Northern California - Solvang Century 2009 Registration Open

I registered yesterday. I love having something on the calendar to motivate me.

http://www.bikescor.com/solvang/welcome.htm

March 14th, 2009 ...

... is it March yet?

The difficulty table on that page makes me feel really good about myself. :P

Anyone else interested in this? Has anyone ridden it before?

The difficulty table on that page makes me feel really good about myself. :P

Anyone else interested in this? Has anyone ridden it before?

I've done it once on a half-bike, twice on tandems. It's a very pretty ride, with a couple of hills after mile 80 that test your stamina. If you ride any hills around here then you should have no problem.

We used to live in the area and stay with friends when we go down; however, if you stay at Flying Flags resort (hot tub!) make your reservations ASAP to ensure your spot. The hotels & motels in Solvang and Buellton fill up fast; those in Lompoc not quite as fast. I'd commit now, though, if you plan to stay in one.

I really want to do this one. But 4950 feet of climbing sounds like a fair amount, especially when coupled with 100 miles of riding.

This is suddenly less than three weeks away :D

This will be my first century and I can't wait! The rain has put a crimp in my training plans, but I think I should be alright.

I really want to do this one. But 4950 feet of climbing sounds like a fair amount, especially when coupled with 100 miles of riding.

This coming from someone who easily passes me on the Night Ride hills. You'll do fine ... now all that remains is what your finishing time would be. You should be able to do this in 6 hours.

Are you in, Ron?

I'm getting excited -- haven't done more than 50 mi. in one ride since January. Whoo-hoo!

Yay!!! The buzz begins to build for Solvang. I am hoping to see you all there.

For those of you willing to come down here to SoCal for a nice century ride, consider for next year the brand new Santa Clarita century. The first annual event was held yesterday and was a great event. (I'll be at Solvang too.)

The SC century has the main climbing in the first half of the ride, which is nice. The grades are generally in the 3-4% range, but yesterday we were "lucky" to have unusual winds that gave us 15mph headwinds while climbing much of the 7000 feet of total ascent. A measly 3% grade with a 15mph headwind is grueling.

It was fun.
http://www.santaclaritacentury.com/

Are you in, Ron?

I'm getting excited -- haven't done more than 50 mi. in one ride since January. Whoo-hoo!

I was hoping to ride with you guys, but things are a little too volatile with work and the finance, so I'm on a short leash.
Hope you two do the Marin Century this year...That was so much fun riding with you last year!:)