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!

Rapha Festive 500: Day 2 Tribute to Fixed Gear Bikes and Rapha City Cycling

Todays route was a tribute to fixed gear bikes, urban cycling, and Rapha City Cycling Apparel. Of all my bikes, my fixed gear is my favorite. I love the simplistic nature of riding fixed and what it does for the soul. When you remove the gears, freewheel, and brakes of a bike, you've broken it down to cycling's essence, the act of turning the pedal. I was introduced to fixed gear riding by my teammates of Chico Corsa Cycling Team Chico, CA, USA. It's a Chico tradition to pull out the fixies in the winter for long steady distance rides in effort to build up for the next race season. I quickly learned how difficult fixed gear riding is, and how good it is for building up leg strength and muscle memory. Anytime I want to increased the difficulty of a ride that has gotten uninteresting, I do it fixed. My motto for fixed gear riding is "No matter how fast you go, it's the same amount of pedal strokes home."

Downtown Sacramento

Fixed gear riding is also a lifestyle. Go to any big city in the United States and you'll see the urban fixed gear lifestyle in full action. Messenger bags, rolled up pant legs, coffee shops, cycling caps.. It's in full effect, and it's real! Just like the fixed gear bike, the fixed gear lifestyle is simple, it's practical, it's functional. There is something to be said for having the few items you need in a bag, on your back, and the mobility of a bicycle to smash through the hazards of the city on. In this increasingly and unnecessarily complex world we live in today, the fixed gear lifestyle feeds the soul, it's keeps you real, it keeps you grounded to the earth you're spinning on!

Me and My Fixed Gear

Rapha City Cycling Apparel pays homage to the romantic nature of city riding. With it's soul embedded in urban cycling, Rapha City Cycling Apparel is durable, functional, classy, and fashionable only as Rapha could do it. It is the uniform of the urban cycling warrior, where his ranks are displayed like no other as he dodges and weaves through the concrete jungle. Unlike any other company, Rapha has captured the essence of urban cycling, weaving it directly in to it's fibers.

Meat Market?

The route I chose to feature for today's fixed gear ride was from Granite Bay to Downtown Sacramento, CA via the beautiful American River Bike Trail. Setting out on the ride, I had no idea it would turn in to a near death situation, but then again, the Rapha Festive 500 would not be complete without one.. Right as I headed out, a storm front hit and rain began to fall. Against my better judgement I broke my number one rule about riding in the rain; "I only ride in the rain if I can complete the first half of the ride before rain begins to fall." I am a Critical Care Nurse and have this rule for good reason; being cold is one thing, being wet is another, but when you get cold and wet you die. In my mind I said "No, I've made the commitment to myself to complete the Rapha Festive 500, I need to put in the miles, I WILL do this ride."

Route Map

Initially the the rain was very subtle, and I was primarily up against a 15mph head wind, it was unpleasant but tolerable. At mile 10 I found myself to be comfortable on the bike and ready to complete the ride. At mile 15, things began to deteriorate, the rain got heavier and heavier.. The first thing I noticed was when my knickers and chamois became saturated with water and that distinct sensation when the water begins to drip down your butt crack. At mile 18 my booties became saturated and I could feel the water reaching my inner shoes. Within ten minutes, my shoes were entirely soaked, and it felt as if my shoes were a swamp inside, creating that splashing feeling every time I turned the pedal. At mile 25 I should have turned around.. This is where my outer layer become completely saturated with water down to my skin.. Just a bad situation!

Lollipop Section Downtown Sac

At this point, I looked at my Garmin Edge 500 and said to myself, "5 more miles to Sacramento, 10 more miles round trip, you can do this!"As I began to see the Downtown landmarks ahead, (while secretly I knew I needed to turn around) I was motivated to push through. At mile 32 I hit the split on the bike trail in to Downtown, I was grateful to see the turnaround! I stopped to look at my iPhone for directions on how to complete the downtown lollipop section as this was a new route for me. As I hit it downtown I snapped the photo at the top of the blog . While my body was still warm, I was soaked and knew I might be in trouble getting back home. I kicked in high gear and headed back.

My Fixie in the Rain Taken on a Different Day

Pedal stroke by pedal stroke, I inched my way back towards Granite Bay.. The ride from the previous day was becoming apparent, as my legs felt shredded to pieces. At mile 40 it was becoming clear to me that my core temperature was beginning to drop. I had a sense of panic realizing I had 30 miles with 500 feet of climbing to go to get back to my car. I was realizing this was not possible. None the less I refocused my energy on each pedal stroke, one by one, I counted the mile markers back home. I began to bargain with myself about how far I could go; would I need to call for help, would I need to call an ambulance? I decided that I would try to get to a 24 hour gas station in Folsom which I prayed would be open on Christmas Day.

Taken From Google Earth, Headed Up Hazel Ave, Tough Grinder

At mile 45 I was simply exhausted, I was could, I began to not care and honestly wanted to just lay on the ground and go to sleep. I knew if I did so I would certainly die of hypothermia, I kept pushing on. The familiar land marks came and went, I knew I was getting closer, all along fighting my mind which really just wanted to quit. At mile 52 I hit Hazel Avenue, Nimbus Dam, and the bridge which crosses the river. The bridge gains about 100 feet elevation making it a grinder. My legs were pissed, they couldn't do it, I stopped to stretch them. I wiped the rain from my face, my mind was foggy, my fingers were not working.. This was bad! I pushed on and settled in to a 15mph pace for the remainder of the route. I was scared, lonely, and cold. I prayed, "Lord, please allow that gas station to be open." I knew if it wasn't open I would need to call 911.

