#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...