This is one of my favorite centuries and it travels through some of the most scenic areas of Northern California. This year the ride director was my good friend Maura who did a great job putting the ride together. It was nearly cancelled until she stepped in to save the day. As usual, the ride was well supported and lots of fun but challenging.
I definitely found this year’s ride to be a challenge. Steve stopped by my house and rode down to Scotts Valley with me. It turned out to be the only time I could keep up with him all day. Steve and I met up with Ken & Barry at the high school and after a couple of photos we took off for the first of 11,000 feet of climbing.
Ken, Steve, and Barry were strong as usual and I struggled to keep them in sight riding up Mountain Charlie. They were kind enough to wait for me at the rest stops even though I encouraged them to roll on and not stay out all day with me. When I hit Jamison Creek Road for the time trial, the heat was really getting to me so I struggled to get to the top. Then I hit Zayante and that really took it out of me. A very tough day for yours truly.
Of the other rides I’ve repeated I’ve gone faster each year. This was my fourth time on this one and I’ve been getting faster each year until this one. I was 15 minutes slower this year than last, kinda disappointing. Better luck next time.
Click on the map above to get to my photos or this link. This was my 16th century of 2008 so I’m still a little bit behind my pace of 33 in 2007.