Monday, January 25, 2010

Register Now and Save 15% On Entry Fees (Until 1/31/10)

Southern California CyclingKick off your 2010 riding resolution by registering for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. Use discount code SDC10JAN to receive 15% off registration for any distance (37, 66 or 103 miles) by January 31, 2010. We hope it's an offer you can use to kick off 2010 and to pass on some great Southern California riding to your friends!

Register Now

Sign up now and take advantage of a free training plan from a legendary cyclist and coach. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has partnered with John Howard (www.johnhowardsports.com) to assist you with your training. John's training plan will prepare you for 55 miles at the Gran Fondo on March 7 and the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

Register Now

Want to ride with a great group that is training together for May? Sign up now and join the weekly rides organized by the Trek Superstore. The weekly rides, group support and expert advice are in place to train for 55 miles at the Gran Fondo on March 7 and the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

Register Now

From scenic to challenging, the San Diego Century offers an incredible ride experience for cyclists of any level. The start on May 22, 2010 is at MiraCosta College, San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff by the Sea, 92007. Check out the official Interactive Course Map

Register Now

Take advantage of the early registration discounts and register now. Prices go up between now and May. Online registration for the San Diego Century will be available until Sunday, May 16 at midnight. After May 16, you must take your chances at "Day Of" Late Registration on Friday May 21 or Saturday May 22. There is a late fee for registering on-site.

Register Now

Interested in riding for a cause? Looking for training tips and advice? Looking for local ride groups and training partners? Check out our blog and leave a comment! Ride on!


Register Now



by Greg Hendrickson Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace Photos: San Diego Century

Friday, January 22, 2010

4 Causes to Inspire More Cycling

Have you thought of using your cycling miles to raise awareness and funds for a great cause? Is riding for a cause on your list of biking resolutions for 2010?

Riding for a cause is one of the top ways to make yourself accountable to not only your own cycling resolutions for the new year, but also to helping others. It is a great way to inspire more cycling.

Here are 4 Causes to Inspire More Cycling:

1. Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)
Challenged Athletes Foundation (www.challengedathletes.org) provides training, competition and equipment grants for athletes with physical challenges. Dan Oakland and Jim Penseyres are two athletes and veterans who were injured as part of military service. They have overcome those injuries and work with the CAF Operation Rebound program. Both will be riding the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in May, and will be featured "Ride With" athletes in the coming months.

Ride with Dan and Jim in May and earn a jersey and free entry to the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour by fundraising for CAF. Stay tuned for our next newsletter edition for CAF fundraising programs associated with the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. Leave a comment on this blog if you'd like to get started today!

2. Bike for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Consider fundraising for MS this year. Earn a discount off your entry to the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour, and have that amount deposited in your fundraising account for MS150 ride in October! Stay tuned for our next newsletter edition for MS fundraising programs associated with the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. Leave a comment on the blog if you'd like to get started today!

3. Tour de H2O
Tour de H2O works to fund water wells in Africa and will be part of the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour this year. Join the fundraising for the May ride at www.tourdeh2o.org. Entry to the 37 mile course is included with the minimum fundraising amount of $100. To get started with Tour de H2O click here>>

4. 80 for Haiti on February 13th
In response to the horrific situation in Haiti, AdventureCORPS will organize a cycling event called "80 For Haiti" on February 13, 2010 (NOT Feb 6, as originally announced). It will be an 80-mile ride, on Old Hwy 80 in southeastern San Diego County, with an $80 entry fee. 100% of the entry fees will go directly to Mercy Corps, one of the most respected relief organizations worldwide. The "80 for Haiti" start / finish will be in Pine Valley, CA. The route is spectacular, on absolutely quiet roads through rolling terrain. AdventureCORPS will absorb all costs, but food, drink, and support sponsors are being sought. For more information from AdvertureCORPS click here>>


by Greg Hendrickson Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace Graphic: Tim Monaghan for the San Diego Century

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Free Cycling Training Plan to Kick Off 2010 - New Edition

Southern California Cycling
The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has partnered with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard (www.johnhowardsports.com) to assist you with your training for the San Diego Century on May 22. John's 18 week, 100+ mile training plan and the Trek group ride schedule below will prepare you for 55 miles at the Gran Fondo on March 7 and the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour.

