Oh, well missed the Tierra Bella because a friend of mine passed away and the funeral was that day. It’s probably better because I understand Leah led half the entrants on a wild goose chase riding the wrong course and adding miles to the ride. I can understand that because the way she climbs, she’s tough to get ahead of.
Lots more Metcalf, Hicks, Umunhum, Highway 9 work to finish the month.
Sunday, April 27th: 2 hours; 21 miles; 2,500ft: Japantown –> up Sierra Road –> down Felter/Calaveras –> return to Japantown.
I headed out just before dusk on this ride and made it to the top of Sierra Road. Sierra is a road that twists and turns up for about 3 miles, all through open space and cattle ranches. At the top of this road two lanes merge to one and I came around a blind corner at a fairly decent pace ready for the downhill to begin. Faster than I could react, I found myself heading straight towards a coyote that was standing in the middle of the road. In a span of 2 seconds, I weighed my options of either coming to a stop very close to the coyote and heading back up the hill, or just pedaling my legs away in an attempt to pass him quickly. I chose the later option, but with one minor regret. I looked straight at the little sucker, meeting his yellow eyes as I sped right towards him. I immediately regretted that move as he then proceeded to put his head down, glare back and make a slight motion towards me. Commence rapid warp speed pedaling in conjunction with letting out a sound similar to that of Howard Dean’s famed war cry. Yeeeeeeeaaaaawwwwww!
34+ miles of slot canyon hiking in So. Utah in less than 48 hours? Does that help? The guys I was with are all accomplished long distance cyclists, so the information about preparation, nutrition, work-outs, day of the event, etc. garnered was as valuable as being on the bike if not more so. High altitude hiking had to help. They kept saying something about making red blood cells. I don’t know.
Saw Mt. Hamilton, Hicks Rd, Metcalf again. My new mantra: I like to climb, I like to climb, I like to climb. Maybe if I say it enough I will believe it? Actually I kind of do like it.
Went to a bike fit and general riding consult with Curtis at Revolutions in Fitness. He made several adjustments on the bike and gave great information about core work, stretching and riding techniques. Rode Hicks, Kennedy and I like the new position.
Tierra Bella Century coming up.
April training begins the real mileage and climbing. Still training on the bike 3-4 days a week, but longer rides with steeper hills.
Select Rides (i.e. the ones I can remember):
Thursday, April 24th: Los Gatos –> Shannon Rd (small hill) –> Hicks (big hill – 12%+ grade for >1 mile)–> Mt Umunum –> return to Los Gatos.
First ride with master teammate Dave Rodrigues – we conquered Mt. Ummmmm
Saturday, April 26th - Saratoga –> Hwy 9 –> Skyline/Woodside –> Old La Honda –> Alpine –> Skyline –> Bear Creek Road –> Los Gatos –> Saratoga.
Somewhere in the 65 mile, 9,000 feet, 5+ hour range
Saturday, April 19th - Tierra Bella 100k out of Gilroy. Luckily, it was a beautiful day as opposed to last year’s downpour. I headed out with a group of fabulous riders for my longest ride of the season. This group of riders has taught me the amazing benefits of drafting – coming within inches of the tire of the rider in front of you in order to save power from the wind-resistance. All was going well until about mile 55, where I missed the turn for the last loop and ended up leading a group of a 5 ‘random’ riders back to the finish before I realized the error. I was not the only one to miss the turn, however, and a few of us rode back to the beginning of the last loop, which turned a 66-mile ride into an 80-mile ride. Still a fabulous ride.
Saturday, April 12th – 5 hrs, 50 miles, 5,000 ft