Horrible Hundred 2016

The weekend of November 19-20 is fast approaching, and like the slogan says "it's only horrible if you miss it"

I'm going for the first time, but I didn't train for it. So I'm doing the 35 miles. I just want to enjoy it without trying to prove something to myself. Note: I don't want to imply that anyone doing the 100 is trying to prove anything. It's just is that that's what it would be for me.

Have either of you ridden it before? I am 64 and just resumed riding less than 2 months ago. I could not do the longer distances but have wondered about the 35 miler. I could handle that no problem on flats but are the hills very difficult on the shorter course?

I've heard there are hills throughout, but they are more difficult the last 20 miles of the century ride. This is my first time, so I'll tell you Sunday night.

I rode the 100 miles last year and it was all the climbing I cared for (and a little more). The 35 mile route *probably* includes Northridge, The Wall, Buckhill, and Scrubjay. The first 8 miles are flat (around the lake) and the last 2 miles are flat. About 1,700 feet of climbing total. Rest stop 1 is *probably* at mile 19, rest stop 2 is *probably* at mile 28.

Thanks for the heads up!

Second time for me now 66, last year being my first. Will do the Hundred again. Above is an excellent description with an important tid-bit added that NORTHRIDGE is an early steep climb at the beginning so be prepared. I am better prepared this year, 104 miler yesterday, but will be riding upright touring bike because of restriction set by my PT since I am 5 weeks post complete shoulder joint replacement tomorrow.

SAG stops were well supplied and meal following was very good.

ENJOY ALL!!!!!!

Gonna have to miss this year due to a recent surgery but I trained on the HH course when I was in training for 3Gap. Buckhill isn't too difficult but Surgarloaf gets to a 20% grade which is fun!!!

Be prepared for a COLD MORNING!!!!!

I just started cycling about 3 months ago and singed up for the 35 mile portion of the HH. I've only managed to do 21 miles at one time so I'm hoping I can manage tomorrow.

I'm more worried about the cold weather than anything. Don't have any base layers. Will be interesting for sure.

NOT TOO WORRY!!!! It is not as cold as earlier predicted, so take your time and ENJOY.

I'll be heading out from my hotel room in about 3 hours for the 4 mile ride to Waterfront Park. Temps are going to be in the low 50'sF to mid/upper 60'sF with winds NNW up to 15mph. Today will be a big test for my 6 week old(tomorrow), newly installed right shoulder joint. Will be hanging behind other riders as much as possible for the 100 miles.

Just got home. Was pretty cold but I had some layers and a baklava. I was pretty slow but make it the 38.3 miles. Had to walk a couple of the hills as my legs were not prepared for those. Time to find the next one.

I had a great time today, doing the 46! Yup, 38 plus some more due to someone telling me to go left at Citrus Rd. instead of right. I realized it four miles into the wrong direction and turned back. On my way back, I passed three 35 mile riders who swore they were headed in the right direction. Oh well. I hope they got back OK. I made a suggestion for a big sign at that T intersection for next year.

I'm determined to do at least the 70 next year.

Glad everyone enjoyed. I made up my own route for about 50 miles without any of the big hills (well, I climbed Sugarloaf from the back). I hit 3 SAG stops to say hi to friends and hang out and then had lunch.

Well done to all!!!

Congrats! You will do better as your cycling experience grows.

FYI... "baklava" is a pastry
What you wore was probably a "balaclava" which is a cloth head cover that leaves only the face exposed.

Cheers!