cool breeze - august 19th

[roadfix]

I'm anxiously waiting for ride reports.....anyone??.....

[Tiffanie]

I'm anxiously waiting for ride reports.....anyone??.....

Me too!!

[redhot3368]

Well, this was my first century and I am HOOKED!!!
Way Cool!! We got there early...5:30 am, I was soooo nervous.
Saw Tracy shortly after, starting getting ready. Didn't get a chance to talk to Caligurl, but Tracy and I saw her running across the parking lot
I met Pam, Audrey and Nina and Brandy, and Bikemomma for the first time.
Pam,tracy and Nina were riding together.
I started with my friend Christy, And Brandy was riding with some of her friends from Bike forums ( forgot all the names)
The weather was great!!
I didn't need my Sunglasses till after mile 50!
The rest stops were SWEET! But the bathroom lines were long, to be expected!
All in all VERY FUN DAY!!
Ride time 7 hours 6 minutes
Ave speed 14.3
Next century Amtrak...Sept 9th.

OT - Brandy send me your e-mail address...my Mountain bike club is going to be in OC over labor day weekend. Thought maybe Your friend I was talking too...(.I forgot his name...James?.) might want to ride with the group.
He is more then welcome to join the DirtChix....it is mostly women but we do have a few guys!

Bikemomma...e-mail me ...You were a great ride partner! Thanks for stopping and waiting and for being so patient!!


Thanks everyone!
Karen

[vicvroom]

I had a great time on the Cool Breeze ride, but I didn’t met anyone from TE.

I got to the parking lot at about 6:10. I went through registration quickly and then got my helmet, bike, shoes etc. and headed over to the table area. I didn’t see anyone (I was looking for a group of several women, or anyone that might meet the descriptions that were posted). So, I headed done to the start area. Again, no one looked like TE people, though I’m not sure I could have picked them out anyway, since I’ve never met anyone from the list.

I was getting antsy, so I started at 6:32, according to my watch.

The ride started out on a few miles of bike path, then onto the freeway, where semis were passing. Some guy without a route slip even asked me if this was the right way. But there was a wide enough bike lane so that it didn’t feel scary - I didn’t even feel that push of wind that passing semis can create.

About 10 miles in to the ride I realized I was hungry - that’s not good. I didn’t understand it, I had had my regular hearty breakfast of a banana and as much oatmeal as I could eat, and that usually keeps me pretty satisfied for a while. It must have been that I hadn’t really had much to eat the day before - gotta watch that. Anyway, there was a large selection of food at the first rest stop, so I had some peanut butter on a bagel and off I went.

I think the most hazardous part of the route was a small green slimy drainage stream crossing the road at the bottom of a short, but steep hill. I slowed down a lot for that (my last fall was caused by my tires sliding out from under me on a slimy green puddle). After I got through, I started to pedal up the hill, but my tires were slipping. I was pretty sure that I was going to fall, but was able to unclip and then I walked my bike up until the hill leveled out a little and I could get back on.

Pulling away from the second rest stop, there was no one in view in front of me. So, I assumed I was going the wrong way, and pulled over til someone passed, and I could follow. This happened a few times, and everytime that there wasn’t someone I could see, I was certain that I had screwed up reading the route sheet. I even pulled over once (there was no one in view on a wide open street in front or behind me. A SAG Wagon saw me pull over and the kind woman in the van assured me I was going the right way.

The hills after the second rest stop were bigger than I thought they would be. The biggest was supposed to be after the 3rd rest stop, and this century is only supposed to have 3500 feet of elevation total, so I was expecting smaller hills. As a matter of fact, there was supposed to be one big hill, and I have no idea which one that was.

After I got past the hilliest part, I was still feeling pretty good. And then I hit a hill at 45 miles, and was surprised the amount of effort it took. I tried to shift into a lower gear in the back a couple times, but I was maxed out. Then, at the top of the hill I moved the chain to a smaller ring in the back, then went to shift to the larger ring in the front. It wasn’t shifting. I looked to see what was wrong. Yeah, I was in my bigger ring all the way up the hill.

The 10 miles before the last rest stop were the hardest for me. My legs were really beginning to feel the distance, but I had been riding from some people from OC for about 20 miles and that helped.

I loved the last rest stop. The popsicles gave me strength! I felt great riding the last 15 miles (even though there were a few miles of torn up asphalt in this section). I was talking about this to a few people at the meal afterwards, and they agreed. Though one mentioned that it could have been due to the tailwind we had on the way back.

I thought the ride had great scenery and great support. I sort of wish there were more riders so I wouldn’t have to worry thinking I was lost. I also think that the course was marked really well, most impressive were the markings for the dangerous hairpin turns.

