Did what has been called the "toughest local" century in my area, the Sequoia Century.

The route starts in Palo Alto, goes over the Canta Cruz Mountains, down to the coast, rips along the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Cruz, back over the Mountains again, then a fast decent back to civilization.

I was told to reconsider using the tandem for this ride, since it was slated to be 112 miles with nearly 10,000 feet of vertical climbing. I shrugged them off, of course

I only saw two other tandems out of the nearly (maybe) 1000 riders.

Here is someone else's Garmin output (I guess I am too cheap to buy my own ):



Here is their map:



So anyway here are our ride stats for this killer ride:

Distance = 113.5 miles
Ride Time = 7:21
Avg Speed = 15.4 mph
Max Speed = 53.5 mph (on Highway 1, AWESOME!)

The first major climb shown is Page Mill Road. We had an awesome rhythm going on this climb, passing many singles on or way up. We kept many fast riders locked in our sights. The really fast single riders passed us, but there weren't too many. Our standing climbing was working great!

The descent down was foggy but fun. We passed one of the two known other tandems just before diving into a hairpin turn... We waved

That flat part in the middle was along the coast. It was glorious! We were tearing it up at 30+ MPH for much of the way. This is where we hit 53.5 mph We ended up picking up a contingent of around 5 or 6 Webcor (local racing club/team) guys. We pulled them the whole way down the coat. Talk about good motivation.

The big hill on the way back was a combo of a few climbs including Mt. Charlie, Summit Rd, and Skyline. Mt. Charlie was nuts!! It was a bit of a stair step climb, but with long "steps" with some really really steep sections of over 15% grade. Not to mention we were already at around mile 75+. I think we got down to below 4 mph for a few moments. Ruth (stoker/gf) couldn't do the standing for too long, because her quads were a burned out. She was fine sitting though.

The last part, decent down Hwy 9, etc was fun. I was flying down at 40+ mph There were two short and steep bumps at the end (Pierce, and Mt. Eden)

Here's a picture of us at the end of the ride (I had already stripped my Halo, and gloves).




Here's some other pics from the ride (not taken by us, in the next post):

Props! Great ride.

Cheers!

That is some pretty serious Tandem riding for you and your GF...congrats.

Bill J.

Did that one 2 years ago on my single. Broke a spoke on my ksyrium rear wheel on the way back-before the climbing. Just opened up my rear brake and kept going.

Nice ride you guys!!

Great ride, report and pics. I do not think one can design a tougher ride on the Peninsula than that one. The climbing is just incredible but worth the effort for the scenery. You guys have certainly jumped into tandem riding taking on the most difficult climbs / rides.

You guys should think about the Everest Challenge. You have plenty of time to train for it. https://www.everestchallenge.com/Ever...lengeBible.htm

It is in September and you could do it on the tandem.

I would consider it. However, there is way too much on our plate this summer. Big trip, a couple small trips, and a few organized rides. It would just be a bit too much for this year. Ruth works Saturdays, so having to take days off can only happen so many times in a certain period of time.

However, it is a GREAT goal for next year!

I think that is my first goal for next year.

I will just need to borrow a Macchiato or Calfee frame (with carbon fork), so I can lose about 10 lb of bike

Those are all fair points. From a third party's perspective (me), you guys are already in rarified tandem air due to the motivation, results and talent demonstrated. A lighter bike may be desirable but in your case not necessary. At your current pace, you will be really ready for the EC next year and could do it this year if it fit into your schedule. Keep up the great work and the rubber side down.

Action shot

That picture is so good, it looks faked. How does the light come from below (see shadow on leg behind waterbottle)? Very nice.

Looked like they had a flash angled up at ground level.

Was the camera tripped by the sensor across the road (under the bike, behind the front wheel)?

yep

Nice pic and report. You guys are too cute!