Neil (9er) and I just did the course. Here's what you can expect: http://app.strava.com/rides/9949638 Be careful on the course. There are a few sections that aren't thought out all that well for a large organized ride.
Wow - there's a huge discrepancy re: total elevation gain. Per their website and the link to the route map, it's 3,671 feet of elevation gain. Per Eric's Strava calculations, it's 5,177 feet. Quite a difference........ What gives? Jeff
The route map was done on mapmyride using info from maps not actual gps data which will measure smaller fluctuations in elevation (dips in the road).
Whatever the reasons, don't underestimate this ride. The hills through Nohl Ranch, Imperial and towards Santiago kicked my butt, hard. Fortunately I had a great riding partner to help me through. All in all a great ride.
So this is going to be a tough ride for me a "noob". Over 5K climbing on my compact cassette.....groan.
I think the event might be a little easier as you'll be hitting the hills (with the exception of the one in Dana Point) earlier in the ride. We already had 70 miles in before we hit Nohl Ranch and at that point still had less than 2000' of climbing in. So we got hit with four cat 4 climbs and 3100' in the last 30 miles of the ride. It will also be easier if you can get in with a bigger group to trade pulls. Just pace yourself and you should be fine.
True. The other way to look at it is that while I'll be a bit fresher when the big hills arrive, it's tough to gain much from drafting going slow up hill, and secondly, my legs will be wiped for the balance of the ride. But, it'll be a challenge. I did 78 miles in 2 sessions Saturday (had to come home for a few hours mid-day) with about 4,300 feet of climbing riding solo, so maybe I'll be ready in 3 weeks. Thanks for the good info. This will certainly help me train and manage my expectations of the ride. JEFF
Be careful with those pacelines. I've only done a few century "fun" rides and they were all the same -- spastic pacelines. The road group I normally ride with is a bunch of experienced racers. I am a bit spoiled in my group riding experience. A majority of riders in centuries are casual roadies who either don't know how to do an effectual pull or are just unaware of the proper etiquette. Be sure to take your turn at the front and when you get a draft be careful of the ass you're staring at.
I rode Aliso Creek Trail 3X on my 100 Miles of Nowhere and saw lots of chalk markings for it. I thought it was the course and it had been done already. Nope. Not the course, just advertising.
Well, just signed myself up...I'll be riding a steel SS that I have not ridden is well over a year.. Carl and Weyland, your turn to sign up!
Sorry Nam. Maybe lets find something in a couple months. Currently i would fold in half in agony trying to complete that.
On Saturday I'm going to start in Irvine, go through Santiago Cyn, through live oak, down antonio, through SJC, up PCH to SART, up SART to Nohl, up Nohl to Cannon, left on Chapman and back to Irvine. Let me know if your interested. Should be a good warm up for the Big Ring.
So who is still in for this ride??? Thread has gone quiet leading up to this event. Where are you Greg?? Neil?? Anyone?? I am in and ready to cruise 115 miles. Where are we meeting? Dont bail on me......
YES, you do! I officially signed up this morning. So far I know Myself, Niel, Nam, Gerrin, Maxwell, and Joe are in. I have a handful of friends not on STR going as well. Darin is rocking his usual riding attire, which is making me consider not wearing the full kit.
+1. I've ridden 100 miles before, and will again, but I'm not sure I could pull it off right now. Toying with the idea of doing the metric, but....
