Southern California - Solvang Prelude?

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bikeme
06-22-12, 12:04 AM
We rode this in 2009 but it looks like the start is now in Buellton, not Solvang anymore. Kind of sad not starting/finishing in town. Anyone know when that happened and why? It used to be at the Alisal Resort. Was there an issue of too many bike people in town? Route looks the same except for the start being further west.

Jan Feetz
06-22-12, 11:08 AM
Been participating in the Solvang events for over 20 years now. There were complaints throughout the years by residents regarding the number of riders. I recall it starting and finishing at the high school, then at the hotel and park area in recent years. For a "have some fun ride" its gotten way expensive at least for me so I opt for the Palm Springs century in February. Look at the bright side, the finish in Buellton will put you closer to the Firestone Brewery for pint!
bikeme
06-22-12, 02:09 PM
Been participating in the Solvang events for over 20 years now. There were complaints throughout the years by residents regarding the number of riders. I recall it starting and finishing at the high school, then at the hotel and park area in recent years. For a "have some fun ride" its gotten way expensive at least for me so I opt for the Palm Springs century in February. Look at the bright side, the finish in Buellton will put you closer to the Firestone Brewery for pint! Thanks Jan. I especially like the note about Firestone, I forgot that it's right there at the 246 and 101.

bikeme
06-22-12, 02:21 PM
Jan, on another note... I have only done the 50 miler. I see the metric adds its miles via a couple out-n-backs up Fig Mtn Rd and Santa Rosa Rd. That seems lame. Is it worth doing the metric just to get the miles? I think I'd rather do a repeat or two up Foxen (The Wall?) on the 50 to get a little extra in.
Jan Feetz
06-22-12, 09:34 PM
Jan, on another note... I have only done the 50 miler. I see the metric adds its miles via a couple out-n-backs up Fig Mtn Rd and Santa Rosa Rd. That seems lame. Is it worth doing the metric just to get the miles? I think I'd rather do a repeat or two up Foxen (The Wall?) on the 50 to get a little extra in.
From what I recall the metric was ok. It took you south east up a switched back climb at about mile 50-55, kinda steep. I remember that cause I rode it with some pals on a fixie. Try it, they'll probably change the route because of the start location, so you never know. If you do it, have an IPA and a basket of salty frys at Firestone....ahhhh