If you are serious about your training, please review John’s video site at www.fittesystem.com. John has worked with more than 170 national champions, Ironman triathlon champions and Race Across America winners. He specializes in fitting cyclists for maximum performance and comfort. His program, FiTTE-Fitness, Training, Technique, Equipment- utilize a unique process mechanical adjustment and biomechanical assessment and mobilization of soft tissue as a component of the fit. This brief training plan focuses on the production of Power, Leg speed and increased Stamina. John’s program was designed for riders looking to improve their performance. The group rides listed at the bottom are incorporated into the program for optimal progression. The program adds more detail, mileage and depth to the last edition of the training plan.

Terminology:
S-Leg speed drills (spin class, trainer, rollers, fast road intervals)
B-Base, Done in middle gears at moderate speed
P-power-combo of big ring and small ring, sometimes incorporating hill repeats
AR-Active recovery, low zone spin to clear lactic acid from legs
R-Full Rest, day off, with nothing more rigorous than a good stretching program
G-Group ride, with other serious riders
SO-Solo ride done at your own pace dictated by how you feel.

Remember to stretch regularly, work on your core fitness daily. Get plenty of sleep before the longer or harder workouts.


18 Week Training Plan from www.johnhowardsports.com

DATE MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN TOTAL
1/18-1/24 R 10 S 20 B 10P 10 AR 25 G 5 AR 80
1/25-1/31 R 15 S 25 B 10P 10 AR 30 G 5 AR 85
2/01-2/07 R 10 AR 20 B 10P 5 AR 30 SO 5 AR 80
2/08-2/14 R 15 S 25 B 10P 10 AR 35 G 5 AR 100
2/15-2/21 R 15 S 25 B 15P 10 AR 40 G 10AR 115
2/22-2/28 R 10 AR 25 B 10P 10 AR 45 SO 5 AR 100
3/10-3/7 R 15 S 25 B 15P 10 AR 50 G 10 AR 125
3/8-3/14 R 15 S 30 B 15P 10 AR 55 G 10 AR 135
3/15-3/21 R 15 AR 30 B 15 P 10 AR 55 G 10 AR 135
3/22-3/28 R 20 S 30 B 20 P 10 AR 60 G 10 AR 150
3/29-4/04 R 20 S 30B 20 S 10 AR 65 G 15 AR 160
4/05- 4/11 R 25 AR 30B 20 P 10 AR 70 G 15 AR 170
4/12-4/18 R 25 S 35B 20 P 10 AR 70 G 20 AR 180
4/19-4-25 R 25 S 35B 20P 10 AR 75 G 25 AR 190
4/26-5/02 R 25 AR 35 B 20 S 10 AR 85 G 25 AR 200
5/03-5/09 R 30 S 35B 25P 10 AR 90 G 25 AR 215
5/10-5/16 R 30 S 35B 25P 15 AR 75 G 25 AR 190
5/17-5/23 R 30 S 35B 25S 15 AR 105G 5 AR 215
All distances in miles.
R = Rest B = Base SO = Solo Ride
S = Speed drills P = Power
AR = Active Recovery G = Group Ride


Take advantage of early registration and register now for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour:
Put your riding plan into action by registering for the ride on May 22, 2010 at any distance (37, 66 or 103 miles). We hope you can use the training plans to pass on some great Southern California riding to your friends! Click here to register>>



TREK BICYCLE SUPERSTORE CENTURY TRAINING SERIES SCHEDULE:





Due to the California rains the schedule has been updated. For the latest information and resources from Trek for the training plan and group rides, click here>>.


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by Greg Hendrickson
Photo: John Howard

8 Essential Tips to Accomplish Your Biking Resolution

Southern California Cycling
It's a new year and you made some resolutions just after that ball dropped. Hopefully one of them was to get some cycling in this year and complete a century event. Perhaps you're going for the 30-40 mile option, or the 60-70 mile option, or maybe you want to complete the whole 100+ miles. Great...do you have a plan?

I've done hundreds of cycling events in my life time from short 20 mile rides to over 620 miles from San Francisco to San Diego. Each had one thing in common: a plan.

