Ride Report: Solvang Metric Century - November 15, 2008

Ride Report: Solvang Metric Century - November 15, 2008


I survived my first organized, and longest distance, bike ride. It was tough, but I am very glad I did it for several reasons:

1. It showed me how far I have to go to get ready for IMCdA.

Long rides EVERY weekend from here on out. I can always get my long run in, but I bail all too frequently on the long ride.

2. It proved to me that I am stronger on the bike than I thought.

I did the first 45 miles without using my granny gear. By the time I hit the second big climb, my quads were pretty fried and I was tired, so I had to go into the granny gear and had to stop a few times on the hill. I stood there panting in the shade with MANY other riders. The heat got up to 90 degrees, so we hopped from tiny shade spot to tiny shade spot up the 3 mile hill. On the extremely indelicate side, I was also surprised that my ass and *ahem* other parts held up much better than expected.

Elevation Chart for the ride. It was 65 miles, not 71. I forgot to turn off my Garmin and it tracked our drive back to the hotel. It also says that it took me 12 hours to complete the ride, since it kept counting until it ran out of battery.

3. It reminded me how much I LOVE my LA Run Buddy!

Getting ready to head out!



Pretty central California views. This is my first attempt at pictures from the bike.



Picture of LA Run buddy. This is not as easy as you would think.

The self portrait wasn't any easier, nor very flattering.



This is Molly. She was the official greeter at the first rest stop (around Mile 19/20). This picture was granted at the price of one Oreo cookie and a belly rub. Dogs are so cheap. I would have held out for at least two Oreo cookies and a belly rub.



At the second rest stop (Mile 31ish) after the first big climb. We are feeling pretty proud of ourselves.





















Miles 35-45 were a long, slow, painfully boring stretch on a straight highway. I attempted to hold the camera over my head and take pictures of LA Run Buddy behind me. Most were WILDLY unsuccessful.



Finally. Here she is wrestling with the ride sheet. We thought it better that she navigate since I SUCK at it and had lost a contact lens that morning.



LA Run Buddy at the Utopian Rest stop at Mile 45. It was a little tough to leave this
beautiful, food filled aide station when less than 50 feet out of the rest stop you started the
worst climb of the ride.

The only thing worse than the climb from Miles 45 to 48 was the hellish descent. The road was super steep, cracked, pitted and riddled with cavernous pot holes just begging to fold your front tire into a pretzel. I have never swore so much on my bike. And that is saying A LOT because, believe me, I have sworn A LOT on the bike.

I honestly don't know how the guys handled it. They must have spent an hour after the ride trying to dislodge their testicles from their liver.

On our way back into town, we passed Ostrichland! Unfortunately, the birds were
WAY out in the pasture, but I think you can see them.




Still smiling at the end. Always a good sign.
We had a great ride. It was tough, but I think we both held up pretty well.

We will be back in March for the full 100 miles!