2010 Levi Leipheimer's King Ridge Gran Fondo

A weekend of privilege, fun and cycling...

Roughly nine months after registration and a couple thousand dollars raised for charity, the Gran Fondo finally arrived this past weekend (Oct. 9, 2010). Thanks to my many very generous friends, I was one of the top fundraisers for the event. So, what should have been a crowded century ride, turned into an incredible weekend of fun for me and Kathy.

So, this is how things went down...

I received an e-mail early last week telling me that my fundraising efforts were very much appreciated and although I did not raise the $8k required for the top-fundraiser award, they were inviting me to a series of events throughout the weekend in appreciation of my efforts. The first event was a Friday morning group ride with Levi Leipheimer, his personal mechanic and friend Glenn, a few local pros and some of Levi's fellow Team RadioShack riders...specifically, Bjorn Selander (former U23 U.S. TT Champ) and Ben King, current U.S. National Pro Road Race Champ. There were 14 riders in the group (including me and Levi). We met at 10:30AM on Friday morning at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa. Because I was notified kinda last minute, I had to scramble to get on the road from my home in San Ramon and get there in time to ride (I had arranged for Kathy to arrive later with our friend Jason.)

Riding with the pros...

I have to admit, I was a little nervous and awestruck when I first arrived as we stood around chatting and making introductions, but quickly relaxed as we pedaled out of the parking lot for our two hour ride. Within minutes, I was up front riding alongside Levi enjoying the experience. As I pulled out my little pocket camera to get a quick snapshot, Levi chuckled and told me, "Hey, don't sweat the photos, we have a professional photographer along taking photos for all you guys." The ride was an incredible experience, chatting with the pros and being part of a select group the day before a 6,000 rider event! BTW, the photos turned out great - I've organized them into a slideshow for all to see (the link is at the bottom of this post.)

Flash forward to Friday evening...

Kathy and I were invited to a "VIP" reception at D'Argenzio Winery. We'll, that may have been the "bust" of the weekend (very few people showed up), but at least we got to meet some real nice folks who we'd run into later in the weekend. But, not all was lost...Levi showed up and hung out for a bit. Kathy got to meet Levi and take some photos with him. Incidentally, we had heard that Patrick "McDreamy" Dempsey (you know, that hunky dude from the TV show Grey's Anatomy) would be in town for the ride on Saturday...Kathy thought he might show up at the winery reception, but no such luck :(

Saturday morning, up early and ready to roll...

The ride started at 8AM sharp from the Finley Center in Santa Rosa. There were 6,000 cyclists in attendance for the three rides - Piccolo (35 mi.), Medio (65 mi.) and the Gran (103 mi.) Up front, there was a roped off VIP section, follow by self-staging areas for all riders. Initially, I had thought about "crashing" the VIP area as I had met Yuri Hauswald, a local pro with Marin Bikes the day before and thought he'd probably let me in since he was the "gatekeeper". However, not wanting to push my luck, I casually stopped by to say, "Wassup" to Yuri then proceeded to line up about 20 feet behind the VIP section. Kathy was nervous to start up front with the "fast" riders, so she disappeared back into the sea of cyclists. Unfortunately, for Kath, I could see "McDreamy" up ahead in the VIP area and I was bummed she didn't get to see him!

We're off...

About twenty minutes into the ride, I was flying along at a pace that should have left me totally cooked by mile 50, but I seemed to feel okay, so I decided to keep the hammer down. I was behind some dude, who was riding a bit slower than me, so I moved out around him, glanced to my right and...McDreamy appeared! I immediately sat up, slowed to his pace and looked over at him..."Hey, my wife is lookin' for you! I think you're the only reason I was able to get her to participate in this craziness!" I yelled to him. He replied, "Well, where is she?" I gave him the "back there somewhere" thumb and said, "Somewhere behind us!" He chuckled and responded, "I'll be back there in a bit, I'm sure I'll see her!" We smiled, I replied, "Have a great ride!" to which he said the same and onward I pedaled. I immediately thought, "Jeez, what dumb luck riding alongside McDreamy in this absolute mass of humanity on wheels with identities hidden in dorky bike helmets and sunglasses." I also thought about how Kathy had once again missed out, so I quickly pulled out my cell phone and snapped off a terrible photo of McDreamy from over my shoulder...I was determined to get her at least a quick view of him - if only through the crappy lens of my cell phone while barreling down the road surrounded by bike nuts!