Like any journey, if you don't know where you are going, you'll never get there. To help get a fun plan in place for 2010 here are 8 Essential Tips to Accomplish Your Biking Resolution:

1. Pick an event. Set a goal
One of the most effective things for keeping that resolution is to set a goal. For cycling there are events of just about any distance available. Take a look at a time line and your goal. Don't be afraid to stretch yourself, but also keep in mind the time it will take to train yourself from where you are today to the goal you want to accomplish. If you plan on completing a 100 mile ride but haven't ridden 10 miles then picking an event that is at least 3 months out is a good idea. However, if you have been putting in 100 to 150 miles per week for the last 2 or 3 months then selecting an event that is a month or so away isn't out of the question. If you need some suggestions on century events, click here>>.

2. Register
Registering may be the most important part. Talking about it is one thing, signing up is the commitment to yourself. Write it down on a calendar and look at it often. Also, tell all your friends and family. Nothing like a little motivation from those who love you.


15% OFF Registration (until 1/31) for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour:
Kick off your resolution by registering for the ride on May 22, 2010. Use discount code SDC10JAN to receive 15% off registration for any distance (37, 66 or 103 miles) by January 31, 2010. We hope it's an offer you can use to kick off 2010 and to pass on some great Southern California riding to your friends! Click here to register>>



3. Create a Training Plan
Once you have registered it's time to count out the weeks to your event. This is what you'll use to create a training plan. Let's use the San Diego Century Bicyle Tour as an example. The ride is on May 22nd. If you start training this weekend it gives you 18 weeks to get ready. This is plenty of time. If you want to ride 100 miles by May, start with a 20 mile ride this Saturday. Make Saturday your long day of riding and starting adding 5 more miles each Saturday. Get in 5 days of cycling per week. I'll outline more details in the next tip. A great resource for getting started is the free training plan from the team at Trek. Their program starts this weekend, just in time to kick off your bicycling resolution! For more information on the Trek training plan and group rides, click here >>.

4. Build Up Steadily
Start slow and build up your mileage steadily, especially if you haven't been putting in a lot of miles per week. Slowly add to that 20 miles you start with on Saturday, and gradually add miles during your shorter rides during the week. Here are some suggestions for rides during the week that you can tailor to your own schedule:

MONDAY - Start with 30 minutes at an easy to medium pace, and add 10 minutes every other week.

TUESDAY - One day a week you should ride hard or use intervals. Intervals are short burst of hard efforts say 85 to 90 percent of your maximum capability. Warm up first and then begin 5 sets of 30 second intervals with 10 minutes rest between. The following week make it 45 seconds, then a minute, etc. Build this up to 2 minutes with longer rests between.

WEDNESDAY - Start with 30 minutes at an easy to medium pace, and add 10 minutes every other week.

THURSDAY - Add hill climbing for one of your weekly workouts. Find a route where you can do an hour of hill climbing. Every few weeks add 5 to 10 minutes to your hill climbing session.

FRIDAY - Off

SATURDAY - Start with 20 miles and add 5 miles per week. This is a great day for riding with a group in your area.

SUNDAY - Off or easy ride


For more information on a free training plan and rides from Trek, click here >>.

5. Get a bike fit
A proper bike fit is essential to helping your muscle adapt to the amount of time you'll be spending on the bike. The best advice about bike fit is to get it done by someone who's been trained on how to fit a bike properly. Many bicycle stores have specialist trained on bike fitting. It's well worth the $100 to $250 cost if you are training for a century. If you're purchasing a new bike this is often included in the package.

If you can't get the bike fit right away, here are a few tips for things check out on your own: Seat height is the most important. You don't want to be too high with no bend in your knee when at the bottom of your stroke. A slight bend is good. You also don't want to be too low with your knees bent too much at the bottom of the stroke. Position yourself on your bike with your hands in the drops of your handle bars. If you feel a strain in your back it's possible you are too far forward and need shorter stem or smaller bike. A bike fit specialist can help you get your bike in the position you need for comfort with higher miles on your bike.

6. Buy High Quality Riding Apparel
Good cycling shorts or bibs are critical for comfortable longer distance riding. Don't go cheap. is Again, good cycling shorts or bibs. Spend the extra on name brand apparel. Buy a few pairs of shorts or bibs. Wash them after every ride and be sure to let them dry on a hanger. Jerseys should be able to breathe so don't get anything too heavy. Be colorful so vehicles can see you. A snug fit is better. Clothing flapping in the wind will slow you down. Don't wear undergarments under your shorts. This will cause friction which leads to blisters and other discomforts. Apply a lubricant like Body Glide and Chamois Butter to your body and chamois. A light T-shirt is can help to wick away sweat in cooler weather. Performance fabrics for jerseys and socks are a good idea. Lastly, ride with gloves. They absorb sweat, and help prevent scrapes in the event of a fall.

