Week 30 08/02/2010 - 08/08/2010

Work Commute 44 miles
Marin Century - Metric route  60 miles

104 miles  16th goal hit (grudgingly)

Oh today was frustrating. I woke up 30 minutes late and could not quite wake up on the drive down.  In fact I had to stop and get coffee, I was having to fight falling asleep as I drove.  I had the metric route on the Marin Century, which by the way is quite a production.  6 routes all departing from the same place, thousands of riders, CHP doing lane closures to allow us a clear lane on the two climbs I had going out (unfortunately I didn't get them on the way back).

It is cold in San Rafael when I arrive.  A low marine layer is hanging over the area, but I was certain it would burn off as we move inland, so I take off with just my arm warmers and vest.  Sign in, and head out, starting the ride about 7:15 am. My route takes me up and around Petaluma and back via Lucas Valley Road and Nicasio Rd.  Lucas Valley Rd is a long climb going out, about 3.5 miles at 4-6%, and coming back 9 to 10 miles.  I am freezing coming into the 1st rest stop, there is a long descent to it, which was fun, but today was really cold.  My energy levels are also tanking, I can't even seem to get up any speed on the downhills.  Need to figure out why I feel so depleted, maybe I didn't eat enough the week before?  I didn't sleep all that great the night before, but I don't sleep all that great most nights, it doesn't usually affect me like this.

 

Anyway, off to Petaluma, traffic really picks up on Pt Reyes-Petaluma Rd, hit the 2nd rest stop around 9:30 pm.  I am not hungry, but I force some food down, the ride back involves several climbs, I'll need some energy.  I do toy with the idea of just saying to hell with it and sagging in.  I am tired, achy, a little queasy, really don't feel good.  But onward and upward, at least the sun finally broke out as I left the 2nd rest stop, not really warm, but better than before.  I slog through the rest of the ride get back to the finish around 1:30, have lunch, and then fight to stay awake on the way home.
                                                            

Kind of a disappointing day, my performance anyway, but I think I am going to do this one again next year.  The route is very pretty, especially Lucas Valley Rd, and I would like to do this ride and enjoy it a  bit more.  Marin Cyclists do a great job, the rest stops are well stocked, the food is good, dinner had some nice touches - roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, veggie lasagna, 4 different pastas, pizza - really a good selection of food.  The volunteers are great as well, friendly, helpful, encouraging, I saw at least 1/2 dozen SAG wagons throughout the day, nice support.

Dinner