Good luck in Solvang Double

[Nerius Landys]

Hey folks, good luck in the Solvang Double, whoever is doing it.

I was considering it, in fact on our way back from PAC Tour Larry Gitman offered that I share a room with someone in his "squad" and caravan/carpool up with them.
However, I've done too many "endurance" miles and I feel now it's time to do some more "speedy" miles.

See you all on the April 1st Pie Ride hopefully!

[Anthony Scozzari]

2nd that thought from Nerius, good luck to all doing Solvang this weekend!
Anthony

[Wade Duchene]

Yes, I was thinking of you guys when I went out this afternoon. 

Karl, don't let Anthony lead them out.

Be safe - and don't hurt yourselves too bad.

Remember, the goal should be to just finish so you can lord your hardman status over your wimpier clubmates. 

Good luck, have fun, and drink some wine for us.   

[Nerius Landys]

So how did it go?

[Anthony Smith]

Ok, Here's The Report:

Evelyn, Jim, Karl and I started out 7:00 am. The weather wasn't too bad (overcast and in the mid-40's). Our pace was a little slow at first but it picked up nicely after and hour or so. We made the 100 mile mark somewhere close to 1:30 which was okay because our average mph was increasing as the day progressed and our goal for completing this ride in 12 hours seemed doable. My optimism was short-lived because of what happened next - THE WINDS. We either had a cross-wind or head-wind for the rest of the afternoon. At SAG stop 4, our projection to complete the tour went from 12 hours to 13 and it was only getting worse. By the time we reached sag stop 5, it was starting to get dark (and cold). We had lost Jim and was wondering when he would show. We refueled and just when we were about to leave Jim pulled up. He decided to ride at a slower pace and we parted ways.

At this point the wind had subsided but it was dark. We missed a turn but thanks to Karl and a couple of riders in the group that we finished with, they figured out what to do and  we were  back on track and made it to the finish line with 40 minutes to spare (Jim finished at 10:00 pm). We completed the double in 14 hours 20 minutes (saddle time was 12 hours 38 minutes â€" spent way too much time at the sag stops).

A couple of things I would like to mention:

We managed to stay together and work as a team through the winds - We all did an equal share at the front. 

Secondly, Evelyn finished with the 2nd fastest time for her gender/age group (Evelyn, you're awesome).

Also, John left about 15 minutes before us and finished in the top 30 overall and 13th in his age bracket. John completed the tour in 12 hours 25 minutes (Cool).

I would also like to mention that the Solvang Double was a great riding experience(wind and all) and I can't wait to do it again next year. Hopefully more NC3 members will join me.

[karlos]

Lunch at mile 113. Anthony (32 mph pulls) Smith, Evelyn (Podium) Marshall, Jim (strong wise man) Wisener, Karl (on the rivet) Rudnick. John Hopkins somewhere up the road 1+ hours. At this point, winds were starting to affect us and our 18.3 mph average at the century point was down to 18.0, plummeting after that. Rookies Anthony and Evelyn were awesome. I will think twice before I call this the easiest double out there. The winds made it harder than the 15 kft climbing doubles. Evelyn would have won the whole thing if it were 400 instead of 200 miles.

[Nerius Landys]

That's awesome, glad everyone finished!
Hope to see some survivors on this Sunday's Ultimate Palomar Riding Experience!