Rapha Festive 500: Day 8 Thank You Rapha

Dear Rapha,

     I'd like to thank you sincerely for offering up the Festive 500 challenge. I am grateful this opportunity arose and I'm grateful I had the courage and strength to do it. Initially I decided to do the challenge to win the espresso machine. I have a deep passion for making and drinking coffee, so the opportunity to win the beautiful Rocket Espresso Machine, Chris King Tamper, and Espresso Cups was like offering a free ticket to heaven simply by riding my bike. But, after delving in to the project I realized that I had forgotten about myself, forgotten about the things that I love, and the things I have to offer the world. I have been unemployed for 7 months, and that's what happens when you don't have work, you forget who you are and you begin to not feel well. This opportunity to ride my bike 500km was an opportunity to look deep inside myself for courage and strength, to remember that I am good and beautiful, remember that I still have things to give to this world.. And I am truly grateful for that! It is a blessing to have those feelings back! Thank you! I am also grateful for the wonderful products you make and am looking forward to getting a job soon so I can afford more wonderful Rapha gear! Especially the jeans in size 32! Also, if the continental is looking for riders, please consider this my resume, I have no job so I would love to ride for you!

Thank you so much for everything, looking forward to maybe brewing coffee on my new Rapha Espresso machine!

Sincerely,

Nicholas Louis

Rapha Festive 500: Day 7 Tribute to Cyclocross

Beautiful Shot of My Bianchi Cavaria

With 95% of the Rapha Festive 500 complete, I only needed to log 25km (15miles) today. My initial plan was to drive up to Donner Summit in Lake Tahoe to smash around in the snow to get fun pics. Unfortunately I slept in an opted for a bit different of a ride. I rode my road bike and my fixie, it was only appropriate to complete the Festive 500 with a ride on my cross bike.

Epic Conditions to Finish the Festive 500

My route went directly off my porch in to the American River Canyon featuring two big climbs and a nice jaunt through Oldtown Auburn to ice the cake.

Today's Route Map

Poached Section, Topo View

One mile out my door I descended in to the American River Canyon poaching a horseback trail to the bottom. On the way down I ran in to a few horseback riders who were a bit unhappy about my presence on their trail..  I greeted them with a smile and hopped off my bike. Like a true Jedi cross racer I threw the bike on my shoulder, dodged the hecklers and hopped back on my ride to complete the descent. It was a slick move, the Belgians would've been proud of that one!

American River

This is a shot from the poached section, it captures the beauty of the area.

Confluence at The Base of The Canyon

Once at the river level, I smashed out to the confluence and up to the first climb.

Lake Clementine Loop

This area is called the Lake Clementine Loop, a 9.6km (6 mile) loop with 243m (800ft) of climbing. At the base (seen in blue) a dirt trail goes out 2.4km (1.5miles) climbing 106m (350ft). There is a green gate where the dirt ends and a pavement section begins. The pavement then goes up 167m (550ft)/2.4km (1.5miles) to the top. Once at the top it's all downhill, a 4.8km (3mile) Super-D descent section to the bottom. This portion of the ride is best on a full suspension mountain bike, but I don't own one of those.. I do however own a sick cross bike and don't hesitate at putting that bad boy to work. While I did not set any records on Strava, I wasn't the slowest down that section either, pushing it as fast as I could.

Looking at Lake Clementine From the Paved Section

Portion of The Descent Section

Lots of mud available today. Was nice to splash through the puddles and get some dirt on the bike and shoes.

Stagecoach Seen on Day 5

This is the climb I chose out of the canyon, Stagecoach which I feature on day 5. I wanted to mix it up with a different climb out, but due to time constraints I needed to take the fastest route home.

From Stagecoach Looking South

Route Profile

Oldtown Auburn, CA

Heading home I was about 1 mile short to complete the Festive 500 so I did a loop through historic Oldtown Auburn. This is a great interval loop with a sweet hill for sprints. The hill sprint is highlighted in blue. From here I went home with a great sense of joy, I was just so happy to complete this Rapha challenge.

Thank you for reading today's blog, please join me for a summary on day 8 of the Rapha Festive 500!

Happy Riding!

