The Chico Wildflower Century

My last post mentioned my Wildflower Century Jersey. Here's a look at what a 100 mile ride is like. I made the ride last April, and plan to again this year.

Note: Full-size images? Click on any of the photographs, above.

Camera: Panasonic Lumix TZ5

Below: After driving to Chico (about 90 miles north of Sacramento, California) the day before, we prepared the morning of the ride with healthy food as well some inspiring youtube videos of Lance Armstrong. By the time we arrived at the start of the ride, at Chico's Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, the parking lot was already full of cars.

Below: Heading up the first major climb of the day, on the roughly-paved Humboldt Road. All that training in the days and weeks before this morning, working bone and sinew and muscle against gravity, was paying off.

Below: Beginning the run down Highway 32; my speed reached 40mph.

Below: Most people ride road bikes; this rider had no problem on his recumbent (otherwise known as a 'bent) bike. Others rode mt. bikes and hybrids.

Below: Heading up the second major climb of the day, on Honey Run Road.

Below: Climb up Honey Run Road, with ancient lava flows topping Butte Creek Canyon in the distance.

Below: Dropping down Pentz Road.

Below: Riders pedal against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains.

Below: Climbing up to Table Mountain, the third and toughest ascent of the day. At this moment, I was glad I'd put in the training miles.

Below: The food on the ride is the best I've enjoyed on any century. In addition to several rest stops, the Wildflower includes a full-on lunch and dinner.

Below: Mile 75, coming into the rest stop in the little town of Durham.

Below: A young rider models the Wildflower Jersey. The club motto: "Eat, Drink, Breathe, Pedal."

Above: Finishing up the final 25 miles, riding past wild mustard, rice fields and almond groves.