Nothing like riding in the morning to clear the mind.
Our group grew to four, with the return of Craig, aboard his new BMC 29er.
The Absa Cape Epic
Someday I will do this race. The Absa Cape Epic. The Tour de France for mountain biking. 7 days of racing in South Africa with the world's elite.
Skeggs
I rode the trails at Skeggs for the first time today. It was incredible! Just a half hour or so from the city, Skeggs Point is nestled in the mountains of the peninsula between Half Moon Bay and Woodside. It's a network of trails, mostly single-track, that either drop straight down or climbs straight up. A real mountain biker's paradise.
Jeremy had the route all planned out. Having ridden the area for years he's kind of the king of the mountain around these parts, having KOM'd or placed in the top 10 of every Strava segment. I prepared myself to get schooled by him and Josh, who's also a monster ripper of these woods.
The first section of trail was really fast, followed by a crazy fire road descent with a few drops thrown in. Scott and I lost our water bottles as we bounced around towards the bottom. It was some serious rough riding. I could barely keep up with Josh and Jeremy, who were out to set some new records. Both Josh and Scott flatted around the same time. Opportune time to catch my breath and hydrate on an orange.
We got ourselves deep into the bottom of the forest. Skeggs has a bit of everything, from really dry and rocky exposed sections, to nice and flowy single-track, gut wrenching climbs, East Coast-like gnar and just straight-up fun trails. We covered about 25 miles with about 5,000' of elevation gain. Jeremy and Josh were kind enough to egg me on for every ascent, knowing I'd try to put my mark on the climbers leader-board. I did just that with almost every climb, but I really started to feel it halfway through our day.
Jeremy is one fast dude. He can rail the downhills fearlessly, clean any section of trail, and make you hurt on any climb. He just started racing not too long ago, and has quickly moved up as a Cat 1 XC racer.
Josh is just as fast as Jeremy, and when you put the two together it's virtually impossible to catch them (d0wnhill). Having never ridden the trails of Skeggs before the only place I could put a dig into either of them was on the climbs, but not by much. The drawback of Skeggs is that it's buried deep in the mountains, so satellite reception is poor. I missed a few Strava segments because of it, which explains why the guys use their phones as backups.
This was also the first time my Open saw real rough mountain biking at its finest. Getting bounced around on a hardtail isn't as much fun as a full squishy bike, obviously, but my bike felt comfortable all the way through the tortuous terrain, especially at speed. It never felt twitchy in tight corners and it held its line, as long as I trusted my tires more.
I've been practicing my new cornering technique, shown to me by my friend David last week, but started to get real sloppy towards the end of the ride. My hands developed some new calluses by the end, and my whole body felt like it got beat to a pulp. I haven't felt that way after a ride since racing at Tamarancho last fall.
I definitely have to come back to Skeggs soon. It puts a lot of my Headlands riding to shame in that it really works your body and mind in a wholly different way. I need to practice my single-track and downhill cornering skills while getting used to the new body language it takes to control the trail. Above all, I need to come back because it's fun and poses some new challenges.
Fridays
I got in a good easy ride through the Headlands after work on Friday. I had a backpack full of work clothes, yet managed to set a personal record going up Marincello on my back. Tomorrow I'm headed to Skeggs to check out some new trails with my friends, and want to make sure I have enough energy to carry me through.
Breaking the Layer
Broke the thick layer of fog on our first Dawn Patrol ride after daylight savings. It was pitch black for the first half of our ride until we reached the foot of the top of Miwok as the sun was beginning to rise. So amazing.
Just Another Sunday
I wanted to put in a few or more hours in the saddle today to fill out my weekly riding goal. What better way than to ride to the top of Mt. Tam and back. I rode 54 miles with 7,800' of climbing. It's become my regular long ride, where as before I considered it an all day epic. It's helped me get to another level of endurance and strength, not to mention sharpen my downhill skills.
Yesterday my friend David gave me a few pointers on how to carve corners with more confidence. I basically need to get off the saddle more, put most of my weight on my outside foot and really lean the bike into the corner. Today I took the advice and applied it with a lot of success. I found myself committing to corners with more confidence and control. Unfortunately I can't see the improvements I've made because my Garmin had lost the file. Bummer.
