Oooo, wweeeee! LOTS o’ stuff goin’ on these days… a  wee bit of bike riding, but… would I rather write or ride? Let’s just say, my priorities are OK (by me!)

Heavy training program at work, house chores to complete, before the end of our stumbling along FALL, here in NorCal - isn’t it supposed to be raining by now? I mean, how can we complain about the weather and not ride bikes, if it’s in the mid 70’s and beautiful outside? Really! No room for whiners or weenies here. I did get out for a ride Sunday - 43 miles, 4300 ft., felt good, more bad jokes - then, a crawl under the house to replace the dryer duct work… see! It’s not all about sunshine and blue sky. Reality is getting the clothes dry, sometimes???

Well, I have been riding to work - that is a very good thing… even riding back after dark is a good thing, in my opinion - it’s not training, but it sure does feel good.

I’m plugging away on updating the century calendar. You can’t see it yet, but that’s because it’s not “published” - I’m going to include all the rides in CA, so it takes quite a while, just to have these words appear on your monitor: “Century Calendar.” It’s cool. There are so many rides worth trying, if you haven’t! New is good. Challenging is good.

Having a clothes dryer that works is good.

- Frank Pedrick

I’ve been spending some time now just looking at the rides coming up next year, and I’ve gotta say it sorta wets my appetite for the rides to come… I’ve ridden a lot of centuries and double centuries here in Northern CA. Most, I look forward to, some (just a few) weren’t great (but I’m pretty forgiving - they were new rides). It’s always easy to be critical, so I left honest suggestions and opinions.

I’m working on the century calendar for next year.

I have to say, I’m feeling a little envious of the SoCal folks who have fair weather year ’round…

I’m over it.

- Frank Pedrick

Whew?!

I’m going for a 2 or 3 hour ride with some friends this afternnon, so I’m trying to hustle up a bit - the usual business to take care of on a weekend, don’t ya know?

I sacrificed my “ride time” yesterday to clean up the yard, driveway, sidewalks… and just in time. As I was putting away the leaf blower, rake and various other implements of temporary “nature control,” the rain started… and it came down!!

Narrowly avoiding a collision with leaf mush…

Today is beautiful!

I’m putting together a “Century Calendar” for next year. I use several sources - for rides I’ve done, I go to the sponsor’s web site to check dates and update information; to bike club web sites, if I know they put on rides, and to some of the on-line calendars… I don’t have the “connections” for southern California yet, but I’m working on it!

-  Frank Pedrick

‘Round here, the ride calendar thins out after the “Foxy.” The time change happens in a couple of weeks and the kids will be out trick or treating and the days get short and the weather gets colder and and we begrudgingly get out the indoor trainers (we Cal-ee-forn-ee-uns are such wimps - most other places in the world would consider our winter mild) and then, before you know it, it’s December 21st, which is my favorite day of the winter because the days start getting longer again.

Really, I’m just putting off telling all my excuses for not riding the couple of weeks before riding the “Foxy.”

So, I won’t. But, I didn’t. Life happens or something like that. Does that work?

100 mile century start time was 7-8 am and we rolled out of the parking lot at a quarter after 8, my riding friends and I.

The sun was up a little and I decided not to wear any extra stuff. Cool. Not for long.

I’ve taken to packin’ a point n’ shoot camera in my back pocket. Sometimes I look, sometimes I don’t.

Well, as it turns out, the beginning of the ride is flat as a pancake, so no matter, we were “motoring” along.

Now, one of the things about “Foxy” is, it can get mighty windy.

I like hills better, at least I know when they’re over.

We cruised along pretty comfortably for the first 25, to the first rest stop. Now, the guys and I talked about rest-stop time and decided to keep it short, like 5 minutes, because we all cool down quickly and starting up again is like starting up again. Once I’m started, I like to keep going. Sooo, even though we’re a sociable bunch and love to eat and all, we rolled out in about 7 minutes, with a pee break.

We started up hill a little, I mean, a little. It kinda felt like up, but didn’t really look like up to me.

We stopped at a little wayside water stop and I think that’s where I started to realize that maybe starting a little earlier might be a good idea. We made it just in time for the last third of the last jug of water.

Side Note:

I started a double century really early one time and reached rest stops as they were unpacking… timing!

We rode through suburbia. It was so cool. (I taught middle school last year.)

I stopped at a yard sale and bought a dining room set and a TV for the back bedroom. And, put it in my seat bag!

There were Halloween decorations in the yards.

Then, into the vineyards.

And backroads.

Lunch was excellent at about mile 62, and we did hang out a little bit - I really appreciate the volunteers who do these events!

The ride did get to be a little more uphill after that, or maybe it was that sandwich?

Did I mention that it was a 106 mile century? I started to think about that a little bit more after lunch. I think I need some new riding shorts or maybe a new seat…

Or, maybe a 10 pound carbon fiber bike…

Just kidding! It was beautiful.

