Thanks for your write up - that's always been one of my favorite centuries although it's tough for me. The scenary keeps me moving. I've started down at the ball field near Crowley Lake. I've always dreaded the final 5 - 6 miles back to the start and now if you have to ride into town... I might consider someone picking me up earlier cause I would hate to do that last stretch up 395 in the late afternoon (my times were close to yours around 9 hours)... somehow in the morning it doesn't seem too bad.
Now I've always made a week trip out the century, going up the weekend before and just hiking and riding around getting acclimated. So much easier than driving up and riding the next day!
Anyway thanks for the report!
__________________
______________________________________________________________
Private docent led mountain bike rides through Limestone Canyon. Go to
letsgooutside.org and register today! Also available: hikes, equestrian rides and family events as well as trail maintenance and science study.