Mt. Laguna Bicycle Classic

I would like to take this opportunity to give a shout out to AdventureCorps.

In November, a handful of cyclists, including George and myself, were invited to pre-ride the brand new MLBC century route. I had done some riding in the area before, but I have to say, the route that they have put together is spectacular. I’m a fan of climbing centuries and this one does not disappoint. From the incredible vistas to the relentless and grueling climbs that will test your fitness, strength and determination, the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic promises to deliver an A+ event.

You can find more information about the Mt. Laguna Bicycle Classic below. Hope to see all of you out there on April 17th!

AdventureCORPS announces San Diego County’s Newest, Toughest, Most Epic, and Most Traffic-Free Century Cycling Event. Basketball legend Bill Walton to serve as Chairman of Good Times.

LA JOLLA, CA - AdventureCORPS, Inc., an athlete-run firm producing and promoting ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, lifestyle, and media, is pleased to announce the inaugural Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic on Saturday, April 17, 2010, featuring 103 miles with 10,000 feet of climbing and three different ascents of San Diego County’s Mount Laguna and breath-taking views of the Anza-Borrego Desert far below. With a start/finish line just 44 miles east of downtown San Diego, the route for this timed cycling event features just three stop signs and NO traffic lights.
This incredible event features three loops that all begin and end in or near Pine Valley, CA. Each of the three loops ascends Mount Laguna on a different route: via Sunrise Hwy from the north, via the fabled and car-free Kitchen Creek from the south-east, and via the little-known and truly epic Pine Creek drainage from the west. (known as Noble Canyon to mountain bikers, but our paved route features grades as steep as 20 percent). All three loops descend Mount Laguna south-bound on Sunrise Highway. The total distance for all three loops is 103 miles with over 10,000 feet of elevation gain. A one loop, 45 mile option, and two loop, 77 mile option, are also offered.
The entry fee is just $79, registration is limited to 300, and it is expected to sell out quickly. Entry includes six well-stocked checkpoints featuring Hammer Nutrition, roving SAG support, finish line meal, and the opportunity to compete in the Cycling Club Challenge (for the 103 mile route): The top three (male and female) riders’ combined times from each cycling club determine the Club Champions. The three riders must be Co-Ed (2 males / 1 female or 1 male / 2 females), but they do NOT have to ride together. Finishing times will be tallied at the finish to determine the Club Champions. Each of the three winning club riders will win $200 in “AdventureCORPS Bucks” redeemable for event entries or gear, as well a year of bragging rights. Cycling Club affiliation must be stated while registering for the event.
Basketball legend, television sportscaster, cycling author, and life-long cyclist Bill Walton, a San Diego native and resident, will participate in the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic and will serve as the Chairman of Good Times, Social Affairs, Customer Relations and All Things Fun. He had this to say about the event: “Now, Chris Kostman has designed a tough, challenging 100 miler that incorporates three ever-more-difficult ascents to the Promised Land, including the car-less Kitchen Creek fantasy. And I can’t wait. With unbelievable diversity of every aspect of life, this day will surely stand out as a monument to all we could ever hope for in any one 24 hour period. Terrific scenery, unparalleled beauty, endless vistas, great roads, a clean and safe environment, crystal clear and fresh air, extensive support, and all our best friends getting together for a day of celebration, camaraderie, exercise, spiritual fulfillment, Mount Laguna and the sprawling San Diego backcountry. If there is anything else out there please let me know – quickly. Chris Kostman has put it all together here and we couldn’t be happier or luckier.” (Bill’s full statement is below.)
An Official Pre-Ride of the route was held on November 14, 2009 with positive feedback from all 16 participants, including:
“The Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic is Southern California riding at its finest, and toughest: one hundred miles of mountain back roads and not a single stop light to break the rhythm of the fantastic scenery, from mountain pine, to desert cactus and chaparral. It’s a challenge for the legs and lungs, but the scenery and space are all payback.” - Dustin Sharp, Rough Riders
“The pre-ride at Mt. Laguna was brutally awesome. The route was simple, no numerous turns to get confused. Just a few glances at the rout sheet and you’re on your way. The three loops made it stress-free and a sense of security that everybody is close by. The views are amazing, especially on the first loop. The last loop made this ride very memorable due to its difficulty. You have to dig deep just to go over the next steep section on Pine Creek Rd. Whoo!!! This ride has all the elements of an ‘epic’ ride: greatness and adventure. Thank you.” - Francis Ignacio, Adobo Velo
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Mt. Laguna route. Leave it to you to come up with those killer routes that tap into the dark crevices of our brains that make us want to return to repeat the moments of agony, namely that monster hill at the end. I’m definitely coming back in April, so put my name on the list. Riding atop the mountains on what appears to be paved fire roads was really enjoyable. The three downhills were fun and came at the precise right times during the ride. Now, the two most difficult centuries I have ever done are connected to YOU, Hell’s Gate and Mt. Laguna. What’s next? The scenery was fantastic and the traffic, or lack of, was welcomed. The motorists seemed to be accommodating to cyclists. Kudos to your sag support, once again top notch cycling nourishment was provided, along with the hot meal at the end.” - John Marino, the godfather of ultracycling and creator of the Race Across America
Click here for all the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic information and the Link to Registration:http://www.adventurecorps.com/mlbc/
Click here for a preview video slideshow of the route:http://www.adventurecorps.com/mlbc/recon/mlbcrecon.html

