Northern California - Did we make a wrong turn? Ride report!

Wow, that was sure a long way to go just to get around Lake Natoma. I bet there's a shortcut? It took us 81 miles and 5400 feet of climbing. There's got to be a shorter way!

http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/09-05-09/profile.jpg

Anyway, Nico met me at the house this morning at about 9am to set out on the 6 hills ride (Iron Point, Beatty, Serrano 1, Cothrin Ranch, French Creek, Deer Valley). We stopped on the way to the ARBT to pick up Jason, aka SpamnRice on RBR.

At some point, Nico learned how to fly:
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/09-05-09/Flying.jpg

I started my first bar on the way to Iron Point. On the first climb, Nico took off like a rocket. Jason and I figured he'd either burn out and crack along the way, or we way underestimated him! It took most of the ride to find out.
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/09-05-09/Nicoahead.jpg
More later...

Beatty is always tough. There's no 2 ways about it. 1/3 of a mile of 16% and a bunch more 12% makes for a tough climb. Finished off the first bar at the top.

We made the descent and stopped by the closed up golf course. There's a water fountain and we took advantage of it to fill up the bottles.

Then it was head up Serrano 1 (not too tough a climb) and then down the other side and head South. Made the turn off to Cothrin Ranch and started in on another bar. Gotta eat and keep the energy up! Man, this road is tough. It's got a bunch of steep stuff and rollers. Some of the ups are flat out hard. Others aren't too bad. And the road surface isn't so good. Not to mention the very tight hairpin on one of the descents. If you hit that too fast, you're in the woods. Oh, Nico cracked.

Down to Brandon and then French Creek. This is a really good climb. It goes up around 800 feet and is a good steady grade. Really easy to find a good rhythm. We discover that Nico managed pay a visit to "bonktown" and didn't invite us. I can't say I'm upset about it.

We went up the slope to lunch at Subway. After we finished eating and filling water bottles we see this:
http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/09-05-09/Lunch0oops.jpg
I think I'm going to have to rethink that lunch stop.

So we headed North to Green Valley and Deer Valley. This climb isn't nearly so hard. The grade is a middling 5%, and there are some really fun descents. On the other hand, right before the end, there's this wall. The Garmin read 15%. Thankfully it's a short trek.

We took a short break when we hit Green Valley again and shot some more pictures.

http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/09-05-09/Jason.jpg
Jason

http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/09-05-09/Nico.jpg
Nico

http://www.jspublications.net/images/bikes/RidePhotos/09-05-09/JoelJason.jpg
Me and Jason, I'm on the left.

Joel... 1 MILLION thanks for guiding the way on this killer ride. A bunch of firsts for me: longest ride at 81 miles; most climbing in single ride at 5400 ft; and, subsequently, most time on the bike in a single ride... 7+ hours or so? :P

I knew that the ride was going to be tough going in, and I wanted a ride that would beat me up some... and this totally did. With the first climbs, I rode based on momentum, so I zoomed up. It *seems* easier for me to climb with more momentum. Then there was a point where I wanted to bring up my momentum again for (which climb was it Joel?), and I took a turn into a place we all know that's never fun. Bonk City! Energy was low, I was behind the pack/pair, but I didn't stop unless the others did, so I feel I maintained a little pride :)

My other big issue was eating/drinking on the ride (I had 2 CLIF bars)... I stay hydrated, but I guess I don't eat often enough; I noticed this after leaving Bonk City and Jason was having some sort of energy shot for like the 4th time; so oops. So, I still think for me that climbing with more momentum is easier, but I need to find a way to also pace myself as well as EAT EAT EAT (and maybe drink something other than just water).

Joel, seriously, THANKS again for leading this. I have no idea where we went (other than EAST), but it was very cool! And mission accomplished: a ride that would beat me up some, did beat me up.

Great report guys! What was the temperature like with you?

nasv - that's quite the distance to go without an electrolyte/carb drink! You'll be amazed how much difference the right nutrition strategy can make to your performance.

Joel, that is a great ride. We did a similar one today. Time to introduce you to new rides. Have to wait until after track season however.
VG

Nico, try this link - it'll give you an idea of where you were today: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/folsom/393123964654814010

VG, sounds good! Looking forward to some more exploring.

Nico, try this link - it'll give you an idea of where you were today: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/folsom/393123964654814010

VG, sounds good! Looking forward to some more exploring.

Holy moly we were way out there! :eek: :thumb:

Holy moly we were way out there! :eek: :thumb:

I love that feeling.

Wow! Looks like fun. All I got yesterday was a flat 32-mile commute ride.

Oh, Definitely next time you do that loop we'll have to try that place for eats too... Any place that has pigs with chefs hats and menu items with names like "The Squeeler" and "The Slaw-py Pig" can't be missed. :lol:

Joel, Google this ride. one of my favorites. It is about 80-90 miles round trip from your house.
1.Natomas to Green Valley
2. Left on Green Valley.
3. Left on Salmon Falls Rd.
4. Right on Malcom Dixon
5. Left on Green Valley
6. Left on Deer Valley
7. Left on Jurgens Road. There will be a "Not a Through Road Sign" (ignore it).This road is very steep at the end. Slow down. You will make a right turn at the bottom. You will cross a small creek. Do not ride across. The rocks are round and covered with moss. If you fall, you will get injured.
On the other side of the creek, the road becomes Luneman. Follow Luneman to Lotus Road
8. Left on Lotus Road
9. Left on 49. There is a convenience store about 100 yds up 49. Use it to refuel and get water.
10. Continue on 49. Turn left on Pilot Hill Rd.
11. Turn left on Salmon Falls Road.
12. Turn right on Green Valley Road. Head home.

Note: There is no water, food, etc, available from Salmon Falls Rd to 49. Get water, etc. at Francisco Blvd. (just before Salmon Falls Rd.

If you are feeling very strong, You can turn right just past the 49 convenience store onto Marshall Road.
Turn left onto Prospector Rd.
Turn left onto Marshall Rd.
Turn left on Greenwood Rd. There is another convenience store just before Greenwood Rd.
Turn left onto 49
Turn right onto Salmon Falls Rd.
Turn Right onto Green Valley Rd
(This adds 30 miles to the loop.)

This is a long ride with a lot of climbing. Make sure you stay hydrated and have food
VG