Riding, climbing, descending rapidly, riding, climbing...

The ride itself was excellent. I was making good time, the weather was perfect, the scenery was amazing and Coleman Valley Road was looming at mile 75! I loved the constantly changing scenery from vineyards to oak covered foothills to redwood forests to sweeping ocean views. Did I mention the steep climbs and even steeper descents?! Wow, Meyers Grade was nothing less than treacherous. The overall stats from the ride were something like 103 miles, 8,500 feet of climbing and all you can drink cold beer in the VIP tent at the finish line!

The VIP tent is near...

I managed to reel off the miles at a pace faster than I had previously thought possible for me and finished the ride in 6:53. About the same time I finished, I pulled my phone out of my jersey and saw a text message from Kathy...she was in the VIP tent waiting for me...and McDreamy was there!!! Finally, Kathy got to feast her eyes on Patrick "McDreamy" Dempsey! I made my way into the VIP tent where Kathy said, "What can I get for you?" My response? Well, it went something like this..."A cold beer and a photo of you with McDreamy." She whispered to me, "I stood right next to him - wow! Unfortunately, they asked us not to bother him when they let us into the VIP area." I told Kathy, "Hold on, I chatted with him on the ride and now it's time to get your picture with him." I walked over near Mr. Dempsey, made eye contact and motioned him over to me. I mentioned our chat on the ride in the morning and something about my wife wanting to meet him. He laughed and said, "Oh yeah, I remember" and then turned to Kathy asked her name and introduced himself. Without further delay, I asked the two of them to smile for the camera and...see below, enough said?

VIP tents are cool...

Maybe the best part of the weekend (aside from my Friday ride with Levi) was the VIP tent after the ride. I saw my friends Forrest, and Marshall, Levi, Patrick Dempsey and several other kinda famous people from the bicycling community. My friend Forrest who's a real character (in a great way) and knows almost everyone gave me a personal introduction to his friend "Brian." Brian Lopes is a 4x World Champion mountain biker! The "all-you-can-drink" ice-cold Fat Tire Ale and good food were cool too!

Photo: (L to R) Marshall, Forrest, Brian and Me (yeah, they finished way before me, that's why I'm still wearing my helmet!)

The "after" party...

Well, you'd think it would all end after the VIP tent, but it didn't. My friend Forrest mentioned that Yuri was having a small, private get-together later that evening at a place in the historic railroad district in Santa Rosa and we were invited. As it turns out, Kathy and I spent the evening with a dozen or so people that included Levi, his wife Odessa, Ben King, the organizers of the event - Carlos and Greg, Team RadioShack's Sponsorship Manager, Glen, Forrest and his lovely wife Nicole and of course our gracious host Yuri. It was kind of surreal, hanging out at a huge event and being swept into a small inner-circle of people who were at the center of it.

Finally, we ended our weekend with a restless, overtired sleep Saturday night, a BIG breakfast the next morning and a leisurely drive home where the couch was waiting for me to spend the rest of the afternoon.

My heartfelt thanks...

Well, I had a hell of a weekend and I'm very grateful to my friends for their generosity. Because of you guys and many others, I was rewarded with a unique and very fun experience. Thanks so much for your support!

Patrick

Picassa slideshow http://bit.ly/9fM7ID

2010 Giro di Peninsula...

Yesterday, I rode the Giro di Peninsula - 100 mile route. It was fun. Today, I rode my mountain bike. It was fun.

TUC 2010

I rode the Tour of the Unknown Coast last weekend.

I've missed the last two years. Last year because of my broken clavicle, and the year before because I did the family ride.

