First Century in California

I did a century today to prep for the 200k at the end of the month. The ride report is as follows:

I woke up and still wasn't sure what to do for a ride a my legs were in a horrible way last night. I had done quite a bit of climbing on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and it really took its toll. I decided to join the Mission Cycling ride to see how far I could go with the group as I had heard they had varying paces and varying distances. About 35 people showed up which I knew meant someone would wreck. I kept to the front of the pack to stay out of the way of tangles and as luck would have it there was one going up Camino Alto. A rider dropped his jacket and another rider stopped abruptly to pick it up which caused another rider to hit him and go over the bars. My legs felt great going up Camino Alto though my back was bothering me a bit.

We rode on to Fairfax and two groups formed, one going to Alpine Dam and one to Point Reyes Station. The Point Reyes Station ride was described as longer with less climbing so I decided to go as far as I could then head back on my own. About 12 of us set out in 2 packs and made it to Nicasio in pretty short order. There was one climb, I believe White's Hill, on the route which spread us out a bit.

At Nicasio the group decided to turn around and someone suggested we take Lucas Valley back instead of a straight return trip. I took the offer and we rolled on up a gentle grade for about 5 miles before the days only real descent. There was a flat area for several miles where I held 28-30 behind a recumbent, which was fucking great. We turned and headed back through San Rafel and eventually caught the path we had headed out on in the first place. A mile or two shy of the turn off we began to discuss adding in Paradise Loop to get some extra mileage. I was feeling pretty sore by that point but knew I could get to the sandwich shop and have a break in pretty short order. Just as we turned for PLoop I rolled 50 miles for the day.

I began to have some real trouble on the loop with my shoulders, which is pretty common for me over longer distance rides. I slinkied a bit but eventually caught back up just before we hit Tiburon. After grabbing a sandwich and 25 minutes off the bike I was feeling much better and was ready for the last leg home.

I kept glancing at the mileage wishing it would climb over 85 to give me a real incentive to ride a full century. By the time we were back into the Presidio it was only showing 75 and I figured that was good enough for the day. Two blocks shy of my house I decided that I would push on alone and get it done. I figured riding through Golden Gate to the beach and out to Fort Funston would probably get me very close to 100 miles, and I was right. I had to do some riding in the city to make up the last 2 miles but it was worth it as I made 100.3 miles.

My legs are feeling good, my back and feet are sore. I'm going to have to do some real work before the 200k to get everything in order as far as fit and core fitness goes.

Distance:

100.3

Elevation gain:

5100-5200

Time:

6 hours 14 minutes

Food/drink

1 turkey sandwich, 12 fig newtons, 1 energy bar, 3 bottles (pink lemonade/water mix for 2, coke/water mix for the 3rd)