Cool Breeze Century complete!

[bikerchick68]

Hi all... well, I completed my 5th century of the year on Saturday... the Cool Breeze in Ventura, CA. It was a PERFECT day for riding... slightly overcast and cool...

the century had about 3200 ft of climbing...as far as I could tell ALL in the first 40 miles!! Once ya get thru the climbing there were some fantastic views of the ocean and the USS Ronald Reagan out in the distance... I got some fantastic pics which I will post a bit later. Anyway, for me it was an uneventful ride... I was riding with a newer person who had a gazillion mechanicals followed by a crash when an unleashed dog came at her... followed by a broken seat post which resulted in her sagging in at mile 58 or so... she ended up at the ER and now on crutches!

Caligurl did the DOUBLE METRIC WITH 7300 FT CLIMBING!!! the woman is a billy goat in the mountains I tell ya! Super strong climber... I saw her at the end and it didn't even look like she'd ridden 124 miles! I, on the other hand, looked as tho someone beat me! Hair sticking out every which way, covered in sweat and salt... and really happy to see the dinner they put out!

Overall a great ride... my next century is 9/24! Lighthouse Century in San Luis Obispo!

I'll add the pics in a few hours...

[tricat]

Hey Bikerchick68,

Wow, I`m so impressed! You must of felt great seeing that finish line. Glad the weather was a little cool, would of been tough if you had the hot humid weather.

Job well done!

[Trekhawk]

[QUOTE bikerchick68] I, on the other hand, looked as tho someone beat me! Hair sticking out every which way, covered in sweat and salt... and really happy to see the dinner they put out!

Congratulations on the ride, I laughed when I read the part about how you looked at the end - I look like that after every ride and I dont ride anywhere near that distance yet.

Great riding.

[Trek420]

congrats on the ride bikerchick. I hope your friend is ok and that somone sees to educating the owner of that unleashed dog. It's not only dangerous for cyclists and peds, but neglectful of the dog. Anyway I'm so impressed that after her crash she got back on the bike to have yet further mechanicals!

My hat's off to her. But most important is she ok?

[bikerchick68]

thanks all! trek420... I talked to her finally again this AM... she's on crutches and will be seeing a specialist... nothing broken but a bad sprain... she's hoping for a 1 week recovery...we'll see...

here are some pics of the ride... the guy in the Solvang jersey next to me is my bro who has lost 216 lbs cycling now!!!

[bikerchick68]

one of the roads... this was a pretty ride!

[bikerchick68]

some Bouganvilla at the top of the climb...

[bikerchick68]

the USS Ronald Reagan in the distance!

[bikerchick68]

and last but not least... I NEED one of these sculptures!!!

[CorsairMac]

oooo I'm glad you clarified that last photo - I wasn't sure if it was you or your bro at first!

sounds and looks like it was a beautiful century and I loved your description of you at the end....too cute. (I noticed you didn't have a pix of That! )

[Kimred]

If you could see my GREEN face right now - I am soooo Jealous!
Great ride, thanks for sharing.
Kim

[bcipam]

Bikerchic:

I was there on Saturday as well. One of my favorite rides - I loved the new start and some of the alternative routing. But I'm so bummed, although I brought my camera I took no pictures. Just didn't have time. Spent all my time chasing after my buddy's rear view!! He's just a good friend but definitely fills out those bike shorts in a good way.

Anyway was a great day. Just loved the cool air in the morning and the scenary can't be beat. If you all are looking for a Century to try I would recommend this one. Not the easiest out there but one of the prettiest. Always something to look at while climbing! And climbing there is!

PS: to add to your friends story - we were standing around waiting for everyone to come in. My buddy shouted "there's..." and then took off running. He saw her turn the corner at the finish, see another friend, wave and hit a car trying to exit. I turned in time to see the rear of her bike up in the air and poof, she went down. Thankfully she is OK but the car, well, that was a costly ride - she'll have to pay for the damage.

[CorsairMac]

If you could see my GREEN face right now - I am soooo Jealous!
Great ride, thanks for sharing.
Kim

so would that make you KimGreen then??


(sorry I just couldn't resist!! and yes you may smack me right upside my punkinhead!)

[Rakekay]

Wow, five centuries already this year. I'm impressed. I'm new to biking and currently training for my first century (the Sea Gull Century in Maryland in October). Anyone else doing that one? Any advice for us century newbies?

[caligurl]

GREAT PICS, bc!!!!!! i was so mad at hubby... he had his little camera (bought JUST for taking on the bike!) and didn't take ANY pics along the way! MEN! he said i could carry it next time.. (that's all fine and dandy.. but he's coordinated enuf to take them on the bike while riding... i, on the other hand.. would have to stop... but i DEFINITELY woulda gotten several of the USS ronald reagan!)

i really liked this ride.. i was disappointed in that i thought there would be more coastal riding (like in the grand tour double metric).. but this one was gorgeous in it's own way.. hmmmm so the century's climbing was all in the first 40 miles? not ours some sadist put a... what i was told is a 9% grade.. felt a LOT steeper than that... at the 100 miles mark! EGADS!

it's definitely on the list of "to do" rides for next year!

p.s. i looked fresh and clean cuz i was on my way back from the showers when i saw you and RSjr! i wish EVERY ride had showers.. made the ride home much nicer....