Monticello Solano Century

[Deanna]

Has anybody here done the Monticello Solano Century (http://monticellocycling.org/)? It looks like a nice ride, I'm just wondering about the support and how well it's organized.

Thanks, Deanna

[SadieKate]

I believe it is the first year for the ride. That said I have to be frank. Mt George is not very safe to ride. East to west it is marginally safer than the reverse so that is good. However, I'd check with the club to see what they are doing about traffic control. Bill and I won't ride it again. It is narrow and twist with slightly better sight lines starting from the east. Several riders at the Santa Rosa 200k brevet said that they were not riding the Davis 200k brevet because it went over Mt. George. Maybe the MSC will have enough more riders to wake-up the drivers.

Descending past Lake Berryessa to Winters (Cardiac) should be ok but realize that the turns aren't tight enough to slow traffic below the speed of bikes so just be careful. There are a lot of marinas, pick-ups and boat trailers at that time of year. We will only climb it in boating season (opposite of the century) very, very, early in the morning or with another event. We did last year when the Davis Double riders were out.

These are all my stomping grounds for hill riding. I'd be happy to take you on and all of those roads -- except for Mt. George. It would be a really nice loop if it weren't for the traffic on George.

"We" haven't talked about it this year, but we could do another Dam, Corners and Valley ride on 5/19 (the Davis Double) where we start in Winters and ride the metric route counter-clockwise. We could add more miles by doing an out and back toward Turtle Rock or Pope Valley if you want more than a metric.

[Deanna]

Thanks for the great information Sarah. I'll have to reconsider given the info on Mt. George.

[SadieKate]

As the organizers what they'r doing on Mt George. It would be such a nice loop otherwise.

[Veronica]

Isn't Mount George the road we climbed that day Thom and I turned around early? I didn't think the traffic was that bad. But that could have just been good luck on our part. The Knoxville Double also goes over it.

V.

[maillotpois]

Knoxville goes over it very early in the morning (it's probably mile 25 at most) so traffic's not really an issue.

[SadieKate]

Veronica, yes it was the same - and east to west is better, but it was really sheer luck. Early helps but both Bill, Kim and I have all had near death experiences. Too many for the few times we've ridden it. It's getting a rep.

[aka_kim]

Well, I didn't have a near death experience, but I really, really dislike the west to east climb up Mt. George. I'd guess that heading east to west early in the day on a Sunday wouldn't be a big problem. That course does look fun.

[Deanna]

I think I'll pass on this one. Besides the scary Mt. George issue, it's about 90% certain my husband and I will be doing the Tour of the Unknown Coast the weekend before. That should about do me for difficult centuries that month.

Thanks again!

[maillotpois]

fantastic, Deanna! that is supposed to be a great ride. I have never been able to do it. please be sure to do a report!!!

[SadieKate]

So, sara! Where's your post? What distance are you riding? I know all those roads but I only one to write up notes for you on the route you are riding.

[tprevost]

if I do this ride, I'd do the 60.... any input on elevation gains/route would be greatly appreciated!

[jobob]

"We" haven't talked about it this year, but we could do another Dam, Corners and Valley ride on 5/19 (the Davis Double) where we start in Winters and ride the metric route counter-clockwise. I'd be up for that ! :)

[RolliePollie]

Hiya SadieKate...here I am!

Well, after reading the posts about this ride, I'm thinking maybe I should pass. Mt. George sounds scary! Of course, the roads around here are pretty terrifying, so maybe I could handle it. Anyway, I was thinking of trying the 60, but since this would be my first organized ride, I kind of want to be sure there's good support and maybe some traffic control too. Thanks very much for the offer on the notes...I really do think I'm going to pass though.

Now I'm looking at the Holstein Hundred. Any suggestions for another really good and relatively easy ride between now and then?

[jobob]

Here's one for you, sara:

-------------------

2007 Delta Century
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Jessie's Grove Winery--Lodi, California
1973 W. Turner Road
Lodi , CA

Brief Description: Ride completely flat roads through the unique San Joaquin Delta. Pass though the villages of Woodbridge and Thornton. Longer routes include Walnut Grove, the historic village of Locke. 100 mile includes lunch at Clarksburg's Old Sugar Mill (explore boutiques and wine tasting shops).
Online Reg. Closes: April 30, 2007 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Riders utilize ferry boats and bridges as they cross numerous waterways. Each rider receives a unique wine glass (children will receive a commemorative water bottle). Post-ride luncheon is offered at the historic Jessie's Grove Winery. We have family rates. Commemorative shirts made-to-order on day of event.
(see : http://www.sbclub.org/sbc/delta_century.html )

[SadieKate]