Rapha Festive 500: Day 6 Tribute To Northern California Cycling Culture

Don't Forget to Fuel Up

Today's route was a tribute to Northern California Cycling, "World Class Cycling at Home." When people think of world class cycling, rarely does Northern California pop in ones head as the place to be. Most often people think of Italy, France, Spain, and if the United States in mentioned, most often Colorado is thought of first.. Going back to the days of Greg Lemond though, and The Coors Classics, California has long been a hidden niche in cycling, taking much time to mature. Over the past 10 years, and largely due to the influence of Lance Armstrong, Nor-Cal cycling has blown up as one of the best places to be. What makes California Cycling so great? California offers a year round cycling culture with it's temperate climate. Even in the depths of winter, one does no need to drive too far to escape the harshest conditions for cycling that is tolerable and enjoyable. California also offers outstanding geography combined with beautiful scenery creating challenging and aesthetically perfect rides. Whether you want to cruz near the ocean, meander through vineyards, or climb the California Alps, no matter what type of cycling you love, California has it.

R.A.C.E. Tuesday Night Crit, Summer 2011

Northern California has become a major racing hub creating and drawing world class talent to our door steps. Most notably is the Amgen Tour of California which has brought teams such as Radio Shack, Sky, BMC, and Garmin to our beautiful state, showcasing the best of what we have to offer. More importantly though, are the heroes who do the grassroots work of creating new pro-quality racing talent in Nor-Cal. For example; Rodney Cox of Chico, CA puts on R.A.C.E. (Rodney's Amateur Cycling Events), hosting over 200 grassroots cycling races every year. Rodney alone has developed more Cat 1-2 racers than I can even begin to mention. Velopromo, a grassroots racing promotion company and staple in the Nor-Cal bike racing schedule puts on over 35 races per year. Amongst its rigorous schedule are 5 training races and skills clinics at the beginning of the season to help create safe new cyclists. Northern California Nevada Cycling Association, our USAC sanctioning body, run by people who volunteer their time to a good cause they love and believe in. And finally, all the local shops, pro riders, mentors, mechanics, and friends who's names are too numerous to mention, who are the life and blood of Nor-Cal Cycling. While it's difficult to put in words, Nor-Cal is the place to be in you want to race bikes in the US.

Route Map

Today's route was simple but not easy, an oldie and a goodie. Since it's a tribute to Nor-Cal riding, doing a classic in the area was very appropriate. I chose to ride around Folsom Lake, a route that any semi-serious cyclist has done as it's a part of several local century rides and can be added on to one of our weekly race rides. The route was 96.1km (59.7miles) with 1610m (5282ft) of climbing which included a sweet little extra climb I added at the end.

Highway 49 Descent (red), Climb to Cool (Blue)

Leaving from my house I immediately descended in to the American River Canyon and began the biggest climb of the day up to Cool seen on the map above in blue. The descent section is 3.9km (2.4miles) with 229m (751ft) in altitude change. Pavement is good and you can easily hit 40+mph on this section. There are 3 tight turns that are fun to rail! The climb to Cool is challenging but bit dangerous due to extremely narrow spots in the road. The climb is 286m (938ft)/5.1km (3.2miles), making it a Category 3 climb.

Cars on My Tail

The climb section is extremely narrow in three spots making it dangerous. I caught a photo of a truck passing me here, it looks like they gave me plenty of room here, but it's not uncommon for cars to be a foot away. 

Sweet Switchbacks

Here is a shot of the sweet switchbacks on this climb, it's also a balst to descend.

Salmon Falls Road

Once at the top of the Cool climb, I headed over to Pilot Hill (5 Miles) and turned off Highway 49 down Salmon Falls Road. Salmon Falls Road (seen above) features several short elevation gains and a nice descent to the bottom at Folsom Lake. It's 9.3km (5.8miles) to the bottom of the Lake, there is an initial climb of 114m (374ft), then a 298m (977ft) descent to the bottom.

Beautiful Countryside

Looking north from the descent section of Salmon Falls Road, beautiful green rolling hills here. I opted out of trying to beat my PR so I could get good photo's for the blog.

Bridge at Folsom Lake

Here is the bridge at the base of Salmon Falls Road, beautiful sight to see. 

Folsom Lake

I continued on around Folsom Lake though several climbing sections, 253m (830ft)/17.7km (11miles) to the south side of the lake and Folsom Dam. This is very close to the famous Folsom Prison.

Brennans Road Headed Home

Once out of Folsom, I headed back home meandering off on beautiful backroads perfect for cycling.

Bald Hill Climb

Once I got to the base of Auburn, I had many choices of routes to get up the hill. I chose the Lozanos to Bald Hill climb. This is the steepest and most direct route from where I was, and given that my legs were fried I really wanted to kick the hill. No long grinders home! This climb is divided in to two climbs, a category 4 and category 3 over 3.2km (2miles) with 176m (577ft).

