Last Hard Ride

Sunday: Today was the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge last hard ride. 93 miles from Fletcher Cove to Fallbrook with about 5200 feet of climbing. Next week we taper on a 40 mile ride.

Perfect day for cycle around the county. Some roads were a bit damp from the rain the night before but not slick. Slick is a cyclists worst nightmare. Twice I've hit the pavement on Miramar Rd when it was damp or wet out on those tracks by the furniture stores. There is rubber before and after and if you don't keep your balance when it's wet...bang, you will hit the road and slide.

It stayed cool the entire ride. If it had been 90 plus, it could have been torture.

Our group of 12 held together for most of the ride. Couple of spots we split but we regrouped to keep everyone in check. Todd hadn't ridden in a few weeks and neither had Scott. They were struggling some in the middle but held up when we hit the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Todd even put in some nice hill sprints at the end. Sand bagger.

I had some new wheels, ZIPP 404, which where rockets on the flats and down hills. Without effort I was flying on those buggers.

Everyone was a buzz talking about our upcoming event ride Oct 18-24. We know what each day will be like and there is a lot of miles and climbs in the first 4 days. However, the pace is much slower and there is time to stop and enjoy the scenery. Cameras are must.

At the beginning of today's ride we were told that Scott Kaplan, from the Scott and BR Show, would not be joining us today. He has a cousin who was training for this event in Arizona and was hit by a car this weekend and killed. Kristine was very broken up because this person had ridden in the QMDC last year and is someone she knows. We have got to be careful when riding. Cars have a hard time seeing us. Ride safe or as safe as possible.

This may also put the radio contest on hold. Life is too precious and we need to savor every moment with friends, family and loved ones. I'm sure we can wait.

I decided not to ride the Poway ride because I was still in the contest. Trek was very understanding and supportive. I spoke with Brent Smith this evening and he said it went very well. He provided mechanical help about mid way in the route so he didn't ride but we had all our Ride Guides to assist. I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing reports.

Just a few more weeks. Thank you CAF for expanding my world.