LAW Kick Off Century - 01/01/2009 & Rainbow 200K - 01/03/2029
2009 Kick Off Century - New Year's Day ride
As Rod wrote: I really believe today sets the tone for the year. Get this one in and you set yourself up for a great year.
So have to do this as I want a great year. Though it did not start with a bang.
Left home just past 5:30, dark and foggy. But I'm well visibly lit. Though I am surprised at more than usual traffic, then it dawns on me. It's not Sunday, it's Thursday. There are people who work on New Year's Day.
As it's to be a somewhat flattish Century, gave the fixed gear a go. It'll be the longest distance for the bike. A leisurely pace for the 25 miles to Malibu.
When I arrive, three riders were starting up Pepperdine grade. Roll into the parking lot to learn the ride starts at 7 instead of 7:30 listed on the December Gooseneck. Have not gotten my January issue. No wonder I did not have Mel come up behind me.
Rod is present in street clothes to check on the riders. April and David ready to take off. The only other rider, Nabil, also thought the ride starts later.
As the last two riders, we take off together. It is very foggy, so we turn the rear lights blinking.
This is the first time we've met. He rode the LAW Santa Rosa Century, Mount Wilson and he's done the Grand Tour Metric Double, looking forward to completing the California Triple Crown this year. Good for him.
On a descent, comment that he is cautious on the downhill as I'm keeping pace. He tells me he's trying not to leave me behind, taking it easy.
Again he's never ridden with me. So decide to take the lead and on the next climb, set the tempo. Look back, he's nowhere to be seen.
He should catch me on the Zuma descent braking all the way down as to let my legs keep up with the pedals. No. Will wait for him at Trancas.
At the Starbuck, April, David and Renee have stop. I join them. Wave at Nabil, but he keeps rolling on.
PCH is PCH, just cloudier. It's better than the last two times I've ridden this. Last year was windy. Three years ago, it rained.
David leaves us behind. We catch up to Ken.
Renee has to make a pit stop, so we become the tail.
At the Las Posas exit, Nancy is waiting. Ken is missing. I haven't the foggiest. We learn April and Ken had to make a pit stop and we rode by them.
The route to Camarillo is even thicker and now it's cold. This is a rare time when there is barely any wind.
Nancy sights snow on the ground around the strawberries. It is white insulation for the berries, not snow. It is cold, but not that much. She is nervous about black ice on the bridge. Listening to her make me shiver.
We roll pass the patches of cabbage. Must be a happy rabbit haven in there.
A sign reads to be cautious due to mud. That does not look good.
So we're riding and Nancy is worried about tracking mud on her back. Her clothes is clean of any debris. In fact, her beautiful baby blue bike is spotless of mud. How can she ride and not get dirty.
I'm looking at my tire, notice it's gotten fatter with mud adhering. Then the bike stalls, thought I'd fall. But the bike went. Seconds later it tries to stop again. What the heck. Dismount the bike to inspect. Mud is caked from the rim to the brakes. Take a stick and start digging off the yuck. Sticky substances. Scrape off enough gooey clay as to continue on.
April, Renee and I pause at the gas station in Camarillo. Avail ourselves to their rest room, purchase a snack, Strawberry Quick and Reese's candy bar. Then proceed to remove the crud from the brakes. Renee thinks I should not be dirtying their premises. It's going to be tough to remove when it dries.
We get back to what we came to do. Nancy and Ken waiting for us, inform they are going back as they do not feel safe with the foggy condition.
Well just a bit more, the haze has cleared and it turns out a marvelous day. Yay.
Up Spanish Hills which is kind of a struggle. April has no problems. I'm standing on the bike to get leverage to go forward. There are some nice Christmas decor along the large mansions. No one is out on the golf course.
The drop on the other side hurts as my leg attempts not get torn off.
Have to thank Renee for telling me that I have snot on my face. Probably had it at the gas station and would never know unless she brought it up.
Have to say this is a rather nice century route. Surrounded by agriculture and in the backdrop is mountains. It has turned into a terrific day. A wonderful time to be on a bike. Hope everyone had a terrific New Year's.
Another struggle up to Foothill. April waits for us slow pokes.