Click here for the report, results, images, and feedback from the November 14 Official Pre-Ride of the Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic:http://www.adventurecorps.com/mlbc/2009/index.html

MOUNT LAGUNA BICYCLE CLASSIC HIGHLIGHTS:• April 17, 2010• Held on Eastern San Diego County’s Mount Laguna: Minimal traffic, no traffic lights, and just three stop signs.• The toughest – and only TIMED – century in San Diego County.• Cycling Club Challenge: The top three (M&F) riders’ combined times from each club determine the Club Champions. Each of the three winning club riders wins $200 in “AdventureCORPS Bucks” redeemable for event entries or gear.• Distances offered: 3 loops / 103 miles; 2 loops / 77 miles; 1 loop / 45 miles (only 3-loop finishers are timed and ranked).• Six well-stocked checkpoints featuring Hammer Nutrition plus a finish line meal.• The entry fee is just $79 with a 300 rider limit and it will SELL OUT!

ABOUT ADVENTURECORPS:La Jolla, CA-based AdventureCORPS, Inc. is an athlete-run firm producing and promoting ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, lifestyle, and media. Adventure is our way of life. AdventureCORPS’ world-class events for athlete-adventurers include epic races such as the Badwater Ultramarathon and Furnace Creek 508, muiti-day cycling lifestyle adventures known as CORPScamps, the annual Rough Riders Rally in Marin County, plus several 100- and 200-mile cycling events in Death Valley, on and around San Diego County’s Mt. Laguna. We also host and develop our adventure-related websites and blogs and provide a variety of adventure-related services. Founded in 1984 by Chris Kostman, this group effort is dedicated to exploring the inner and outer universes, seeking adventure, energy, and insight both in daily life and “out there.”
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:Chris KostmanChief Adventure Officer and Race DirectorAdventureCORPS, Inc.La Jolla, CA 92037 USAhttp://www.adventurecorps.com http://www.badwater.comhttp://www.the508.comhttp://www.XO-1.org–Sign up for our email newsletter! Click here:http://www.adventurecorps.com/lists.html–

Above: Pine Creek Road from loop three of the route

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

Time seems to be standing still at the moment. I have laundry to do. Bags to pack. Gallon Ziploc Bags to purchase. Toiletries to stow per the TSA guidelines.

Soon enough, the three little people and I will be on one of these.

Headed on a plane to Portland, then across the river to Washington to visit our friends, the King family. Can’t. Wait. Want. To. Leave. Now.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.

Happy New Year

It’s been awhile…yet again. I’ve been so busy working and having too much fun with the kids and on the bike, that I’ve forgotten to blog!

These days, it’s been all about the dirt. I’m trying to get out every weekend for some mountain biking in hopes of sharpening my non-existent technical skills, just a little bit. With the help of several friends, I’m gaining confidence each time I go out. I have truly found so much joy in mountain biking, and I’m always eager for the next opportunity to get dirty.

That said…I’m still riding the road, but sparingly at the moment. I know that I need to dedicate more time to it, because that’s where I will see the return of my fitness, strength and power on the bike. It’s also much more convenient than driving to the trailhead.

