4 weeks ago I had the pleasure to do Levi Leipheimers Grand Fondo century road ride. I was talking to Mark Weir one day about winter plans, what we both had coming up, trying to figure out when we could get together and do some riding since he lives in Nor Cal and I live in So Cal when he said, you should come up and do the Grand Fondo. I had no idea what it was, but I knew what century meant, 100miles of suffering. Not really my specialty and the only other century I have ever done was over 10 years ago when Lance Armstrong had his first Ride For the Roses. Being one to always be up for the challenge and not wanting Weir to think I was a puss, I agreed. From that point on I was on a mission to log in the miles. I was exchanging emails with Levi almost daily about training, the route, etc, so I had the best coach possible for this ride.
Prior to the event I got one 87mile ride in and was feeling confident that I could finish the ride, but then it all went to hell when I got sick at Interbike in Vegas. Just a week and half out and I was laying in bed feeling like crap. Not good timing to get sick as I knew this 100mile ride with over 8k feet of climbing was going to be that much harder now.
Ride day came all too early. WE had a very early morning start, but luckily we were up front with the celebrity group and in front of the 3000 other riders. The group took off and took up the entire street. Our avg. speed was near 30mph for the first hour or so and I thought with the distance we had covered already the ride was going to be easier than I thought. Well just at that time we hit the first big climb. Jason Moeschler and I had to piss so bad we pulled over, then pinned it to catch back up to Weir and the rest of the WTB crew. This was the first time I though, oh no.... this hurts.
From that point on I rode a comfy pace and actually started feeling better and better. I even started dropping the toughest guy in the world, Mark Weir, on some of the climbs...ha ha. He hated that, I loved it and to add insult to injury Levi passed us both and heckled Mark for me being in front of him.
In the end, almost the entire WTB crew finished together. We had a great time, especially at the killer food stops Levi had set up along the route with all kinds of good fruit and drinks. The views were killer, atmosphere great, weather perfect, and experience one I will never forget.
Got to thank Weir for inviting me, Levi for having me and putting on such a good ride, and everyone who made the event possible. Look forward to training harder and being more prepared for the Grand Fondo next year.
