Solvang 09'

Finally got to ride Solvang again. I forgot two things, how nice it is to ride w/ your friend and how many hills there are in Solvang. I recall the last time I rode this I was in much better form and really did not suffer. Different time this go around. I had only done minimal riding and I was sick for the past 2 weeks. I was actually feeling better and convinced myself that all the down time from the bike would only make me stronger. It really doe not work that way and after the first climb...I knew I was in trouble.
Thankfully Chris was in the zone and he saved my arse a few times when I started to drop. I felt ok on the "flats" but the minute we turned uphill, I was toast. I used to do well in the hills and now I turn to mush. Not sure if I will ever get that back living out here in AZ. The last 15 miles I just locked into the final three climbs. I knew when they were and where they were. I knew if I stopped, It would be too difficult to stop. We actually did a pretty fast 75 miles despite the hills....now all we had were the final three. The first climb was just DIRTY. Long and steep. I passed Beecher as he was taking a "nature" break and yappin on the phone for who knows how long...waiting for me to catch up. I told myself do not get off the bike and walk up the hill like some others were doing...just keep grinding. Who cares if flies are landing on you. Beecher passed me up only a few minutes up the hill and he was gone. I finally made it to the top where it was COOOLLLD and I needed a few more layers on my body. The next hill was not as bad as I remembered. It is much steeper but shorter and you can see the end. I actually felt better on this hill then I thought I would...but it still hurt. Final hill was the one they ride on the TT for Tour de Cali. All I kept thinking was these guys did this at an avg of 28mph on their time trial bikes...you can do it......I even passed a few folks. Riding into the end of any race is always a high. I always picture the end and it is even more special when family and friends are their to cheer you on. Kristin and Christine were with us all the way. Thanks K for coming out and sharing this with me....She knew what I needed right after the race...massage...but not by her...she sent me to the tent and I got hooked up. I get a pinched nerve on the left side of my neck when I ride for more then 4 hours.

After the ride we found a Schnitel Haus and ate some good German grub. It was great to eat w/ our German Beecher friends and just soak it all in. I am typing fast right now cause Will is screaming and I am watching him....

I will post some pics later...