San Diego Century News & Updates

Thank You for the Record Attendance at the 2010 San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

2010-06-03T16:32:00.000-07:00

Another attendance record in 2010!

Thank you for participating in the 4th annual San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. We had a beautiful day and another record group of riders in attendance. Thank you for all the five star reviews and the comments like we heard from kissman:

"This one is one of the best. Good job and see you next year."

We especially appreciate all the suggestions. Please email us, fill out the active.com review or stay tuned for our survey if you have any more thoughts for next year. A big thank you also goes out to our sponsors, "Ride With" athletes, charities (CAF, MS and Tour de H2O) our volunteers and the staff for a great ride in 2010!

How to get a 2010 Jersey, Registration and More...

2010-06-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

The 2010 jersey sold out, but we are ordering more.

With the sold-out (yes, we sold out) response to the 2010 jersey, and the requests for more we will be opening up for more jersey orders. Check back for details next week and an order link.

Are you planning on riding the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in 2011? Next week we will also open up a limited time, early registration offer for all 2010 participants. If you weren't able to ride in 2010 and you're interested in 2011 be sure to sign up on the right for our email list.

Do you have thoughts or ideas that can help us make 2011 even better? Next week we will be launching a survey to help make our blog, the newsletters and the ride even better for you in 2011. Be quick on the click and participate in the survey as we'll have some nice surprises for the first survey respondents.

More next week...

Timed Hill Climb Challenge on Mt. Palomar June 19

2010-06-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

Register now for the Palomar Challenge on June 19

If climbing Mt. Palomar is on your list, or the Purple Monster climb at the San Diego Century had you wondering about the next challenge, then this event is one for you to check out:

Palomar Challenge, Sat. June 19th, 2010

24, 35 and 64 Mile Road rides and Hill Climb challenge

8:30 A.M. start

New this year. Base fee of only $39!

For the registration details, CLICK HERE

It's Cookin Today, Late Register Today 12-7 at B+L Bike + Sports

2010-05-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

Packet pick-up and late registration is underway today at B+L Bike + Sports in Solana Beach.

If you haven't registered yet, stop by B+L from noon to 7 today for:

1. Cool 2010 jerseys and merchandise for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

2. Goodie bags with snacks including California Dried Plums, and information on events with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Tour de H20, and Bike MS.

3. The scoop on our "Ride With" athletes and how to meet and ride with them on Saturday:

John Howard
Darryl MacKenzie
Damon Poor
Kim Mueller
The CAF athletes including Jim Penseyres and Dan Oakland.

You can still register IN PERSON (limited availability) today, May 21, noon-7pm and May 22, 6-8am. 37, 66 or 103 miles. Info at http://encinitasrace.com/sdc

REGISTER IN PERSON MAY 21, Noon to 7pm

B+L Bike + Sports
211 N Hwy 101
Solana Beach, Ca 92075
Tele: 858.481.4148

REGISTER IN PERSON May 22, 6am to 8am

MiraCosta College
3333 Manchester Ave
Encinitas, CA 92007

The 2010 Jersey is available at Registration May 21/22!

2010-05-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

If you haven't purchased one of the 2010 jerseys for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour, be sure to buy one when you pick up your packets or register on May 21/22.

You can still register IN PERSON (limited availability) on May 21, noon-7pm and May 22, 6-8am. 37, 66 or 103 miles. Info at http://encinitasrace.com/sdc

REGISTER IN PERSON MAY 21, Noon to 7pm

B+L Bike + Sports
211 N Hwy 101
Solana Beach, Ca 92075
Tele: 858.481.4148

REGISTER IN PERSON May 22, 6am to 8am

MiraCosta College
3333 Manchester Ave
Encinitas, CA 92007

Register in Person May 21, 12-7pm or May 22, 6-8am

2010-05-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

Sorry, Online Registration is now closed for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22!