Ken was feeling spunky and rode off ahead. I was feeling my “rest days,” and pedaled along. It did get hilly, though, and warmer.

The last rest stop was in a shady, beautiful park. A lot of people were hanging out enjoying it, with 23 miles to go…

Ken waited for me and we headed out together, but joined a paceline that was wonky… I was stuck behind a guy that would pedal, pedal, coast… it drove me up the wall, so I dropped out.

I’d rather ride solo than deal with that!

So, I rode in with a variety of different people, chatting and kinda savoring the last few miles.

About not riding before the ride… I probably… OK, I would have been quicker and happier if I’d gotten out. I averaged 16.7 and about 6:30 ride time…

Here’s the elevation chart - it looks a lot scarier than it was…

On the other hand, maybe it wasn’t the sandwich!

- Frank Pedrick (Photographs Copyright 2008, Frank Pedrick)

The Tahoe Sierra Century is a local Tahoe fund-raiser with all proceeds benefiting the Music Programs at North Tahoe Middle and High Schools. It’s very well organized, with parent and student volunteers working together throughout the event from check-in, to rest stops, to performing music at the after-ride festivities. It was cool being cheered on by middle and high school students as we crested some of the longer climbs!

Speaking of cool, it was a little chilly at the start of the ride. Most riders wore layers - leggings, arm warmers, jackets or vests and glove liners or long finger gloves. Every rest stop had bags so that extra gear could be dropped off. It was returned to the finish and was easy to find.

I shed my jacket, glove liners, leg and arm warmers at the first aid station - and felt comfortable the rest of the day. The weather couldn’t have been better. Sunny, with a breeze that always seemed to be a head wind - ever notice that? I rode for a while with a local rider who told me the wind always picks up in the afternoon. It did, and turns at the front of the pacelines were short and sweet. I heard that the weather last year was terrible. That’s fall in the Sierras!

There were almost 600 riders.

The start/finish was at the Village at Squaw Valley.

Riding the bike path along the Truckee river.

One cold, one warm?

The rest stop before the climb to Brockway Summit.

A tie-dye welcome sign...

A mix-your-own snack option.

Climbing Donner Pass Road.

Still climbing Donner Pass Road.

Yep, still climbing.

Getting near the top...

Next to the road near the Cisco Grove turn-around point.

Descending Donner Pass Road!

Oh, yeah? The camera decided to do this as I was cruising down Donner Pass at 42 mph...

Dinner music.

The elevations looked like this… about 7500 ft. of gain (and descent!).

Tahoe-Sierra Elevations

My total time this time out was a little long - I hung out at the rest stops longer than usual, visiting. I wasn’t able to ride much during the week before the ride, but felt pretty good.

- Frank Pedrick

Photos are Copyright 2008 Frank Pedrick

I try to do a short “warm down” ride the day after riding a century or double century. It helps my legs to recover, and loosens me up - I tend to get a little stiff across the shoulders toward the end of rides. A short, easy ride helps - maybe 10-15 miles in an easy gear.

This time, because of the drive time, I jumped right into “responsible mode” putting all my gear away, doing a few weekend chores, mowing the lawn and grocery shopping. 

Maybe lawn mowing helped? I joined the regular Tuesday evening ride (32 miles) and felt pretty good, riding a varied pace.

My next century is September 20th, the Tahoe-Sierra Century.

- Frank Pedrick

Put this one on your calendar for next year - I already have!

The ride was very well organized, well supported, the food was good and plentiful, it was challenging enough and the countryside is breath-taking!

It is a bit of a drive… about five hours from the Grass Valley/Nevada City area.

We were getting pretty hungry by the time when we reached Gardnerville, NV. Luckily, we stopped in at the JT Basque Bar & Dining Room (1426 US Highway 395 N, Gardnerville, NV 89410 (775) 782-2074). The staff was great, the food was fantastic and the prices reasonable. It was obviously a popular place for locals.

Whitmore Baseball Fields, where the ride starts and finishes, is south of Mammoth Lakes - if you are coming from the North, keep an eye out for a green church on the left side of Highway 395. The fields had public rest rooms (as well as port-a-potties for the riders). There was plenty of manicured lawn for tent camping and parking for self-contained trailers and RVs. Also, there was a pool nearby with free showers and swimming for after the ride.

It’s hard to guess how many riders participated (about 640, I hear). We didn’t wait for anything throughout the day. Aid stations (food, water and electrolyte replacement drinks) were well stocked with a variety of goodies and the folks there were friendly and helpful. There were plenty of port-a-potties (short waits). There was very little traffic. There were frequent sag wagons cruising the route, so if anyone needed one, they probably didn’t wait too long. A bike mechanic was at the rest stops.

The ride was well worth the trip!

The view from the parking area.

Sunrise brings bicycles!

Registration was quick and easy.

We started at 8 a.m.

The road toward Benton, south of Mono Lake.

Easing back to the end of the pace line.

We're approaching Mono Lake.

Near the Mono Mills rest stop.

