A favorite ride for many years now, we’re all set to head up to Chico for the Wildflower Century.  Packed with beautiful scenery, great support, and loads of nostalgia, there’s no way we’ll be missing this one.  NEW this year is the wildcat 125 route which dives even deeper into Paradise and could provide an entirely new layer to this classic ride.

If you’re considering taking the trek north for this one, drop your name in the comments and we can ride together.

Link to the Complete Details & Registration:
http://www.chicovelo.org/main/century-series 

Get the full rundown of the ride via our 2010 post-ride review here:

http://teamroadrash.com/2010/04/the-chico-wildflower-century-2010-the-post-ride-review/

Ah sunlight…and it couldn’t have come at a better time. Following a week of dark clouds and downpours, along with a friday brimming with bad news, amateurish press conferences, and ridiculous statements from the ownership of my favorite basketball team (I’ll spare you the Maloof rants), the elements joined forces to push the clouds aside and offer me some much needed riding time. Two weeks in the making, it was finally time to roll out on the Folsom Lake Loop.

This is a popular local route for the dedicated and casual cyclist alike as it provides roughly 50 miles of challenging terrain, 4k ft of steep ascents, gorgeous views, and fast, windy descents. A couple years ago it was even featured as part of the opening stage of the Amgen Tour of California. If you haven’t ridden it yet, I highly recommend it…and for those who’ve forgotten about it, now is the time to get back out there. The summer heat really ups the ante for this one so a spring run is just about as good as it gets. As always, grab a buddy for this ride. A flat between towns could be a real pain and it is nice to have a second set of eyes out there for cars.

The Route

Early Clouds Loomed

After giving the weather nearly the full morning to make up its mind, I met up with Bran and embarked on to Green Valley Rd just before noon. At this point, my delusions of a warm spring ride were beginning to fade. A quick glance to upward revealed mostly remnants of yesterday’s storms, but that was just fine.  The pockets of blue sky were persistent and it wouldn’t take more than a touch of climbing to warm up…something this ride promised plenty of.

To the Hills! (Green Valley to Early Salmon Falls)

With a moment to coast and calibrate, we were off. A main artery to the hills around us, Green Valley rd. provides a quick moment to catch your breath and then immediately delivers a kick of short, steep climbs are perfect getting the heart pumping and bringing things to temp.  A couple miles and quick ascents later, it was already time to break off and make our way down Salmon Falls Rd.

The transition to Salmon Falls is ideal. Opening with a persistent sweeping descent, trip to the base of the valley is both scenic and swift. Once there, you’re surrounded by thirsty green fields and enormous houses bordered with classic, ranch-style fencing. There is something very relaxing about the suddenly rural feel of this section. However, the relaxed rollers and false flats quickly give way to two introductory warm-up climbs before the monster that begins once you cross Folsom Lake’s south fork.

Climbing Salmon Falls (Toward Pilot Hill)

The main climb up Salmon Falls is a Cat 3 climb that stretches over nearly 4 miles. Able to channel my fresh frustration with the failed Kings arena into my cadence, hammering up this grade was a very cathartic. Halfway up the climb I was completely captivated by the amazing views and surrounding landscape. All else had just melted away.

By the time we’d reached the top and found our way over to Cool the sun and wind were at our back.

Reaching the town of Cool is a great moment…not just because you could stop and casually take in a civil war re-enactment at the local elementary school. (WTF??? Seriously, who the hell takes part in something like that. We decided it was better not to stop and find out.) No, arriving at Cool is awesome because it means you are ridiculously close to the confluence, a place were raging water has carved its way through the extremely tall and formidable landscape…and that means some descending!

The steep, technical descent that drives you to the base of the confluence resembles a corkscrew.  Lasting nearly two miles, the grades are intense and the corners wrap aggressively.  It is a bit of a shock the first time you give it a go, but once you have the chance get acquainted with it, it is wonderful. An important note, this descent is part of hwy 49 and you’ve really got to keep an eye out for cars. However, once you have established your place on the road in the downhill, you are far better off getting out into the lane and utilizing your space. This makes you much more visible and allows for safer lines. With a road like this your bike can safely go down at a faster clip than an average auto. Be careful and enjoy.

Taking in the Confluence

Once we reached the base of the confluence we took a moment to enjoy the overgrown rivers converging and glance up at our destination, the forest hill bridge. Opting to eat while we rode, we charged up the ascent without taking much more than a moment to admire the scenery. The Forest Hill Climb is another dominant stretch of road that comprises a cat 3 climb over a distance of 3 miles. Though challenging, the views are abundant and breathtaking. After a series of twist, turns, and false finishes along the way up, your reward is the opportunity to glide over the top of the Forest Hill Bridge which is notably the highest bridge in the entire state. It makes fore a nice moment.