You can still register IN PERSON (limited availability) on May 21, noon-7pm and May 22, 6-8am. 37, 66 or 103 miles. Info at http://encinitasrace.com/sdc

REGISTER IN PERSON MAY 21, Noon to 7pm

B+L Bike + Sports
211 N Hwy 101
Solana Beach, Ca 92075
Tele: 858.481.4148

REGISTER IN PERSON May 22, 6am to 8am

MiraCosta College
3333 Manchester Ave
Encinitas, CA 92007

Please Help Find a Medical Person for May 22

2010-05-15T19:39:00.000-07:00

We need a medical person for the finish of the San Diego Century on May 22 in Encinitas, CA.

Doctor, nurse or emergency med tech.

Our regular doc can't make it. Please pass this along if you know anyone, and contact us at sandiegocentury@gmail.com. Thank you!

MS150 Fundraisers: 10% off and up to $20 fundraising credit at the San Diego Century

2010-05-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

Are you fundraising for MS this year and participating in the Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour in October?

The San Diego Century is working with Bike MS to kick start your training and your fundraising this year:

Register for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour with code MSSDC10 by May 16, 11:59pm.

You'll receive:

1. 10% off your entry registration for the May 22 San Diego Century Bicycle Tour AND
2. the San Diego Century will donate 20% of your entry fee towards your Bike MS fundraising account.

CLICK HERE to register for the San Diego Century, get 10% off entry fees, and have 20% of your entry fees donated toward your MS fundraising

CLICK HERE to register for the Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour

The Bike MS Bay to Bay tour supports the National MS Society's mission to create a world free of multiple sclerosis, the most common neurological disorder leading to disability in young adults.

Voted by Competitor Magazine's readers as the "Best Cycling Event" for the fourth year running, the Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour sponsored by Land Rover Miramar is a one or two-day journey down the gorgeous coastline of Southern California. The Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour will be held on October 16-17, 2010. Participants enjoy a fully-supported ride along three route options (30, 100 or 150 miles) and finish with an overnight celebration that includes live music, refreshments (beer garden!) and a healthy lifestyles expo.

by Greg Hendrickson
Photos: Bike MS

How CAF Fundraisers Get Free Entry to the San Diego Century

2010-05-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

If you're already fundraising for CAF, or even beginning the process for this great cause, then be sure to participate in the San Diego Century on May 22.

Your entry for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour is free if you raise $500 or more by May 21st.

Not only that, but you'll get a chance to meet and ride with some incredible athletes who will be joining the ride, including:

Jim Penseyres, and
Dan Oakland

Make your San Diego Century Bicycle Tour even more meaningful this year by helping The Challenged Athletes Foundation to change the lives of challenged athletes. The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) raises money to help people with physical disabilities pursue an active lifestyle through physical fitness and athletics. CAF's mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, competitive lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. The funds your raise will pay for handcycles, sports chairs, running prosthetics, and training and competition expenses for physically challenged athletes.

Sign up to fundraise and you'll get your own fundraising webpage, a cool Race for a Reason training t-shirt, and a free San Diego Century Bicycle Tour entry for anyone who raises $500 or more by May 21st.

CAF is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible, and you can feel safe that your donation will directly assist challenged athletes around the world. Based on our most recent audited financial statement, more than 80 cents of every dollar raised is used by CAF to support its athletes.

CLICK HERE to fundraise for CAF, and get a free entry to the San Diego Century!

For more CAF info please contact: Jennifer Rose

Race For A Reason Manager

Challenged Athletes Foundation

www.challengedathletes.org

by Greg Hendrickson
Photos: CAF

Last Garmin Giveaway on 5/14, and Jerseys & Discounts & More...

2010-05-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

STRAVA, the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour and the San Diego Trek Bicycle Superstore have 3 EASY STEPS for you to share your cycling workouts on STRAVA by 7:00 pm May 14, 2010 for a chance to win a Garmin 500 in the last of our five weekly Garmin promotions.

Check out the participants on STRAVA to see Karyn, Wendy, Jack and our other lucky cyclists who cranked out the miles, uploaded their activities, and got in on some great giveaways.

