We're happy to say that we saw NO snow driving to Solvang. Guess that wouldn't be a big deal but it's the first Century we've done this year where snow wasn't falling on the way to the ride.
The morning started out much warmer than anticipated. The temps at the start were in the high 30's. Funny how that felt warm. We actually didn't wear all the layers we'd brought with us! We must be toughening up after Ocotillo and Palm Springs.
Solvang is known for wind, it didn't disappoint last Sunday. If we were Winnie the Pooh we would insert the dialog where he describes "a blustery day". The first 50 miles were slow going. No matter which way we turned it seemed there was a head wind. Miles 50-75 were probably the toughest 25 miles we have ever ridden. We're usually pretty good about taking turns being tired, not so much after the 50 miles headwind. Luckily we found our second winds around miles 75 and finished strong.
103.4 miles with 6019 feet of climbing.
You'll notice that the ride went through Vandenberg Air Force Base. We saw several of the young men and women who have chosen to serve, marking the course. It was a great opportunity to thank them for their service. (As parents of a young man in the military, this is close to our hearts. )
Tandems are loved by single riders, especially in a Century ride and the windier the ride the more the singles love us. We are always happy to pull people and we generally find them to be very appreciative, not so for this ride. There were plenty of sandbaggers. (A cyclist who sits on your wheel taking the pull but, never offers to pull. In the case of Solvang they don't bother to say thank you when they leave your wheel feeling refreshed from the break you've just provided.) We can't tell you how many people took advantage of the wind break we provided. Our favorite was the guy who sat on our wheel up a hill for about 4 miles. His friend goes by and says "You found a great place to sit." He replied, "It's great here, I don't want to leave." At the top of the hill, he powered past us without so much as a smile. One rider actually took turns pulling with us. Given that the wind was moving us around, the chance to sit on a wheel was a welcome respite from the elements.
Seeing people riding a tandem is such a rare occurrence. The comments we get run the gamut from curiosity to rude. (Most come from male riders.) We've heard, "I would NEVER try that with my wife." "My wife would NEVER do that." "I wish my wife would do that." "At least she can't complain you're not home if she's riding with you." The rude comments typically are said regarding what Kathy is or isn't doing while sitting on the bike. Before we had even crossed the start line in Solvang, one guy asked "What does she do back there? I don't think she pedals." Then there was the guy that said, "You know she's back there texting." (We're in the market for some humorous responses, if you have one please leave us a comment.)
We're not sure why people feel compelled to make these comments or to act like they're the only person who has ever said them. We're sure they are trying to be funny but at the same time it implies that Kathy's role on our team is somehow less significant because she is not the Captain. The truth is like the rest of our life it's a partnership. It requires the same level of trust, respect communication and humor that is the foundation of our off the bike relationship.
We wish you safe riding and a tailwind!
Onward we roll!
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