Fredwina does a brvet! (is this old news?)

[Fredwina]

I decided to do a 200K brevet this morning. I drove down to San Diego , and it was drizzling all the way down. I had looked at the weather forecast before leaving, and it looked like it would clear off, Wrong!
I go to the start location right at the start time(the trolley stop in Old Town), I needed to use the bathroom real bad.... Unfortunately, they were all locked!
So I started out. I found a quickie mart and used theirs. I had though about going in the woods, but I really need to use some toilet paper to ensure a comfortable ride
I pedaled past Mission bay and then got on what has to be the world's worst bike path. Trees root growing through the pavement, blind curves, a Homeless encampment under a bridge, plus it ended in a flight of stairs
Sound like fun? Did I mention the weather forecast said the rain would end? well instead it started pouring. I was pretty miserable and thought about turn around.
The rain finally started to let up at Oceanside. Going through Camp Pendleton, I started to met ride from an MS150 going the other way. I got out of the base and rode the old 101/coast Highway to San Clemente. where The control and turnaround was at a Carl's Jr(think Hardee's if you're in the Midwest or East Coast). Most Carl's have a mexican sub-menu. I had a burrito platter (had to get my much Frijloes for the way back . It reminded for an Auto shop that I used to live by that claimed to specialize in Foreign and Domestic Autos, I always wanted to my car by - as at the time I had Mercury built in Mexico with an Australian body and a Japanese engine.
Anyway, the way back!
It finally cleared up enough to take pics:

an Indian Guru had this built for himself: The area is called Swami's:

I stopped at a 7-eleven in Encitas to refuel, and Finally Came to my nemesis, The Torrey Pines climb:


It gains about 500 feet in about a miles. I tried a little game. The climb is bit deceiving , as it has a sharp curve about halfway up, just enough to demoralize you. So , i kept that mind, and tried to conserve my effort, and I was up it no time. and no let down rounding that curve.
It was downhill the rest of the way. I did a victory loop of Fiesta island and turned in my card. This got me over 6,000 miles for the year (sorry Lisa) and I'm now eligible for the R-1000 (1000 kilos in Randonees in a single year.
Now to work on that Fleche cue sheet

[Tuckervill]

I like how you just "decided" to do a brevet "this morning".

I've only been to California a few times, but I have seen that Swami place! It's hard to forget. I remember it because my son and I were arguing at the time. lol. How weird is that?

Sorry it rained on you. Thanks for the report!

Karen

[jobob]

Nice report, as always !

FWIW, I usually bring one of those pocket-sized packs of Kleenex, if nature calls and the available facilities (whatever they may be) hve no TP.

[Fredwina]

I like how you just "decided" to do a brevet "this morning".

I've only been to California a few times, but I have seen that Swami place! It's hard to forget. I remember it because my son and I were arguing at the time. lol. How weird is that?

Sorry it rained on you. Thanks for the report!

Karen

I had planned on week or two in advance, but almost decided not when I saw the rain, but the weather said it would "clear out" right

[Mr. Bloom]

I had planned on week or two in advance,

Hmmm...I'm having to plan stuff in '09 to assure I can be able...

[sundial]

Nice pictures, Fredwina. My favorite is heading toward the coast.

This is a dumb question but what is a brevet?

[onimity]

Brevet:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brevet_%28cycling%29

Congrats Fredwina, that's an amazing number of miles (or kms) for the year!

Anne

[RoadRaven]

Somehow missed this post, FW...

You know what impresses me most about your post... after the fact you did it (WOOHOO!!!)

The way you say:

I decided to do a 200K brevet this morning.

I'm with Tuckervill and MrSilver on this one... Thats something I would plan for days, maybe weeks out! Well impressed...

[elk]

must feel worth it when you hit those fat bicycle lanes that run down along the sea...wow.

elk

PS How long does it take to do that 200K? What time do you start in the am & when do you finish? Aproximates will do..!!

[Fredwina]

It stated at 7:00 . Ii was more like 7:30(actually 0730, since Brevets use 24 clocks)
I got back at 1630(4:30) could have gone a bit faster, but was enjoying a day on the bike.
It was pretty much and out and back route.
The nicest part was actually after the ride - I had stopped at the Trek store to get some gloves, and then had dinner. I was near Miramar Marine Corps Air Station and they were having an Air Show, so I watched the Air Force Thunderbirds perform

[silver]

Oh that sounds wonderful. You've inspired me to do something like this. I love that you saw the thunderbirds fly afterwards!

[mimitabby]

wow, you completed your brevet WITH HILLS a lot faster than Raleighdon did his saturday; with a 2800 feet of climb..

you're doing great!

[Fredwina]

wow, you completed your brevet WITH HILLS a lot faster than Raleighdon did his saturday; with a 2800 feet of climb..

you're doing great!

I had 3622 using web based mapping (too cheap to buy a Garmin)
Maybe I should move up there,. MT! I'm usually the last one in. But then I usually don't tarry too long at control.
Sliver, welcome to the Crazy Lady Society I'm trying to remeber if JoBob or myself is the prez...(maybe it's MP You may be in the sam boat I am, as I think the nearest series to you are in St Louis and Lexington, KY

[mimitabby]

Fred, we could use you!
but Raleighdon isn't a tarrier either. but they did stop for lunch.

he was riding with 3 others, and they decided to stay together.

[Brandy]

Nice report. I think we'll do the 200k and 300k in January...they're on our calendar. Thought about doing the 200k on December 15th, but don't want to drive all the way down to Chula Vista!