In order for me to stay on course with my centurion riding plan for this year, I need to complete a century for January. Apparently there aren’t that many organized events for January so I opted for the Stagecoach Century from Shadow Tour. This was a charity event for the benefit of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, a non-profit organization set up to provide financial support for injured and critically ill post 9-11 Marines and Sailors as well as members of the U.S. Army, Air Force or Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces.
The event was hosted at Ocotillo, a small town approximately 80 miles east of San Diego and slightly north of the border of Mexico. With population of approximately 300 people and a place named Lazy Lizard Saloon as one of only two bars in town, it’s not exactly an attractive tourist destination. Nonetheless, the event attracted over 700 riders including a few Time Trial teams. Because of its distance away from VeloViet’s hub, all members decided to sit it out except Kiet Le. Kiet was nice enough to accompany me after learning that I planned to drive all the way there to ride the century solo.
Not wanting to drive the long distance the morning of, we checked into a modest hotel in San Diego that was affiliated with the event the night before. We arrived at the hotel around 7:30pm to pick up our rider packets. We then had a quick dinner next door and went to bed early.
The next morning, we arrived at the Ocotillo Community Park around 6:30am and were happy to see long lines of cars parked along the road with riders getting themselves and their bikes ready for the start. The event started promptly at 7am with the release of the time trialers. We rolled out about 15 minutes later into a slight head wind and temperature in the high 40’s.
Photo - Ocotillo in the Morning
Photo - Riders’ Cars on Both Sides of the Road
One by one, the riders left the starting point and headed northward. Embracing the tranquility and slight chill of a desert morning, Kiet and I established a tempo to warm up. We rode together for a while and chit chatted along the way. At approximately mile 8, I looked back and did not see Kiet. I slowed down but he didn’t catch up. Fearing he may have suffered a flat, I circled back. I was relieved to see that he didn’t have a flat but was a bit surprised to see him just standing there. As I stopped next to him, I learned that he has been experiencing cramps. At this point, I knew we’re in for a little longer ride so we agreed to adjust from a fast finish to a leisure ride.
Kiet soon collected himself and pushed off with a slower speed and higher cadence. We continued at this pace for about thirty miles.
Photo - Kiet Riding in the Desert
Photo - Me Riding in the Desert
The route was an out and back with most of the first 50 miles being gradual ascends of 2-3%. To mix in a little fun, there were a couple short climbs with pitches up to the low teen which I was happy to see. For miles there was just bare desert charm. It was so quiet that one could hear his own thoughts. Aside from an occasional border patrol helicopter or motor vehicle activity, the road was a perfect venue for meditation.
Photo - A Road That Seems to Go On Forever
This event also has one of the best SAG that I’ve seen. The stops were well attended with very gracious volunteers and stocked with plenty of food, nutrition and liquid. There were a total of 8 stops so no one was stranded without water or fuel. Kiet took advantage of these stops and loaded up on electrolytes and food to make sure the cramps will not recur.
Photo - View of the Route From the Top of a Hill
After seeing that Kiet was doing well, I picked up the pace and charged ahead. Shortly after, I reached the 50 miles mark and turn around point. I got my wrist band stamped confirming destination reached and waited for Kiet. Kiet arrived shortly after and got his band stamped. We refueled and visited with some other riders. We ran into and chatted with Reina who had rode with VeloViet once before. She was with BCI and now rides with Surf City. She sent her regards to VeloViet before heading out with her group.
Photo - Kiet Getting His Half Way Stamp
After an adequate rest, we turned around and began our trek home. The return segment was mostly downhill so it was a lot more fun. Kiet rode much stronger on the second half and before we knew it, we were near the finish line. About 5-6 miles away, we encountered a few miles of very rough road. The road was badly damaged with large cracks and bumpy surface. I’m not sure why they left that section in that condition when the rest of the road is fine. Perhaps they want to give the riders a little taste of Paris Roubaix or they just want them to look alert when approaching the finish line. Nevertheless, the constant search for a smooth path to minimize the vibration was enjoyable.
As with all good things, our ride promptly came to an end. We collected our medals, took some pictures, ate a small lunch and began to head home. For me, it was a nice century to kick off an active year. I’m glad to have taken part in a pleasant ride on this charming road less traveled.