7. Educate Yourself
You'll find your body changing as you are on the path to accomplishing your resolution. It's important to educate yourself on what it will take to keep your body healthy, energized and injury free. Nutrition, Recovery, Stretching, and Hydration all play a role in successfully accomplishing your riding resolution. Important areas to consider for your training are your cardiovascular fitness, muscles and soft tissue.
· Cardiovascular - If you are just starting, or just getting back to longer bicycle rides then your lungs aren't used to providing lots of oxygen to your body for long periods of time. 100 miles will take you about 6 to 7 hours to complete if you can average 15 MPH (How hilly the course is will have a huge effect on this time). Your lungs and cardiovascular system will improve as you slowly build up the mileage and time on the bike. Blood will flow through your system and carry oxygen more efficiently as the weeks go by.
· Muscles - Your leg muscles may not be used to going round and round for 6 to 7 hours yet. It's not only your legs that will get a workout, but your back, abdominals, arms, shoulders and neck. Longer duration cycling highlights the benefits of a bike fit that helps your body adapt and find a comfortable position for the amount of time you'll be spending on the bike. Check out a weekly massage to help with recovering from your rides. You can also self massage with a massage stick or tennis ball to aid the muscles in recovering more quickly.
· Soft tissue - here we are talking about the parts of our body that touch the saddle or seat of the bike. It takes time to get used to having pressure on these areas. In a sense you need to build up your endurance here as well. Bike fit, high quality cycling shorts and changing your position in the saddle all help to bring comfort to your longer rides.

8. Always be Prepared.
As you add in mileage each week you will need to make sure you have time each day to get in the training. The dedication is sometimes hard and it's always helpful to be prepared to ride and work out when you can. Always have a training bag with you when you travel. Most hotels will have a stationary bike. Line up the spin classes and gyms with bikes in your area. Start biking to work a day or two during the week. Bring your bike and training gear with you to be ready for training opportunities!

Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

by Mike Henderson
Mike's Blog: Finding Way to Help Others
Photo: Mike Henderson

Gordy Shields: Featured "Ride With" Athlete for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

Southern California Cycling

Photo: Gordy Shields

The “Ride With” Program is an opportunity to meet and ride with some of the most interesting people that ride the San Diego Century. Some are real Legends of Cycling, whose exploits on the bike excite everyone who loves the sport. Some are experts who can offer advice on training, nutrition, cycling technique and the history of the sport. And some are the people who have done incredible things in their life and brought that to their cycling. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour is privileged to host a wonderful group of cyclists.

Gordy Shields Profile:
We are honored to bring you more information about Gordy Shields, the featured "Ride With" Athlete for this edition.

Gordy will be turning 92 this year, and says that the discs in his lower back are deteriorating. This keeps him from walking too far, but it doesn't keep him from breaking cycling records.

In 2008, In April 2008 while racing in California, Gordy shattered the American record in the 20-kilometer time trial for cyclists 90-and-older. The old record of 57 minutes, 6.89 seconds was set by the late Jack Pardee in 2003. Gordy's time was 44:53.98. That's just the latest in a list of bicycling credits that includes numerous Senior Olympics medals and national championships. He now holds the national time trial records for 3 age groups: 80-84, 85-89 and 90-older.

Incredibly, Gordy did not start cycling until he was 50, when he developed bursitis in his back. Over the 40 years since he began his journey on a bike Gordy has become a well known advocate and activist for bicycling. He was an original member and ten-year chairman of SANDAG (San Diego of the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee of SANDAG (San Diego Association of Governments), a founding member of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC), and a member since 1985 off the long-standing member of San Diego Cyclo-Vets, one of the country's most successful masters cycling clubs.

To top it all off, Gordy has a bridge in San Diego named after him. Just south of San Diego, a bridge crosses a span of the Sweetwater River. It's called "Gordy Shields Bridge." The bridge is a part of the Bayshore Bikeway, a five-city, 24-mile route around San Diego Bay, strictly for pedestrians and cyclists, a bikeway Shields championed since its inception in the 1970s. (San Diego Union Tribune)

To read more about Gordy, check out the San Diego Cyclo-Vets and the San Diego Union Tribune.