It's the rolling terrain of Foothill. Considered taking off the jacket, but looking toward the beach, the cloud blankets the sea. Looks like our return trip will be back in the mist.
Lunch takes place in Subway, Ventura and Main. Been here a few times from the Brevet series. Enjoy a meatball marinara sandwich. Offer one for Renee knowing full well she would not eat one. She has her own rice to eat, but will breakdown and have hot soup and coffee. Sounds proper for a cold day.
And an interesting conversation with the woman behind me. She is decorated in turquoise, eating soup which she adds her own cayenne pepper which she carries. Tells us you can keep your feet warm by sprinkling pepper on your toes. I say not only might it keep your feet warm, you can lick them to satisfy your appetite.
Take time to give Donna a call to wish her a Happy New Year. So do April and Renee. Yes my phantom wife does exist. She tells her friends that she has a phantom husband.
One problem of eating inside, you have to go outside. And it's cold. Brrrrr.
As the Subway does not have public restroom, go over to Burger King. As I watch the bikes, being entertainer by a sign twirler dancing away at the corner. Like a spinning Little Caesar billboard going to make me want to eat pizza.
The route now is a very familiar one. It's the Grand Tour's return. Harbor, Channel Island, Ventura. A restroom stop at Wendy's. BTW, lost count on Renee's pit stops, but let's say it's about more than one an hour, maybe every ten miles.
Looking for that tailwind, it does not exist. The good is no fog for the remainder of the ride. I can see the ocean.
April is making a fast beeline to home. She takes many stops to wait for us. Very kind of her.
We were going to do an official count on how many hills there are on PCH. So that's one up to the rock. Another to Sycamore Canyon. If we counted every rise, figure there would be about twenty. I would lose count, try again next time down the coast.
The ocean is flat, hardly any wind turbulence.
Some sights on this ride. April saw dolphins in the ocean. Flight of a dozen green parrots over Oxnard skies. One dog came out to greet us on Foothill. Bicyclistwise, seems rather low.
Prior to Mulholland, April comes up behind us having used the facilities at Neptune Net. We need to make a stop also. At one of the side beaches are portapotties. Renee and I go down to them. And find I can not ride back up. Road did not look that steep, but have to walk the fixie. They saw me walking the bike.
PCH is rather quiet. Too cold for people to hang at the beach.
At Zuma, Renee catches a flat. Now I did a disservice to her by fixing it. She tells me she has never had to repair one. Now that's not good. She tells me if she did it, we'd been out there all night. How can you be a long distance rider or any type of bicyclist if you don't fix your own tire. So I go into my discourse of how women can get their way with their femininity. They just show some tears or skin and guys are putty in their hands. One of many topics discussed during the day.
BTW, thank you Tom for stopping to see if we needed help. Two years ago, Tom was on that terrible tandem accident on this very same ride. It is good to see him riding so well.
We roll back to the start with plenty of daylight to spare. They offer a lift home, but I need the training. The girls head to the parking lot, I straight along PCH.
And wouldn't you know it, get two flats, one just a few miles in and a second in Playa del Rey. Happy new year to me.
San Diego Randonneur 200 Km Brevet
Decide to knock off a Saturday make a rare appearance for this ride. On a very icky morning, show my face at the 200 Km Brevet provided by the San Diego Randonneurs.
So bizarre for me appearing, some people thought I must be an apparition. They question if I still exist. They heard stories that I've gave up bicycling, become a hermit and sought solitude in the Himalayas.
Under drizzly skies, a nice showing of participants take to the wet roads for the first Double metric Century of the new year.
Many familiar San Diego faces and of course there is LAW's Chris. Also LAW's Ron on recumbent, but then he lives down here.
On the bikes for the ride, there are the fast road types, the touring loaded types, a couple of tandems and a trike. More on the latter later.
Probably half the field seem interested in the Gold Rush 1200. Many Double Century riders and 508 veterans.
As my practice, try to be last to leave. With over 40 riders, let them all clear the street of any tire puncturing obstacles. Taking the first red light, right off the bat, fallen out of range of the main pack. It's OK, got all day. Sat back with a couple from the Mexican constituent. They do this ride every year and have their own SAG. More on this group.
