Road Cycling - Bay Area: anyone ever ridden the iCare Century? Need advice..

I am considering riding the '04 icare century ride scheduled for May 22nd. Can anyone who actually done this ride before give me a description of the route? Specifically, are there significant hills on the route.

thanks in advance!

I am considering riding the '04 icare century ride scheduled for May 22nd. Can anyone who actually done this ride before give me a description of the route? Specifically, are there significant hills on the route.

thanks in advance!


I can't find it on the 'net to look at the route. I've "heard" that it's not that hard, but would need a description to tell you. I'm more familiar with the East Bay. Do you have a link or URL to the site?

edit: I found the site. It says it's relatively flat, staying in the 'valley". The route looks like mostly rollers, but I'm betting there are some climbs, since to most in this area "flat" means maybe 1,500-2,500 feet of climbing. Too bad I work that day, or I'd try to get down there to ride with you.

Here's the link to 2004 ICare Classic (http://www.icareclassic.org/100mi.shtml)

the route is:

The proposed route for the 2004, I Care Classic Bicycle Tour's 100Mi ride changes a little from last year's route. We will of course, be starting and finishing at Santa Teresa High School this year. From Santa Teresa, 100Mi riders will go north on Santa Teresa Blvd., over to Coleman Rd., and on to Camden Ave. Riders will head south on Camden to Mc Kean and Uvas Roads. Uvas will give way to Willow Springs Rd., and on to Hale. Riders eventually work their way to Watsonville and Day Roads, then on to Santa Teresa eventually linking-up with Highway 25. Riders Begin North after joining up with Highway 156, and then onto Frazier Lake. Riders will then work their way to Foothill and eventually to Cochrane before heading west to Santa Teresa again. Riders will then take Santa Teresa north, making some swings through the neighborhoods and finally back to Santa Teresa High School.

I've ridden most of those roads and there is nothing major to worry about. The hardest thing I can see will be the head winds coming back. Best bet is to try to pace line through the nasty wind.

Here's the link to 2004 ICare Classic (http://www.icareclassic.org/100mi.shtml)

the route is:

Damn, I would go and ride that, but with the prom the same night I'm not sure my legs could take it:) I'd also probably like more climbing (6000+?) but I don't think that would detract from the ride too much. Anyways, if you go I hope you have fun.

I've ridden most of those roads and there is nothing major to worry about. The hardest thing I can see will be the head winds coming back. Best bet is to try to pace line through the nasty wind.

I know I am in shape for this 100m ride, however this past weekend we went on a 60 miles ride in the bay area (old la Honda road and 84 climbs in the middle) and the heat got to us. I am not sure if it was the heat or if we forgot how to ride in the summer heat. I think we may have not had enough to eat and drink.. But we felt like crap when we got home.. So now I'm a bit chicken :).. This coming weekend we will do that rout again and this time with enough food and water/Gatorade and see if we do better..

I know I am in shape for this 100m ride, however this past weekend we went on a 60 miles ride in the bay area (old la Honda road and 84 climbs in the middle) and the heat got to us. I am not sure if it was the heat or if we forgot how to ride in the summer heat. I think we may have not had enough to eat and drink.. But we felt like crap when we got home.. So now I'm a bit chicken :).. This coming weekend we will do that rout again and this time with enough food and water/Gatorade and see if we do better..

wow.. this ride looks great.. however, i don't think i am ready for a century or even half of a century. i'm still trying to get into shape for now. The 25mile looks good. I might want to try that one with my sirrus. after 7 yrs of smoking over 1 packs a day... i was so proud of myself when i finally quit cold turkey last october. yeah!!! anyhoo.. since 4 weeks ago.. i've been getting into biking and commuting with my rockhopper with slicks. gas price is too high, plus trying to start a family, and most of all... i was sick and tired of being unhealthy. so now.... mainly veggie all the time, and trying to lose weight. so all is good now. the 25 mile looks good.. so i might get some friend and join up for that one!

thanks for the post sorebutt.. i've been trying to find something like that but didn't know where. cool!!!

rui ;)