Solvang Double
Anybody else from around here going up for this double this weekend? We've got a group of 3 going. They say there are over 550 riders doing this ride this time, so I figure there should be a few more from down this way. We are doing the early start so if you think you may want to join up with us, give a holler.We could use one more guy to pull.I plan on a slower pace of around 15 mph (average).So the flats will be around 20 to 23.We finished the Butterfield Double in 15 hours with a couple of flats and a long lunch.Not a killer pace, but it's decent. This one has a little less climbing though.
Posted by Pain Freak  riding a Surly Turner from The 909 on 03/24/05
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- Re: Solvang Double
Good luck PF, I'd like to hear how it goes.
Paz Afuera
Posted by Papisimo riding a Bike on 03/25/05
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PF is an animal!!!.The first 100 miles he averaged over 18 mph, on the second 100 he pulled over 10 miles, then he kicked my a$$ up Drum Cyn. Don't let this guy fool you, He is a true Pain Freak!
Posted by Mr Bonk a 43 year old Die-hard Enthusiast from Fontana California on 03/27/05
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Sounds like Pain Freak put in some good training for Hemet, when he'll be pulling my lard a$$ for the whole 200! I wonder if he'll notice if I use my dog's leash to hook onto his seat post!
Posted by Closet Roadie a 52 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Trek 2200 from Upland on 03/27/05
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Na, He just puts his head down and digs in!
Never looks back and just HAMMERS HAMMERS HAMMERS !!
Posted by Mr Bonk a Die-hard Enthusiast on 03/27/05
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Dood, I know your ass better then my wifes.I should, I spend almost every damn weekend looking at it. Chasing you up those hills. What can I say? This is a ride almost anybody would love.We had almost perfect conditions,it was a little to cool in the morning at 37 degrees and our toes were a little cold,but outside of that,next to perfect.The scenery is second only to the northern coast of California,but it is very close.Just beautiful. Mr.Bonk and his brother the "speed freak", set the pace as usual.As I stated before, I wanted to keep an easier pace,but the mutants wouldn't let me.We all jumped into one paceline in the beginning going down Foxen Canyon and I couldn't hang.I jumped into another that was more my speed and man, what a rush.We did about 35 downhill,but when we hit the flats I was the animal and I got told to slow down.Talk about an ego builder!When I finally caught these two at the next SAG, I was asked to join the group I had rode in with,but I turned them down and rode with the guys who would hurt me for almost all of the rest of the day.I got back in my place in line (sucking tire) and off we went.We were getting close to our century mark, when I was informed we had a chance of doing it in less then 5.5 hours. Hell, I would have been stoked with a 6 hour. We made it in 5:28. My fastest century was 6.5 hours before and that was the Amtrak which has very little climbing. Then we started the second half. Two weeks ago when we did the Butterfield Double our second half really sucked and I think we took almost 8 hours to finish it. This time we did the second century in 6 hours flat. We did have 1200 feet less climbing in this one though.
This route is a good one. About the only thing I would do different and what I will do next year is to ride it slowly and take in more of the scenery. It's kind of like a slide show going through my noggin all day long.There was nothing I did not like on this ride.
Well, one more to go and I'll get my Triple Crown jersey, hell, I might have to do a couple more and get the 1,000 with Mr. Bonk. Only two more weeks to go till the Hemet Double. If you're going to do a double and you're looking for a nice easy one (riding 200 miles on flat ain't easy) this is the ride to do. And Closet Roadie don't be suprised if you catch me sucking your tire.
Posted by Pain Freak riding a Surly Turner from The 909 on 03/28/05
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Great ride and a great time too - 11.5 hrs is fast! I've never been able to work Solvang into my schedule and sure wish I could have joined you guys. Sounds like you too have become an addict, don't know what it is but I guess digging down deep and pulling strength and courage and stubborness from a place in our soul we don't realize we even have, has something to do with it. I'll be doing Mulhulland on the 16th, with the change in the route it will be almost 16K feet of climbing (but 16k of descent too - yeehaw) including; Portrero, Balcolm, Stunt and Little Sycamore/Cothrin. Should be interesting and painful. Will you guys be riding Tour of Two Forests or Heartbreak DC's? Great doubles if you're interested. Are you racing Castaic or is that the same weekend as Hemet? STP and I will be there, hope to see y'all. Good luck with Hemet DC and hope you ride just as strong.
Posted by FFW a 46 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a bunch o' bikes from Palmdale on 03/29/05
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Thanks for the compliment.It means a lot coming from someone who does the toughest of the tough double centuries.Mullholland is a little to aggressive for me.I suck on the climbs.I'm good for about 10 to 12K.I am toying with the idea of getting one of the harder ones in.
You pretty much nailed it, when you described it.After about 10 to 12 hours on the bike you really have to dig deep sometimes to find the heart to keep going.The feeling of accomplishment you get is worth it though. I have a real respect for those guys/gals doing RAAM and other rides like Furnace 508.We are also thinking of putting together a team for this one next year.Talk about PAIN!
Posted by Pain Freak riding a Surly Turner from The 909 on 03/29/05
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