So what brings us here today? Last Saturday, February 9th, I did the Palm Springs Century. It was the third time I have been to Palm Springs for this event, and the second time doing the century. This event means a lot to me though, as in 2007 i did the 25 mile ride. It was my first ever cycling event, and really kicked off my love of cycling events, that lead to double centuries, triathlons, and Ironman.
So for me, this was different. I was part of a group that went to Palm Springs, and I even did a handful of training rides with Becca, Becca, and Brian. Sounds like a law firm. I called us team triple B-S. Anyway, I often refer to myself as a solo artist, so doing three or four training rides with the group, and riding with them during the century was a different experience for me.
I have to say, that the ride itself was much like most centuries. Ups and downs, good parts and struggles, and got it done. I say it was a good route, loved that most intersections were controlled allowing the cyclists through without stopping, making it safe, and I could ride Dillon Road all day from the downhill to the rollers to the downhill, minus the last half mile of road so rough it makes the Belgian cobbles look smooth, Dillon road is a blast! My only complaint was the sag stops were light on choices. PB*J always welcome, but the third and fourth stops were out. Banana and oranges. Oh and Cliff bars. But if Cliff was a sponsor as listed, why no cliff shots or blocks? Why no salty snacks? No soft drinks, no pickle juice which has become standard fare. This needs improvement. But that is my only complaint, and yes, I will do this again.
But really, I wanted this to focus not on the ride but the experience. I've known Becca B for a while and have ridden with her, and written training plans for some of her events But Becca M and Brian are newer friends to me. I have to say they are both delightful, and I had a great time in "team mode" for this event. And huge props to these guys. For Becca M and Brian it was their first century. For Becca B her second. What an honor to see these folks cross the 100 mile mark.
We met up for lunch the Friday before, went to packet pick up and the expo together, then dinner at a place called Mario's the night before where Todd also joined us. Lots of cycling stories and good banter at dinner. Then it was time to get some zzzzs. Saturday would be a long day.
Oh, how could I forget. After dinner meant going to my motel, the "New" Palm Springs Inn. New? Newer than what? Well, it was built post flood, although I think they may have used some of the wood from the ark, or at least it looked that old. Actually I think it was designed by an intoxicated architect well before building codes were in place or enforced. To get to my room, you had to go through the pool area, negotiating between the pool and pool fence, which was maybe three feet wide, with a narrow turn, up a rickety narrow staircase. Upon entrance to an uneven floor to a lovely 1940s? style room. Hey, it was clean, and reasonably comfortable, although no chair, and the bed was a bit lumpy. Good hot water and shower pressure made it tolerable though.
Was a bit worried about falling into the pool early Saturday morning heading out to the ride! Still groggy and waking up, it took all my concentration not to go splash! Well, I am a triathlete, so maybe starting with a swim?
You already know about the ride, so after the ride, I had the privilege of dining with the ladies. A different Italian place, and for the second straight night, Becca M and I ordered the same thing. She has good taste in food! So we have a little joke between us now. A great way to unwind from the ride, get each other's perspective, which is always interesting since we did the exact same ride, but you get very different points of view. Then back to our respective motels.
Sunday was the Palm Desert half marathon and 5K. I planned on the half marathon, but three weeks ago came up with a knee injury on a run. While I can ride, I definitely need several weeks off running to get it healed, so Becca M and I walked the 5K while Becca B did the half marathon. For the 5K we made a strategic plan of keeping it leisurely! But, we do have standards, so our goal was no faster than 50 minutes and no slower than an hour! Ha! And we nailed it! Brian departed, he has the good sense to stick to cycling! Anyway doing any distance of each of the events gets you a "brick"award, coming from the triathlon workout of doing a bike/run. I did this in 2011 as my first ever half marathon, and was disappointed I couldn't do it "right" this time, but walking the 5K was a nice recovery from the century.
After that, it was time to head home! A FUN weekend. Thank you Becca, Becca, and Brian!
Gear:
Specialized Roubiax Expert
compact crank 50-34 with 11-28 cassette
Specialized comp shoes
layers, and a jacket
Rudy Project helmet
Run errr Walk:
Brooks Raveena shoes
