

I might be interested even though it's kind of a drive. I'm trying to get my other half to do longer rides, but she needs flat. The next two weekends would be a problem on Saturday. Would you be able to do Sunday rides, and do you think others would be up for it. Sunday's are a better travel day too. Maybe 10ish start. I'm booked up every weekend starting Apr. 19th till July with Centurys and what not.
Taxi777
and Madcow1950...She's pretty quick on the flats:)

I've been pretty quiet but if there's enough interest, I could lead a ride on one of my usual weekend routes out of Davis. It would be 35-45ish miles of pretty much flat riding with maybe one overpass with a stop at a great coffee shop at the halfway. 14-17mph no drop similar to the DBC ride. This would be some variation of Davis to winters and back with detours added in depending on what length ride everyone wants. We can even arrange it so the start/end is at one of the great mexican/burrito restaurants in town. Start/End could also be on the UCD campus as there is free parking on weekends and it's closer to downtown where most of the restaurants are. Yeah, I'm writing in generalities but if there's interest, I can come up with a more specific plan. What say all of you?

I basically do the same ride every weekend, with the DBC or not, so just give me notice & I'd join in.

Hi, Joe, thanks for shooting me the info; I think we're still on for your ride w/ the tandem, so we'll just keep our fingers crossed w/ the rain and alarm clock.. Did you get a chance to convince DBCSteve to come out for the ride?

He wasn't on the ride I was at last weekend, unfortunately. But I shot an email to the club listserv, so we'll see. Looking forward to meeting you & your son.

Dont let the talk intimidate you. The rides Ive been on are very mellow. Actually thats why I dont show up much anymore. not that Im real fast, I just prefer to keep riding. So I ride alone, alot.:D I will make a group ride soon. Actually the ride they are doing this weekend falls into this category, just a bit more climbing.;)

+1

The pace on the flats is relaxed. Everyone is chatting. It's fun :)

There is no pace on the climbs. It just doesn't make any sense. Some riders find someone else that they can share a comfortable pace with (for example ,often times Ramon and I do). Otherwise, you just go at your pace.

Same for descents, some are wicked fast (Pete, Henry, etc..), and others are not. No big deal.

We always wait at the top of a big climb or the bottom of a descent that splits up the group. Most of us don't mind waiting either. For example, I use the opportunity to eat a gel pack or Cliff Bar, and make chit-chat.

This sound encouraging. I'm booked next two weekends as well with a camping trip and our engagement party but the weekend of April 12 & 13 looks promising. Saturday or Sunday is fine with me. I'll take a preliminary poll as to which day is better than I'll start a thread with more info. We can do it again in Julyish so t4mv can get some apricots.

We always wait at the top of a big climb or the bottom of a descent that splits up the group. Most of us don't mind waiting either. For example, I use the opportunity to eat a gel pack or Cliff Bar, and make chit-chat.

That's true - the time Marco and I went up Kings Mtn, he waited so long for me his legs tightened up and I could keep up with him after that. :D

In fact, I think I had to drag him back up Canada.... ;)

That's true - the time Marco and I went up Kings Mtn, he waited so long for me his legs tightened up and I could keep up with him after that. :D

In fact, I think I had to drag him back up Canada.... ;)

Yep thats what can happen. Thats why the fast guys need to turn around and decend to the last rider and climb it again.;)

Yep thats what can happen. Thats why the fast guys need to turn around and decend to the last rider and climb it again.;)

Wow, imagine how discouraging THAT would be - first, the fast guys all drop you and disappear up the hill at speeds you can only dream of. Then they come back and drop you AGAIN!

That's true - the time Marco and I went up Kings Mtn, he waited so long for me his legs tightened up and I could keep up with him after that. :D

In fact, I think I had to drag him back up Canada.... ;)

This is true! Thank you for the tow on Cañada :D

I plan on riding back down more frequently from now on.

[Excuse making mode] Please remember that was my first long ride back after the broken collarbone. I was pretty spent, as my endurance was not back yet ;) [/Excuse making mode]

Wow, imagine how discouraging THAT would be - first, the fast guys all drop you and disappear up the hill at speeds you can only dream of. Then they come back and drop you AGAIN!

It all depends on the context. I rode up Cantelow in Vacaville a couple of years ago with Dan Crain, who two weeks before had just finished RAAM. He flew up, came down, and flew past me again.

It wasn't that discouraging at all; the guy was the strongest rider I've ever ridden with, and he was 65 at the time. In fact, on that ride he talked me into doing my first double century.

[Excuse making mode] Please remember that was my first long ride back after the broken collarbone. I was pretty spent, as my endurance was not back yet ;) [/Excuse making mode]

And you STILL kicked my butt on Kings!

Of course, [Excuse making mode] I'm 50 years old, and 20# overweight. [/Excuse making mode] ;)

I wish I could make the Cache Creek, but I promised I would ride with my daughter to Winters that day. :(

I'd join your ride, Huy! It be nice to meet up with Norcal's again - and this time I can sport my Norcal arm warmers!

Oh Red, that was a fast, hard ride! I could barely hang on to the tandem wheels pulling me everywhere! I had no pride that day...:p

I'm leading a ride for the Davis Bike Club on Saturday, March 29 that I was planning on posting about here. Anyone interested is invited, send me a PM if you have any questions.

Here's the ride description:

Upper Cache Creek Ride, Saturday March 29, 9am. Terrain: flat valley with rolling hills, maybe 1,000' total climbing, pace 15-17 mph with no drops. 54 miles

Ride starts at Cache Creek Casino, in Yolo County's Capay Valley. Meet at the open parking lot next to the gas station. A quiet country ride through the glorious Capay Valley and Rumsey Canyon, previewing a portion of the Davis Double, turning around at State Highway 20. Beautiful scenery, low traffic, and limted services (no cell phone service), so bring your own snacks for the ride, with lunch at the casino a possiblity after. Water and restrooms are available at Cache Creek parks along the way. Rain cancels.

Joe Lynch


Joe, thanks again for hosting a really fun ride, and a "reunion" of sorts. Your ride was exactly as advertised and I got to enjoy many pleasant memories on the run up and down 16. I could've done without the headwind though, 'cuz I swear the direction changed on the return run, and it felt like a crosswind sometimes instead of riding in a vacuum as I had expected. Anyway, here're my pics from the ride. If you, Huy, or the DBC guys run any more rides out your way (like Cantelow & Steiger Hill) post it up and we'll try and make it out (maybe on singles next time ;) ) for the ride.

Anyone who's ridden the Davis Double (or at least 125 miles of it) will know this stretch of road well. It's the descent off Resurrection.
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t139/t4mv/ResurrectionDH.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t139/t4mv/IMG_0581.jpg

Stoker for the day
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t139/t4mv/IMG_0578.jpg

Pics from the CDF fire station at the intersection of 16 & 20
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t139/t4mv/IMG_0577.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t139/t4mv/IMG_0576.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t139/t4mv/IMG_0575.jpg

Heading up the canyon
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t139/t4mv/IMG_0574.jpg

http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t139/t4mv/1620Jct.jpg

Wow, imagine how discouraging THAT would be - first, the fast guys all drop you and disappear up the hill at speeds you can only dream of. Then they come back and drop you AGAIN!

yeah... Sean only did that to me about 5 times the first time up OLH... UGH!!! :p

t4mv, glad you & your son made it out-I had a great time too.

Anytime you're headed this way, drop me a line.