Measuring Stick

I went out for a long ride today. Much as I did last year around my birthday, I wanted to see if I still had the right stuff after turning 31 years old. Nothing says you "still got it" like dropping a hilly C-note in the sizzling Sacramento summer heat.

Last year was definitely a bit of a struggle. Working full time at a "real job" for the first time was difficult from a cycling and private life standpoint. Many days, especially during the height of the summer, I just didn't feel like riding after work. I have always been a morning rider. That's when my motivation is highest and my body most ready for adventure. I had to adjust. I had to suck it up and ride in the cold, the heat, the rain. After a season of riding more, I "feel" much more fit. Today it was time to see if that was true.

From my apartment in Sacramento, I rode up the bike trail to Folsom, climbing east up Green Valley Road. I turned north on Salmon Falls Road until I hit Highway 49. I continued north on the highway, past Cool, then dropped into the canyon. This is one of the more entertaining descents in the area, with high speed straightaways combined with tight turns.

After crossing the North Fork of the American River, I turned left to stay on 49 and climbed up the other side of the canyon into Auburn. I dropped down Auburn Folsom Road all the way to Beals Point, where I picked up the bike trail. From there it was 26 miles of mostly bike trail back to my apartment.

All told it was 96 miles, and I felt substantially better afterwards than I did last year.

So do I still have it? Yes. Yes I do.

Later.

Race Report: 1998 Land Park Criterium

There isn't a whole lot to tell when reporting on this crit. It's been 10 years since I have raced in Land Park, but nothing has changed. You ride around in circles, avoid the inevitable crash, and sprint.

Today went true to form. Even though I have been doing more riding with road racer friends, I struggled a bit with the high pace and spent much of the race towards the back. In the last few laps, everyone was trying to move up and of course there was a touch of wheels. A few guys went down and I managed to avoid the pileup.

On the bell lap I was actually in a good position near the front, but again the pace was too high. I faded by the end of the lap. I took 12th in the sprint out of 37 riders.

Not great, not terrible. Top third is pretty good for me I guess.

Later.

Race Report: 1998 Lighthouse Criterium

The Lighthouse course is about the best a mountain biker can hope for in a criterium. It has a small climb, a fun little downhill and many turns.

I did my best to stay near the front most of the race, but there are always other guys trying to do the same. On the last lap the jostling and jockeying and elbowing was pretty intense, and I was mid-pack hitting the climb. I picked up a few places on the hill and sprinted for the line.

I don't know my exact placing. They only published the top seven.

I figure my finish was somewhere around 10th to 12th, another average result on the road bike.

Later.