Sunset Atop Bald Hill

I made it to the top of Bald Hill in time to catch the sunset. Given all the rain we have been getting I was grateful to see this sight.

Pulled Pork for Dinner!

Nothing like a good old fashioned American Barbecue to fill my tank post ride.. Delicious!

Thank you for reading today's blog, please join me on day 7 of the Rapha Festive 500!

Happy Riding!

Rapha Festive 500: Day 5 Tribute to Rapha Continental "Es Wieder Tun"

Ponderosa Big at the North Fork of the American River

Today's ride was originally themed "Road Bikes on Dirt". It was the intended to be the sequel to yesterday's ride, yet bigger, with more dirt, more mud, and more adventure. The ride was intended to highlight my growth as a cyclist, from road rider, to cross rider, to road rider who rides his bike on cross conditioned roads. In the midst of today's ride I really felt like it was a big continuation of yesterdays tribute to the Rapha Continental and that it would only be appropriate to title it as so; Tribute to Rapha Continental "Es Wieder Tun", which is German for "Do It Again." The German in the title is in addition a tribute to one of my dear girlfriends, a German woman named Julia who is the greatest woman I have ever met!

Massive Loop With Multiple Dirt Sections

Here is the route map for the day, 80.1km (49.7miles) with 1964m (6443ft) of climbing. The intent of the ride was to link as many big dirt sections as possible while still making it home in one piece. I had planned the night before to ride two massive dirt sections (PonderosaWay and Yankee Jims Road) in a sort of lollipop shape to get back home. Unfortunately I slept in, got a late start, and it was cold, so I had to improvise. The resulting route included a poached canal section, one massive dirt section (Ponderosa Way), and a dirt climb out of the canyon for kicks. I also added the short Shirland Track loop to get some extra miles in the dark. All in all it was a killer ride featuring some serious climbing!

Canal Dirt Section

This is the first dirt section of my ride, an irrigation canal I found back in the Fall when I was looking for new loops and backroads to ride on. This section features decent dirt conditions, nearly no grade, and wonderful peace and serenity under it's trees. Canals are very common in this area, I'm learning they provide new, interesting and often challenging sections for riding. Looking at the map, you can see where I diverged from the road and linked up on the other side. The dirt portion is 1.6km (1mile), which links up to a series of short steep paved climbs for a total of 4.3km (2.7miles) with131m (430ft).

Canal Dirt at Ground Level

Shot from the canal trail. Beautiful dirt section here with some sweet puddles to splash through.

Topo Map of Ponderosa Dirt Section, Descent On Top, Climb On Bottom

Here is a topographical view of the big dirt section of the ride, the Ponderosa Way descent and climb from Weimar to Foresthill. This section is 9.6km (5.9miles) long and features 435m (1427ft) of climbing, all of which is earned on the assent. The dirt conditions vary from near silk, to hard pack, to gravel, to deep ruts, making it fun and interesting. The climb out is rated as a category 2 climb, but considering it's dirt and mud this time of year, I'd rate it higher.. Of all the routes in the area, I'd have to say this section is one of my vary favorites!

Descent Section of Ponderosa Way, Winding Back and Forth

Panoramic view of the descent down Ponderosa, which you can see on the topo map. I'm looking forward to the day I climb this section, the switchbacks looks rad to go up!

I Guess This Will Work For a Boot..

I took the descent a bit hard and tore my tire. I did not have a boot or even a dollar bill.. Debated on using a banana peel to boot the tire, then decided to peel the wrapper off my CO2 Cylinder instead.. Fortunately a driver came by and gave me a dollar bill! I was very grateful to receive this bill.

Poderosa Bridge

The American River and bridge on Ponderosa Way. This is a fantastic swim spot in the sumer time. As a teenager I'd jump off that bridge, throwing various aerials. Great memories here!

Ponderosa Climb, Nice Patch of Dirt

 Beautiful section of dirt at the base of the Ponderosa climb, smooth as silk.

Stagecoach Topo Map, River to The Top

After hitting the top of Ponderosa Way, I rode back to Auburn and descended in to the canyon to add this sweet climb, Stagecoach. This is the third dirt section of the ride and the second big climb. This section is 3.5km (2.2miles) with 228m (748ft) of climbing. This is rated as a Category 3 climb, but similarly to Ponderosa Way, it's dirt and gravel increasing the difficulty level significantly.

Base of Stagecoach

You can see the famous Foresthill Bridge (feature in the movie XXX with Vin Diesel) in the background. This also gives perspective when you compare it with the topo map.

