The new riding partner

On our travels to Cali last week, Christine and I had an opportunity to talk about a lot of things. One was here desire to join the club, the cycling club. She figured that if you can't beat them, join them.

This was the first full week of riding for her. I'd say she rode substantially more this first week than I did when I first started. I got in almost 80 miles over 5 days of riding while she bested over 60 over 4. Of the 60, 11 miles was up to Bald Peak State Park. All told for the day was over 1800 feet of climbing and a gambit of emotions. At the top of the climb, we sat a stared at the 5 peaks visible. Wow! What a view, again. It was nice to have her there with me. It was a hard climb, a whole lot harder than riding 1604 or Scenic Loop in SA. I didn't even find those rides till Jens started riding with me some 6 months later. Way to go Christine - welcome to the pain train.

The goal is to ride Reach the Beach in mid May together. I have no doubt that both of us will be ready. STP is only four months away. There needs to be three centuries between than and now. We'll get some more riding in this week.

#1: Solvang

What a ride! I now understand why the pro teams practice in the Solvang area. There are the flats, the slow hills, the decent climbs, and the warm weather of SoCal.

We left Thursday night after work. We drove to Ashland, about four hours away. Bob let us crash at his place. Thanks for letting us stay at your Ashland home. Ashland is definitely an area we'll have to return to and ride as well. We got up Friday morning and drove the six hours to San Jose where Jens and I loaded up the truck and headed three and half hours to Solvang.

My parents had a time share right at the starting line. It was great. My mom cooked up some pasta and dad grilled some chops. Now that was a good pre-ride meal. After a little brain dump, we hit the hay.

The nice thing about being so close was no riding to get there. No having to sit around after not being able to shower. Thanks to my mom and dad as well for sharing their space with Jens and I. It only enhanced the overall Solvang experience.

The ride: Jens took the King of the Mountain, my dad won his age group, and I took the pain. All three stayed together until about mile 40. There we parted ways for the day. Jens and I worked well together until the long hill that started about mile 72. Jens dropped me like I was "hot." In fact, I was. The morning had been cold and so I wore tights. By the afternoon, the sun had burned off the fog and was beating us down. The long black pants were not helping. I didn't see Jens for about 15 miles. After getting over the top of the climb, I hussled down the backside and caught Jens at the mile 87 rest stop. I was able to keep him in my sights from there. The ride finished like all centuries should, downhill for the last five to bring it home. All told, over 6 hours of riding with about 5500+ worth of climbing over some tough roads in need of some asphalt.

OB1-2OLD came in about an hour after us. I was concerned. I knew how hard I had to work to get it done. Hey, when you've been riding for 10+ years you pull things out like he did. Way to go "Big Poppy!"

The ride back to San Jose was nice to relax and hang with Jens, talking about whatever. The kids and Christine had a great time with their friends. We do cherish our friends. Thanks.

Stay tuned for more riding - the fun has only begun. One down, 7 more to go...

Strolling and Rolling

Saturday's ride was a three hour slow grind through the Oregon countryside. No bands played, no flowers tossed, no stuffed animals, no team cars, no extra bikes. Just the last bit of preparation before the first century of the year. I figure this weekend will be just another weekend ride, just a couple hours longer - all part of the 2007 master plan, working towards the 5 hour century mark at HHH.

I have not done all of the climbing I would have liked but all will be well. I get to see the Hogg and Big Poppa, that is good enough for me. Nothing like spending a day riding...