3 EASY STEPS FOR YOUR CHANCE AT THE GARMIN AND OTHER GIVEAWAYS:

1. SIGN UP/LOG IN TO STRAVA

The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has a special deal from STRAVA for unlimited FREE uploads until the ride on May 22, 2010, so sign up or log in and get started at http://www.strava.com/events/29.

2. ADD YOUR ACTIVITY

If you don't have a Garmin it's easy to add a manual activity. If you do have a Garmin it's easy to connect your Garmin and upload your activities. Every activity that you add manually or upload from your Garmin gets you another chance to win the Garmin 500.

3. CHECK THE PARTICIPANTS LIST

If you are not on the participant list for the San Diego Century event on Strava, simply go to http://www.strava.com/events/29 and click on "Join" after you are signed in. That is what ensures your workout activities are entered in the Garmin promotion.

HOW TO RECORD YOUR RIDE INFORMATION

To record your ride information so you can log it or upload it at STRAVA.COM

a) simply record your ride time and mileage with your cycling computer, watch and route plan, or

b) track your ride on your Garmin device

c) track your ride on your GPS cellphone with the free application from endomondo.com.

Need help? Shoot us a note: sandiegocentury@gmail.com.

Thanks for participating!

Promotion Rules for the Garmin 500 giveaway on May 14, 2010.

1. One chance per cycling activity manually entered or uploaded on STRAVA.com after noon Pacific time, May 10, 2010 and by 7:00 pm Pacific time, May 14, 2010.

2. Once workouts have been uploaded or entered, you must "join" the public event for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour for your activities to be valid for the promotion. Click here to join the event page:http://www.strava.com/events/29

3. To be eligible for the promotion you must be at least 18 years of age and a US resident.

4. Promotion recipient will be randomly selected from the pool of logged activities associated with the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour event page at http://www.strava.com/events/29

5. Promotion recipient will be selected on Friday, May 14, 2010. Recipient will receive an email from sandiegocentury@gmail.com and will have 24 hours from the time the email is delivered to respond and confirm their selection. If the recipient does not respond within 24 hours, the promotion will roll to the next randomly selected participant with 12 hours to respond. Please add sandiegocentury@gmail.com to your address book to ensure email deliveries. All registration codes must be used by 11:59 pm on May 16, 2010 at the close of online registration or the registration giveaway or discount will be forfeited by the recipient.

How to Win a Garmin 500 on 5/9

2010-05-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

STRAVA, the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour and the San Diego Trek Bicycle Superstore have 3 EASY STEPS for you to share your cycling workouts on STRAVA by 11:59pm May 9, 2010 for a chance to win a Garmin 500 in the fourth weekly Garmin promotion.

Check out the participants on STRAVA to see Karyn who won the Garmin 305 on 5/2! She uploaded a ride every day which gave her the best chances possible to win.

3 EASY STEPS FOR YOUR CHANCE AT THE GARMIN:

1. SIGN UP/LOG IN TO STRAVA

The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has a special deal from STRAVA for unlimited FREE uploads until the ride on May 22, 2010, so sign up or log in and get started at http://www.strava.com/events/29.

2. ADD YOUR ACTIVITY

3. CHECK THE PARTICIPANTS LIST

HOW TO RECORD YOUR RIDE INFORMATION

To record your ride information so you can log it or upload it at STRAVA.COM

a) simply record your ride time and mileage with your cycling computer, watch and route plan, or

b) track your ride on your Garmin device

c) track your ride on your GPS cellphone with the free application from endomondo.com.

Need help? Shoot us a note: sandiegocentury@gmail.com.

Thanks for participating!

Promotion Rules for the Garmin 500 giveaway on May 9, 2010.

1. One chance per cycling activity manually entered or uploaded on STRAVA.com after noon Pacific time, May 3, 2010 and by 11:59 pm Pacific time, May 9, 2010.

