Foxy's Falll Classic - Davis

[RolliePollie]

Thanks everyone, for all the awesome info! It's great to have a little preview of the route. I'm not so worried about the climbing as I am about the distance. And actually, I'm looking forward to some flat riding...that will be exciting and different for me since there is nothing flat up here in the foothills!

So far, the Nat'l Weather Service website is not predicting gale force winds, so I'm hopeful. The course opens at 7 am...I plan to be ready to go by 6:55! I'm also really hoping I can latch on to a group here and there, so I'll be on the lookout for yellow jerseys and argyle socks!

[SadieKate]

Since you are not used to long distances on freakingly flat roads, remember to stand up regularly. Pedal a few strokes standing. Stretch your back, legs, etc. There is an art to managing butt pain when riding extended flat sections.

[jobob]

There is an art to managing butt pain when riding extended flat sections.

It's called owning a Brooks saddle.

[SadieKate]

And yet, I've never been awash in a "sea of chamois butter".

And I'm not really talking about that kind of butt pain. I just hate sitting for long periods of time. Yet, what am I doing still here at work?

[jobob]

And yet, I've never been awash in a "sea of chamois butter".

Wizeazzz

[RolliePollie]

Well, I did it! I’ve got my first century under my belt now. Yippee!

What an awesome day! Everything went great. 6 hours 44 minutes of riding, average of 15.9 mph. I don’t think the weather could’ve been much better. There was a little wind in the morning and but it was only really bad for about 5 miles. The temperature was perfect throughout the ride and the scenery was great. Davis Bike Club did an excellent job. There was a lot of support on the course, the course was very well marked, rest stops were well stocked with good food, and lunch and the post-ride meal were great. Plus I got a free Foxy’s water bottle because it was my first Century.

I had planned to ride alone, but I met up with three folks I know at about mile 40 and rode with them the rest of the day. That was great…not only did I get to draft off of them, but it kept me from getting bored and lonely. I’m sure that’s why I was able to average 15.9. I never expected to ride it that fast…I was hoping for 15 but I didn’t think that was realistic.

The hilly section between about mile 65 and 75 was yucky. That was a lot of steep and long climbing to pack into just a few miles. Plus I was already pooped by then! Even though I ride lots of hills, these hills were challenging. But of course, then we got the awesome downhills around Lake Berryessa, so I can’t complain too much.

Although I do think the organizers under estimate the climbing, this was a great first century. It was just a great ride. Now I want to do another one (next season!).

[SadieKate]

Eh, they just don't describe the long climb up to Moskowite. You think any of your challenge came from riding at a faster pace than normal?

Now you know why riding the reverse (climbing Cardiac and descending Wooden Valley) is so much more fun. The climbing is over with faster or at least comes in chunks and then you get a glorious downhill. I'll take shorter and steeper every time, while making the descent as long as possible.

Congratulations for the first! There's only about 3,000' of climbing on the course, so now you can pick out a new challenge.