Solvang Century? Fallbrook Oaks Tour??

[lkn2ryd]

Anyone going to ride either of these? I hear Solvang runs out of places to stay years in advance of this ride. I don't know the area...camping? Hot showers? Fallbrook looks like a nice ride. Just putting it out there for feedback...let me know if you've done it and what you though. Pleeeeze.

[PacMan]

Is the Fallbrook Oaks referring to the Fallbrook area in north SD county?

[BSki]

I did Solvang last year and would do it this year if my shoulder was good.

There is camping just down the road (about 15 minutes out of town) that has hot showers, a pool and a jacuzzi. They even have wireless internet and cable hookups. Was a really sweet setup for an RV. Call around I am sure there is room.

Last year it was very cold at the start (in the 30s) and about 70 when we finished. It seemed uphill into a headwind the entire ride, then you have hills starting at mile 65ish.

The year before it was hailing and most riders quit before mile 30.

Prepare for anything at Solvang

[lkn2ryd]

Thanks for the response. Pacman - yes I'm referring to N.S.D. BSki, sounds like a real role of the dice. Scenery must have been awesome?

[Cowgirl]

solvang the town does fill up...but we stay in Lompoc every year...it's usually got rooms available and then you don't have to deal with the crowds especially at the restraunts on Saturday night...it's about a 10 min drive over to the start/finish. Rooms are usually a bit cheaper too. I have to say it's one of the most beautiful rides we do each year !!! Rolling countrysides with farmland and only a few cars to deal with.....and great support !

Originally Posted by lkn2ryd

Anyone going to ride either of these? I hear Solvang runs out of places to stay years in advance of this ride. I don't know the area...camping? Hot showers? Fallbrook looks like a nice ride. Just putting it out there for feedback...let me know if you've done it and what you though. Pleeeeze.

[PacMan]

Being that I practically live in Fallbrook and am a new Roadie, I am really interested in riding in the Fallbrook ride.

Anyone who is thinking about it--the scenery was spectacular throughout the region. Some of it is now burned from the fires in October, but not all. From the route descriptions, I would say that 70% of the ride will still have awesome scenery.

Plus, Fallbrook has pretty sketchy roads to ride on under normal conditions and this would be the perfect oppurtunity to ride them with a bit more confidence.

My one concern would be--which ride should I do? I'm still not sure how MTB miles equate to road miles. I have done all dirt 35 mile, 4,500+ elevation rides on the FS bike lots of times. I've never ridden a road Century before though and I don't want to get in over my head. I think my longest road ride to date was 36 miles with 2,000' of climbing and I still felt great when we were done.

Here's a link for the Fallbrook ride: http://www.avenueoftheoaks.com/

[BSki]

The scenary in Solvang was amazing. It was hard to believe I was still in Cali.

I would say dirt = 1/2 of road. Meaning 50 miles in the dirt is about 100 miles on the road. But keep in mind, it is totally different. You are on your butt the entire time on the road and must make sure your butt, and back can handle the time.

On the road its more about time then it is distance. Go out for a 4 hour ride, then at the end look at how far you went and how you feel.

[lkn2ryd]

Once, again, and in a different thread, I have to agree with BSki. 2 road miles, maybe even three to every one mountain bike/dirt mile. The road climbing is harder usually because it is constant and your bike gearing is not for climbing necessarily but more for speed and racing - flats. I am a mtbrider and started road riding last year to improve my mtb riding. I must say it makes a better mountain bike climber out of you and the mtbing makes your pedal stroke smoother. I am planning to do Fallbrook so I will keep you posted. If you can keep a steady 18-22 mph you could cruise with me and my buddies.

[OffRoadie]

I've ridden a lot of those roads in the Fallbrook Oaks Tour. Some of my favorites really. If anyone is riding the Fallbrook event I might come along. Maybe even just "bandit" ride it.

[CPATCRASH]

I can't find any info about the Fallbrook Oaks Tour. Any links?

[MTBMaven]

I'm registered for the Solvang Double. Will be my first double!

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by CPATCRASH

I can't find any info about the Fallbrook Oaks Tour. Any links?

I posted a link in my post above. Post #6. You must've missed it.

http://www.avenueoftheoaks.com/

[CPATCRASH]

Originally Posted by PacMan

I posted a link in my post above. Post #6. You must've missed it.

http://www.avenueoftheoaks.com/

Yup. Went right by it. Thanks!

