who rode in the santa cruz mountains challege today?
 

that ride was crazy, i never done so much climbing in my life!!

it was so beautiful though, im down for doing it again next year

It was challenging. Many of the hills on the peninsula are 7-8%. But this had a whole bunch in the 10+% range. And then there was also Jamison Creek rd! Of course, each of these ascents had a correspondingly steep descent. Everyone certainly earned their post ride meal. It was well organized and many friendly support folks staffing key intersections and the rest stops. The temperatures were a little tricky. I found myself putting warmer clothes on for the descents and taking them off for the ascents. It went through Santa Cruz by the beach which I felt interrupted the intense nature. I think they could have skipped West Cliff Rd. Overall, I had a lot of fun.

Great ride. Great Scenery. Great Food. I liked the ocean on Westcliff as kind of come down from the intensity of the grueling climbs and technical descents. I don't have to hammer all day ya' know.
Mrs. Oldstrong Triumphant!!
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...g?t=1248638833

Typical Scene
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...g?t=1248638686

One the Diablo, we saw a lot of the L&L in Training jerseys. Talked to a couple of them. Good for you for doing that later this year.

The second picture, what road it that? It looks really nice.

Empire Grade heading toward Heller Dr.

NICE! Next year for sure.

ya almost all of the ride looked like the second picture there, some even more pretty, and bigger trees, then it took us out to the ocean which i really loved. and i did like the ride along west cliff drive, watching the waves shoot up when they hit the rocks was pretty kool. i think when i do this ride next year, im going to bring some friends along and enjoy the scenery more

my buddy has the pictures up. take a look.

http://illumix.smugmug.com/