As is my custom as a designated sweep, not yet a mile in a rider has problem with his wheel. The rim has something on it which scrapes the brakes, thus making sound. Not a major issue, he continues.
Down the Fwy onramp to the next off. Scary for me if in a large group, but on my own, can take it slow.
At the bottom, riders bunch by the side. Linda, a PBP ancienne who I first met out of thousand on the Palm Springs Century many years ago when she was new to long distance, has taken a fall and seems to have injured herself. She does continue on. Also in the group is Chris and Tim, a RUSA official who rides with Linda. I am wearing BMB jersey under my raincoat. Tim is the only other rider who has this jersey there.
Also standing around is the RBA Mike who I will spend most of the first half of the ride with.
The last rider beside me is John who has a flat. He is riding one of the few touring bikes and has fenders. Very good for him and me. Won't have to taste his rooster tail.
Being the rear is nothing new for me. We are sure to make up ground on the climbs. Thought we would on the gradual El Camino rise, but no.
It is great pleasure to chat with someone new. Was to ride with him on the Montezuma Revenge but I chickened out. Seems they did not do the full course due to cold temps, which is why I was not there.
An interesting topic is when he compares the difference between riders who do these events and those on regular organized rides such as the San Diego Century. When he rode the Century, out of hundreds of riders, not a single one will say hello, compared to the always friendly Randonneurs.
The first rider we pass is Jack from Pomona with a flat. He's ridden this before, so he did not need any help. He'll catch us. He will flatten again.
It is not till Del Dios climb where we find riders. This is the popular route from Escondido to the coast. It is Robert, a well known San Diego bicycle activist who only rides his heavy commuter bike. He tells me not to wait up for him though I was interested to hear his stories, though I've read some.
So I join Garry a two time PBP participant. As for 2011, he says he's too old. You're never too old to ride a bike.
Next up is Mark also on a loaded bike. Wearing a big black rain helmet and booties on his shoes, looks well prepared for this precipitation. He will turn out to be the Laterne Rouge, last rider in with over 20 minutes to spare.
Fell to last when I stop to pee after seeing the sign 'Take A Break'. Something about riding while wet makes one have to urinate.
Having had a hand on the original route, the next segment is something new. Ridden these roads many many times, familiar with Harmony Grove / Elfin Forest. Though I have not been here in over 5 years, expecting a lot of changes. Not much, looks practically the same, definitely felt the same, knew what everything ahead before we got there.
What is new is the the next climb.
Having pass Robert and Mark, join the RBA Mike in conversation about the San Diego series and what's in store. Distracted, he takes an early turn, then corrects himself back. Squeezing the brakes, the bike would not stop, just avoid slamming into him. With the wet road, the brakes could not hold the wheel. It is not till later find out why. This has happen to me before. With wet roads and lots of downhill which I brake on, the rim will sandpaper away the brake pads. And under investigation, worn them close to metal. Meaning, bike does not respond to stopping. Not a good thing for slippery asphalt. If I am riding slow, now I'll be going even more cautiously.
So here is one of the reason I'm on this ride. This is a new road that must have been constructed within the year. Chatting with John about it, tells me it's steeper than Torrey Pines and twice as long. So in my head I'm calculating this and wonder how can it be that high and long. He does live there so he must know. I'm just happy did not bring the fix gear which I would have brought if the weather is nice.
It is a nice climb, but a bit over exaggerated. It does have good length and a bike lane. Mike and I will pass a few vertical impaired including Rocketman. He rides a trike, two wheels in front, one in back, completely enclosed in a metal bullet. It is pouring rain and this guy comes out of his space ship at the first control just in shirt and short. Like it is summer. It stays rather toasty inside. In fact there is steam emitted from his machine. Weighs 100 pounds so you can imagine how slowly that thing climbs. Make sure he leaves first, don't want to be run over.
At this first control, Linda has called it quit. Going the other way, Mr AdventureCorp Kostman, 508 honcho has too much adventure, heading to the nearest coffee place to get warm and dry.