3. To be eligible for the promotion you must be at least 18 years of age and a US resident.

4. Promotion recipient will be randomly selected from the pool of logged activities associated with the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour event page athttp://www.strava.com/events/29

5. Promotion recipient will be selected on Monday, May 10, 2010. Recipient will receive an email from sandiegocentury@gmail.com and will have 24 hours from the time the email is delivered to respond and confirm their selection. If the recipient does not respond within 24 hours, the promotion will roll to the next randomly selected participant with 12 hours to respond. Please add sandiegocentury@gmail.com to your address book to ensure email deliveries.

Training Ride May 8: Trek Superstore Century Training Series

2010-05-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

Read below for all the details and join the 100 - 200 riders who participate in the weekly century training rides put together by San Diego's Trek Bicycle Superstore.

There are also 2 weeks of chances left with an easy way to win a Garmin 500 so read on!

A very well organized team of ride guides is available to support riders of all levels in 4 groups based on speed.

This week's ride start rolls out again from Peet's in Torrey Highlands (map links below) and an 82 mile hilly route that will get you prepared for the Purple Monster climb (long climb that is part of the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour).

REGISTRATION CLOSES SOON

The weekly rides, group support and expert advice are in place to train for the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

If you're ready to register for the ride on May 22, don't delay. CLICK HERE. ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES MAY 16.

HOW TO WIN A GARMIN 500 THIS WEEK

Log or upload your rides at STRAVA.com by Sunday 11:59pm Pacific and you'll get a chance to win a Garmin 500. CLICK HERE for details.

TREK SUPERSTORE CENTURY TRAINING RIDE DETAILS:

SATURDAY, MAY 8, 7:00AM

Distance: 82 miles - Scripps Poway / Lakeside / Mission LoopClimbing Difficulty: 3 (Mostly hilly with 1 or 2 longer, harder climbs)
Start Time: 7:00AM SHARP
Start Location: Peet's Torrey Highlands

For the course map and start location map, CLICK HERE

THE COMING WEEKS

5/15 65 Del Dios East Loop +Bandy Cyn

5/22 103 SAN DIEGO CENTURY (Event)

Notes from the editor: A big thanks to the Trek Bicycle SuperStore and Trek Ride Guides for organizing the weekly training rides.

Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

Editor: Greg Hendrickson (email sandiegocentury@gmail.com)

Photo: Tony Deramo

Bike Training for the Week (5/5 - 5/12) from John Howard

2010-05-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

Coach John Howard at Bonneville: Setting the bicycle land speed record of 152.6 mph in the Bonneville Salt Flats. 20 July 1985. Photo: John Howard

CYCLING WORKOUTS FOR THE WEEK: This edition of "Cycling Workouts for the Week" from John Howard will give you this week's workouts to prepare for 103 miles, 66 miles and 37 miles at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has partnered with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard (www.fittesystem.com) to assist you with your training.

Have you registered yet? CLICK HERE to register and reserve your spot in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour.

Get the Full 8, 10 and 18 Week Training Plans for Free. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our Training, Group Ride & Cycling Contests Email List.

This Week's Training for 103 Miles

Wednesday: 35 Miles Base Riding (B)

Thursday: 25 Miles With Power Drills (P)

Friday: 10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Saturday: 90 Miles Group Ride (G)

Sunday: 25 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Monday: Rest Day (R)

Tuesday: 30 Miles with Speed Drills (S)

This Week's Training for 66 Miles

Wednesday: 30 Miles Base Riding (B)

Thursday: 15 Miles With Hill Repeats (HR)

Friday: 10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Saturday: 55 Miles Group Ride (G)

Sunday: 10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Monday: Rest Day (R)

Tuesday: 15 Miles Leg Speed Drills (S)

This Week's Training for 37 Miles

Wednesday: 15 Miles Base Riding (B)

Thursday: 10 Miles Hill With Power Workout (P)

Friday: 5 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Saturday: 25 Miles Solo or Group Ride (SO)

Sunday: 5 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Monday: Rest Day (R)

Tuesday: 10 Miles Leg Speed Drills (S)

Looking for more information on hill repeats, group rides and speed drills? It's all included when you subscribe and Get the Full 8, 10 and 18 Week Training Plans for Free. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our Training, Group Ride & Cycling Contests Email List.

