2003ft elevation climbed @ Monte Bello and Russian Ridge Preserves. 

 After last weekend's century I decided to go ahead and replace my front tire as well, despite the fact that it had a lot of rubber left on it.  I figured that I was probably very lucky to get 3,000 on a set, and the new guy at Cycle Path looked very surprised when I told him that - almost in disbelief, really.  FWIW, it looked corny to have two different tires, but I liked how supple the new rear tire felt during the ride that I felt it was worth it to change out the front as well.  I just installed the new tires after bringing my bike home from Cycle Path.  I'm gratefull that Gebhardt has yet to charge me one single dime to work on my bike. 

Leg Press: 3x10x230
Leg Curls: 3x10x60
Calf Press: 3x25x75
Incl Situps: 4x30
Deadlifts: 10x85; 2x10x95
DB BP: 3x10x40s
DB Upright Rows: 3x10x20s
Curls: 3x12x40
Tricep Push Downs: 3x10x45

Back Squat 5-5-5-5-5 reps
95-105-115-120-125 

 I've decided to ease up a bit on the road bike for the next two weeks, and dust off the mtn bike for some different scenery.  First, my bottom bracket is making a funny noise, so I need to take it to Gebhardt today & have it checked out.  Thus far, I've put over 3,000 miles on my bike since I bought it in September, so it could require some standard maintenance.  Second, I'm starting to feel a little burned-out with regard to repeatedly riding my own stomping grounds.  Last Saturday's century basically entailed riding about 90% of the routes I typically ride, it's just that the route was pieced together differently, and in a different order.  But, in the end, it was mostly the same scenery.  Lesson learned.  I will not ride another century that involves my home turf.  From a mental aspect, it was a tougher century than the Sequoia for that reason alone because I found myself thoroughly bored.  Oddly, I enjoy - ah, prefer - the element of surprise when it comes to long distance events because the freshness of the course in my own mind bodes well for me, and I do prefer the challenge of not knowing.  Third, mentally, I need to do something else!   

Without a doubt, the Sequoia was the physically toughest of the two events.  Although, 9 mile climb up Tunitas Crk Road last Saturday certainly didn't feel any easier than the 8 mile climb up the much steeper E. Zyante Rd in Santa Cruz County 3 weeks ago. 

Dropped off the bike at Cycle Path.

Don't fall out of your chair, or anything...

Not so bad - I guess - since the last time I participated in lap swimming was 1991. Of course, we arrive at the pool and they don't have change for a $20 bill, and no one had the key to the safe. What kind of establishment is this?

Um, ok...so, swimming was on the agenda today. We arrived at the pool at 4:30PM for the regularly scheduled lap swim, but it was closed, and the sign read "Sunday lap swim @ 6:30PM on 6/25." So, we went home and returned at 6:30PM, only to find out that no one had the key to the pool, and the pool manager was on vacation. I wonder how it is that the swim meet that was taking place during normal lap hours had a key? Anyway, we tried...

~2 miles farther than the Sequoia.

 Here is a 54-mile segment of the Century we rode today.  My Garmin says this section is 8,300 ft of vertical elevation.  After the second large hill, there was another climb that went part-ways up Page Mill Road.  It wasn't as brutal as far as the climb itself goes, but it was hotter than a pistol!

Note:  The new back tire is notably better.  Very sweet, indeed.