If you are interested in meeting Gordy at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour then leave a comment here. Gordy isn’t planning on 100 miles, but he’ll be there, and will be cheering everyone on.

San Diego Century Bicycle Tour "Ride With" Athletes
Here are the rest of the current “Ride With” Program members who will be out on the course in May:

Kim Mueller – Kim is an All-American Triathlete, a Registered Dietitian and is armed with a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology/Sports Nutrition. She used her expertise to develop and launch Infinit Nutrition, a company that custom blends functional ingredients to address a variety of performance and health goals. Kim thoroughly enjoys helping others achieve optimal health and peak fitness performance.

To read our feature article on Kim, click here>>.

Darryl MacKenzie - Darryl has been a Licensed USA Cycling Coach since 1997, has 30 Double Centuries completed, and is a leader in the cycling community. He trains 50-100 riders a year through a combination of spinning classes and road rides.


To read our feature article on Darryl, click here>>.

Damon Poor – Damon underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2001, and went from 350 pounds to 4 Double Century’s in 3 years. He’ll be on the course providing inspiration for all of us.

To read our feature article on Damon, click here>>.

We look forward to building upon the “Ride With” Program for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in 2010 – we hope you get as much fun and inspiration out of it as we do.

Leave a comment if you are interested in riding with or contacting the “Ride With” Program members.

Click here on The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour to get more information, register for the ride on May 22, 2010 or purchase the 2010 Jersey!

Ride on!


by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: Gordy Shields

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Damon Poor: Featured "Ride With" Athlete for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

Southern California Cycling
Photo: Damon Poor

The “Ride With” Program is an opportunity to meet and ride with some of the most interesting people that ride the San Diego Century. Some are real Legends of Cycling, whose exploits on the bike excite everyone who loves the sport. Some are experts who can offer advice on training, nutrition, cycling technique and the history of the sport. And some are the people who have done incredible things in their life and brought that to their cycling. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour is privileged to host a wonderful group of cyclists.

Damon Poor Profile:
We are very excited to bring you more information about Damon Poor, the featured "Ride With" Athlete for this edition.

Damon is not only a very accomplished endurance cyclist, he is also an individual who brings a nearly unlimited dose of inspiration. Damon is a man who conquered obesity, going on an incredible journey from 350 pounds to a string of endurance cycling accomplishments. His story is a testament to his determination, with lessons for everyone.

In 2000 Damon, at 5'9" and 350 pounds, was faced with high blood pressure, constant back pain and numerous other health risks. Realizing that he had to take action, he underwent weight loss surgery and began exercising. After 11 months he lost enough weight to safely ride a bicycle. And the journey from there took him to a goal of four double centuries in 3 and a half months with a cycling log that included 7,400 miles and 288,000 feet of climbing in a year.

Damon hopes his story inspires others battling weight issues. He knows his life has dramatically changed for the better.

To read more of Damon's story, check out his article with Cyclo-Vets. If you are interested in contacting Damon then leave a comment here or contact Damon directly at dlpoor@cox.net.

San Diego Century Bicycle Tour "Ride With" Athletes
Here are the rest of the current “Ride With” Program members who will be out on the course in May:

Kim Mueller – Kim is an All-American Triathlete, a Registered Dietitian and is armed with a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology/Sports Nutrition. She used her expertise to develop and launch Infinit Nutrition, a company that custom blends functional ingredients to address a variety of performance and health goals. Kim thoroughly enjoys helping others achieve optimal health and peak fitness performance.

To read our feature article on Kim, click here>>.

Darryl MacKenzie - Darryl has been a Licensed USA Cycling Coach since 1997, has 30 Double Centuries completed, and is a leader in the cycling community. He trains 50-100 riders a year through a combination of spinning classes and road rides.


To read our feature article on Darryl, click here>>.

Gordy Shields – Gordy is a national record holder and set the record for fastest 20Km in USA History for….get this, the 90+ category. He just did this in April 2008. Gordy isn’t planning on 100 miles, but he’ll be there, and will be cheering everyone on.

We look forward to building upon the “Ride With” Program for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in 2010 – we hope you get as much fun and inspiration out of it as we do.