The Gas Station I Was Grateful to See

Once I reached Folsom, I had one more grinder to kick to the top and the gas station. As I came around the last turn I peered around the corner to see a red and blue "OPEN" sign flashing, "Thank God" I said to myself. I pulled up to the door, set my bike against the building and stumbled in. I approached the counter and asked the man if I could get warm, he said "yes." I went to the door and stripped off my coat, helmet, and gloves in an attempt to remove as much wet clothing as possible. I drew my arms as close to my body as possible, holding myself in hopes of conserving heat. "Fuel, I need fuel" I said to myself. I raided the snack rack grabbing cookies and chocolate covered pretzels. I purchased these items and began to eat.. I asked the man if he had a blanket I could use, he said no. I quickly realized I needed hot liquids if I was going to make it. I stumbled to the coffee counter, I could hardly think, shaking, I filled a coffee cup. "Cream, I need Cream" I thought.

Some of my beautiful Rapha City Apparel

I stumbled around the counter bouncing off a chip rack to the cream dispenser, I nearly feel to the ground. Two men in the store saw me, "are you OK" one of them asked. Like a little child, "I'm cold" I answered. One of the men said "You look ghost white son, you need to get warmed up, would you like to get in my truck and warm up?" "Yes Sir, I would be grateful for that" I replied. He helped me to his truck, gave me a warm jacket and sat with me as I warmed up. The fog in my mind began to clear and I began regain my thoughts. It dawned on me, "holy crap, I could have died.." The man reminded me of this once or twice and also that there are still good people out there in the world. I think that was the true moral to be drawn from this story.. The man then asked me if he could give me a ride somewhere? I explained to him where my vehicle was and he was kind enough to take me there. It was such a blessing to have come across a person who was willing to help me in that way. I was very grateful for the experience, plus I got my Festive 500 miles in for the day!

Route Profile

Here is the route profile for the day, ended up being 98.3km (61miles) with 322m (1056ft). You can tell it was a fixed gear based on the consistent speed during the ride. I was extremely grateful that I made it home in one piece today, grateful to be able to spend Christmas night warm and dry with my family.

Thank you for reading today's blog, please join me on day 3 of the Rapha Festive 500!

Happy Riding!

Rapha Festive 500: Day 1 Tribute to Great European Climbs

Today was the beginning of the Rapha Festive 500. Over the next 8 days I will chose 5 local rides, each with a theme, that "helps" tell my cycling journey and lifestyle. While it is nearly impossible to truly communicate the joy and glory that is experienced on a bicycle other than actually participating in the sport, I will do my best to take you there, with photos, Strava data, Maps and links to things that got me there.

Route Map

Today's ride took place in my home, the Sierra Nevada Foothills and Gold Country of Auburn, CA, USA. The route I chose was inspired largely by the Rapha lifestyle, with an emphasis on the romantic and glorious European Alps, featured in many of Rapha's photographs. Rapha and Rouleur's visual media has long served as a portal and inspiration for me, taking me to places far far away. In an attempt to emulate the beauty and glory of European cycling, I often build routes in which I can dream of cycling in places similar to those seen in Rapha print. Today's route was inspired in particular by The Rapha Guide to The Great Rides of the Pyrenees, featuring beautiful climbs in which the roadways are often steep and wet. As it had just rained, it was only appropriate to start the Rapha Festive 500 with a beautiful climbing route on dark wet roads with fog and intermittent rain. Above is todays route map. It features a lot of base climbing with one beautiful climb towards the top right of the map called Norton Grade, which I will discuss below. Todays route ended up being 113.9km (70miles) with 2,081m (6827ft) climbing. Given that I hadn't ridden my bike in about a month, it was quite the challenge.

Applegate Climb

This is the Applegate Road climb at about mile 10. It's one of many base climbs you need to put in to get to all the sweet riding in the area. It's a subtle climb with a grade of about 5-6%. This section climbs 167m (548ft)/4.8km (2.9miles). There is a cool train tunnel at the top you can sprint to half way up the climb. From here you can take your route multiple directions based on what you're looking for. 

Apple Gate Train Tunnel

Halfway up the Applegate Road climb, the train tunnel from the opposite direction.

Canyon Way

A photo from the Canyon Way climb going up towards Colfax, this section is a sweet addition to your route to get extra climbing in, 125m (410feet)/1.25km (0.77 miles).

Norton Grade

Here is the Norton Grade loop above Colfax, CA. The lower portion of the loop is a backroad featuring a few switchback sections and nice undulating kickers making it the choice route for climbing. There is a category 4 and category 3 climb on this route. The route on the top is a nice long descent, smooth and relatively straight down to Rollins Lake. In the summer it's a great place to stop for a swim. The climb is 250m (820ft)/4.9km (3miles), and the entire loop is 349m (1145ft)/13.3km (8.3miles).

Norton Grade

Climbing up Norton Grade Road. Beautiful and cold!

Rollins Lake Grade Descent

As I neared the top of Norton grade, the rain and fog began to clear. Coming around my favorite turn on the descent, I stopped to take this photo. I love coming around this turn on cool days with the wet pavement and wooden barrier on the right. Just a cool sight to see!

Country Roads Towards Grass Valley

After completing the Norton Grade loop, I headed west towards Grass Valley, one of the many historic gold mining towns in the Gold Country. Here is a photo of the countryside between Colfax and Grass Valley. 331m (1085ft)/13km (8.1miles) to the top.

Dog Bar Road Descent

Once at the top, there is a very nice descent section back home. Your legs will undoubtably be sore at this point, the rollers and grinders will certainly make you earn your miles here.

Goofball!

Turned out to be a beautiful day! Caught myself being a goofball on the way home.. When you work that hard, you get to goof off! :)

Route Profile

Route profile for the day, 113.9km (70 miles) with 2,081m (6827ft) climbing.

Thank you for reading today's blog, please join me on day 2 of the Rapha Festive 500!

Happy Riding!