California riders have several things going for them that make them faster/fitter:

• In most of the state there is not real 'winter' as we know it in the midwest/north/east. 12 months of riding can really help keep you fit.

• They have REAL climbing in CA. Where I live (southeastern NY State) the longest climb is 3-4 miles and 800-1300 vertical feet. We do have steep grades however. Big time. The hill I live on has 15%+ grades and I have to climb it EVERY DAY.

• As the most populous state with some of the best weather the quality of the amateur peloton is arguably the best in the US. So the competition there is bound to be tougher than it is in Illinois, NJ or Ohio.

You think cold weather makes you 'tough'? I ride in cold weather, rain, snow, etc. As much as anyone here. Whatever. What really makes you tough is your VO2 Max, your strength, your speed and your climbing chops. And that's what some of these CA riders bring to the table. If a guy isn't tough enough for you because he won't ride when it's 30º - well that may just be more of a statement of how used to the crappy weather you have where you live : ). I wouldn't brag about riding in winter conditions. Just do what I do... grin and bear it.

I have been very impressed with riders from CA. I'll never forget the 'Cat IV' guy that shows up on our Saturday ride in Ridgewood, NJ 12+ years ago which featured 2's, 3's and 4's. After the ride we were all shaking our heads, like - 'crap, if he's the Cat IV, I don't want to ride with the Cat II-III's from his neighborhood.' It really was a bit scary.