After we pressured Katie into racing the 12 Hours of Humboldt with us, she demanded payback. So that means more training rides to prepare for Jill’s Ride for Hope, a small local charity ride for CASSY, a non-profit that provides counseling services for teens. Jill was a young teen who was bullied and took her own life. Tragic, and far too frequent. Katie’s sister-in-law is the executive director of CASSY, so we are more than happy to support her cause.
Which leads us to hill training. The route we chose is not that long–a mere 62 miles–but climbs to the highest point in the Santa Cruz Mountains at Castle Rock, drops down the coastside and then comes back over again. That translates to 5000+ ft elevation gain. The organizers’ description: “The brutal 100K course designed by professional endurance athlete Lou Kobin. For experienced athletes only!” Ouch!
Today’s plan: up Kings Mountain Road, down Skyline, down Hwy 84, and back up to Skyline via Old La Honda. We got an early start, so Kings was still shady and cool. But we were still grateful to reach the top.
Of course, there was still more climbing up to Skeggs, with all the sport drivers whooshing by. But the reward was fast descents down to Four Corners and then down Hwy 84.
The climb up West Old La Honda offers outstanding views of the Pacific at a gentle grade, plus some interesting carvings in the hill side. When I realized that Sheri, Cindy and Michelle had never seen them, we had to stop. And since we stopped I had to take a picture. I tried to imitate the expression on the carving, but ended up being goofy instead. And would someone please tell me when my helmet isn’t on straight.
After that, we headed down Hwy 84 into Woodside. We rolled out from the top with a couple. I ended up chasing the guy down the hill (we were flying), while my friends got caught behind the woman, who was riding her brakes the whole way. Awesome for me, not so awesome for my friends.
We celebrated with post-ride lobster rolls and beer at the Old Port Lobster Shack in Ladera.
Ride stats: 36 miles, 3200 ft climbing, 2:50 ride time. 1600 calories burned, 1200 consumed. (ok, I guessimating on that)
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made in training for an event? (other than not training, of course)
