This was Saturday’s effort at the Tour of the Unknown Coast – regarded as California’s Toughest Century. Having focused my recent training on efficiency over the long haul with low heart rate “steady state” efforts, this was quite a departure from the norm. Essentially, it was a 100-mile sprint consisting of 10,000 feet of climbing over mixed surface conditions. Rode the initial 35-40 miles with a large lead group that splintered on the first major ascent. The race winner was quickly out of sight so I dug-in for the next 60 miles solo effort and managed a 2nd place finish – my best in a dozen years. Heart rate averaged 149 bpm with a max of 174 bpm. Felt pretty darn fresh at the end! Almost “RAAM Ready”……..
Relive ‘TUC 2018’