Sea Otter Course Recon
A group of us went down to Monterey to do some course recon for this year's Sea Otter Classic. We did one lap, got turned around a few times and ran into a herd of sheep towards the end. I did it last year as my big comeback race where I placed 8th out of a very stacked field where I crashed early on and recovered.
The dirt was nice and tacky but heavily rutted in a quite a few sections. On the western side of the valley the temperature was nice and cool, but as soon as we got up and over the back side we started to cook under the sun.
I forgot how challenging some of the climbs were. Some were so incredibly steep I had to get off and hike, while the rest were either sandy or just steep and long enough to break your spirit. The series of steep ups and downs make for a challenging course, especially if you do two laps. I definitely learned my lesson and aim to pace myself more this time around.
It was our friend Josh's birthday weekend, and it was his idea to come down and ride. We had raced Sea Otter together in the same category last year not knowing each other at the time. He had also bought my beloved Epic from me right as I was putting my Open bike together.
We ran into a large herd of sheep crossing the final section of fire road. They didn't seem that alarmed as well rolled through their lunch time.
The final climb leading into the second lap is long and gradual. To me it's the toughest part of the course because it feels like it keeps going and going. We're also hoping it won't be as hot as it was last year. We all suffered 90º heat for 40 miles. I made the mistake of running a single bottle, struggling to stay remotely hydrated. If it gets that hot again I'm definitely going with a CamelBak.
This is where the Open brand was announced, on the beautiful hills of Laguna Seca park. I'm looking forward to meeting the folks of Open this year as well as racing their bike to a podium finish, hopefully.
Last Light Descent
It was really chilly this morning. For some reason I went without a vest, but once I got warmed up it was fine. This is the last Dawn Patrol ride where we'll be able to descend the first section of dirt in the daylight. With daylight savings coming on Sunday it's back to bringing lights, but on the bright side it'll be lighter later in the afternoon/evening.
We didn't push the pace quite as hard as we did on Tuesday, but I still made sure everyone got a good workout. I was also happy to see that I'm getting faster going downhill, or at least I'm comfortable with a particular section dropping down to the horse stables. I broke the top 10 out of a 1000 riders going down a section of Old Springs. Signs of improvement.
Another Great Dawn
Our friend Peter made his triumphant return to our weekly Dawn Patrol ride through the Headlands. Brian and I made sure we made him suffer for being MIA for so long. It's good training for him as well as it is for us.
Our rides lately have become more and more intense. I think it's because it's just been Brian and myself pushing the pace. He's been getting faster and faster, which only inspires me to push harder and harder. We're definitely out of any base-mile phase of our respective training, with the race season in full-swing it's important for me to simulate race pace as often as possible.
Birthday Party
I celebrated my non-birthday today with a nice ride through the Headlands. I was born on a leap year, which makes me 8 and 1/4. Some funny things happened after posting my ride to Strava; I rode in a figure 8 for 33 miles, climbed 2 category 3 climbs. Strange coincidences.
I took the day off of work to celebrate in solitude. It felt great to get out at a reasonable hour, instead of the crack of dawn. I took it easy as much as I could. I'm trying to conserve my legs for Sunday, another race up in Sacramento. It's a delicate balance to get in enough training without burning myself out. I'll taper off starting tomorrow and keep my rides short and sweet.
Moonrise Kingdom
Had another great early morning ride through the Marin Headlands. It's getting lighter and lighter. On this particular morning the moon was full and setting over the ocean. So beautiful.
The Miwok climb.
Brian crushing it up to the top.
Yes, I take way too many pictures of my bike.
Saturday Epic
I woke up this morning feeling rather run down, looking forward to the weekend, hoping the weather would hold, but couldn't shake off the feeling of just staying in bed all day. I might be over-training, but I think it has more to do with the cold weather. I somehow shook it off, got up, had a bit of breakfast, looked out the window and threw on my gear. It's a funny thing, once I was out the door and breathing fresh air I change my tune completely. I was invigorated and ready for a solid day on the bike. I rode 55 miles, and climbed over 7,000' to Mt. Tam and back.
I had the intention of taking it easy, spinning my way to the top, but my steady pace showed that I was in good form, setting a few personal records going up the mountain as well as down. I'm still getting used to my new fitness base. My efforts up the hills aren't as great, yet I'm consistent with improving my times. It's nice to see my winter training and disciplined schedule paying off.