The control volunteer warns of the drop. The descent is fast and unnerving. Having practically no brakes, with stop lights toward the bottom, squeeze the life out of the grips and held my breath that no cars cut in front of me. Thinking something bad is going to happen, hit green, green and yes I ran through a red before the traffic went through with sudden exertion of speed. Would have had to make a sliding stop on the ground to prevent being smacked into or stick my foot into the spokes. Hard to tell if it is precipitation or perspiration.
So it's slow and conscientious as it goes from now on. Got till 8:30 at night to complete this. Though expecting to be done before dark.
Back at the first control, have no idea of the time having no computer. Why should I, did not need a route sheet to follow. I lived these roads. As for closing times, stick with the RBA, as long as he makes it, it will be open.
A flat stretch pass the University and golf course. Telling Mike about the area which I learn my bicycling from. Down a way is where the North County Cycle Club start their rides. Over there is where the club's Christmas party is held. And there's a nice hill repeat road. And that's the way to Vista. A lot of old memories flood back to me. Much have changed, but lot looks the same.
On the Deer Spring climb to the next control, come up to a couple of riders on the side of the road. It is Elaine who I spent last year's 400 Km Brevet with. She has a flat. She did PBP, a gal with an attitude. She's not going to have a guy help her fix her flat. Even though I gave my suggestions, she snaps back, I do it my way. Well she pinches the new tube and has to insert a second one. As she's cursing like a sailor, tells me to stop laughing twice though I wasn't. Just my normal smile.
After a lengthy struggle, got enough air in tire to make it the 1/4 mile to the control where they have an air pump.
At the control, a couple of volunteers been waiting for me. Haven't seen these faces in four years. They reminisce the '05 series and my antics back then. Give Elaine a spare tube as she has none left. The volunteers are out looking for tubes as there has been a lot of flats on the ride. When the roads are wet, this is natural occurrence. With my bicycle knowledge, give address to the nearest bike shop to find tubes.
Standing around allowed every rider to come in including a rider with them aero wheels who has his second flat. He is part of the Mexican team and needs his SAG to take the tire off. That's what you get for riding such fancy equipment. This is Randonneuring for Christ sake.
Leave on my own as the next part is a long fast downhill Champagne grade which zips by Lawrence Welk resort. Wunnerful. Wunnerful. Know all riders will be faster than me.
A right on Old Castle and it's ascent. Return to conversations with Mike. And the rain starts again. Mike may think I'm causing it.
Some rural back country rolling roads through avocado fields to the steepest section of the route. Couser Canyon and about a mile of double digit grade. Mike needs to take his jacket off. The man in the missile is set to go up. Wish I could of seen it. Told Mike I'd wait on top and hoof it up. The Mexican team is getting a ride up and over this section, having experienced it in the past, did not need to enjoy the pain.
At the top decide not to wait, go ahead down the 5 mile drop. Couser is one of my favorite climbs when I'm down in Fallbrook, but I'm now going down it. Slow and easy. And happy that this road does not draw much in the way of traffic.
Over to Rice Canyon and this is a fun climb. Deceptive as it feels steeper than it looks because it mixes in short abrupt rises. Come up to a tandem wearing Santa Rosa Cycling jersey. They reside close to the start but lived in Santa Rosa. So talk was about Terrible Two and Devil Mountain and Davis Bike Club. A trio of dogs jog along with us.
Next victim is a gal from the Mexican team that seems lost. Assured her she is going the right way as I describe the town of Rainbow. Not sure she understood what I am blabbing about.
The next control is down this road and there will food. She meets up with another club member so go on alone.
Tom and Tina who I've written about before man this station feeding the hungry hoards with homemade bread and soup. I've had both before and knew how good it is. Ladling the broth, let the other riders eat first. I'm in no hurry.
Here I meet Ken who have not seen since PBP of '99. After 10 years and he still looks the same. He was brought to the event by Dan. So Dan must be close to finishing. No, he had mechanical problem, got a lift forward and is now back tracking to make up the mileage.
Having ridden with Dan just a few weeks ago with Bobbi, decide I'll go down Rice Canyon and come back up with him. Which everyone says, "Only David would do that".
So reverse my route. Ask each rider coming up if someone went by. Some riders tell me I'm going the wrong way. Mike questions my sanity. Hey I paid to be riding in the rain. Mike does thank me for giving him company in his ride report.
