Tahoe Sierra Century - 9/22/07 - Anyone?

[michelem]

Is anyone doing the Tahoe Sierra Century on 9/22/07?

http://www.tahoesierracentury.com/index.html

I am seriously considering doing the 60 mile route (my longest ride so far is only 78 miles, and that was pretty flat with some very, very mild rollers).

Anyway, would love to meet some TE'ers if you're going to be doing this ride . . .

[Trekhawk]

No Im not doing this one but why dont you come and do the Tour De Tahoe on the 9th. I think its around 75 miles but its pretty flat apart from a couple of whoopty doos.

[Starfish]

I think Sara might be doing this one.

[michelem]

Like Trekhawk, Sara's doing Tour de Tahoe on the 9th. Unfortunately, I can't make that one.

[Trekhawk]

Like Trekhawk, Sara's doing Tour de Tahoe on the 9th. Unfortunately, I can't make that one.

Oh thats a shame!!
Have a great time at the Tahoe Sierra ride.

[luvs2ride]

Hey Michelle, My first and only century was June 3rd in Lake Tahoe ("America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride"). This ride on June 3rd went from South Shore, around the Lake, into Trukee and back to South Shore. It was VERY HILLY! Took over 7 hours of ride time to complete. Sounds like the ride you're talking about has an even greater elevation. I will say that Lake Tahoe is beautiful and my husband and I really enjoyed our ride but we were out there for over 9 hours!! Good luck!!

[Trekhawk]

Hey Michelle, My first and only century was June 3rd in Lake Tahoe ("America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride"). This ride on June 3rd went from South Shore, around the Lake, into Trukee and back to South Shore. It was VERY HILLY! Took over 7 hours of ride time to complete. Sounds like the ride you're talking about has an even greater elevation. I will say that Lake Tahoe is beautiful and my husband and I really enjoyed our ride but we were out there for over 9 hours!! Good luck!!

Hmm it has 2600 feet of climbing which is not really all that much for the distance. I guess the kicker is that most of the gain is in two climbs.
It really is a beautiful area.

[maillotpois]

Re: the elevation - the last time I did AMBBR, the same 100 mile course that I think luvs2 did, I showed 4400 feet. That was with my ciclosport. Not a lot of climbing for 100 miles, given how hilly it seems. You're right TH - basically 2 climbs that get your attention.

It is a pretty ride. Haven't done it the last 2 years, but did it the 4 previous years coaching with TNT.

[Trekhawk]

Re: the elevation - the last time I did AMBBR, the same 100 mile course that I think luvs2 did, I showed 4400 feet. That was with my ciclosport. Not a lot of climbing for 100 miles, given how hilly it seems. You're right TH - basically 2 climbs that get your attention.

It is a pretty ride. Haven't done it the last 2 years, but did it the 4 previous years coaching with TNT.

You might be right the website lists 72 miles with 2600 feet of climbing but if they have a 100 course it must be more.

http://www.bikethewest.com/AMBBR.html

Tour De Tahoe site says 75 miles with 2600 feet of climbing.

[maillotpois]

I remember reading about the 2600 and thinking it made no sense - there's just no way even the loop around the lake is that low. The out and back to Truckee is hardly any climbing at all so it couldn't possibly make up the difference.

Very odd.

[RolliePollie]

I hope the Tour de Tahoe is really only 2600' because I know I can do that

Michelle - good luck on the Tahoe Sierra! If you decide to do it, I'd love to hear what you think of the route. I was torn between the two rides, but the Tour de Tahoe looked easier and I'm a big chicken at this point in my riding career.

Hey wait...there are two weeks between the rides. Maybe I should do both? Ha ha, yeah right. But...maybe...

[Trekhawk]

Hey wait...there are two weeks between the rides. Maybe I should do both? Ha ha, yeah right. But...maybe...

See these rides can be addictive.
Maybe you could use the Tour De Tahoe as your training ride for the Sierra one.

[RolliePollie]

See these rides can be addictive.
Maybe you could use the Tour De Tahoe as your training ride for the Sierra one.

Hey thanks...great idea! I noticed that late registration fees for the Sierra don't kick in until Sept. 12. And the Tour de Tahoe is on Sept. 9. Maybe I will do the Tahoe, see how that goes, and then decide on registering for the Sierra.

Michelle - maybe you can help talk me into this plan?

[michelem]

Okay, Sara, how's this: PULLLLEEEEEASSSSE do the Tahoe Sierra Century with me!

60 Mile Route: 2,500' vertical gain. Starts in Squaw Valley, follows the Truckee River to Truckee, then 5 miles alongside Donner Lake. A strenuous climb up Old Hwy 40 to Donner Summit provides incredible views along the way. Descend to our lunch stop at Cisco Grove. Turn around and return the way you came, this time enjoying an exhilarating descent to Donner Lake and a 15-mile flat finish back to Squaw Valley.

Really not that bad. I did 40-something miles of this ride (minus the Cisco Grove descent and climb back) a couple weeks ago. Yes, the elevation added some extra heavy breathing, but I was really surprised that it was not harder than it was. The roads were nicely paved with good shoulders.

Let me know what you think, Sara. I think most of the guys from CycleFolsom are going to do the 100-miler, but I know I'm not ready for that yet!

[RolliePollie]

OK then, I am seriously considering doing both rides now

The 60 mile route looks really good. Looks like the 100 has a heck of a lot more climbing. I doubt I would be ready for 100 yet anyway. Now that I compare the web site for this ride vs. the Tour de Tahoe, I can't figure out why I thought one would be a lot easier than the other!

Michele - I'll PM you about the Cycle Folsom ride coming up this weekend...