Still glowing from my first win of the season last weekend I worry that I'm peaking too early. Thankfully my ride today affirmed that I am improving, that I can sustain and hold my fitness hopefully all season long. I just need to make sure I get in enough recovery.
Today I wasn't the only one to crank out some solid miles. I had a few friends do centuries today, but one of them put in a massive 100 mile ride with 14,000' of climbing, going up and over Tam, up north and back, making my ride look puny. It was such a good day for riding, but it was hard to gauge what clothing to wear. I made the mistake of wearing heavier winter gear rather than layering. I overheated quickly and often, but was glad while descending Tam.
I'm feeling good having locked up another solid week of training. The ride today was a good indicator that my endurance levels have increased a lot in the past year. It's getting to a point of becoming a regular ride rather than an epic by my standards.
Waiting for the Weekend
Looking forward to the weekend. I don't have any hard workouts planned or races to crush, so it'll just be me, my Open and the mountains out yonder. It might be a good time to check out Tamarancho or China Camp. I'd like to to increase my downhill and single track skills. For now I'm content that it's Friday and I've got the whole weekend to look forward to. Where are you riding this weekend?
Getting Over
This morning I rode with my friend Brian through the Headlands. We were both feeling really weak and tired, but pressed onwards and over the mountain. It was really chilly out, but it was nice to see the sun rising even before we hit the trailhead. A significant sign of spring! Despite getting nine hours of sleep last night all I wanted to do was crawl back into bed, but it's this kind of dedication and rigor that gave me the fitness I have today. I also lost perspective on where I live, and how fortunate I am to have such a great and beautiful playground just minutes away by bike. I live a charmed life, and remind myself not to take it for granted.
Upwards and Over the Mountain
I had the day off from work today, and did a recovery ride of sorts through the Headlands. I still climbed over 3,000' but tried to dial my effort way back. Oddly enough I finished my loop around the same time as normal. The clouds are coming in, and it was a nice run of sunny days while it lasted. Tomorrow's forecast calls for rain, but it won't stop me from getting out early in the morning. No rest for the weary, I guess.
Also, I'd like to thank everyone for congratulating me on my win. It feels good to have the love and support from my friends and family.
Race Ready Rig
Took it easy the past couple of days despite the gorgeous weather we've been blessed with. I spent my Saturday afternoon cleaning and fine-tuning my race rig for tomorrow's race in Sacramento.
What I love about his bike is that I don't really have to do that much to keep it in top condition. With regular maintenance, especially the drivetrain, cleaning off grime buildup is so easy. I've been trying out different chain lubes and found the Rock n' Roll line to be the best for my bike and conditions.
I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. It'll be my first official mountain bike race of the season. My wife will be there for support. Wish me luck!
TGIF
I've got my first official race of the season coming up this Sunday. It's the MTB Challenge hosted by TBF Racing up in the Sacramento area. I haven't ridden there before, and I imagine the weather will be super nice. The course itself runs along a lake without too much climbing. It's a lapped course making it very spectator friendly. Given that I've had a solid winter of training I'm feeling really good about it, but not too stressed. My form is showing potential, having broken the top ten at Old Caz and putting in the fastest time at the Tour de Palm Springs last weekend.
Bar Set Too High
This morning I rode with Brian to through the Headlands, the both of us trying to go after some competitive KOM's on Strava. It's been a while since trying for the Miwok and Miwok to the Top segments, and thought I'd give it a go considering the kind of fitness I've had the past few months. I think I should have skipped my workout last night if I wanted a real chance of snagging the coveted KOM's.
Excuses aside it felt oddly good to go full-gas on such a long and hard climb. Steve, you set the bar way too high for everyone! It won't stop me from trying, though. Mountain, see you next Tuesday, then Thursday, then Tuesday and so on.
Back At It
It feels good to be back at home. I woke up early in the morning for my regular ride through the Headands, putting in a good effort on a segment that's been hotly contested ever since I moved out here. It's a two-mile climb up Miwok to the very top. I was almost at full-gas, coming up with my second best time, some 15 seconds of my pace. I'm confident I can break my record, which I'll try on Thursday. Watch out!
Rain Patrol
Peter and I made it out to the Headlands this morning expecting to beat the rain, but no luck. We got caught by stingy rain halfway through our ride. We were both pretty tired, having had a good solid week of riding. This is my last ride before the big Tour de Palm Springs this Saturday.