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 )