Sara, good news is that the metric doesn't ride Mt George so I would say it's a good route for a beginner IF you can handle long climbs and a few somewhat steep and winding descents. The stretch from the start to Fairfield is a serious of little gradually steepening rollers, then Fairfield to Mankas Corner is a lovely flat ride, just a tiny bit up hill. Wooden Valley Road starts climbing with a series of rollers. You need to be able to anticipate shifting and make sure you don't burn out your legs on these little rollers because you have a long climb immediately in front of you. CA-121 is one long steady climb for someone who hasn't really tested themselves on hills and then there are steepish sweeping turns into Moskowite that would be good to learn on as long as you can hold your line. Since this is a group ride, you need to be sure you won't swing into someone's path (says SK after nearly plowing into someone yesterday). Out of Moskowite, you've got a long false flat - several miles of 2-5% grade. It's a gorgeous area but it can be freakin' hot on a May afternoon - start early. You'll have a mile or so climb up the back side of Cardiac along the lake and then a fast and swoopy downhill past the dam and down the Canyon to Lake Solano (maybe 10 miles). From Lake Solano, you'll have a crappy very short and steep hill (very short, I just like to whine because it's so short you think you can stomp over it but it's just a tad too long and steep for that). Then you'll have a beautiful cruise along Pleasant's Valley Road. It's another false flat climb of about 5 miles then a fun gradual downhill run into Vacaville.

The organizers call it a beginner ride, but it is really a ride for fit or very determined beginners. Only 2,800 ft of climbing but the climbs are long and the descents steep with turns requiring good skills. 2,800 ft of climbing doesn't seem like much, but I think it is harder climbs that the 4,500 we had yesterday in San Luis Obispo (given the same temps).

Other flatter options are the Delta Century in Stockton (totally flat) this weekend and the Lodi Sunrise Century on 5/19. I don't want to discourage you from the Monticello Ride but you need to know the route has long climbs and it can be hot. I have no clue how well the ride is supported either, which is a critical thing when you're new to managing your water and food intake. If you're going to tackle the ride, at least going into it with a little knowledge about managing your resources is a good thing.

[tprevost]

Sara, good news is that the metric doesn't ride Mt George so I would say it's a good route for a beginner IF you can handle long climbs and a few somewhat steep and winding descents. The stretch from the start to Fairfield is a serious of little gradually steepening rollers, then Fairfield to Mankas Corner is a lovely flat ride, just a tiny bit up hill. Wooden Valley Road starts climbing with a series of rollers. You need to be able to anticipate shifting and make sure you don't burn out your legs on these little rollers because you have a long climb immediately in front of you. CA-121 is one long steady climb for someone who hasn't really tested themselves on hills and then there are steepish sweeping turns into Moskowite that would be good to learn on as long as you can hold your line. Since this is a group ride, you need to be sure you won't swing into someone's path (says SK after nearly plowing into someone yesterday). Out of Moskowite, you've got a long false flat - several miles of 2-5% grade. It's a gorgeous area but it can be freakin' hot on a May afternoon - start early. You'll have a mile or so climb up the back side of Cardiac along the lake and then a fast and swoopy downhill past the dam and down the Canyon to Lake Solano (maybe 10 miles). From Lake Solano, you'll have a crappy very short and steep hill (very short, I just like to whine because it's so short you think you can stomp over it but it's just a tad too long and steep for that). Then you'll have a beautiful cruise along Pleasant's Valley Road. It's another false flat climb of about 5 miles then a fun gradual downhill run into Vacaville.

The organizers call it a beginner ride, but it is really a ride for fit or very determined beginners. Only 2,800 ft of climbing but the climbs are long and the descents steep with turns requiring good skills. 2,800 ft of climbing doesn't seem like much, but I think it is harder climbs that the 4,500 we had yesterday in San Luis Obispo (given the same temps).

Other flatter options are the Delta Century in Stockton (totally flat) this weekend and the Lodi Sunrise Century on 5/19. I don't want to discourage you from the Monticello Ride but you need to know the route has long climbs and it can be hot. I have no clue how well the ride is supported either, which is a critical thing when you're new to managing your water and food intake. If you're going to tackle the ride, at least going into it with a little knowledge about managing your resources is a good thing.


WOW! That's an excellent overview :p I'm debating doing this one instead of Sunrise... I'm curious what Sara decides to do...

[RolliePollie]

Awesome route description, SadieKate! Thank you! This is just the type of info I need to make my decision...and I think my decision is to pass this time! I can get a little "swervy" on long hills and I would hate to take someone out. That would be my biggest concern on a course like this (did I mention I'm pretty much a disaster waiting to happen?). I know I can make it up hills, but I'm not used to having lots of other riders around. It wouldn't be good to have a bad experience on my first big ride!

The Lodi Sunrise sounds interesting...I would imagine it could be darn hot for that one too, but a flat route might suit this rolling wreck a little better for starters.

Thanks so much again for all the great info...and now it's off to work for me :mad:

[aka_kim]

"We" haven't talked about it this year, but we could do another Dam, Corners and Valley ride on 5/19 (the Davis Double) where we start in Winters and ride the metric route counter-clockwise.

I'd be up for that ! :)
Oh, me too! I've been thinking about doing the dreaded Lodi Sunrise century again - just because I have to get some miles in my legs. A Dam ride would be a welcome alternative.

[SadieKate]

Wal' come on over and join us. I'll step aside for the Star Whiner's appearance.