I was very nervous; my training was a weekend regime of westward loops, culminating in doing the Dearth Ride on two weekends. I felt ready, but not confidently ready. My other preparation has been that, with Julia's help, I've been trying to do some yoga stretches in the mornings.

We drove up on Friday, and had some time to stop in Founder's Grove for some Redwood Tourism. The weather was clear, with rain forecast for Sunday. Ate dinner at the Ivanhoe Inn (http://www.ivanhoe-hotel.com/) in Ferndale. I want to stay there next year. Food was pretty good, and relatively inexpensive for a restaurant with pretensions.

Saturday was grey and pleasant. Got the usual warnings from Vic about bad roads, including new information about bad roads after A.W. Way (lunch stop). Prompt start, and we were off.

I studiously avoided getting in any pace lines, and went solo, and at a slightly slower pace. Got to the bluffs with a biggish group anyway, and I was surprised to find myself passing a lot of riders up the short hills in that section.

Through Rio Dell and Scotia, out onto 101 and then the Avenue of the Giants. I got passed by a few groups in pace lines. It turned out that I was climbing pretty good, and on the flats, I kept getting passed by the same riders in groups.

As usual, the stretch from 101 to the beginning of the climb to Panther Gap was shockingly bad. The climb is eternal (an hour?). At the top, I'd been riding for 3:30. Weather clear/cloudy. Cool and pleasant.

Down the other side: I'd forgotten how steep it is. Plus, since last year, I've been ginger with my descents, so I took it quite slow. Towards the bottom, at a hairpin turn, there's a woman, a truck, and her stretcher, waiting by the side of the road. Next hairpin, the ambulance was waiting. I got the message. :)

The Mattole valley was super gorgeous. Cow and sheep ranches, green. A bit of a headwind provided an ominous warning. Last time through, the coast (7 miles) was into a headwind that held me to 7mph.

Lunch at A.W. Way park. I've resolved to go camping there, even if I don't know why anyone would go there. It's quite a nice little park. Veggie soup, PB&J. Back into the saddle.

Over some more hills, then down to the ocean. The wind is gusty, and it's hard to tell, but it must be a tailwind, because I make about 15mph without trying too hard. This is the life!

Finally get to The Wall. Don't stop at the bottom, but just slowly slowly chug up the 1 mile, 1000 foot grade. Get to the top, passed by many. On some of the bumps, my front wheel lifts a few inches from the asphalt. Keep pedaling to the very top, and stop to eat a food bar. Yay! I'm not dead. Didn't stop. Didn't cry.

Downhill to "capetown" -- stop to refill water bottles. Didn't remember that this descent was straight down. Holy cow! At the bottom, Capetown is a house, a porta-potty, a folding table with water and Shasta cola.

I met two riders:

Rider #1 is cursing his front rim, which is slightly bent from a pothole. He can't use his front brake anymore, but I later see him ride past me up the next hill to the end.

Rider #2 is holding half of his (carbon fiber) handlebar, which snapped off during the descent to the coast. I guess he thought he could manage... until the terrifying descent to Capetown. He's decided to wait for the pickup truck.

Back in the saddle, and up the Endless Hills. It takes forever, and I go slowly. I do pass a couple of riders, which feels like a great triumph. In the past, coming up this hill, I've suffered from horrible leg cramps, and often had to stop and pant, and watch other riders glide by. This time, no stopping, and only one tense moment when both legs seized up at the same time. Rode through it, and no other issues.

At the top, then the final, terrifying, pothole-rich descent. Dropping 4,000 feet gets old after about the first 2k, and the rest is just waiting for the end.

The best part of this ride is the way the descent ends at the very edge of Ferndale. A small audience rings cowbells and cheers, and you ride a few blocks back to the fairgrounds to get your time and get off the bike.

Wall clock said 8:15, and saddle time was 7:42. I think this was my best time, by at least 15 minutes. The winner finished in his typical 5:20. Didn't win anything with the raffle tickets.

