Century #3- The Epic Solvang Century 2006

The imfamous Solvang Century had been long anticiapted and discussed amongst our cycling compartriots. The weather that entire week was really ugly but we pushed forward committed to not throw away our months of training for a little rain. Did I say a little rain, I should have said HAIL. At the first rest stop, mile 23, it HAILED like a "muther". We and 400 others scrambled for shelter in the old tin roofed building hoping it would pass. It did, but the rain did not. Needless to say it was one tough ride. Temperatures averaged in the mid 30's. If it wasn't for my favorite Long Beach weatherman, internet guru and wine expert we probably would have stopped and rode the 50 miler. Near the end of the day it cleared and what started out as the ride from hell turned into this team's most epic to date.



We did enjoy some "post" ride meals and fine wine at the time share condo just two blocks from the start (how lucky was that).

Centruy #2- Tour de Palm Springs

The next century was the "first" of the year, Tour de Palm Spirngs in February. What a hammer fest! And, don't believe folks when they say there is no climbing; at least 1500 feet from the "base" of the bowl (downtown Palm Springs) out to Dillion Rd. northwest of town. It was 100 miles of no rest; like riding a trainer for 6 hours. And, to top it off the temps were in the mid 90's. So much for Palm Springs, you can have it.

Tandem Riding- In training for the big France trip

The training started in November of 2005, our first century, Poway, CA. Sore butts, arms, and legs we finished the 104 mile ride with 4,000 feet of climbing. Little did we know this will be the start of our trek to the Alps....