Solvang Century

Well there was good and bad at Solvang. My finishing time was not what I hoped for, but it was the fastest of the three century rides I have ridden. I think I had a few strikes against me--being pretty sick for a few weeks, and not a great night’s sleep the night before (as I had to drive 2 hours up to Santa Barbara late the night before). That said, I got there on time and was well prepped in terms of having eaten well, and I had all my ride gear in order. The weather was chilly and a little windy, but I had cold weather gear so I was prepared for that.

I rolled out on the course at about 8am. I felt very good, and tried my best to find some groups to ride with that seemed to go at a reasonable pace. I kept an eye on my HR and Wattage, and if it was pushing too high, would drop back and wait for a slower group if necessary. The course was very rolling, and I think the surges had me spiking power more than I should have.

And why don't people on centuries know how to ride in a rotating pace line? It seemed like every line I got in was just someone who felt like pulling and everyone else following. I tried to get one little group going in a proper rotating echelon, but they just couldn't figure it out.

I concentrated on eating and drinking, with a gel and bar every hour along with Heed. I also took an electrolyte cap every hour. I skipped both the first two rest stops as I had plenty of food and water, and felt fine. That was about the last time I felt fine.

At mile 55 or so, I felt the legs going south. I dropped off the back of the group I was in, and went on solo. My HR was just fine, low in fact, but my legs just wouldn't push. I know that feeling, and for me it usually means that if I continue to force them they will cramp. I took it easy until the next rest stop at about mile 60.

At the stop I refilled water and mixed up some Heed, had a gel and some Cliff Bar, and a pee, and stretched out the legs a bit.

On the road again, I knew there were a few climbs ahead. The big climb, it turned out, was really just a long gradual uphill at 1-2%, not the steep climb the profile suggested. Still my legs were just toast and I was creeping along. I was probably in the 100-110 watt range, and it was all I could manage. I felt really stupid. Had I really gone out so hard that I had nothing left? It really didn't feel like it, but I guess I did.

I hit the first steepish climb (6-8%) and actually felt a little better, although pushing just a little too hard gave me the twang of cramps in my inner right thigh. I know all too well that once my legs cramp up, I'll be done, so I was VERY careful to back off at the hint of any cramping.

The second sharper climb was about the same as the last--perhaps a little shorter--with a rest stop just after. This was the last stop, with about 15 miles to go. This time I had some banana, fig bar and an oatmeal cookie. Stretched some more too.

Rolling out for the last 15 miles, and for whatever reason, I recovered a little. I was still plenty tired, but had just a bit more energy in the legs. Maybe it was the banana. Still tiny little cramps, but some on the bike stretching and rubbing seemed to ward them off.

This last part was more or less a very slight downhill run back into Solvang. I finished at 6 hours 11 minutes of riding, including some back-up in and out of the start/finish line.

It wasn't the ride I had hoped for--I really wanted to finish strong. I'm not sure if it was just too much too soon, or if I just asked my body for a little too much after being sick so much. If I had done the half-century I would have nailed it!

And it was a very good indicator of how much work I need to do to get ready for France. One interesting thing--the profile says 5,000 feet climbing, but my meter said I did over 10,000. That seems like a huge discrepancy.

I uploaded the file, but I can say that the issues that I don't see with the Gen 1 iBike at home (on good roads), I did see in Solvang. Power in the pack was questionable, and some of the roads were VERY rough and the power was all over the place on these stretches (mostly in the 2nd half of the ride). Of course, the Gen 3 unit arrived on Saturday and was waiting for me when I got home!

Ken

Here is the reaction from Coach Wharton:

Okay - this is fantastic information, and yes, it definitely gives us some ideas about what we need to do next.

I'm sorry about the sleep. It was a gamble, but I thought it would pay off. I forget that that area of the state can be sort of wine cooler chilly year-round. Next time, we'll put you up in a Motel 6 in SB, and you can knock yourself out with a Tylenol PM. No kidding.

HR was low due to chronic fatigue, temp, and the residual of the illness. Wattage was useless due to the reasons expressed.

We need to get some longer rides in there for you. I'm spending the morning on the PC spreadsheet for ErgVideo, so I may re-work some of your protocols. IF there is any way you can get 90 minute workouts in, and where, please let me know.

Thank you again for the comments in the FredCast. I truly do appreciate it.

Onward and upward, okay?

Sincerely,

Rich Wharton

USAC Level 1 Coach