May 2025 Century ride

 

Entering Nicolaus.

I was able to complete this year's edition of my annual Century at a relatively early date, before we leave for our trailer trip to Alaska next month. Once again, I traveled the loop in a counter clockwise direction and included using McCourtney and Rioso Roads, passing through Sheridan on my way to Nicolaus and the Garden Highway. This results in a total mileage of 108 miles.

Here's the plot of my ride from MapMyRide

I has checked the forecasts for this day and conditions looked to be ideal; Dry with highs in the mid to high 80s and no significant winds.

I got an early start, 7:00 AM, (early for me, LOL), and wore some 3/4 length knickers and a windbreaker. The windbreaker came off fast, but the knickers stayed on until I reached Nicolaus. For food I brought a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a bunch if dried apricots. I ate an apricot about once an hour and had the sandwich at my mid point under the I-5 bridge.

A short stop at Racoon Creek to take off my warmups.

On Rioso Road, heading west towards Sheridan.

Somewhere past Sheridan I noticed an increasing northwesterly wind. This didn't really hinder me and by the time I reached the Garden Highway, the wind became a real ally, giving me a nice push for that section of the ride, which is significant.

Entering Nicolaus

Traffic along the Highway was very light indeed. Several cars were parked on the shoulder at time, probably fishermen trying their luck.

Quiet Day on the Garden Highway, running along the Feather River.

Viewing the farmland along the Garden Highway.

Near Verona, looking back at the confluence of the Sacramento and Feather Rivers.

At last I reached the I-5 bridge, my usual rest stop point. Last year the little park was closed but it was open this time. Checking my mileage, I realized this point was actually at my 60 mile mark! This year I decided to try to change out my riding shorts to ensure my padding wasn't too sweat-soaked. I was able to change in the restroom at the park. Then, it was back on the road. Shortly after I started, I noticed a sign warning that "W Bound" Garden Highway was closed for construction! I thought it was weird to describe any part of Garden Highway as "West Bound", and hoped it wouldn't affect my route.

As it turned out, the road did veer to a more E-W orientation, fortunately, I was "East Bound" and sure enough, the other lane disappeared!

The mid-ride break under the I-5 Bridge

Anyway, my ride continued unabated. Soon I arrived at Discovery Park. When turning into the Park, notice that you can simply turn left onto a bike path that will lead you straight to the American River Parkway.

Partway through I stopped to check my phone and found it's battery was running low. This happened to me before so this time I brought a backup charger, plugged it in and continued my ride.

 

Entering Discovery Park, notice that bike path going to the left will take you to the Parkway.

The rest of the ride was uneventful. I continued up to Beales Point SP. Unfortunately, the snack bar isn't open yet! Oh well, I had to settle for more tepid water.  Checking my phone, I found a message stating that charging stopped due to an overheated phone! I took the phone and charger, which had been in my jersey pocket, and stuck them into my saddle bag, hoping that environment would be a little cooler. It seemed to work as I didn't lose any data this time!

A post-ride picture of the Mercian.

Equipment notes:

Well, the phone problem was really the only trouble I had on this ride! I rode the '80 Mercian Olympic shod with 32mm Gravel King slicks and had no issues, not even a flat! Shifting with my new 10 speed cassette was very good, with very few missed shifts. Overall, I was pretty comfortable for the entire ride.

I carried two water bottles, one stowed in my saddlebag to keep it out of the sun. Changing the shorts at the midpoint seemed to help, although this day was not super hot. I would definitely do this on a really hot day.

Statistics summary, 13.5 mph average is pretty good for me!

This was a good ride! I was pretty happy with my time. I always recommend this ride be done on days forecast to be under 90 degrees!