Leave a comment if you are interested in riding with or contacting the “Ride With” Program members.

Click here on The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour to get more information, register for the ride on May 22, 2010 or purchase the 2010 Jersey!

Ride on!


by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photos: Damon Poor

Three Century Rides to Kick Off Your New Year Resolutions

Southern California CyclingIt's that time of year again when many of us will take a few minutes to assess life and figure out what we they want to accomplish in 2010. This is the perfect time to pull out the calendar and make some commitments to training and cycling events. Do you want to complete your first 100 mile ride this year? Maybe you have a personal best in mind for your annual century ride?

Here are three suggestions in Southern California to help you kick off your new year resolutions:

1. San Diego has so many riding events that it's tough to select only three. Since it is so early in the new year, a great choice to begin is the to choose from starting with the StageCoach Century on January 16th. This is a fantastic way to tune up the bike and ride off a few pounds that you might have taken on during the holidays. If you aren't ready for 100 miles...that's OK. The StageCoach Century organizers have several shorter routes to select from that are very easy to navigate. The StageCoach Century is situated in Ocotillo, CA so plan to get up early to make the start at 7:00 AM.

2. Trek is starting up their Spring Century training program January 23rd leading up to the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. This has become a very popular training program sponsored by the Trek Bicycle Super Stores of San Diego. You will see at least 50 people showing up regularly. Trek does it right by providing maps, directions and plenty of friendly people to ride with as they build up the weekly mileage. Join the Trek group and you'll be plenty strong and ready for that 103 mile San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010.

3. Gran Fondo is March 7th and has quickly become another favorite for local cyclists. Gran Fondo means Big Ride in Italian and this one does draw a BIG crowd. You start in Little Italy and have 3 different routes to select from, 32, 53 and 101 miles. This falls in the middle of the Trek Program so they plan to use the 53 mile for their route that weekend.

That's just a taste of what is happening this spring in San Diego. Hope to see you out there riding soon.


by Mike Henderson
Mike's Blog: Finding Way to Help Others
Photo: 2010 San Diego Century

Join the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition


Southern California CyclingJoin the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC) and be a part of getting more people on bikes and help make bike riding safer for everyone. This group works every day to make cycling and cyclists an accepted part of the San Diego scene. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour is proud to support SDCBC. Registrants for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour will receive a complimentary 6-month membership and e-subscription to the SDCBC newsletter. Just click on "YES" in the box when you register. What you do to help after that is up to you!


Membership in SDCBC is another way we're hoping to promote more cycling in 2010! Another is our offer to start the new year by training with a friend for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. Our gift for the new year to help kick off your cycling resolutions is 2 entries for the price of 1 until January 15, 2010. Simply purchase a registration for any distance (37, 66 or 103 miles) and you will get a discount code back by e-mail from us good for a free entry for an equal or lesser distance. We hope it's an offer you can use to pass on some great Southern California riding to your friends and family this holiday season! Don't forget to click "YES" when you register to join the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition!


For more information about the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, click here>>.


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by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Graphic: Tim Monaghan for the San Diego Century

January Rides and Causes to Help Out in 2010


Happy New Year from the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour!

Looking for group and club rides? Check out our local suggestions for January. Have you thought of using your cycling miles to raise awareness and funds for a great cause? Take a look at two causes that are part of the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour: Tour de H2O working to fund water wells in Africa and the Challenged Athletes Foundation providing training, competition and equipment grants for athletes with physical challenges. Consider riding for a cause this year!

Here are some of the local rides in Southern California over the next few weeks. Click the grey copy for more details on each event. Enjoy!

January 8
Solana Beach: B+L Bike+Sports Store, Weekly Women’s only ride. 8:45am

Check out the B+L Bike+Sports Weekly Wednesday rides, both store locations. 8:00am



January 16:
Ocotillo, CA: 6th Annual Stagecoach Century


EXTRA: FIRST 2 TO REGISTER FOR THE SAN DIEGO CENTURY ON 1/8 ALSO RECEIVE FREE REGISTRATION TO THE STAGECOACH CENTURY IN OCOTILLO ON 1/16!



January 17:
B+L Bike+Sports: We have our Flat repair clinic on the 17th at 4pm, Sports Arena location



January 23:
San Diego: Trek’s 20 mile kick-off ride to an 18 week training program, starting at Fiesta Island at 8:30am. Check out the FREE training program leading up to rides at the Gran Fondo on March 7 and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.



