2012 CAF MDC Training Ride Week 4 - Holly Vista Twist

We were blessed for today's 55.5mi ride with incredible weather right from the start at Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach. It was cool but not cold and the sun was just starting to break out of the marine layer as we rolled out at about 7:30am. It cleared early but as we rode up the coast to Oceanside it remained very comfortable even as we headed east on the San Luis Rey river trail.  The bike trail was not as crowded as normal which made for a safe and solid group effort for all the Groups.  I was co-leading Group 3 again with Lynne Lyons and chair - Dean Roper and we had  a great group for the ride on several fronts. 


First we had Andy Granda with pilot Dave White on our Blind Stoker Tandem; Andy is an incredibly strong rider in addition to being fearless and full of smiles despite having Usher Syndrome Type 1 which severely limits not his sight and also his hearing. Second, we did a solid job of staying together as a group today with less splintering and a more cohesive effort which helped many have the benefit of riding 'in the draft' and fostered more fellowship and conversation among the riders.

After the SAG in Oceanside, we rolled through Holly and the Vista Twist which includes many turns through great roads in North County. In talking with the riders this was a first time for many on these roads so we made sure to keep the group together while enjoying what was turning into a warmer and warmer day in the saddle. The best news for Group 3 is we really kept the majority of folks together and picked up a few that had fallen back from Group 2 to have a solid 'peloton' at mile 40-ish rolling on Poinsettia here in the picture heading back to the coast.  We did have a flat and a odd mechanical issue (loose cassette) but all were able to make it through with only minor delays.  Hung around a bit while some of the handcyclists came in even before the core of Group 4 - these folks are truly amazing and inspiring.

In the end, another gorgeous CAF training ride with great people serving a great purpose!  Keep riding and keep smiling!

2012 CAF MDC Training Week 3 - Pulgas Out n Back

Today's ride was a bit different as we rolled out on Saturday to make sure the families got their "Dad's" for Father's Day this Sunday.  As such we had lots of additional road cycling traffic for the ride. It made for a bit of a challenge at times, but also some great and exhilarating moments like rolling through Oceanside on the way back just a short while before the start of the 2012 RAAM team event. Our group was able to see a few of the teams warming up and rolling around town and a ton of spectating folks simply hanging around during what turned out to be a beautiful day at the beach. In addition, we were also very privileged to be joined for the ride by Andre Szucs, an amazing Challenged Athlete and division winner of the 2011 Ironman World Championships in Kona.

Rode out in Group 3 with fellow ride leaders Lynne Lyons and Hooter and a group of great folks including Andre, Brian, Andrea, Matt, Jeff, Bruce, Dan, Virginia, Bill and several others. The route was pretty straight-forward 55mi heading out from our 'normal' start at Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach out through Camp Pendleton to Las Pulgas and back. The great thing is we are starting to get a good feel for the groups and people are beginning to settle in to their 'zone'. The other things is we have a great mix of MDC and Back 2 Back Century riders, first timers and multi-year veterans, so its making for great conversations and fast friendships. The fellowship out there is awesome.

We had a few of the normal glitches on the road in the group with 1 flat on Brian's brand new wheelset and a broken spoke for Chin at about the 40 mile mark coming back through Oceanside right near the RAAM rollout (conspiracy???). All was worked out included good stories at the SAG and great support from the CAF crew - THANKS!!! In the end, all groups made it back safely and many hung around telling stories about the day and plans for "Dad's Day" tomorrow. Keep Riding and Keep Smiling!!!

2012 CAF MDC Training Week 2 - A day off



Shout Out to Mike Hill, Captain US Navy!!!

 A day off for me as ride leader this week, but a good day to reflect and offer individual support helping coach up another rider who is participating in the CAF Southern CA Back to Back Centuries. It was a great day in the saddle riding in North County with Mike Hill covering 44 miles at a nice pace through Camp Pendleton and up to San Onofre and back.

We were able to spend a few minutes at the beach in Oceanside enjoying the view and simply appreciating this awesome creation we have been given to enjoy.

All in all it was a great way to spend time with a friend and then even better we were able to enjoy a BBQ, play some games, and have some more fun with our families afterward.  Keep riding and keep smiling!!!
Please Help Me in Supporting CAF!

2012 CAF Million Dollar Challenge - We're Off!!!

Well where to start ... suppose at the beginning.  I am privileged to note here that I was selected to be a ride leader for this year's Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) Dodge Million Dollar Challenge (MDC).  Many of you know that I completed the MDC in 2009 as a radio contestant and fundraising participant.  I followed that up in 2010 participating as an alumni rider and in 2011 was able to continue my support by donating to the great organization that is the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

We kicked off this year's first training ride the first weekend in June with a beautiful day starting off from the Deni + Jeff Jacobs Challenged Athletes Center in our usual waves of group 1-4 with able bodies, handcyclists, and a blind stoker tandem.     

I have been blessed with being a Group 2-3 floater depending on need and today was a great day with Group 3 as we rocked the 47mi route from Mira Mesa up to the SKILZ HQ (another GREAT sponsor) in Carlsbad where we had awesome SAG from the CAF pit crew and a brief rest before heading back down the coast.  Hooter was already in mid season form at the SAG making sure the group was up to snuff!

We continued back down the coast returning to CAF HQ in tact with only 1 flat in the group and most folks getting a great first ride in the saddle.  There were lots of questions from first timers and also great reunion conversations for those coming back for another go.  Overall it was a great week and can't wait for the next training ride.  I actually have a scheduled "day off" next week so I must wish the group well and prepare for the Week 3 training ride. Until next time keep the rubber side down !!!! Clyde