From Stagecoach Looking at The River

Top of Stagecoach looking back at the American River and Foresthill Bridge.

Route Profile

Here is the route profile for the day.

Thank you for reading today's blog, please join me on day 6 of the Rapha Festive 500!

Happy Riding!

Rapha Festive 500: Day 4 Tribute to Rapha Continental

Todays route was inspired by and is a tribute to the Rapha Continental Cycling Squad. When I began cycling back in 2009, I was completely new to the sport and lifestyle on the bike. I was fortunate to be introduced to Rapha by a friend which opened up the whole world and culture of cycling to me. One of the many things Rapha showed me was the Rapha Continental, it's rides, and beautiful video and photography. Initially, it was something I did not understand.. Was it touring? Was it training? Was it group riding or racing? The continentals purpose was something I couldn't wrap my mind around. Still, it was inspiring, watching "average" dudes like me kill it on bikes, out in the cuts. Some of the things that I distinctly remember inspiring me were the dirt and gravel rides, playing in the mud, and taking roads that the average cyclist would not. At the time the continental planted the seed in my mind that you don't have to go to Europe to do insane rides, that you can do them anywhere, even right in your back yard.

Pre-ride Fueling

Three years later I find myself a significantly more mature cyclist in a place where I embrace all that the Continental stands for. Continental is a mindset where racing, group riding, touring, and adventure riding converge. It really is a throwback to the soul of cycling and what cycling is all about.. YOU AND THE BIKE. It wasn't until I matured in to this mindset that I could truly appreciate the difficulty, beauty and glory of this type of riding, and now that I've found it, I'm hook. Don't get me wrong I still race and love it, but there is something to be said for big deep burley rides, thats where its at! Please enjoy todays route and the tribute to the Rapha Continental, it was a fun one.

Route Map

The route above consists of two loop sections. The first portion is the upper loop called Garden Bar/Big  Hill, 35km (21.7miles) with 835m (2740ft) of climbing. This loop has a nice 5.8km (3.6mile) section of dirt with 283m (928ft) of climbing to the top. The dirt condition varies throughout the year from very loose gavel to nicely packed dirt as seen in the photos here. The second sections is a series of backroads in the Newcastcle and Penryn areas creating a beautiful rolling loop back home. This area is a staple to our riding and race training roads in the area, with nice climbs, rollers, and kickers that all make you work for it. The area sits right on the foothills where you can meander back and forth climbing and descending 800ft at a time. It's proximity to town makes it good even on bad weather days because you will not get stranded and there are plenty of houses sprinkled throughout the region to get help if you're in a bad situation. The second loop ended up being 51.3km (31.9miles) with 905m (2969ft) of climbing.

Roller Section at the Base of Garden Bar

Here is the roller section at the base of Garden Bar. You can get an idea of the type of terrain in the area. Today was the first sunny say in two weeks, it was beautiful. This area is incredible to ride in year around, but especially in the spring and fall.

Steep Paved Section of Garden Bar

A photo from one of the kickers up Garden Bar. You get a great sense of the pitch here, the grades hit 11-12% in many spots.

Garden Bar Dirt Section

Big Hill dirt section satellite profile. Features 3 categorized climbs, two category 3's and on category 4. Sweet winding climb here.

Cattle Guard and Dirt

Base of the Big Hill dirt section. Cattle guard is a cool feature here!

Beautiful Dirt

The dirt was in fantastic condition!

Route Profile

Route profile, 87.2km (54 miles) with 1764m (5787ft) climbing total.

Thank you for reading today's blog, please join me on day 5 of the Rapha Festive 500!

Happy Riding!

Rapha Festive 500: Day 3 Rest Day and Gratitude

Cleaning My Bike

Yesterdays near death experience on the bike took it out of me. It took about 3 hours to get my core temp back up to normal and at the end of the experience I was just exhausted. Like any normal cyclist I wanted to just jump back out on the bike today and to continue to ride. But after reading my body and mind after yesterdays ride, I decided to make it a rest day. Like all things in life, cycling requires moderation. Time off the bike is just as important as time on the bike. Days of rest are days of reflection. Days of reflection are days of gratitude, forgiveness, prayer, and meditation. Time off is healing and that helps make us stronger and better. Tomorrow I will build a big ride and it will be glorious, today I will meet my soul and spirit where they are and be a better person for it.

Race Photo From Last Fall

Thank you for reading today's blog, please join me on day 4 of the Rapha Festive 500!

Happy Riding!