Central Coast Double Part I
When arrived at park in Paso Robles that served as the start and finish line a little before 5 AM. It was pretty chilly, but as usual my crack organizational skills left me a little under prepared, so I didn’t have any base layer. I decided to wear arm warmers, leg warmers (I also forgot me knee warmers) and my lightweight Optik jacket. Dante and I took our light drop bag, checked in, and waited the few minutes for the pre-ride spiel. I noticed that I’m starting to see familiar faces as these events, and Dante knew quite a few riders from other events.
At 5:40, the start of civil twilight, we proceeded out of town and immediately started climbing. The CCD is billed as having 13200 feet of climbing and 207.5 miles, and listed as 7th in difficulty on the Triple Crown website, which I thought would be a good ride to see how I’m progressing. Since I completed the Solvang Double and Alta Sierra Challenge recently, I thought was up to the CCD. Besides, if I couldn’t cut it I’d just SAG it back.
Anyway, we’re winding our way through the countryside west of Paso Robles towards Cambria and the coast through rolling hills, vineyards, farms, and wilderness areas. The countryside at this time of the day if peaceful with only the sound of the cyclists and the occasional car is broke the silence.
The course climbs 1300 feet in the first 8 miles, then descends for 12, then starts climbing again until it reaches The Wall, a short but very steep section that culminates at the first SAG stop. The Wall hits 21% at one point, and some of the riders end up walking their bikes up it.
After the stop its downhill into Cambria, then we turned up PCH and started riding along the coast. The wind here was pretty bad, but we still made great time into the next SAG station at Ragged Point. From here, PCH becomes a little steeper and there’s more prolonged climbing – and great downhill sections, too! This section was very scenic, and more than once I caught my eyes wandering to the cliff and the surf below. One of these days I may try to do doubles as part of the Triple Crown Stage Race, and then I won’t we able to spend as much time enjoying the scenery.
After the next SAG stop, we turn inland and climb the Nacimiento/Ferguson Road for about 7.5 miles, doing about 2700 feet of ascent. The first 3.5 miles the road is frequently at 10% or above reaching 15% at one point. The road switchbacks frequently and the vistas are incredible! If I had brought a camera with me, I know I would’ve had to stop a few times to take some pictures, but I worried that when the miserable times on the ride hit I’d use it as an excuse to stop, so I didn’t bring it with me. I am going to bring it on the Eastern Sierra, though.
At the top of the climb they had a water stop, which was great as it was another 20 or so miles until the lunch stop, and it was going to be getting warm. The descent passed through some pretty riparian scenery, but there wasn’t any time to look around as the descent was fast, curvy, and technical. At one point Dante braked for a tight corner and I thought I was going to overrun him.
We passed by a nice looking campground, perhaps I’ll have to bring the family here sometime, then we crossed onto the Fort Hunter Liggett military base for some rollers. Here, we rode for a while with some other riders in a pace line, and I tried to do a better job of not surging once I was pulling, which is something I really have to work on.
The lunch stop was on the base, and there was a good assortment of food. I made myself a sandwich, had a potato, some chips, and a few cookies. I was hoping for some V8, but all they had was water, Gatorade, and sodas.
After resting a few minutes, using the restroom, and loosening my shoes, it was back on the road for the second half.
Part II Coming Soon!