I decided this year that I’d take a break from the long distance events. I’m having a tough time trying to balance the training for mountain biking events and road cycling events, so I needed to find a middle ground. For now, the double centuries are on hold, but I haven’t ruled them out for the future. It made more sense to focus on a distance that was more inline with the mountain bike events I’m doing.

So here’s the schedule for the spring/summer!

3/6 Death Valley Century which I’m hoping to finish with a decent time, shower, eat and help out at the finish line as the doubles riders come in.

3/20 Counting Coup which will be my first mountain bike event ever! I have been pre-riding the first portion of the course and in the coming weeks will be pre-riding the whole course. I love riding in the Santa Ana’s, so I’ve been having a blast training for this.

4/17 Mount Laguna Bicycle Classic a brand new century which I pre-rode in November and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the route for…CANNOT wait for this one! The wildflowers should be in full bloom and the Mt. Laguna area never disappoints. Relentless climbs and incredible views. Could you ask for more?

5/1 Breathless Agony…hello old friend. Been there, done that, back again for this well run event.

5/8 The Traverse which is another mountain bike event in the Santa Ana Mountains hosted by The Warrior’s Society. I’d like to order up temperatures in the 60′s for this one. Thanks.

7/23-7/25 Rough Riders Rally up in Marin County. I am beyond stoked about this and I cannot wait to ride in this area!

It’s a full lineup that I don’t anticipate adding to at all. In fact, I’m feeling slightly overwhelmed looking at all of it written down. I’ll take a much deserved break after this and if anything, there’s a possibility that I may add a team 12 hour mountain bike race in there in June. We’ll see!

So, it’s been awhile…

Here I am with another “I’m back!” post. Surprise, surprise.

Here’s the lowdown…

• Six months later, I have a new job! YAY! The bonus is that it’s a job I like with people I enjoy working with. You can’t beat that.
• I took the summer off of the bike, so I’m starting all over. The good news is that despite the fact that I’m working full time, I’m managing to fit my rides in after work on the days that the kids are with their dad.
• Earlier this month I crewed my third Furnace Creek 508 for George. He’s slowly getting his race report out on his blog.
• We’re heading out to Death Valley tonight to volunteer at the Death Valley Double and Century, presented by AdventureCorps.

That pretty much sums it up for now. I am looking forward to getting back on the bike and back to some rides worth blogging about. I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited to preview the course for the Mt. Laguna Bicycle Classic in a few weeks for AdventureCorps, so look for a ride report on what’s sure to be a great century course. I told Chris Kostman that I’d be happy to test out the course as an unfit rider…that should help him set course time limits.

Meet Ollie!

First, I’ll address the bikes, which I haven’t been riding. George was kind enough to pass his sore throat and cough on to me just when I was getting my mileage up again. I’ve been trying to take it easy and let my body heal up before I get back out there again.

Last August, our 13 year old dog Cybele passed away. I thought for a long time that I could live without another canine friend, but as of late I have found myself more and more drawn to the dogs in the neighborhood. I was constantly stopping to pet and play with them and I felt something I hadn’t felt in months…I really missed having a dog. I started checking Craigslist, looking at rescues and shelter lists and keeping an eye open for a new friend. I knew I didn’t want to do the puppy thing and would rather have an older dog.

On Friday I happened to be browsing Craigslist and came across an ad for a black lab mix that was looking for a new home. I picked up the phone and spent the next 45 minutes talking to his owner, who was a really nice guy. Next thing I knew I was driving out to Rancho Cucamonga to meet him and I have to say, it was love at first sight! Okay…well, maybe not first sight since he hurled his 75 lb. body on me to say hello and left me with a sopping wet face from his doggy kisses, but it was almost love at first sight. I spent some more time with him, talking to the owner, taking him for a walk and I couldn’t leave him behind. He had a good home, just not enough attention and I felt like our family would be able to give him the love and exercise that he needed.

He’s just such a happy, great guy! We’re teaching him not to jump on us and to keep his tongue to himself. He’s also a big fan of the beach, where he gets to run off leash and play with other dogs. He’s getting a little more brave about the water each day, but I think it’s going to take me getting in, in order for him to take the plunge. Brrrrrr!