Next day was still nice, though it rained cats and dogs in Los Altos. Went up to Arcata for Mother's day brunch, shopped and watched the locals soak up the hazy sunlight in the town square. A few scenic stops. Loleta cheese factory for the samples. Dinner at Curley's in Fortuna. This in the site of Parlotta's, which one one of the excitements about going up. A local tragedy. Curley's is not bad, but not the same, either.

Sunday night, the storm moved in, with lightning, hail and rain. Drove back home in classic NorCal rainy weather.

Time to train for next year. Any takers?

David

For the Cornichon team sound track

I Like My Bike , a new song by Hurtbird
Just about perfect for grinding up a long hill
Scroll down to find it on the list of this live session, click to listen
I recommend the audio only version, as the band is more talent than looks.

The Vang

David and I both finished the Solvang Century last weekend! Now we know why there are windmills in a mock-Danish town. It's windy! I just hope Denmark isn't as crowded as this ride.

There were hoards of riders, an endless stream ahead and behind all day. To give you an idea of the mass of humanity taking part at this event, check out the scene at the first rest stop.




The ride heads west from Solvang past the huge Ostrich farm towards Lompoc. The ride didn't pass the place to eat Ostrich, which is east of Mission Santa Iñes at the intersection of 246 and the San Marcos Pass road, so we missed out on that snack. "Tastes like chicken".

The closer to Lompoc, the more the wind started to be a big factor. When the ride turned north, the wind kicked up. Found myself on a flat to downhill section going 12 mph. There was one section heading out to Lompoc where the cross wind was more behind us and that section was 22 mph. Except for when we did the longest hill climb of the ride, it seemed like we were never out of the wind.

The ride out to Lompoc took a nice country rode bypassing the direct route along 246. The 246 route is known for its flower farms, rectangles of vibrant reds, yellows, whites and blues at certain times of the year that's worth the drive sometime if you haven't seen it.



From Lompoc, the ride passes Vandenburg AFB, home to ICBM tests that target various atolls in the south Pacific, and also home to the launches of satellites worked on by our friends here at Lockheed and NASA/Ames, including Gravity Probe B (my friend Jeff worked on this).

Next it was past Casmalia, a 252 acre superfund site where 5.6 billion pounds of toxic waste were dumped. I didn't get off my bike anywhere near there.

The hoards never let up. At the 56 mile rest stop, David's comment was something like, "Holy cow, look at the food line". It must have been 50 people long. It was necessary to wait in line to use the Andy Gump. This is already 3+ hours into the ride and it really hadn't thinned out much.

Here we are at mile 70. Admittedly, there are a few less people but there's still big groups of cyclists around us.




The finish included two smaller but noticeable hills past the wineries back into Solvang. I kept my speed low on the downhills because the road was very rough.



We passed the Fess Parker winery above. Fess Parker played in the Davy Crockett, "king of the wild frontier" TV show I watched as a kid. The hotel and spa is 4-star but given who Davy Crockett was, I've got to wonder what they serve to eat. Ostrich!



Ride (CPU) time was 6hr15 minutes and I was pretty happy with it. Wall clock time was closer to 7:40.

While we were riding, our families checked out our favorite Solvang stop to sample the aebleskiver. I've been stopping in Solvang for aebleskiver for 20 years or more. Courtesy of my Mom, we actually own one of these pans. If they sold the ovens...

Dinner at Jocko's Steak House hit the spot.

The end looked like this.

Dog dreams

How To Change A Tire

(note: I took the photos to create this entry last year, and just now am posting)

How To Change A Tire

A certain amount of care is required to change a tire. One must be prepared to handle the tube and flap without damaging them, and use the proper tools at all times.

Step 1: Place the Wheel on the Ground


Generally replacing a tire while the wheel is attached is more difficult and dangerous. Remove the wheel, and set it on the ground in an area with sufficient workspace.

Step 2: Deflate the Tire

Allow all air to escape from the tire. The best way to do this is to remove the valve cartridge. This only works for Presta valves, though. It is very difficult to remove a tire while it is pressurized.