Adding one more short, steep climb to finish off the pain, we rolled over the top into auburn and refilled water. From there it was a short navigation through the historic town and back down folsom-Auburn Rd. The ride home from this point is nearly the same distance, but infinitely faster than  first half of the loop. The terrain is a gradual negative pitch mixed in with a few rollers. On the right day, the wind can really make it a fun one and even provide a little strava glory.

Our ride back was nice. Legs a bit tight from the earlier climbs, I pedaled it soft at times. Bran, however had a field day out there tracking down time trial bikes and slowing up next to them…a fun little psychological game.

Even After Much Anticipation…The Loop did not Dissappoint

Cruising back into Folsom was a great feeling. I finished the day tired and content. My NBA-related frustration had been ridden away long ago and I was ready fun afternoon with my family. I’m looking forward to something similar this week and am already anxious…See you out there.

Thanks for reading,

Linz

To view the complete photo gallery (36 photos) for this ride click here

P.S. For turn-by-turn directions of the Folsom Lake Loop click here. (Use directions and ride at your own risk & Be safe out there.) If you have questions about the route or just wanna join up for the next one, leave a comment.

Update: Ride Moved to April 14

April is here and we’re only a few weeks away from the Chico Wildflower Century! That means it is time to pick up the pace, head into the hills, and take advantage of the emerging spring weather.

This saturday we’re taking on the Folsom Lake Loop. Clearly, I’m stoked about this as it will be my first full lap around the lake of the year and it comes right on the heals of some pretty outstanding rainstorms. The Hills are green, the streams are flowing strong, and the lake is nearly full. As for the route, the loop is just short of 55 miles and will take us up nearly 4,400 ft of elevation gain. If you’re interested in joining, just mention it in the comments. Otherwise, check back in for some pics and a quick write up of the day.

Linz

I hope everyone enjoyed an easter weekend, packed with family, friends and good food.  Mine was wonderful and the sunshine and warmth was a welcomed sight. Some tight scheduling pushed back the Folsom Lake Loop to next weekend, but this past saturday we took the opportunity to roll up Malcolm Dixon and Deer Valley Rd. to take part in the Deer Valley Loop.

A gorgeous little section of road, tucked away in the hills next to the heavily trafficked Green Valley, it is easy to forget how close to home you really are. On this particular Saturday, our early morning start was greeted with a brisk chill. However, a quick charge up the first hill was all that was required to thaw. From there it was all tall spring oak, near florescent fields of green, sharp climbs, and quick descents toward to the fire house in Rescue. And then back down the hill for a swift trip along Green Valley Rd. and a rapid descent home. For relatively short ride, this journey is packed with payoff.  The climbs are packed with gorgeous vistas, the roads are quiet, the descents are just windy enough to make you smile, and the ride home is a swift trip back down the hill.

It had been a little while since my last crack at this loop, but it certainly won’t be long before I try it again. A wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning.

#That’sAYoungMan’sGame #BranMan

Hopefully by now everyone has recovered from a successful St. Patty’s day weekend.  This year my weekend included a trip down to check out the 2012 Land Park Criterium where Curt was racing in BP colors.

I’ve only been to this course a few times, but it always seems to be a popular race.  The venue is easy to admire as it’s noticeably both more technical and scenic than the likes your standard business park race course. Uniquely, the LP crit inserts character into the race as it wraps the manicured greens and lush fairways of the Land Park Golf Course, established in 1924.  Tall, mature trees frame the course. Historic homes and mansions line the outside. More importantly for racers, the course offers a wide well-paved path that incorporates both high speeds and technical turns to help make the selection.

Turn by Turn

Directly following the start line, racers have moment to warm up their legs and begin tempo before bending around the first turn. This initial bend is gentle and immediately sweeps into a long arch, the perfect opportunity for the ambitious to string out the the peloton or for a couple of riders to begin an escape.  However, this comes to an abrupt end as an acute angle breaks this lovely line and sweeps it quickly into a S-turn.  Experienced riders can be found at the head of the pack while the less savvy quickly realize that things are about to get interesting.  As the peloton funnels through this turn, acceleration is immediate and the need to break those further back is a must.  Completing the section wraps racers around the far end of an island, anchored by tall sycamore and oak.  As the riders pour out the far side, the pack is stretched further into a short straight which gives way into an 80 degree bend.  Leaning their frames tight on the inside, riders carve out any real estate they can to propel themselves into the final straight away.  The final stretch is just that, a long sprawling avenue to build up speed and eventually sprint to the line. Depending on the lap, things can get pretty hairy out there.

