Davis Double (Hot hot hot!)

The 2008 Davis Double turned into quite the sufferfest. High temperature along the course ranged from the low 90s to close to 110. Cobb Mountain was perhaps the most painful part. I would think that the hill would be just fine in temperatures into the 70s. But in the 90s, I was suffering big time. And the lack of a breeze was not helping!

In the morning, I felt great; breezing through the first 50 miles in about 2:40. But once the temps climbed above 90, I started falling apart. Fortunately, Joan caught up with me at the top of Cobb Mountain (mile 104), and we were able to use each other for motivation for the rest of the ride.

Highlights of the ride: riding downhill through the blast furnace, chili at the last rest stop, riding in pacelines at 25 MPH in the Central Valley, cranking slight downhills at 25-30 MPH on the aerobars, and of course the cobbler and ice cream at the finish...

All in all, a good experience; but I don't think I want to do another double in that sort of weather... Total time was 15:15 for 203 miles with 7500 feet of climbing.

Central Coast Double

Yesterday was another beautiful ride. I could still feel the tiredness in my legs from the Devil Mountain Double two weeks prior, but the ride was thoroughly enjoyable. I rode all but the first 87 miles with Joan, so at least I had good company for most of the ride. And the climb up Nacimiento-Ferguson Road has to be one of the most beautiful climbs you could ask for. More details soon...

210 miles with 13,900 feet of climbing. And a total elapsed time of 15:55.