Chico Wildcat Century 101 miles - 7000' Sunday April 24, 2016
What a beautiful and joyful day to ride! Our Total Body Fitness Women's Cycling Class joined the fun at this beautifully organized event. Ten riders, who, just three months ago, were learning the basics of shifting and cleated shoes, signed up for various course options~ 33, 65,, or 100 miles of rolling to hilly terrain in the green of Spring. In pre-dawn light we shared a few words of encouragement and off we rode, each group with one of our TBF coaches. I was delighted to take the 100s, and we rolled out in the chill of the morning with arm warmers, vest, and silk scarf for an extra layer of warmth. At the moment, my group consisted of my riding buddy Beate, and her husband Tim, and it was perfect, as our pace was very similar, along with our desire to push on thru the rest stops until absolute necessity required us to stop. Hunny Run, normally a crowded sea of all abilities, was uncrowded and pleasantly predictable. This allowed for a hard effort on this early 8-mile climb and I was happy with how it felt. The next 30 mikes was at first rolling, then long tedious climbs into Sterling, all of it closed in by trees. After a bottle refill and delicious jam baked yummy things (probably not the best on my stomach, but so perfectly delicious that I didn't care!), we headed sharply down the road we'd just climbed. I was grateful for the silk scarf stuffed down my jersey, as it was not cold and clammy as were Beate and Tim's jerseys. The descent was teeth chattering chilly, and I longed to reached the sunny foothill section and get warm. Fifty-five miles into the ride we were finally in the foothills and sunshine. Ahhhhhhhh! We enjoyed the rolling terrain and then, when I thought the stretch we were on was Table Mountain, I pushed really hard, thinking it wasn't that bad! Cresting the top, Beate cheerfully announced that Table Mountain was still to come! Ohhhh nooooo! We had another quick water stop and headed out to Table Mountain, which was far tougher than I remembered it from last year!narrow, twisty, cobbled roads took me to the top...finally! It. Was. Hard! And, of course, satisfying! We were happily surprised to see our other TBF 100s at the top, as they'd done a different route, but we'd found each other several times on overlaps. Several of the gals have taken the class several times, and they continue to show a dramatic improvement in strength, skills, and confidence !! This is so fun to see!! We snapped pictures in the wind, and rolled out, each to continues along a different path. Beate and Tim and I had just 25 miles remaining, while Kelly had 50, and Lea still had 65. We were happy to be done climbing, and very happy we had the less windy route back in. I'd made a point to stay hydrated and nourished especially carefully, and my plan worked perfectly - I came in clear-headed and happy. The event dinner was tasty in the afternoon sun, and I settled into the car with post race sleepiness. It was a good day, a great day, a celebration of our 3-month class, and our gals finished it with a smile and new-found confidence. I am proud to coach them and ride with them.
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