I ended up with a ride time of 6:09:54. Average speed 16.5.

[Trekhawk]

Congratulations Ladies and thanks for the great ride reports. Good times too even with those nasty hills - well done.

[Brandy]

I had a great time on the Cool Breeze ride, but I didn’t met anyone from TE.

I5.

Oh poop...I had a detailed reply typed out to you (complete with multiple quotes) and I accidently deleted the big post...darn it! Anyhow...I agreed with so many things on your report...the hazardous section, the confusion after RS2, the leg between RS4 and RS5 being the toughest and the last leg being the best/speediest! BTW...everyone I've talked to has agreed that the elevation for the century WAS NOT 3500 ft! Several people measured 4700+ ft for the century route on their altimeters or garmin edge's.

Wish we could have met up!

[Brandy]

Does anyone know if Kim (bikemomma) made it home safely?

[Brandy]

My pics (and those I've stolen from people on Bike Forums ) are on my flickr site...

Cool Breeze pics

[tprevost]

Does anyone know if Kim (bikemomma) made it home safely?

Yes, I got a PM from her saying she got home safe and sound

[Brandy]

Yes, I got a PM from her saying she got home safe and sound

Oh good...just wanted to make sure since I hadn't made a post from her. I can't imagine making that drive after riding! Hope her extra shots of espresso worked!

[BikeMomma]

Does anyone know if Kim (bikemomma) made it home safely?

Present and accounted for!

I was concerned about the ride home, admittedly. But, I stopped by Starbucks and got extra caffeine, so I was fine for about half of the 4.5-hour drive. After that, the caffeine wore off and sleepiness took over, so I pulled over at a well-timed rest area and took a little catnap. After waking, I was fine for the rest of the ride home, with the help of a bag of m&m's and some nasty french vanilla cappucino purchased at a mini-mart gas station. Yeck!

Got in at about 11:45, after stopping at the grocery store for the husband. Apparently, he didn't think I had a full enough day...... The bed felt wonderful, I must say.

As for my ride report, I started the ride about 15-20 minutes later than I really wanted to, as I wanted to hook up with Tracy & the others before the start, but with having to check out of the hotel & all beforehand, I got there a bit late. My 'puter said 6:48am as I rolled out.

I had the descriptions of Tracy and Karen in my head as I started and sorta hoped I'd be able to catch up to one of them somewhere. Well, I ended up passing Tracy somewhere along the line (she said later she thought it was me, but wasn't sure), but as I passed this cute long-haired redhead on a bike decked out with pink accessories, I thought "Hmmm...bet this is Karen." And lo and behold it was.....and so, I gained a riding partner.

The hills were tough in some spots, but with the hill training I've done this year, I was able to get up them without problem. I was faster up the hills than Karen, however, but it was no biggie for me to stop at the top and let her catch up. Hill climbing is all about pace -- you have to go your own speed and at your own level of comfort. Waiting gave me a chance to really enjoy my surroundings. It's a gorgeous area.

I admit, though, sometimes the crest of the hill turned into a sweet downhill right away, and I couldn't resist a fast curve or two before I stopped. Those switchbacks were fun, fun, fun!! My max speed was about 36mph (it actually shows 56.4mph, but I know that's incorrect -- must have had some interference somewhere). There were some fun, twisty, fast descents. Good for adrenaline junkies (like moi).

The bee sting, though, took the cake for my most memorable moment of the ride. The sucker got me on the forehead right above my eyebrow. Yowwie zowwie!

The rest stops were awesome as reputed - plentiful, good food, fresh fruit, lots of liquid. Even the porta-potties were tolerable ('cept for the lines...). The registration the night before was nicely organized, as was the post ride check-in. The friday night pasta dinner was good, got carbed-up pretty well there, and the post ride meal was yummy (ate it on the drive home). Those were some huge popsicles...yum! The hangliders at the last rest stop were of particular interest to me...another thing I want to try.

I took pics (ask Karen ), and I'll post those a.s.a.p. I really can't spend any time on it tonight, as I have some reading to do for my night class.

It was great to meet you, Brandy, Pam, Tracy, and especially Karen (anyone I miss?). We must work on the Nor-Cal gals to come down to this ride (it's worth the drive, really, but then again, they'd have an even longer drive than I did...).

Cool breezes to you all,
~BikeMomma (Kim)

[tprevost]

Present and accounted for!