Heading toward Sagehen summit.

The highway expansion joints could loosen your teeth!

The lunch was great! I ate and ate...

I wonder if the expansion joints will aid digestion?

The rest stop before a 6 mile climb.

The beginning of the climb.

She defied gravity on the climb, too!

I was captured by the PhotoCrazy cameras as I rode by.

And now, for the numbers…

The ride was 95 miles, and my elevation graph looked like this (5624 ft. ascent):

Elevations for the High Sierra Century

At 50 miles, before lunch, we were averaging 18 mph! At the end of the day, I averaged 16.5 mph, my average heart rate was 153 b.p.m., and my average cadence was 80 r.p.m. I probably was riding a little too hard for the first half… I didn’t have a lot of energy left at the end of the ride!

- Frank Pedrick

Photos, except for “PhotoCrazy” are Copyright 2008 Frank Pedrick

The Bike

Clean the bike, checking for loose parts, frayed cables, cracked frame, etc.

Clean the chain and drive train.

Lube the chain - wipe off any excess.

Check the spokes.

Wipe off the rims.

Check the tires - pick out any embedded stuff the could give you a flat, make sure your tires are in good condition.

Check your seat bag repair kit: I carry an extra tube, CO2 cartridge and filler, a patch kit (make sure the glue hasn’t dried out), and tire levers.

Check your brakes.

Check your pump.

Check your cyclometer.

Test ride your bike - check that it shifts nicely, brakes smoothly and doesn’t have any weird noises or other strange behaviors.

Bring two water bottles.

Clothing

Helmet

Cycling Shorts or Tights

Cycling Jersey

Cycling Gloves

Socks

Cycling Shoes

Eye protection

In addition (maybe):

Heart rate monitor and chest strap

I.D. Bracelet or Dog tag (I use a Road I.D.) or other I.D.

Health Insurance card

“Arms” or “Legs” - these help keep your extremities warm on chilly mornings and can be stuffed in your jersey pockets when it warms up.

Vest or jacket

Head band or skull cap

ear coverings

Rain cape

Toe covers or booties

light weight glove liners that fit under your cycling gloves or full finger gloves

Electrolyte replacement drink powder (I’m used to one brand and have had problems if I use something different on a long ride).

Bag Balm, Butt Butter, A&D Ointment, etc. - stuff that will help keep your rear end happy!

Sun Screen

Lip Balm

Cell phone

Money

Camera

- Frank Pedrick

I like to go out for a relaxed, easy “spin” a day or two before riding a century. Because I won’t have time on Friday - we’re leaving around 3:30 - I went for a 22 mile ride Thursday afternoon. This ride is an out and back ride, slightly downhill on the way out, and a little harder on the way back. My goal, to “keep it easy,” meant keeping my heart rate below 150, but my cadence still around 90 to 100. I pedaled a little easier gear…

My numbers for the ride, according to the Garmin Edge 305:

22 miles; 1686 Elevation gain; Ave. Heart Rate: 135; Average Cadence: 76 rpm

The map:

The elevations:

Of course, the ride isn’t just about the numbers. It’s a beautiful ride along twisting country roads, through a variety of micro-climates (cool, forested, barren, pastures). The turn-around point has a spectacular view to the west. If you ride down the hill (about 2 miles), you’ll reach Pleasant Valley Rd. If you take a right at that intersection and ride about 2 more miles, you reach South Yuba River State Park on the South Fork of the Yuba River. The ride back up is challenging!

Here is a .pdf file for the “Bitney Drop” out and back ride: “Bitney Drop” Out and Back ride slip

- Frank Pedrick

I headed out for a little training ride Tuesday afternoon. I’m riding the High Sierras Fall Century Saturday, so I wanted to get in some moderate intensity miles. A few hard efforts, with rest breaks in between. We have a regular group ride from the Tour of Nevada City Bike shop at 5:00 p.m., so it’s the perfect time to do a workout like this. The group is mixed levels, so it’s easy to get a good workout trying to keep up with the fast riders, ease off when we regroup, and take it easy from time to time.

I recently bought a Garmin Edge 305 for several reasons: to use to make maps for this web site, and because my handlebars were getting cluttered with instruments - a heart rate monitor and a cyclometer… the Garmin does it all in one unit (and much, much more…). I’ve been working on keeping a cadence in the 90-100 r.p.m. range on flat to slight climbs, and close to 80 r.p.m. on sustained climbs. Generally speaking, I can maintain a heart rate between 150 and 170 for a long ride, based on my max heart rate of 190.

So, here are the results of the ride: 30.3 miles; Ave. Heart Rate: 145 bpm; Ave. Cadence: 75 rpm; Elevation gain: 2643 ft.

Soon, I’ll be adding a route slip to this ride and posting it in the “local rides” section under Nevada County, Grass Valley/Nevada City.

Here are the map and elevation gain chart for the ride…

Allison (Banner direction) map

Allison (Banner direction) Elevations

- Frank Pedrick