Northern California - Foxy's Fall Mini-Training

I'll organize and lead this ride with cgallagh. Here's a map of what we'll be taking on:
http://monticellocycling.org/images/Ride%20Maps/Lake%20Loop%20-%20Hennessey%20Loop.pdf

It's the Lake Berryessa loop. At Wooden Valley Rd. we go right, toward the lake, instead of left, over Mt. George (part of the Monticello Solano Century route). This is the most challenging part of the Foxy's Fall Century ride, and some folks have shown an interest in a preview of these roads, so they know what they're in for. ;)

We'll meet at the clock tower in downtown Vacaviille, in the town square. As some of you know, the Pure Grain Bakery is there for coffee before and sandwiches, etc., post-ride. There are numerous restaurants of various ethnicities within walking distance. The library parking lot offers ample parking and is adjacent to the meeting place.

I propose we leave at 7:30 to stay ahead of traffic to the lake.

So, who's in?

Sounds great, but I read through 2x and didn't see what date only a 7:30 start... :innocent:

In another thread RR was suggesting this Sunday.

In another thread RR was suggesting this Sunday.

Ohhhhhh I see. :rolleyes: Darn! I've got my weekend rotation this weekend so this weekend is out and I'm not happy about weekend rotations because they ruin the weekend. :twitchy:

So it's the 54 mile Lake Loop part?

Oops! Where's my proof-reader when I need him? :o

Yes, it's this Sunday, the 7th, and yes, we're doing the 54 mile Lake Loop.

Friendly pace, of course.

If I don't end up mountain biking in Tahoe, I will come out for this ride.

If I'm off Sunday, I'll be there. 50/50 chance right now, but I'm hoping.

If I'm off Sunday, I'll be there. 50/50 chance right now, but I'm hoping.

Great! You'll blow us away -- remember, this isn't a hammerfest, big guy. ;)

I'll be out. I'm mountain biking.

ahhhh... still tentative, but I want to go!

What time do you expect the ride to finish ? Trying to figure out if we can do this one without having to get a doggy sitter.

Too early for me. I'm going to sleep in and do something around here.

What time do you expect the ride to finish ? Trying to figure out if we can do this one without having to get a doggy sitter.
Maybe 5 hours...I'm thinking a leisurely pace...unless you climb like a mountain goat. Like the Davis -area laid back rides, but with hills.

I'm in.

ok... I'm officially in (and a little intimidated by the route). I'm not familiar with Vacaville, is there an address I can map out for the meeting place? And 7:30am Sunday, right?

:)

-Nico "the newb"

Pure Grain Bakery, 11 Town Square, VV, 95688. It's adjacent to the clock tower.

I hear you on the intimidation: Until I rode it, I was askeerd of Cardiac, too. Keep this in mind -- Cardiac is less of a grade than Cantelow, it's just longer. You'll get in a low, comfortable gear and spin.

The following is for anyone and everyone:

If worried about climbing unknown hills, please take some time to visualize yourselves calmly riding the biggest hill you've ever ridden, breathing in control, legs strong. Put the scene in your mind about how energized you are at the top. You already know you have the legs for the ride; now you have to have the mind for it. 'Cause it's a mind game -- don't let it psych you out!

You can climb any hill with the right gear and the right attitude. --Blues Dawg

ok... I'm officially in (and a little intimidated by the route). I'm not familiar with Vacaville, is there an address I can map out for the meeting place? And 7:30am Sunday, right?

:)

-Nico "the newb"

Looks like Nico and I are in. I'll be driving, planning to turn up just before 7:30. Don't leave without us!

You can climb any hill with the right gear and the right attitude. --Blues Dawg

True, but you need the right gear (or be really strong)!

If my girlfriend backs out of our ride tomorrow, I'm in too... (No, she won't join us. :( She's intimidated by Cardiac and would have trouble with the distance - more of a runner, but we've been riding together on Sundays for years...)

Head count: Nico, Joel S., Scottie.

Maybes: Rumbutter, overthere.

Anyone else?

If it's 7:30 and you're running late, or just decided to show up, call my cell and let me know. 797-689-7432. I don't want to leave anyone hanging.

There are a couple of stores on the way out for bathrooms and food/water-buying.

See you all in the morning!

Wow, small group. Red, are you two on the tandem or half-bikes? Also, I don't know the route at all, so either please bring a cue sheet or don't drop me!

Wow, small group. Red, are you two on the tandem or half-bikes? Also, I don't know the route at all, so either please bring a cue sheet or don't drop me!

You won't be dropped.:thumb:

I'll take your word for it Scott, or should I call you Dr. Evil?

We cant get a pooch sitter so we are going to do a ride up Diablo instead. I am going to ride my new toy.

Awww...

I put the invite out to our local cycling club and at least one of them is coming. So yeah, small group, but fun.

And definitely no drop! No one gets left behind on my watch, ever. I'm not a road Nazi, I'm a coach and a mentor. I take that role seriously. My goal as ride leader is that people have a fun, safe ride, and maybe find a new friend or a new nugget of wisdom about themselves, too.

Of course, when I race, it's a different story. ;)

And definitely no drop! No one gets left behind on my watch, ever. I'm not a road Nazi, I'm a coach and a mentor. I take that role seriously. My goal as ride leader is that people have a fun, safe ride, and maybe find a new friend or a new nugget of wisdom about themselves, too.

Your philosophy above is VERY COOL, I look forward to meeting you and taking on the challenge of this ride :)

hey everyone - I had a great time, thanks for the guidance and for paving the route... it was a bunch of fun!

Now post the pics!!! :-)

That was a fun ride. 2900 feet of climbing over nearly 59 miles. An excellent workout!

Geeze, it's several hours later and I'm stiff as a board. That ride wiped me out! Now were are the pictures? Huh? ;)

Oh, wasn't that fun!

There were 10 of us who turned up for the ride. We had a good time -- the pace was brisk but not ridiculous, and some of the climbs on Hwy. 128 tested us. I think they're tougher than Cardiac, although the descent down Cardiac really takes the cake.

One flat, with plenty of kibbutzing, much good conversation and a tasty lunch later, we logged 66 miles and over 2900 ft. of climbing. Nico has a much better idea of what makes Foxy's so memorable ;), and Joel is convinced he needs a new, hill-friendly cluster. :innocent:

Pics to follow -- can't find the darned cable to download them from the camera. :mad:

Thanks to all for a fun time!

I went on a camping/mountain bike trip after the ride. Sorry for the late pics.
Here we are rolling out of Vacaville toward Fairfield:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/WillworkforWag/100_0398.jpg
nasv(Nico), JoelS, and cgallagh(Chris):
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/WillworkforWag/100_0399.jpg
RedRider(Deb) and cgallagh:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/WillworkforWag/100_0400.jpg
Karen from Monticello Cycling Club on her Surly LHT:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/WillworkforWag/100_0401.jpg
Joel climbing Cardiac:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/WillworkforWag/100_0404.jpg
Chris and Nico climbing Cardiac:
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c399/WillworkforWag/100_0405.jpg
I managed to successfully camera dodge. I had a great time. I wish I could have stayed for lunch, but I had to head out to China Camp with the family. It was great to ride with everyone, now I need to make one of these anti carbon rides.;)

dude, those pics are super cool! Thanks for posting! (It's actually the first picture I have of me actually riding, :) )

It was nice meeting you!
-Nico