Climb to Kaiser is a fun ride, really… I swear

I did it. I registered tonight for Climb to Kaiser on June 28. This is not a race but a 155-mile road bike ride that climbs 13,500 vertical feet. The CAT 1-2 riders go off the front and finish first. The rest of the field is strewn across the mountain, wondering when they’ll reach the top. (Cruel to see others heading back down as you wobble up the last mile of narrow logging roads.) Kaiser Peak is 10,300 feet at the timberline. I last did the ride in 2004. The good news: It’s no longer held in late July when California’s Central Valley is a furnace (final piece of riding through Clovis after you descend like mad). It may be colder in June on top, but I’ll take anything alternative to 105-degree temps after a day going skyward. Here’s U.S. National Forest Service info on Kaiser Peak. The Fresno Cycling Club is organizing this race for the 32nd year. The ride is a diamond with first-class club and community support. Want to put in a good day of riding? This is the place. The best rider diary I’ve seen on C2K is by Felix Wong here. It’s a good one. 

Wet mellow ride goal: 40 miles

As much as I loathe riding in the rain, today is an official day off and it’s time to log some miles. Will need to stick to roads less traveled to avoid hazards of Southern California rain-challenged drivers. The bulk of the storm that blew through here this morning was the same one that hammered the Tour of California peloton in stage 4, SLO finish. Wishing for sun like here in these pictures from San Jose buddy who was atop Sierra Road when ToC came though the previous day. Click on thumbnails to enlarge. Not bad for a cellphone camera. Update: rain would not relent. And I’m a wimp. Rode on the trainer in the garage. Ugh. Hope to catch SDBC group ride tomorrow and top it off with another 30-40.

photo: Vince DeCarolis

photo: Vince DeCarolis