Buzzzzzzz Buzzzzzzzzzz Buzzzzzzzzzzzzz…

That’s the sound of cars on PCH getting too close or cutting Ralph and I off on our ride to Laguna and back today. I had a close call a couple of weeks ago on this route as well. I’m not sure if it’s getting worse, or if I just haven’t been riding this route enough and I’m not on my defensive game.

On the flip side…Shout out and props to all of the awesome drivers out there today who didn’t mind when we took the lane, consciously waited for us instead of pulling out and generally made me believe that not all drivers are asses. The asses are just the ones we usually remember.

Gettin’…dusty?

While I wanted to take the new bike out to get dirty, this is southern California in May and well…I had to settle for gettin’ dusty!

Ralph and I planned to meet at the Pacific Ridge Trailhead at the top of Ridge Park in Newport Coast. This is a paved hill I often climb on the road bike so I thought…why not? I’ll just ride there (13 miles) and meet him.

Oh, what a new mountain biker I am.

• Fat tires on pavement suck when you’re accustomed to zipping around on skinny tires.
• I felt like a huge dork riding my mountain bike on the road and wanted to scream “I’m really a roadie…I swear!”
• I got dropped and demoralized on Newport Coast Drive and one guy even slowed down to tell me it wasn’t fair that I was on a heavy bike while all of these people on 15 lb. bikes were zooming past me. Yeah, yeah, yeah…I have my speedy days on that hill too mister.

I arrived at the trailhead with 13 miles and 1140ft of climbing on my legs (900 of which was in the last 2.5 miles) and Ralph was waiting for me. We snapped a few pics and we were off into Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and El Moro…

I had grabbed this route off of geoladders and it claimed to be only fire roads. Perfect, since I can’t overemphasize how lacking I am in the technical skillz department. So far so good, we rolled a bit and descended a bunch, leaving behind the blue skies and heading into the typical for this time of year, May gray that hangs low on the coastline.

At one point Ralph and I were riding side by side and I gasped loudly. He thought he had gotten too close to me when in fact I had seen a snake slithering into the bushes and I had come dangerously close to meeting impending doom. Okay, not really…it was a king snake. It did catch me off guard though!

Close to the coast the route put us on a singletrack called BFI. I used the googles when I got home yesterday and found out this stood for Big F***ing Incline. Nice! Okay, it was not so nice when I was walking down it. Yes. Walking down it. I took one look over the drop off and told Ralph it was out of my league…too bumpy and that rut that runs all the way down the middle? Ummm…no thanks! Of course, the picture doesn’t do justice to how steep it was and this isn’t the nastiest section, and, and, and (yes, I’m easily spooked)…

Having survived our hike a bike down BFI, we made our way past the ranger station and to the trailhead for No Name Ridge.

Some quick calculations told me that our ride was over in fewer than three miles but what’s that? Oh…there’s just one thing…if this elevation profile is correct we have 1200 ft of climbing left! I think I’m going to be banned from picking routes from here on out. We climbed and descended a bit before hitting a few very steep sections that required us to dismount and hoof it up hill. I was feeling fat, lazy and totally out of shape until Ralph later emailed me to let me know that some of the sections were registering 26-28% on his Garmin.

I wanted to give a big thanks to Ellen at Nathan Sports for hooking me up with a Nathan Zone hydration pack. I was eager to try this women’s specific pack out and it didn’t disappoint! It has a 2 liter bladder and just enough storage space to take all of the essentials (flat repair, pump, maps, gels, camera, cell phone but not too much so I wasn’t tempted to over pack it. Honestly, I hardly noticed that it was there, it was that comfortable.

Can’t wait to get out there again…I have a couple of mountain bike rides planned for this next week…along with some road rides too. Don’t worry…I haven’t completely crossed over to the dark side…yet.

One more white bike…

and I can give you my personal guarantee that it will never be this white again! Heading out in a bit to get it dirty!

Leaving on a jet plane…

not me, George. I put him on a plane to Iowa this morning. Yes. Iowa. For what, you might ask?

Trans Iowa V5. Check his blog for updates on this crazy endurance off road, mud fest. Fun times!

Saturday Ride to Big Bear via Onyx Summit

Right now I’m riding with one goal…finding the love again. What a perfect route for this. The mountain, the trees, the smells, the climbing and the descending down Highway 38! I could have done without puking up my lunch on the climb out of Big Bear but hey, we can’t have everything that we want.