John Howard, USA Elite Cyclist, Olympic Athlete, Decorated Ironman Triathlete, Pan-Am Games Gold Medalist, Bicycle Land Speed Record Holder, and founder of The FiTTE system, has joined forces with the San Diego Century Bicyle Tour to help you become the best endurance cyclist you can be. John has established a reputation as one of the country’s best cycling coaches and he has coached such cycling greats as Brad Huff, Denise Mueller, Scott Tinley, Scott Molina, and Mark Allen. With his training program in hand and access to John for FiTTE advice, you’ll have the tools you need to go farther faster and reach all new heights of performance.

If you have any questions about the plans, you are looking for more personalized training, or you are interested in taking your cycling performance to the next level, please contact John at www.johnhowardsports.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.

If you are interested in contacting John visit his website at http://www.johnhowardsports.com/

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!

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

9 More Cyclists With a Garmin, Gear & More in our 5/2 Drawing

2010-05-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

It's now 27 cyclists who scored in our promotions in the last 3 weeks. To join in SIGN UP at STRAVA and stay tuned for a chance at this week's giveaways.

GIVEAWAY LIST - 4/26 - 5/2

Tomorrow we'll announce last week's 9 cyclists who hit the virtual promotion podium for the San Diego Century with:

1. A Garmin 305

2. Free registration for the San Diego Century

3. 2 winners for 30% off registration

4. A 2010 jersey for the San Diego Century

5. 2 STRAVA t-shirt winners

6. STRAVA socks

7. A free bike fit consultation with John Howard

RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THE RIDE ON MAY 22

REGISTER NOW and join 2,000 riders at 37, 66, or 103 miles in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour!

Ride Maps & Details: http://www.encinitasrace.com/sdc/

How to Get in on the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour Training and Promotions:
Enter your email in the top right section of this page, follow us on twitter @sandiegocentury and become a Facebook fan of San Diego Century. Everyone will get free training plans & tips, and chances to win ride entries, jerseys and more. We're even looking at some fun virtual competitions with Strava.com and Endomondo.com for all those GPS tracks you record from your rides.

All participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend and coach John Howard.

Cyclists: Free Biking Workout for Sunday 5/2 from John Howard

2010-05-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

Coach John Howard: USA Elite Cyclist, Olympic Athlete, Decorated Ironman Triathlete, Pan-Am Games Gold Medalist, Bicycle Land Speed Record Holder, and founder of The FiTTE system

SUNDAY (5/2) BIKING WORKOUT: John Howard's workouts for today are part of the 8, 10 and 18 week programs to prepare for 103 miles, 66 miles and 37 miles at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has partnered with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard (www.fittesystem.com) to assist you with your training.

Have you registered yet? CLICK HERE to register and reserve your spot in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour.

Get the Full 8, 10 and 18 Week Training Plans for Free. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our Training, Group Ride & Cycling Contests Email List.

Training for 103 Miles

25 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Training for 66 Miles

10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Training for 37 Miles

10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

John Howard, , has joined forces with the San Diego Century Bicyle Tour to help you become the best endurance cyclist you can be. John has established a reputation as one of the country’s best cycling coaches and he has coached such cycling greats as Brad Huff, Denise Mueller, Scott Tinley, Scott Molina, and Mark Allen. With his training program in hand and access to John for FiTTE advice, you’ll have the tools you need to go farther faster and reach all new heights of performance.

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

How to Win a Garmin Edge 305 on May 2

2010-04-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

STRAVA, the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour and the San Diego Trek Bicycle Superstore have 3 EASY STEPS for you to share your cycling workouts on STRAVA by 11:59pm May 2, 2010 for a chance to win a Garmin Edge 305 in the third weekly Garmin promotion.

