Notes
Signed up for this a couple of weeks ago because I knew I was coming to CA to visit A. Why not do a Century too?
The logistics were not too bad. Flew into Burbank and stayed in Oxnard (much cheaper than Santa Barbara).
This one was epic. Nearly 10000' gain including the infamous Gibraltar Rd. They had a timed contest up Gibraltar.
I was not really trained up for going long, so I was pleasantly surprised at how well it all went.
The day started a bit chaotic as the GPS function on my phone was malfunctioning. I had to work to remember how to get to the start venue. I couldn't seem to remember which exit off 101 to take. Somehow I found my way there with time to pick up my bib and stuff. Parking at Ledbetter beach was paid, but not insanely expensive for California. If you knew the area, you might find a free place to park somewhere nearby, but I didn't know the zone. Then my Garmin decided it didn't want to load the course. It took 20 minutes to load! Needless to say, I started later than the main pack. This turned out alright, however, because there were plenty of other 100 mile riders who started later.
The start was flat and fast and a great warm up for the hills. When we turned East into the hilly sections we were greeted with a pretty significant climb which brought many to walking their bikes. I felt very strong here. It was 6% varying up to 13% and went on for quite a while. We were up among the multimillion dollar homes and attitudes. Some jerk yelled at us as we rode by. Clearly the presence of cyclists annoyed his sensibilities.
This course was phenomenal. Weather was excellent for cycling, with cool weather some overcast, clouds, fog, sun. There weren't a whole lot of stoplights, just miles and miles of winding roads and views. Gorgeous scenery of the ocean from the hills. Gibraltar was much more fun in person than on the trainer. I trucked up quite well, even after having a bit of energy sapped from the first hills. I passed a ton of people and felt mostly strong until the last pitches which always seem to get to me. At the top there was an aid station where you could collect yourself. I knew if I could just get up Gibraltar I would be able to finish the ride.
From there the 100 mile riders went on an out and back section rolling section of maybe 11 miles total. We were biking in and out of very chilly fog. It was a surreal experience and a bit tricky. At one moment we would feel the sun, the next be enveloped in clouds. My glasses kept fogging up. Many people were happy to have windbreakers to keep out the chill, but I am glad I decided not to wear one, as the chill wasn't too bad and I would have overheated. The end of the out section was a steep downhill so the beginning of the back required gearing down and powering up without being clipped in for a few meters. Cruel but fun.
Next it was a lot of short 1-1.5 mile climbs and various lengthy descents. The descents were harrowing, especially one which went on for around 6 miles with steep grades. I actually had to dismount for a bit to rest my hands, arms and brakes. I still can't fathom how some people go so fast down these grades. It is terrifying to me. Plus, some of the roads were sucky in this zone. If one caught a groove, gravel or rock...well, this is why I don't descend at breakneck speeds. I value my life and limbs too much.
Finally, we broke out of the hills and were onto 25 miles of flat riding. Groups made pacelines but my energy was waning so I couldn't join any or keep up, even though I was pedalling like mad. This is likely due to my complete lack of long rides lately. In the past three weeks I went over 1.5 hours maybe once or twice.
It was a mental game to the end, and I counted down miles. Still, this part was enjoyable and relatively faster. Finally I rode under the finish arch.
What an experience. This is the most elevation on a bike I have ever done. My FTP score went up again. The trainer must really be helping with my overall cycling fitness, despite my lack of long rides.
The course organizers did a fantastic job. I didn't hang around afterwards since I had to get in the car and travel, but it looked like a good picnic spread and beer. Whoever designed the course really understands cyclists. There were a minimal number of stoplights. The course marking was great and you could have navigated it without GPS. They had multiple route options including 100 mile, 100 mile "coastal" without Gibraltar, 100K, 100K + Gibraltar and even a 35 mile route. I would do this again if I had occasion to, and would recommend it as one to do if in the CA area on a trip.