The Result

This year we were out to watch the men’s Cat 4 and cheer on our buddy Curt as he raced with a healthy group of BP riders.  Throughout the race they looked strong.  And while there were many lead changes throughout the laps, we saw them dictate much of the pace.  Ultimately, they were able to take the victory on the final lap, delivering Patrick Callan to a successful sprint finish and a taste of weekend glory.  Curt took 6th after leading out with his team in the final showdown and we all got a moment to relive it as we enjoyed the following races.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the gallery below for a better look at the ride.

The Gallery

- Shouted at me after a near head-on crash…in MY Lane. #ARBT #WisdomFromTheTrails

Well the weekend has come to a close and I hope that everyone got to enjoy the amazing weather. As for me, a bit of cycling culture rolled through town and I couldn’t help but check it out. On saturday afternoon, I packed up the fam, met up with up with Schoppmans, and hit up the North American Handmade Bike Show in downtown Sacramento.

A rare treat to have the event hosted in our hometown, it was a great opportunity to check out the latest in handmade bike trends and see who was pushing the limits of creativity. This year there was an even greater appeal as it was a chance to take my son to his first bike show. How cool, right!?

The Bikes

Well, I’m very pleased to say that my first trip to the NAHBS did not disappoint. It was a special glimpse into the carefree and crafty world of cycling…a side that I probably don’t frequent enough. Fully expecting some timeless steel frames, expert metalwork, and vibrant color, I was blown away to see the extent at which the participants expanded on these ideas. Steel was just a fraction of the floor. Instead, we were bombarded by a bevy of unorthodox materials and finishes as we swept down the aisles. Contoured wood frames, Bamboo architecture complete with internal cabling, tricked out tandems, and outrageous mountain monsters were scattered throughout the show.

Noteworthy

Putting the intricacies of these bikes into words is just a bit out of my realm so I’m happy to let you cruise the gallery below to full understand what was on display.  However, I do think it is necessary to make note of a few gems and trends as you browse the slideshow.

1. Bran and I agreed that the monster mountain bike to the right wins best of show. I mean, can you imagine stomping down a hill on that bad boy?  Unbelievable.  There are a few more shots of it below and on one you’ll notice that rather than sporting a water bottle cage, it has a holster for a flask…probably not a bad thing to have a little medicine for when you wreck with this tank.
2. Apparently there is a full on trend of rolling with a flask on your bike.  Originally I thought it was a fluke reserved for the aforementioned tank, but I caught at least three other shots in three separate booths.  Apparently it is the new hotness?  Sounds fun!
3. I had thought I was pretty impressed with bamboo bikes…that is until I met the guy from the “Boo” booth. Dude was practically sporting wood …terrible bamboo joke but seriously, look at that grin! pure excitement over his own product.  pretty cool.
4. Great Scott! The Delorean actually rolled in the auto to the show.  pretty nuts but I hope their bikes perform better than the original.

The Gear

Beyond bikes, we gazed upon pressed leather paniers, custom jerseys (a personal fav), and many more slick accessories that were there to fill in all the gaps. The two standout booths as far as gear was concerned seemed to be brooks (saddles and all things leather) and Twin Six for apparel. I’ve already got too many jersey’s to count but they had a collection worth a second look, some sweet caps, and a few onesies that would have been worth pulling the trigger on for the little guy.  I’m sure there is much that I’m leaving out but that is what you get when you pack so much into a single afternoon.

The Way of Life

What I saw this weekend was more than style, artistry, and engineering.  It was a way of life, a mindset that values creativity over performance (if the two have to conflict) and that honors the need to create something new. For every carbon wheel I saw, there was another that was pulling spokes for weight/style. Its a pretty cool thing to see. Long-story-short, I left the show inspired. If you ever have the chance, you’ve gotta check it out. And if you were there too, leave your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear about other perspectives, niches of the show that I may have glossed over, and see any more shots if you have any!

Well that is all for now.  Enjoy the gallery!  See you soon.

Linz

Enjoy the full Gallery Below (click for a slideshow)

- Mike’s famous tactic as he charged up Iowa Hill. #MikeLogic #FoundLaterClingingToLife