See who won the Garmin 500 on April 25.

3 EASY STEPS FOR YOUR CHANCE AT THE GARMIN:

1. SIGN UP/LOG IN TO STRAVA

The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has a special deal from STRAVA for unlimited FREE uploads until the ride on May 22, 2010, so sign up or log in and get started at http://www.strava.com/events/29.

2. ADD YOUR ACTIVITY

3. CHECK THE PARTICIPANTS LIST

HOW TO RECORD YOUR RIDE INFORMATION

To record your ride information so you can log it or upload it at STRAVA.COM

a) simply record your ride time and mileage with your cycling computer, watch and route plan, or

b) track your ride on your Garmin device

c) track your ride on your GPS cellphone with the free application from endomondo.com.

Need help? Shoot us a note: sandiegocentury@gmail.com.

Thanks for participating!

Promotion Rules for the Garmin Edge 305 giveaway on May 2, 2010.

1. One chance per cycling activity manually entered or uploaded on STRAVA.com after noon Pacific time, April 26, 2010 and by 11:59 pm Pacific time, May 2, 2010.

3. To be eligible for the promotion you must be at least 18 years of age and a US resident.

4. Promotion recipient will be randomly selected from the pool of logged activities associated with the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour event page athttp://www.strava.com/events/29

5. Promotion recipient will be selected on Monday, May 3, 2010. Recipient will receive an email from sandiegocentury@gmail.com and will have 24 hours from the time the email is delivered to respond and confirm their selection. If the recipient does not respond within 24 hours, the promotion will roll to the next randomly selected participant with 12 hours to respond. Please add sandiegocentury@gmail.com to your address book to ensure email deliveries.

Training Ride May 1: Trek Superstore Century Training Series

2010-04-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Read below for all the details and join the 100 - 200 riders who participate in the weekly century training rides put together by San Diego's Trek Bicycle Superstore. This week there's an easy way to win a Garmin 305 so read on!

A very well organized team of ride guides is available to support

riders of all levels.

Last week on 4/24 the A group, the three B groups and the C group put in 75 miles.

This week's ride rolls out from the Carmel Valley Park & Ride (map links below) to an 85 mile coast route up to San Clemente and back.

REGISTRATION DISCOUNT CODE

The weekly rides, group support and expert advice are in place to train for the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22. If you're ready to register for the ride on May 22, don't delay. CLICK HERE.

HOW TO WIN A GARMIN 500 THIS WEEK

Log or upload your rides at STRAVA.com by Sunday 11:59pm Pacific and you'll get a chance to win a Garmin Edge 305. CLICK HERE for details.

TREK SUPERSTORE CENTURY TRAINING RIDE DETAILS:

SATURDAY, MAY 1, 7:00AM

Distance: 85 miles - PCH San Clemente Out & BackClimbing Difficulty: 1 (Mostly flat with a few rolling hills)
New Start Time: 7:00AM SHARP
Start Location: Carmel Valley Pack & Ride

For the course map and start location map, CLICK HERE

THE COMING WEEKS

5/8 90 Julian Out & Back

5/15 65 Del Dios East Loop +Bandy Cyn

5/22 103 SAN DIEGO CENTURY (Event)

Notes from the editor: A big thanks to the Trek Bicycle SuperStore and Trek Ride Guides for organizing the weekly training rides.

Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

Editor: Greg Hendrickson (email sandiegocentury@gmail.com)

Photo: Tony Deramo

Bike Training for the Week (4/28 - 5/4) from John Howard

2010-04-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Coach John Howard at Bonneville: Setting the bicycle land speed record of 152.6 mph in the Bonneville Salt Flats. 20 July 1985. Photo: John Howard

Have you registered yet? CLICK HERE to register and reserve your spot in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour.

Get the Full 8, 10 and 18 Week Training Plans for Free. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our Training, Group Ride & Cycling Contests Email List.

