Davis 200K Brevet

Yesterday I rode a Brevet for the first time in over 6 years. It was a bit of a last minute decision on my part to ride the event as I only decided to do so the week prior. Other issues sprang up during the week such as the possibility of rain over the weekend. This was discouraging as I wanted to try the ride but would have decided not to had it rained. Luckily the weather forecast got better later in the week so I was okay.

Friday, I found myself at work until 3pm and than had to pick up my car from the shop so I found myself getting my bike gear together late. I had hoped to be asleep by 10pm but after packing my back and installing a different cycling computer last minute finally got tucked in around 11:30. At 4:30AM I was up and getting ready for the ride on 5 hours of sleep.

I had made some coffee and packed some bagels at by 5:00AM I was off to Davis. When I got to the new starting place for these events which was a park and ride east of Davis I was the second rider to arrive. I unloaded my bike, finished one of my bagels and signed in. Soon after the whole place was bustling with riders some I'd never met before and some familiar faces that I'd known from years back. It was a little reunion of sorts.

After a quick announcement from the leader of the event we were off at 7am for a double metric. Actually, it was 5 miles further than that but who's splitting hairs. The pace was pretty quick for the first 10 miles averaging around 18 to 20mph. I hadn't planned to go fast all day but was happy staying out of the morning wind which was easily 15 to 20mph. Within the first hour the whole group had split into three. I was in the middle group which I was pretty happy with. I knew there were climbs up ahead near Lake Solano and Berryessa and I may soon find myself off the back but as long as I wasn't the last rider I was fine.

I never found myself off the back though. Once we neared Lake Solano I was actually starting to catch some riders from the first group who went out to strong. And, some of the riders who I was with from the start soon were dropping off. Around mile 35 I pulled off to take some clothes off as it was warming up and I grabbed my bagle from my bag. As I continued on I nibbled off chunks of the bagel and all the while stayed close to most of the riders. Soon, we hit the first of several good climbs the first near Montocino Dam. This climb is only about a mile long but the grade is in the 10% range. I just kept it in my low gear of 34 x 32 and spun up the hill. Once past the crest there is a small descent to Markley Cove and than the climb up Cardiac Hill. Cardiac hill is much longer with a good 3-4 miles of continious climbing. The grade isn't as steep as the one near the Dam but it eats your legs up. I alternated between sitting and standing as my butt had started to ache. I soon found myself on top of this climb and was quite surprised at how I was feeling. On the way up a group of racers from UC Davis had passed me but on the descent I was able to lay it down and passed a few of those skinny boys. Of course they all passed me again on the next climb.

I soon made the turn off onto Lower Chiles Valley Road which is a rolly polly little thing that takes you back into the valley near the turn around. My brother has ridden this road and has said he hates it. I don't know why as the views are great.







Once we left Lower Chiles Valley I was treated to 10 miles of mostly descending to the check point. I filled up on a Turkey sandwich and a coke and headed back out in following the course back to Davis.

I was feeling pretty good about my progress. As I headed back toward Lower Chiles Valley the sun had really come out and I could seen my shadow off the ground. I had by than taken off my leg and arm warmers and was feeling the nice warmth of the sun as I rode.







I knew that as long as I had the strength to get up the other side of Cardiac Hill I'd be okay heading back as that was the last true climb. By that point I had been going through my water and new that I may need an inpromptu stop. Than I remembered that the Markley Cove Store was on the other side of Cardiac Hill. So, I decided I'd stop when I got there. I was worried about the climb up the other side of Cardiac but it was unwarrented. The climb was far easier than I anticipated and I knew that I'd see a sign of hope near the top. As I made a long left handed turn I peered up and there it was. It was like a sign from the heavens themself.









Once I passed the sign I was flying down the hill and soon came to the Markley Cove Store. It was about 2pm when I stopped and I knew I had a chance to have a faster return speed than my outbound pace. So, I ran in used their bathroom and bought some water. Once I filled up I was back on the bike and soon on the other side of the Montocino Dam and back again on the flat farm land heading back to Davis.

The wind from the early morning had died down and at times I had a light tail wind that aided my speed through the flat farm land. I was really smelling the barn and riding well. I could see the asphault flying below as I was cruising along.







After another couple of hours of riding I was back in Davis. I made the final turn into the start/finish area right at 4:25. My average speed on the return was definately faster. I'm guessing the lack of wind and having more decending helped but I'm fine with however it happened.

I had a great ride but it did take it's toll on me physically. My hands are still aching, I have a large area of irritation on my rear end and my head is still a bit foggy this morning, most likely due to not drinking enough early in the ride but I finished and I'm happy with how the ride went.