Long time since I’ve posted in this blog. I’ve had blog-worthy things to say, but without photos I’ve sent those messages out via email, as it’s easier that way. For anyone reading this who, for some reason, ISN’T someone I know and didn’t get those emails… well, you missed out.
Specifically:
A post-ride recap on the Tierra Bella Century ride from April with buddies Andy and Dave. We had a great time on that one. That was my first century completed. Good fun. Paced w/ Mr. Dave and toodled up the climbs. Then we went into Overdrive towards the finish, which of course meant we were going too fast and missed a turn, got slightly off track and found our way back into the event. Woops!
Another recap of the Sequoia Century from May. 114 miles, rode a little harder on that one and did it solo this time, but it was excellent training. (photo below)
Right after that was the Near Death Experience Training Camp up at Kirkwood. That was an epically BAD experience as I wound up with stomach flu on the first day and had to struggle through the whole weekend. Ergh. Still, I managed to ride everything except the climb up Carson, so I’ve scouted the course.
I also did a 114-mile solo ride one weekend. That was a treat. Riding that far with no sag-support meant I was always on the lookout for drinks, food and bathrooms. Did 11,600 feet of climbing that day. Pretty tired by the end of it, but feeling good about the accomplishment. Rode up Montebello Road, then over Page Mill Road, down Alpine to Pescadero, turned around and climbed back the way I came, then did Old La Honda to Skyline, descended and made my way back to Los Gatos. That ride was one of my goals from back in the beginning, so I got to check that box off.
This last Saturday I rode the Giro di Pennisula with a neighbor, Mike. His son was in my daughter’s Kindergarten class and we discovered on the final day of school that we were both doing the Death Ride this year. He’s quite the monster rider and finished the Giro in first place for the 100-milers with a 5 hour, 58 minute time. He did the same thing at another century earlier in the month. Hardcore. He dropped me and his friend John around mile… three. lol. John and I rode together for most of the event. The 3 of us are heading up to the Death Ride together. Should be fun.
On Sunday I was back on the bike for a 40-miler out to Montebello and then home. This time I took my camera with me, as I wanted to see if I could manage to take it along on the Death Ride. No problems. I even made a little video.
Got one more weekend of training to do and then it’s off to the big show. Can’t believe it’s nearly here as I’ve spent 6+ months getting ready for this thing. According to my ride diary… from Feb. 1st through today I’ve ridden 3,150 miles and climbed 210,000 feet. Dang… probably should have got out there a little more. 
Sequoia Century @ 100-mile mark:
Roughly half-way up Montebello. Trying out the camera from the saddle:
Video from the saddle. I’m having some trouble with Youtube, so if you can’t see this properly, then try viewing at my Photobucket location:
http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h69/Talarius/Cycling/?action=view¤t=June2008_127.flv
