Northern California - Ride Report, 12-13

It turned out to be a beautiful day! I took the beater bike as the forecast was calling for showers before we were likely to be done. Unfounded worry. Not to mention extra pain. My Bianchi doesn't fit very well (Q-Factor too wide) and my hips were aching. It also doesn't climb worth spit, even with the triple. I would have had a much easier time on my other bike. Ok, enough griping.

I left home about 8:45 and rode up to the meeting place. I was a little early, so took this picture of Nimbus Dam with my new tiny little camera :thumb:
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/ridephotos/08-12-13/nimbusdam.jpg

VaultGuru, Rad, and Dan showed up a few minutes later. After introductions, we set off. The first climb was the Col d'Costco, aka the Iron Point grade. It's over half a mile long, and a steady 9%. We dropped down into a valley and headed down Empire Ranch. This is a fun descent, but for the stop signs in bad spots.

A right turn and a climb up to a ridge. A tough little gem with grades that hit 14%. When we topped out, I took the opportunity to shoot this picture of Folsom Lake, including a view of the road as it drops off:
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/ridephotos/08-12-13/FolsomLake.jpg

Down the other side of the ridge and up Serrano (actually 2 climbs) to top out on the next ridge. We tooled around in some neighborhoods in El Dorado Hills and did some more climbing with grades topping out at 16%. I'm proud to say that I didn't have to stop to catch my breath. That's pretty big improvement for me.

Oh, here's a picture of VaultGuru, who knew the route:
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/ridephotos/08-12-13/VaultGuru.jpg

We wound our way back to Folsom, crossed over to the North side of Lake Natoma and headed back. VG, Rad, and Dan split off about half way to the Dam and I made my way home. VG and Rad can CLIMB! I have a long way to go before I'll catch them.

It was a fast ride. We were pacing 17 to 24 on flats and gentle downs. I hit a max speed of 39.7 on the downs. However, with all the climbing, the average pace came in just under 14.

Here's a picture of the route profile with grade:
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/ridephotos/08-12-13/profile.jpg

Thanks for the ride guys, I had a great time! Even if I am completely wiped out right now :roflmao2:

Sounds like a fun ride, assuming one is in shape to do it!

You mention the stop signs- one hill in my neighborhood is just about the right size for riding up- but if you come from the opposite direction, there's a stop sign right at the bottom. Reminds me of a BC cartoon, where Thor is on his wheel, goes down a steep slope hits a "slow" sign at the bottom, goes along the level, comes to a steep upslope, and there's a "resume speed" sign.

Joel, it was great fun having you along. Today has to be one of the best on this loop. It was so clear, we could clearly see the Sutter Buttes and Diablo.
For those of you that don't know, Joel, had a major rock climbing accident and broke his hips. He got back on his bike in April, has dropped 55 lbs and rode the entire route with us today - about 3000' of climbing. Don't let him suck you in. He can climb too.
Great job Joel. I am in awe of your tenacity to overcome your injuries so fast and accomplish so much in such a short period of time.
Next week? Rain cancels.
VG

Thanks :)

Next week sounds good, pending the weather. I'm going to get my Colnago in to Steve Rex (next month) to get the FrameSaver treatment. Then I won't be worrying about wet.

Had a great time today. Thanks for including me! I'll bring the camera along next week too.

Nice. Joel, after loosing 55lbs I'll bet rock climbing is easier now too.