As I am not the swiftest of downhiller, also intentionally going slow in hopes that Dan is on his way up so don't have to do the full thing. But do reach bottom and no Dan. So I return as the last person.
Back at control, a couple riders still remain. The soup is all gone.
I call Donna as home is a couple miles away, just blocks off the route.
"So you are finished"
Not quite, I'm at the halfway point in Rainbow, still have to get to San Diego.
"So it will take you an hour"
Oh yeah in an hour. It's only 68 more miles to go.
Tina has scrape up enough soup to fill a bowl. Tom proceeds to eat it. "That's for David" It's OK, I know how good the soup is.
I did not expect to eat on this ride as my bottles filled with Spiz.
As I'm prepared to leave with the last riders, Dan shows up. So I will wait. He eats Tina's bread, so I have to also. The problem is I'm such a slow consumer, Dan has to wait for me. If I did not speak while eating, we could get out of there sooner. It's 10 minutes to closing, so everyone has cleared this control. I have a chance to be the last one in.
The only problem with that being Dan is quite a bit more competitive than me. As this will be the longest I've ever ridden with my friend, want to savor every moment with the record setting bicyclist. Even if he does call me a 'Nut Job', a tag Bobbi gave me.
The return to the start is fast and direct, just the way I would do it if I'm in a hurry to get there. Roads that are etched in my brain, no need to even think. Give Dan the sights. Dan will notice as did someone else that the fix gear has me pedaling on the descents. Did not notice I did that till it is brought up. "You ride a fixie"
Pass a rider in Bonsall who stop at AM/PM. Zoom by a couple on the San Luis Rey Bike Path. So comfortable am I on home turf, left Dan behind till Pete Pennseyers is going the opposite direction. I say Hi, look back for Dan and he's not there. Return back and he tells me to take it easy. He must be out of shape. No way I should be dropping him.
We will pass a couple more riders on the coast.
It is lights on. As I always carry lights, did not bring major ones as did not expect to be out in the dark. Dan also was not prepared for night riding with his dim rear light.
But like always, I'm into goofing off. Well to me bicycling should be fun. As long as I finish. Dan on the other hand like to finish the ride as soon as possible. He wish he had the foresight to wait for me as he tore a tire and he knows I always carry a spare.
A couple more climbs. Up and over Del Mar and then the final assault, Torrey Pines. In talking with Mike, he wants to change the start to Sorrento Valley which I brought up that it would exclude the great ending to the ride, Torrey Pines grade. It's what makes the event. He agrees and will keep it as it is.
One plus for us this evening. The traffic is rather light for a Saturday night. The reason being that the San Diego Chargers are playing on TV. Hurray for football.
So after 11 1/2 hours, we complete the 122 miles ride. We still have two hours to spare. Greg manning the finish tells me I'm not last and should go back out there. I think not.
Shake hands with everybody, great ride and tell Mike I will be back for his 1000 Km Brevet in May. Which by the way is going to be limited to 30 riders. Selected riders are being given first chance to sign up before it goes public.
Call Donna, Now I'm done. She has dinner waiting for me. Shower and don't recall when I got in bed. Out till morning and on a beautiful clear sunny Sunday, spent till 11 under the sheets and boring Donna with stories from the ride. Does he ever talk about anything else besides bicycling. She brings up stuff need to be done around the house. I fall to sleep.
So did not ride on Sunday, a rarity. Had a chance to do back to back 200 Km Brevet as I was invited to the PCH Randos staff ride. And could have attempted the LAW's Maze, almost the same distance from Fallbrook as it is from Hawthorne.
Though I will not be there this Saturday, it's the first ride for the Pacific Coast Highway Randonneurs. An easy 200 Km Brevet, practically flat. Some riders will be done in under 6 hours. It looks to be a terrific day and a good ride to boot.
A little bit about the group.
PCH Randos is based in the Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Bordered by the Pacific and the mountains of Southern California, we have some of the most scenic riding in the world at our front wheels.
Members from the Los Angeles Wheelmen and the Channel Islands Bicycle Club have volunteered to form the PCH Randonneurs. We encourage you to become members of either of these clubs.
OK OK, I've written more than too much. Everyone have a wonderful safe weekend.
Happy bicycling, David
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