Solvang Century

Knowing that I needed to put some solid bike miles before California 70.3 later this month, I opted to participate in the Solvang Century this year. I had done it last year and enjoyed the ride so much that I was the 57th person to sign up for this year's event (which many had to point out while I was riding). I realized while riding this year that I had blocked out certain memories of last year's ride...

Planning to head down south for the ride turned into a fun mini-break adventure. We headed out for Santa Barbra early Friday morning. Arriving mid-day allowed for exploration, including a tour of some of Chris' old haunts, including visiting old friends whom I have had the opportunity to meet before and very much enjoyed seeing again.

Saturday began very early with our departure for Solvang. Chris met up with one of his old high school teachers who is currently training for IM Arizona and we set out for our 100 mile adventure.

It was SO COLD at the start. It was foggy in Solvang -- to the point that our helmets were dripping and condensation was visible on our clothing. However, about an hour into the ride the fog started to burn off and it ultimately became a beautiful, sunny day -- we have the sunburns to prove it.

The ride was beautiful. The hills were vibrant green and alive with wildflowers, including poppy's just beginning to bloom. I met some wonderful triathletes from the Inland Inferno Triathlon Club while riding and was saved by an athlete from the North Texas Team in Training Team ("TNT").

Before I share how I was 'saved,' (idiot lesson of the day), I have to comment on TNT. There were three TNT teams out for the Solvang Century -- The Northern Texas Division, the Greater Los Angeles Chapter and the Northern California Division. The Texas crew all had lone stars protruding out of their helmets and the Northern California folks had cable cars strapped to the tops of their helmets. The LA Crew didn't do anything. Now, the first few lone stars I saw made me chuckle, but by the end, I was thankful that the LA Chapter hadn't done anything. I didn't want to see anymore cable cars or stars.

Those who know me know that I am not the biggest fan of TNT. Before anyone gets upset - let me explain why. While I think TNT is an amazing program, I have, on multiple occasions, narrowly avoided what could have been grave bicycle accidents due to TNT athletes not exercising caution while cycling. I often express frustration that the TNT coaches do not appear to be educating their athletes (or the athletes may simply not be listening)on proper biking safety and etiquette.

However, that being said, I now must be more kind to TNT athletes and mentors. Idiot me failed to confirm that the extra bike tubes on by bike were long stemmed tubes, as I was riding on my 303 wheels. Imagine my frustration when I found myself with a flat tire and pulled out SHORT STEMMED TUBES from my bike-bag. The stems did not clear the rim of my wheels. I won't ever make that mistake again! A lovely woman from the North Texas Chapter of TNT took pity on my and provided me with a long stemmed tube -- bless her heart. Thank you kind woman! Being fearful that I would again suffer from another flat, I scored another replacement tube with a long stem at the next SAG stop from the mechanic on site.

After recovering from the stress of the tube incident, I enjoyed the remainder of the ride. Most of the ride was spent enjoying the scenery, as I refused to ride in a pace line. I wanted to feel the full effects of 100 miles, since I can't draft during Ironman.

While I was tired at the end, I felt like I could ride another 12 miles, however I wasn't all that keen on running a marathon. I don't quite know how I am going to pull that one off. Good thing I have a few more months to figure it out.

After the ride, Chris and I headed out for a BBQ at one of his friends parents' homes in the area. Chris' friend and his training group, Kain Performance Multisport, were in Santa Barbara for a training weekend. Imagine my surprise when in walks a dear friend, Fred, my former GGTC TAG training mate! I almost fell over! I think Fred did too. It was so random, yet so fun to catch up in person as I hadn't seen Fred in quite a while.

Sunday was spent lounging poolside and being a bum. Exactly what I needed.

Too bad I had to come home...