Bill Strahm's Weblog

Monday December 13, 2004

Time to start training for the Spring cycling season
Well - if I want to get back into shape it is time to pick some centuries to train for.

Lets see - an early one would be Solvang. I have heard good things about the course - the question of course is Century or metric. I was thinking century, but after my ride last weekend I don't know. Started on Foothill Expressway. For those not in the bay area - this road was DESIGNED for biking. A wonderful, well maintained 8 foot shoulder - easy riding for two abreast even. Turned left on Page Mill - darted into the OLD page mill road.

Now I made a mistake - instead of turning RIGHT onto Arrastedero I went straight - 5 ish miles and 1500 ft up later I am on skyline. Well since I am here I might as well go over to Old la Honda and back down to where I was trying to go in the first place (the Portola Loop). Nice ride - a lot more strenuous that I was looking for, so maybe a metric century is better for starting the season (of course I could just ride the century SLOW).

One of my problems is when I ride alone I have no sense of pacing. Saturday - starting out on Foothill Express I was whizzing along at 24 MPH, yeah the road is flat and it feels good - but then I have nothing for the climbs.

Anyway - this is my public statement... I WILL ride Solvang - I will pace myself to finish strong - I will get back into shape.

I'll keep you all informed
(2004-12-13 10:44:56.0) Permalink