spingineer

I did the Grizzly Peak Century today ... well, that's not entirely true. I did the first loop of the century, but today was not one of my best days. I barely rolled into the lunch stop at 71 miles, so I called it quits. Very demoralizing. Technically, I did not sag, because the century had a north and south loop. So when we finished the north loop, we were at lunch, and my car was just in the parking lot. Too easy to bail on this ride!

It all started out well. Registered a little before 6:30 am, and got going at around 6:45 am (long lines in the bathroom). It was a bit chilly. I had arm warmers, and my shell on, but I was wearing shorts and short fingered gloves. I knew we would be climbing almost from the beginning, so even though I was a bit nippy to start, they would come off (ME, control yourself! )

Best part of the ride was the first 20 miles (not only because I'm physically fresher, but because of the scenery).



Of course, there is the ever present redwood scenes too:



This was also my opportunity to experiment with my new digital camera. I think I'll need to get some cycling photography lessons from M.E. My shots don't turn out that well. Here are some more of the better ones I took:



2nd Rest Stop:



One thing I didn't like was on the way to the 2nd rest stop, they had some construction in the city of Rodeo, and had to ride on a one lane road that was the main drag in town. Terrain through there was pretty rough, so I had to contend with pavement and worrying if there were any cars on back of me, as I would be blocking traffic. Luckily, I got there when it was still early, and no traffic.

After the 2nd rest stop, that's what killed me. McKewen ... it was a killer climb. I have no idea what the grade was. I don't think it was as steep as Balcom, but it was about 3 times longer ... estimate 15-18% ... and this went on for a couple of miles. By this time, the sun was in full bloom, and it was about 90 degrees out. Heat and hill climbs ... not good for me. We then had mama bear and papa bear climbs to deal with. Although not as steep, it drains you, after the steep intense climbs of McKewen.

I was riding with one triathlete, and she was gracious enough to let me draft off of her. I hung on for dear life, even up to the last climb. By the time I got to lunch, all I wanted was food ... and it was good food. Too good I think. My body just didn't have the energy to get back on the road, so off I went to my car, and packed it in. Now, if the gang was there, it might have been a different story.

Stats:
Distance: 70.71 miles
Climbing: 6029 feet
Average Speed: 12.5 mph (ugh!)
Riding Time: 5:37
Total Time: ~ 7:30

tprevost

sorry to hear it was such a tough ride for you... however, GREAT Job! Your stats are just fine and the scenery was beautiful!!

Trac'

merider1

Ahh...Ron......see now, that's just silly. First off, great report and thank you for your honesty.
But dude, don't feel bad. Things happen and I've bailed on a century and other rides, especially when there has been heat. The point is you were out riding and you still got a strong ride in! Plus, the pics are beautiful (if not a tiny bit blurry ) You very well know that we all have good and bad days! Thanks for sharing.

spingineer

Well, as you found out, I am silly ...

Thanks for giving me a reality check ... I know, I shouldn't feel bad. I think that's just my competitive nature in me. I had a mind set of what I wanted to do, and I fell short ... but as you said, sometimes you have it, sometimes you don't. Fitness ... still gotta work on that.

LCI_Brian

I was just up in Rodeo last Friday on business, and that road has been in rough condition for years! Great ride report, thanks for sharing!

spingineer

This also means I won't have a century of the month ... unless I include my double for that listing ... but that's cheating.

merider1

You can include a double - that's not cheating.

nesdog

Nice ride...hey 70 miles isn't exactly something to sneeze at. Yer average every other weekend rider would kill to be able to accomplish that!

Sheldon

spingineer

Thanks Sheldon. I know, also considering I did 60 on Saturday ... I think we are always our worst critic.

nesdog

You know, with all of this cross posting from the Nocal folks here and us going in there, I can barely remember which forum I'm in half the time and have to look at the top of the page!

Sheldon

spingineer

I'm the most confusing one ... you'd think that with the posting I've done in SoCal, that I am from So Cal ... but I am in Nor Cal ... but I still consider myself a SoCal'er ... I lived in SoCal for 35 years, before moving to NorCal. I still love SoCal. Plus, SoCal is so much more active, and more importantly, fun!

spingineer

Another quick note to add to this ride report. Just as I was rolling out, not even 1 mile out, I just realized I didn't have my HRM with me. I started to back track, but then realized I didn't pack it with me ... doh! So I had no idea how hard I was going. I am not sure if this had any effect on if I was going out too hard or not. I don't like to use that as an excuse, but it's just something I'll have to put as asterisk by. Chances are, it would have changed my riding style and may have performed even worse. Oh well, live and learn.

They did not have the red potatoes that I loved so much at every rest stop. They only had it at the last rest stop, and it wasn't even heated. I let them know they need to have these at every rest stop ... especially the second one, before climbing McKewen. If you've ever had red potatoes on a rest stop, like at Wine Country Century, you'll know what I mean.