Upon getting to the race, I realized that I had read the course map backwards and that we would be doing the tour in reverse. No big deal, I was just counting on a nice easy warm-up up the coast before heading inland. The actual course took us through about 3,500 feet of climbing in the first 30 miles. Somewhat brutal, but not horrible. I definitely realized that I actually could make some of the famous local climbs that I had been putting off for fear of not being able to make them.

One thing that really helped was to keep reminding myself that this was a tour and not a race. Really helped keep me from over doing it.

Just before the half way point there was a fantastic straight downhill for what seemed like 2 miles. Tucked into the aerobars and just cruised at about 33 mph ... so fun!

Circle R was an experience ... LOL!

Made it nicely through the first 55 miles, then it started to hurt a bit. Flat coastal ride to the finish and strangely, I was moving really fast! Knees hhurt and my quads were on fire with the slightest climb, but I was moving.

Made it to the finish line, had some cold drinks and went straight home for a nap.

Nothing, nice ride!

Stretched for about 10 minutes, put Icy-Hot on my quads.


Good event. I think I finished pretty fast because there really weren't a lot of people at the post race event. Seemed like the 10 miler was just getting underway when I got back. Kind of boring, BBQ did not sound good, so I went home.

As for the course, lots of volunteers at the break stations (although I never stopped at one), well marked, and it was nice to have a steady stream of motorcycle support.

Hope they raised a lot of money!