Step 3: Remove the Lock Ring

Not all tube-type wheels have a lock ring, but in this case, there is one. Here, I used a screwdriver and a small sledge hammer to delicately remove the lock ring from the wheel.











Step 4: Remove the Rim Ring

The pictured wheel has a multi-part structure. Rather than flipping the tire over the rim, the rim disassembles to remove the rubber parts. In the case of this wheel, 30+ years of inactivity led to the rubber being welded to the metal. The solution was to hammer in a prybar all the way around the wheel to loosen the connection. This, and a judicious application of furniture clamps, made the ring removal quite smooth.

Step 5: Remove the Tire, Tube, and Flap from the Wheel

The tire will need to be loosened from the back half of the wheel. The air filler pipe must be guided carefully through the hole in the wheel. Try not to damage the flap, as it can be re-used.

Step 6: Clean, Inspect and Paint the Wheel

Look for cracks, and bends that can be repaired with a sledgehammer.



















Step 7: Reassemble Wheel


Use a new tube and tire. Don't bother with balancing weights, as the vehicle is not likely to exceed 30MPH anyhow.

Back in Black (Tires)

On Friday, I took my bike by PA Bikes to see if I could get a while-u-wait replacement of my brake cables (no dice). I was able to replace my cleats (no yellow at all) and my helmet (smacked to the ground a few weeks ago). While I was there, I noticed that you could see the cabling through the rubber on my rear tire -- time to replace!

I've been running white Continental 4000s this past year. The color isn't common in stores, and as previously noted, they seem to figure prominently in major accidents. It also turns out to be a fairly slow color. At any rate, I switched to Continental 4000S.

These tires rock. Black is a way faster color than white (blue is probably still the fastest color). These tires also have the chili compound, which gives better grip, durability and reduced road resistance -- all in one tire!!! Can you believe it?!!!

Anyhow, today was the big day. Steve, his friend John and I rode the West Alpine loop. It was on this ride a year ago, just after putting new _white_ tires on, that I had a blowout and broke my clavicle. I was very paranoid, especially when going by _the_spot_ on Page Mill. It all worked out well though. Plus I think I'm getting in shape. Solvang is next week!

This is a picture of us on Alpine road, at the turn off for Portola state park. That's me in the middle with my new black chili tires. The next step is to get matching bar tape.

My Big Black Rooster

I had a different title for this post, but I decided to use the word "rooster."

A couple of weeks ago, we added a rooster to our flock. He is very protective of his hens, and you have to whack him with a stick to keep him from attacking. So far, he's drawn blood from both Julia and Leonardo.

The hens (five of them) seem to like having a husband around. Egg-wise, it seems to have made them more productive, though that might just be co-incidence. The last two hens started laying after his arrival.



This posting has nothing to do with cycling.

I see ground

Ouch!

For the second time in less than a year, I experienced the ground approaching my head at about 20mph. :(

Steve and I have been practicing for the Solvang 100, in mid-March. Today we went up along Crystal Springs resevoir, all the way to Millbrae avenue, and back. It was a beautiful morning, and we had a great ride.

On the way back, just after turning from Hwy 9 onto Canada road, the road is blocked for cars, so that cyclists can enjoy it. At the end of the road, there are some cones, and a water stand set up. As we came up to it, Steve and I got our club biking signals crossed -- he turned left to get a drink, and I (not paying attention) piled into him at full speed.

The bikes survived fine. I have to check, but Steve had a sore elbow -- hopefully it's been managed with some ice and Advil.

Somehow, I managed to land on my head and my rear. After half a day, lots of ice and Advil, I'm feeling OK, but I think I'll work from home tomorrow, from a prone position. I'd post a photograph, but I think that we can skip a picture of my bruised ass. The head is as lovely as ever. ;-)

My first thought after hitting the ground was: I really don't want to get used to smacking my head on the asphalt.

Also, I'm beginning to think that white tires can kill.