This Week's Training for 103 Miles

Wednesday: 35 Miles Base Riding (B)

Thursday: 20 Miles With Speed Drills (S)

Friday: 10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Saturday: 85 Miles Group Ride (G)

Sunday: 25 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Monday: Rest Day (R)

Tuesday: 30 Miles with Speed Drills (S)

This Week's Training for 66 Miles

Wednesday: 25 Miles Base Riding (B)

Thursday: 15 Miles With Power Drills (P)

Friday: 10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Saturday: 50 Miles Group Ride (G)

Sunday: 10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Monday: Rest Day (R)

Tuesday: 15 Miles Leg Speed Drills (S)

This Week's Training for 37 Miles

Wednesday: 15 Miles Base Riding (B)

Thursday: 10 Miles Hill With Power Workout (P)

Friday: 5 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Saturday: 25 Miles Group Ride with Hill Repeats (G)

Sunday: 10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Monday: Rest Day (R)

Tuesday: 10 Miles Leg Speed Drills (S)

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

Cyclists: Free Biking Workout for Tuesday 4/27 from John Howard

2010-04-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

Coach John Howard: USA Elite Cyclist, Olympic Athlete, Decorated Ironman Triathlete, Pan-Am Games Gold Medalist, Bicycle Land Speed Record Holder, and founder of The FiTTE system

TUESDAY (4/27) BIKING WORKOUT: John Howard's workouts for today are part of the 8, 10 and 18 week programs to prepare for 103 miles, 66 miles and 37 miles at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has partnered with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard (www.fittesystem.com) to assist you with your training.

Have you registered yet? CLICK HERE to register and reserve your spot in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour.

Get the Full 8, 10 and 18 Week Training Plans for Free. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our Training, Group Ride & Cycling Contests Email List.

Training for 103 Miles

25 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Training for 66 Miles

15 Miles Leg Speed Drills (S)

Training for 37 Miles

10 Miles Leg Speed Drills (S)

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

Wendy Rides her Way to a Garmin 500 on 4/25

2010-04-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Wendy Rides her Way to a Garmin 500 on 4/25

And we still have 3 Garmins to give away before the San Diego Century on May 22! If you ride you can participate in our next giveaways on 5/2 and join Wendy and our 17 other winners.

Here are the 2 easy ways to sign up for free and get a great chance at Garmins, San Diego Century jerseys, free and discount ride registrations, gear from STRAVA (the coolest cycling website around) and more:

1. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our weekly training emails and promotions for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. Free 30, 60 and 100 mile training plans from coach John Howard.

2. CLICK HERE to sign up at STRAVA and upload or manually enter your cycling activities. Each activity you post gets you another chance to win. Click here to check out the participant list.

Giveaways for 5/2

Here’s the partial list of what the prizes will be for this week, and given away on 5/2:

Garmin Edge 305
Free and 30% off registrations to the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour
Free 2010 jersey for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour
Free Bike Fit Consultation from John Howard
Cool T-Shirts and socks from STRAVA
Don't forget: FREE STRAVA uploads for the San Diego Century until 5/22!

9 MORE HAPPY CYCLISTS

On 4/25 9 more cyclists scored Garmins, gear and registrations to join the previous 9. Wendy led it off with the Garmin 500. Michael, Ken, Adam, Ernie, Susan, Eric, Dan & Mike brought home registrations, STRAVA gear and a bike fit consultation from John Howard.

Wendy won the Garmin 500 on 4/25.

Thank you for the Garmin. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour looks to be a scenic and challenging ride that should be fun for all!

Eric won a free STRAVA t-shirt

I'm looking forward to the 2010 San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. Last year's event was my first century ride -- and this year's ride on May 22 will be my third. I've come a long way in the last year and tracking my rides and comparing performance has greatly contributed to that. Strava has been a fun way to check out what my fellow Trek riders have been doing between Saturday rides...).