I was concerned about the ride home, admittedly. But, I stopped by Starbucks and got extra caffeine, so I was fine for about half of the 4.5-hour drive. After that, the caffeine wore off and sleepiness took over, so I pulled over at a well-timed rest area and took a little catnap. After waking, I was fine for the rest of the ride home, with the help of a bag of m&m's and some nasty french vanilla cappucino purchased at a mini-mart gas station. Yeck!

Got in at about 11:45, after stopping at the grocery store for the husband. Apparently, he didn't think I had a full enough day...... The bed felt wonderful, I must say.

As for my ride report, I started the ride about 15-20 minutes later than I really wanted to, as I wanted to hook up with Tracy & the others before the start, but with having to check out of the hotel & all beforehand, I got there a bit late. My 'puter said 6:48am as I rolled out.

I had the descriptions of Tracy and Karen in my head as I started and sorta hoped I'd be able to catch up to one of them somewhere. Well, I ended up passing Tracy somewhere along the line (she said later she thought it was me, but wasn't sure), but as I passed this cute long-haired redhead on a bike decked out with pink accessories, I thought "Hmmm...bet this is Karen." And lo and behold it was.....and so, I gained a riding partner.

The hills were tough in some spots, but with the hill training I've done this year, I was able to get up them without problem. I was faster up the hills than Karen, however, but it was no biggie for me to stop at the top and let her catch up. Hill climbing is all about pace -- you have to go your own speed and at your own level of comfort. Waiting gave me a chance to really enjoy my surroundings. It's a gorgeous area.

I admit, though, sometimes the crest of the hill turned into a sweet downhill right away, and I couldn't resist a fast curve or two before I stopped. Those switchbacks were fun, fun, fun!! My max speed was about 36mph (it actually shows 56.4mph, but I know that's incorrect -- must have had some interference somewhere). There were some fun, twisty, fast descents. Good for adrenaline junkies (like moi).

The bee sting, though, took the cake for my most memorable moment of the ride. The sucker got me on the forehead right above my eyebrow. Yowwie zowwie!

The rest stops were awesome as reputed - plentiful, good food, fresh fruit, lots of liquid. Even the porta-potties were tolerable ('cept for the lines...). The registration the night before was nicely organized, as was the post ride check-in. The friday night pasta dinner was good, got carbed-up pretty well there, and the post ride meal was yummy (ate it on the drive home). Those were some huge popsicles...yum! The hangliders at the last rest stop were of particular interest to me...another thing I want to try.

I took pics (ask Karen ), and I'll post those a.s.a.p. I really can't spend any time on it tonight, as I have some reading to do for my night class.

It was great to meet you, Brandy, Pam, Tracy, and especially Karen (anyone I miss?). We must work on the Nor-Cal gals to come down to this ride (it's worth the drive, really, but then again, they'd have an even longer drive than I did...).

Cool breezes to you all,
~BikeMomma (Kim)

Kim,

I'm SO glad you had a great ride! Karen is awesome and I'm glad you were able to hook up w/her Those drives home are hard aren't they! I had a hard time too and mine ended up being only about 2 1/2 hours; I would've been in trouble w/your drive. Next year I'll stay both nights and go home in the morning!

Ya know, from the bay area, the drive is only about 5 hours (from SJ anyway) so it isn't much further than yours... we could make it a weekend thing and have a blast! I hope some of them will decide to come next year!

Tracy

[Clare]

Great reports! What a great ride....I drove down to Simi Valley on Saturday and had the good fortunce to see lots of cyclist doing this century. What a beautiful area to ride....although the traffic on 101 was so heavy! that could have been a little scary!
Thanks for sharing!

[bcipam]

I just want to send a great big congratulations out to everyone who completed their first century. Cool Breeze is not the easiest but I think it's one of the nicest.

A BIG SPECIAL THANKS go out to my ride partners Judy, Tracy and Nina. I had a ball! Just wish I took more pictures. I carried that camera but just didn't whip it out enough. My bad!

Hope everyone is feeling fine. Audrey, please check in on your ride, Judy how did Sylvia do? Good job Brandy on your ride, great time for a first century!

* * *

Just a follow-up the next morning I did a TNC mountain bike ride. Was fearful that my legs wouldn't be up to the task. I actually felt great and the ride was just what I needed to loosen up stiff muscles. Weather was awesome. We saw deer, skunks, hawks, a beautiful little red velvet ant, and some snakes.

The only problem I have is with my girly parts being sore so tonight I'm off the bike, staying home and cleaning house instead ( but I actually rather be riding! )

[Trekhawk]

Well done everyone. Hey Tracy, Nina, Cali WHERE ARE YOUR RIDE REPORTS?????

Come on all you girls who havent give us a ride report. You have done the hard part now comes the bragging part........Im waiting.