abrinton

Question for everyone-
Do you think the 105 mile course harder or easier than the Marin Century?

halfpenny

I'm also scared of what I signed myself up for, the Gran Fondo.

Perhaps a reconnaissance ride of some of the climbs is in order?

trinity000

I signed up to volunteer at the ride. =) hope to see you all there

subframe

hey, that's probably a good idea. I'm down - I don't have racks for my car as yet, but I'd throw down gas money if somebody wants to drive up there for a little pre-ride...

starvingdavid

Agreed, I am not that scared, more intimidated. This will be my first century ride, I have crested 70 numerous times solo. I am hoping that the large group of riders will get me through Kings Ridge.

maillotpois

The 105 mile course will have a LOT more long steep sustained climbing than the Marin Century. King's Ridge is a toughy, and combining it with Coleman is twisted genius. The Marin century has shorter climbs and rollers, rollers - Death by Rollers. I think the 105 will be harder; however, Marin would generally be hotter, so that would make Marin seem harder than it is.

RayP

I rode King Ridge one weekend ago. We started in Monte Rio, and rode a loop coming back down River Rd. We elected to not ride up and over Coleman Valley Rd. that day. The loop was just under 56 miles and we recorded 5200 feet of climbing.

Kings Ridge is a very challenging climb. There are essentially two sustained climbs over two ridges, the second after descending into the canyon in between the two. The roads are narrow and patched/bumpy. There must be 10 cattle guards inthe road, some at very bad spots at the top of a steep pitch or in some cases at the bottom of a fast descent. If it is damp or foggy, the guards will be very dangerous.

The first big descent (sorry, I lost track of exactly what road we were on) is very narrow, hardly big enough for a car, and my brakes were sizzling by the time I reached the bottom. The second is Meyers grade, which has an 2 mile 1 18% pitch. Meyers Grade is wider and while very steep, not as hard to get down.

You then dump out onto Highway 1, which is extremely busy and difficult in it's own way. No shoulder, some steep descents, and you are on the outside (the bluff or cliff side of the road).

I cannot even imagine 1500 riders passing through Kings Ridge Rd. without some carnage along the way.

Next I plan to start in Occidental, descend into Monte Rio (nice fun desent on a decent road), climb Kings Ridge, then Coleman Valley back to Occidental. That will be all of the climbing except for Graton Rd.

Ray

RayP

One more note:

Once you hit the King Ridge area, there is NOTHING, and I mean nothing for miles and miles (the whole loop essentially). There are cows, a few homes, etc. but we saw no other cyclists and very few cars, but more importantly, no water at all. It was warm that day, and two bottles was not enough. Take food and two bottles plus a hydration pack if you are going out unsupported.

I had good cell coverage for most of the loop as Verizon seems to have a tower on a nearby ridge. I do not know about coverage for other carriers.

Ray

loopybunny

Okay... I'm officially signed up for the Piccolo. Sure that is enough to kill me since I have no hills to train on. I'm excited, yet terrified of making a fool out of myself.

Now, time to get a new bike.

8Lives

Bummer! I have been slammed at work, riding but not checking BF. So this morning I look, see this thread and think - haven't been on any long rides this year and this sounds good. I check, space available, decide to go for an early ride and give it a think. Come home all ready to register and the Gran Fondo is...closed....rats.

loopybunny

The Medio is still open though isn't it? Gran Fondo has been closed for a while.

units

Doing the medio with a coworker. I'm also glad to see I'm not the only one doing the medio fondo, I'd expected to see a lot more grans. Looking forward to it!

ken cummings

Less to woorry about if you want to train on Kings' Ridge. The Buddist Monastery near the middle of that stretch has installed a water tap just for Cyclists across from their main gate.

subframe

Looks like I'll be camping w/o bikes for two weeks just prior to the event. I may have to switch to the medio...

subframe

That is very cool of the monastery to install water for us though

Wall-e

I am planning to drive up from San Francisco the day of the event with a coworker and was wondering were to park. With 3,500 people registered I just think this is going to be a nightmare. I couldn't find anything on the website. Is anyone else planning to drive up that day?

loopybunny

I'm driving up the night before, but we're not staying in the immediate area. Parking is going to be a nightmare!

I was going to contact the organizers and find out what they suggest. Someone I know in Santa Rosa suggested a grocery store nearby. I think that's where he's parking.

Wall-e

Sounds like a good idea. I just hope they don't start towing cars because you aren't shopping at the grocery store. Maybe we will just ride our bikes up from SF I am also curious what time we should try and get there. I have never been to a group ride this big before.

loopybunny

I sent a message via Twitter. If I don't hear anything this weekend, I'll e-mail them assuming I can figure out who to e-mail. I haven't looked, but I'm sure there is an address on the site.

loopybunny

Response via Twitter re: parking situation...
So apparently, they'll let us know when they get the new newsletter out. Seem to come once a week maybe next Wednesday or so.

Wall-e

Thanks, I will keep a look out for the next newsletter. I figured we would be riding a few blocks to the start.

mkadam68

I'm entered for the Gran Fondo. Can somebody compare this to some of the other rides I've done: Mulholland Challenge, Breathless Agony, Heartbreak Hundred (the Planet Ultra KOM series).

After reading your descriptions, it seems like there's really only 2 sustained climbs, I'm anxious a bit. I need to know whether to re-schedule my jury service or not

Or, perhaps you could place it on this graph for me:

starvingdavid

So it looks like challenging is your answer.

I mapped the granfondo out a while ago, it is 103 miles and about 6150 feet of climbing. Here is the link, I missed a turn somewhere on the Santa Rosa Plain, it's off by a few miles, but it's close enough.

https://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united...25087557199348

mkadam68

Thanks.

I mapped it on mapymyride as well, and came up with the same elevation. But on a recent century I did in Tennessee, MMR showed 1,000 ft of gain, while my Garmin (afterwards) showed double that (2,200 ft). I was hoping that the Gran Fondo would not also be doubled I've done 12,000 ft centuries before--they hurt even after training for them and I haven't really been training for big climbs, but more for speed & power even over rollers. I should be okay with a couple shorter climbs.

loopybunny

I love how casual you are about the GranFondo when I'm quietly freaking out inside over the PiccoloFondo.