Photo - Kiet and I at the Finish Line
The event was hosted at Ocotillo, a small town approximately 80 miles east of San Diego and slightly north of the border of Mexico. With population of approximately 300 people and a place named Lazy Lizard Saloon as one of only two bars in town, it’s not exactly an attractive tourist destination. Nonetheless, the event attracted over 700 riders including a few Time Trial teams. Because of its distance away from VeloViet’s hub, all members decided to sit it out except Kiet Le. Kiet was nice enough to accompany me after learning that I planned to drive all the way there to ride the century solo.
Not wanting to drive the long distance the morning of, we checked into a modest hotel in San Diego that was affiliated with the event the night before. We arrived at the hotel around 7:30pm to pick up our rider packets. We then had a quick dinner next door and went to bed early.
The next morning, we arrived at the Ocotillo Community Park around 6:30am and were happy to see long lines of cars parked along the road with riders getting themselves and their bikes ready for the start. The event started promptly at 7am with the release of the time trialers. We rolled out about 15 minutes later into a slight head wind and temperature in the high 40’s.
Photo - Ocotillo in the Morning
Photo - Riders’ Cars on Both Sides of the Road
One by one, the riders left the starting point and headed northward. Embracing the tranquility and slight chill of a desert morning, Kiet and I established a tempo to warm up. We rode together for a while and chit chatted along the way. At approximately mile 8, I looked back and did not see Kiet. I slowed down but he didn’t catch up. Fearing he may have suffered a flat, I circled back. I was relieved to see that he didn’t have a flat but was a bit surprised to see him just standing there. As I stopped next to him, I learned that he has been experiencing cramps. At this point, I knew we’re in for a little longer ride so we agreed to adjust from a fast finish to a leisure ride.
Kiet soon collected himself and pushed off with a slower speed and higher cadence. We continued at this pace for about thirty miles.
Photo - Kiet Riding in the Desert
Photo - Me Riding in the Desert
The route was an out and back with most of the first 50 miles being gradual ascends of 2-3%. To mix in a little fun, there were a couple short climbs with pitches up to the low teen which I was happy to see. For miles there was just bare desert charm. It was so quiet that one could hear his own thoughts. Aside from an occasional border patrol helicopter or motor vehicle activity, the road was a perfect venue for meditation.
Photo - A Road That Seems to Go On Forever
This event also has one of the best SAG that I’ve seen. The stops were well attended with very gracious volunteers and stocked with plenty of food, nutrition and liquid. There were a total of 8 stops so no one was stranded without water or fuel. Kiet took advantage of these stops and loaded up on electrolytes and food to make sure the cramps will not recur.
Photo - View of the Route From the Top of a Hill
After seeing that Kiet was doing well, I picked up the pace and charged ahead. Shortly after, I reached the 50 miles mark and turn around point. I got my wrist band stamped confirming destination reached and waited for Kiet. Kiet arrived shortly after and got his band stamped. We refueled and visited with some other riders. We ran into and chatted with Reina who had rode with VeloViet once before. She was with BCI and now rides with Surf City. She sent her regards to VeloViet before heading out with her group.
Photo - Kiet Getting His Half Way Stamp
After an adequate rest, we turned around and began our trek home. The return segment was mostly downhill so it was a lot more fun. Kiet rode much stronger on the second half and before we knew it, we were near the finish line. About 5-6 miles away, we encountered a few miles of very rough road. The road was badly damaged with large cracks and bumpy surface. I’m not sure why they left that section in that condition when the rest of the road is fine. Perhaps they want to give the riders a little taste of Paris Roubaix or they just want them to look alert when approaching the finish line. Nevertheless, the constant search for a smooth path to minimize the vibration was enjoyable.
As with all good things, our ride promptly came to an end. We collected our medals, took some pictures, ate a small lunch and began to head home. For me, it was a nice century to kick off an active year. I’m glad to have taken part in a pleasant ride on this charming road less traveled.
Photo - Kiet and I at the Finish Line
How long was the whole ride?
ReplyDeleteGood job guys, especially for coming out and riding with VV the next day!
ReplyDeleteWe took it easy so it took us over 6 1/2 hours of riding time for the distance of 100 miles.
ReplyDeleteI was about to give up but with mental toughness and abundant electrolytes from the SAG I completed this century. It was a pleasure to ride along with you in this journey and many more to come. Keith, thanks for a nice and details recap - I relive every moment of it.
ReplyDeleteKiet, I'd be discouraged too if I start cramping when there's still 90 miles to go. Kudos for having the determination to stick it out and finish the ride. It was fun riding with you. Looking forward to many more in the near future.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to both of you finishing the first Century of 2012, it's a inspiration for us and I think you two will fly on PSC with V V. Man, you guys are hard core.
ReplyDeleteNgoc.