FRIEND RIDES FREE OFFER:
Our gift to kick off your New Year's resolutions is 2 entries for the price of 1 for the ride on May 22, 2010. Your friend rides for free! Simply purchase a registration for any distance (37, 66 or 103 miles) by January 15, 2010 and you will get a discount code back by e-mail from us good for a free entry for an equal or lesser distance. We hope it's an offer you can use to pass on some great Southern California riding to your friends as you start the New Year! Click here for details>>



We'd love to hear from you on more group rides as we move through the preparation for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in May.

If you're looking for a group to ride with in a specific area, leave a comment and let us know!

For great resources for club and group rides check out both BikeCal.com, SoCalCycling.com and the San Diego Bike Coalition for local rides in Southern California.

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by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Graphic: Tim Monaghan for the San Diego Century

Free Training Plans to Kick Off 2010


The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has partners in the Southern California cycling community to help you get rolling on the bike in 2010. Our friends at Trek provided the free training program that is posted here. Trek also has a great group that will be cycling together and preparing for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, and the Gran Fondo on March 7. You can check out their group ride schedule below.


If you're looking for an expert to lead you through the training, check out the programs from one of our featured "Ride With" athletes: Darryl MacKenzie. Darryl is an accomplished coach, endurance cyclist, bike fitter and leader in the cycling community. Darryl will be leading three stationary trainer programs that lead up to the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour, all 6 weeks long: Power & Endurance is underway as of January 5th, Century Prep starts February 23 and the Hill Climbing Clinic starts on April 13. If you are interested in contacting Darryl for coaching advice, a bike fit, or getting on the list for one of his spinning classes then leave a comment here or contact Darryl directly at DarrylMacKenzie@Cox.Net.


The FREE Century Training Program provided by Trek:





15% OFF Registration (until 1/31) for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour:
Kick off your resolution by registering for the ride on May 22, 2010. Use discount code SDC10JAN to receive 15% off registration for any distance (37, 66 or 103 miles) by January 31, 2010. We hope it's an offer you can use to kick off 2010 and to pass on some great Southern California riding to your friends! Click here to register>>



TREK BICYCLE SUPERSTORE CENTURY TRAINING SERIES SCHEDULE:





For more information and resources from Trek for the training plan and group rides, click here>>.


Share


by Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Graphic: Tim Monaghan for the San Diego Century

Friend Rides Free with 2 for 1 Registration


Happy New Year from the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour!

How about starting the new year training with a friend for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010? Our gift for the new year to help kick off your cycling resolutions is 2 entries for the price of 1 until January 15, 2010. Simply purchase a registration for any distance (37, 66 or 103 miles) and you will get a discount code back by e-mail from us good for a free entry for an equal or lesser distance. We hope it's an offer you can use to pass on some great Southern California riding to your friends and family this holiday season!


EXTRA: FIRST 2 TO REGISTER FOR THE SAN DIEGO CENTURY ON 1/8 ALSO RECEIVE FREE REGISTRATION TO THE STAGECOACH CENTURY IN OCOTILLO ON 1/16!



Check out our training resources, including a free training plan to help kick off the new year and get ready for all three levels of the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. If you aren't on the list for the rides, training tips and cycling info in our twice monthly newsletter be sure to sign up in the column on the right.

Here is how the 2 for 1 offer works:

1. Purchase your registration by January 15, 2010 for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour at any distance.

2. Remember to “Select “YES “ For the Holiday Two for One Gift” when you register.

3. The San Diego Century will email you a coupon code that can be used by anyone to register for a free entry at an equal or lesser distance.

4. The new person must register for the San Diego Century by January 15, 2010 for the free registration coupon to be valid.

5. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount and is good until 1/15/2010.

REGISTER NOW>>
Ride Info>>


2 for 1 Rules:

The 2 for 1 registration offer is limited to the first 100 registrations that are purchased as a result of this promotion. The 2 for 1 offer is good for any distance equal to or lesser than the purchased registration distance. This offer cannot be combined with other offers. The 2 for 1 offer expires on January 15, 2010.

REGISTER NOW>>
Ride Info>>

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We look forward to seeing you on May 22, 2010!

Happy New Year!

The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour