RR: Three Harbor Tour Century

[pshloss]

I rode this ride on Saturday. Got up at 4:00am and drove up for a 6:30am start. The ride is put on by Ventura Velo Bike Club. The ride starts in Ventura at the harbor. Goes south to Channel Island Harbor, then north up around Lake Casitas. Then down to Santa Barbara and back down the coast to Ventura. About 4000 feet of climbing with most of that between mile 20 and 50. The club marks the routes very well on the pavement, so you really don't have to look at the ride sheet.

The ride is very scenic, nice and cool for most of the route, and well supported. A pretty sweet combo of riding in the towns, on bike paths and on country roads. I would recommend it as a possible first century or maybe a second one. It is pretty low key. They even served lunch at Santa Barbara, which was mile 70. And they had a meal at the end, too! And they offer nice jerseys by Primal, if you have the cash to buy one.

I happened to get into a group of four including me and another guy from OC and two women from Agoura Hills. I called the women the Agoura Hilltoppers. They were very strong climbers, probably from living right next to the Santa Monica Mountains. One was from Quebec and she was very cheerful, especially when taking the lead or hammering up a climb. It was motivating, to say the least.

Before that, I rode with a woman who was training for the Kona Ironman Triathalon. She already qualified. Thanks to her for the Endurolytes. Needless to say, she didn't stop for lunch. Anyway, having this group was a good motivator for me and I ended up finishing the ride in under 6 hours (6 1/2 with stops). That is really good for me and it took a pretty strong effort. Also had one flat in there. I would do this again or maybe one of the others in that area like Cool Breeze or the club's Mardi Gras Century.

By far the hardest part was driving home. I barely could stay awake. I quit caffeine a few months ago, but I got close to backsliding that day.

[dirtmistress]

Great looking jersey! Wish I'd known about this. I would have done it!!

[duke777]

Post that ride on STR next time.

[MTBMaven]

Nice job on the under 6 hour ride time. That is a great time. I'm looking forward to the Cool Breeze. I am going to try and get my dad out there. If not I will be doing the 200km brevet solo (unless others want to join me).