We started at about 7:05 and I was happy with my clothing decisions. I started with sungalsses on but the fog kept collecting on them and with the early morning light made seeing road hazards very difficult. So I had to stow them until the fog lifted.

I thought the aid stations were awesome. The lines to the food, water and porta potties were really quick. I heard a few people gripe about the SPIZ and lack of Gatorade-type drink, but shame on them for not researching the SCOR website nor getting advice from internet discusssion.

My two friends and I rode a nice and easy pace. I resisted the temptations to jump onto a pace line and I kept telling myself I was saving it for Foxen Canyon Rd.

At the start of Foxen Canyon Rd I wanted to kick it up a notch or two and I joined up with a really strong guy who physically looked like Thor Hushhovd and another smaller rider like myself. We hammered with Thor doing most of the pulling. We were doing about 25 MPH in the flats and I tried to help pull in the inclines. I don't know what happened to Thor, but I ended up by myself about two miles before the "wall" towards the end of Foxen Cyn. Rd. I/we averaged 19 MPH on Foxen Canyon Rd. but I should have taken it easier when I was alone because that !@#$ hill hit me hard. I swear I was barely going faster than a guy walking it. I saw quite a few people stop to work out cramps. But I kept grinding (not spinning!) 34x23 and made it to the top and let out a big "wooooo". I made it to the mile 92 rest stop.

The rest of the ride was a lot of fun. I hit 50.7 MPH on the descent from Balard Canyon Rd! and the rest of the climbs and the twisty rollers were a blast, knowing I was so close to finishing. I actually got surprised that the end came so quickly, the route slip said the finish was at 104 miles but when my GPS said 99 miles, I suddenly realized I was in Solvang and the ride was about to end. But overall I had a great experience.


For my first century nothing. I could of jumped onto an easy pace line (17-18 MPH) but then I may have really suffered later and I would feel guilty about leaving my firends behind.

This was my first century and had a great time. I trained on inland San Diego hills so I was well prepared for this ride. The only hill that really kicked my butt was the short, steep one towards the end of Foxen Canyon Rd.