[Endo Verendo]

Fallbrook is only a metric, BUT they've got Hawaiian BBQ AND Stone beer!

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by Endo Verendo

Fallbrook is only a metric, BUT they've got Hawaiian BBQ AND Stone beer!

If you're referring to Sweet Leileani's Hawaiian BBQ, they closed down.

[houseofmusic]

Pacman,

if you want to do the solvang century, you don't have to worry about being newbie in it. I've done it few times and i really think that if you can do 35 miles with 4500ft elevation gain than the ride should be do able for you.

The biggest problem through out the ride is the headwind. and the cross wind, no climb is going to give you any problem.

They have this climb they call "The Wall" at about 80 miles I think and I swear to god the first time I did the ride, I kept saving my self for "the wall" because everybody told me that it was coming and after a while I asked if its coming up soon and this guy next to me told me, we just did it.

I was like "WTF" that was the wall? I swear to go d climbing up mathis was harder "The Wall".

If you've never ridden 60+ miles on road, just remember this, don't stomp/mash your pedal like when you go mountain biking. find a gear that you can easily spin comfortably without putting too much pressure on your thigh and your hammy cause you gonna need them on that 60+ miles.

[Rascal]

Originally Posted by PacMan

I'm still not sure how MTB miles equate to road miles. I have done all dirt 35 mile, 4,500+ elevation rides on the FS bike lots of times. I've never ridden a road Century before though and I don't want to get in over my head. I think my longest road ride to date was 36 miles with 2,000' of climbing and I still felt great when we were done.

If you could do 35/4500 on dirt, I don't think a century would be a problem at all, unless it's something like the breathless agony. Ya know, something with a crazy amount of elevation gain.

I've done Solvang a few times and I think you'd be fine.

[Letyrides]

Hmmm...Fallbrook looks like a great ride. Definately considering it with the new road bike coming in soon!

[Pain Freak]

We use slightly different muscles when riding the two different bikes, but fitness in general will help carry you through. Riding road rides are somewhat different in other respects too. It can be fun if you don't bite off more then you can chew. My recommendation is to work up to it, so you'll enjoy it. A 50 mile ride should be no big deal for you. Start there and add more to it. Say in 10 mile increments and you'll have a great time. I prefer to ride with groups as pain loves company.

Back to the original thread. Solvang was my first century and I too saved myself for the "Wall" , that was a joke, it really was no big deal. But a 100 miles can be tough, so it's better to pace yourself and to keep something in the tank.

I wasn't to bright my first century as I'd done the LA Marathon just 6 days before this ride. My knees took 6 months to recover. I highly recommend this ride as it's still one of my all time favorites.

I'll be doing the double again this year, I love it so much.

[BSki]

I respect these guys for their views on "the wall" but I have to disagree. Now I wasn't mountain riding last year, only road riding, but here is what I remember.

"The Wall" itself isn't that tough. It the culmination of everything from mile 65 leading up to "the wall" that takes its toll.

1-65 is some rollers, but mostly into a headwind that sucks it out of you.
65-75 is Fox-and-Canyon (think that is the name) It is 10 miles of about a 3-4% grade. No big deal, but you push harder then normal because you are going so slow. You will see a LOT of people on the side of the road resting here.
Right when you think you are at the end of fox-and-canyon you turn right and see a bunch of people walking up a hill. This isn't a long hill, but its about a 12% grade for 1/2 mile or so. If feels a LOT longer and steeper on tired legs. Keep in mind, this is not "the wall", I thought it was.
"The wall" is next, and it is after the last aid station. So take your time and rest up. You will be riding really well until you come around a bend and see "the wall" you cannot mistake it. When you say to yourself "You have to be kidding me", that is "the wall". It is a long climb. I would say 2 miles at about 7-10% grade. I would put it along the lines of Newport Coast.
After "the wall" you think you are all done climbing and home free. There is another winding climb left. Not real tough, or long, but it makes the legs bleed a bit.

Then you are downhill (and a very fast downhill) back into town.

Painfreak: You should think about starting with a swim and ending with a marathon. (www.ironman.com) That will cause some pain (that lasts a few weeks)