Great report icyclist, I was there as well, however this was just my 2nd solvang century, so I am still a newbie. Like you , I hadn't done anything more than 50 miles since last October. I break the route into 4 shorter rides, and that helps mentally. I liked the route this year, the grades on highway 1 were nice! I appreciate your description of the first 9 miles of foxxen as annoying. Coming so late in the ride that part is really demoralizing. I actually enjoy hitting the steep part of the hill, and the next 2 after that, as I know we are almost done. Not having the wind this year really made this a pleasant ride, maybe I'll see you next year!