Donal likes the FREE STRAVA uploads

Tying in promotions with STRAVA and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour was a really good idea…I've been going to the STRAVA website almost daily to see if I'm still King of the Mountain on any of my climbs (haha). Seriously though, STRAVA's site is great and I've been recommending it to friends since.

Michael: Thank you for the outstanding job you're doing in promoting the San Diego Century ride!

I'm excited to be riding the SD Century because this will be my very first century and it's scheduled at a great time of the year. It's good to have this training target in May for the motivation it provides in the first part of the year. Also the course couldn't be better, with its inland "country" roads plus a ride along the coast. This has to be some of the best scenery San Diego has to offer.

I'm also very happy to have been directed to the Strava site. The capability to automatically compare KOM times with other riders is fantastic and a super motivation and training tool.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW FOR THE SAN DIEGO CENTURY ON MAY 22

REGISTER NOW for the San Diego Century and join 2,000 riders in some of Southern California's best cycling:

Ride Maps & Details: http://www.encinitasrace.com/sdc/

All participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend and coach John Howard.

9 More Cyclists Win 4/19 - 4/25

2010-04-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

If you want to join the 18 cyclists who scored in our promotions in the last 2 weeks, then SIGN UP at STRAVA and stay tuned for a chance at this week's giveaways.

GIVEAWAY LIST - 4/19 - 4/25

Tomorrow we'll announce last week's 9 cyclists who hit the virtual promotion podium for the San Diego Century with:

1. A Garmin 500

2. Free registration for the San Diego Century

3. 2 winners for 30% off registration

4. A 2010 jersey for the San Diego Century

5. 2 STRAVA t-shirt winners

6. STRAVA socks

7. A free bike fit consultation with John Howard

RESERVE YOUR SPOT FOR THE RIDE ON MAY 22

REGISTER NOW and join 2,000 riders at 37, 66, or 103 miles in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour!

Ride Maps & Details: http://www.encinitasrace.com/sdc/

All participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend and coach John Howard.

Cyclists: Free Biking Workout for Sunday 4/25 from John Howard

2010-04-25T08:04:00.001-07:00

Coach John Howard: USA Elite Cyclist, Olympic Athlete, Decorated Ironman Triathlete, Pan-Am Games Gold Medalist, Bicycle Land Speed Record Holder, and founder of The FiTTE system

SUNDAY (4/25) BIKING WORKOUT: John Howard's workouts for today are part of the 8, 10 and 18 week programs to prepare for 103 miles, 66 miles and 37 miles at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has partnered with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard (www.fittesystem.com) to assist you with your training.

Have you registered yet? CLICK HERE to register and reserve your spot in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour.

Get the Full 8, 10 and 18 Week Training Plans for Free. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our Training, Group Ride & Cycling Contests Email List.

Training for 103 Miles

25 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Training for 66 Miles

5 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Training for 37 Miles

5 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

First Timers Video: What to expect at Saturday Training Rides

2010-04-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Join the 100 - 200 riders who participate in the weekly century training rides put together by San Diego's Trek Bicycle Superstore.

A very well organized team of ride guides is available to support riders of all levels.

CLICK HERE for details on the 4/24 ride: 75 miles

Here's the schedule and mileage:

4/24 75 Scripps Poway/Carmel/RSF Loop

5/1 85 PCH San Clemente Out & Back

5/8 90 Julian Out & Back

5/15 65 Del Dios East Loop +Bandy Cyn

5/22 103 SAN DIEGO CENTURY (Event)

Notes from the editor: A big thanks to the Trek SuperStore and Trek Ride Guides for organizing the weekly training rides. The weekly rides, group support and expert advice are in place to train for the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

Photo: Tony Deramo

Cyclists: Free Biking Workout for Friday from John Howard

2010-04-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

Coach John Howard: USA Elite Cyclist, Olympic Athlete, Decorated Ironman Triathlete, Pan-Am Games Gold Medalist, Bicycle Land Speed Record Holder, and founder of The FiTTE system

FRIDAY BIKING WORKOUT: John Howard's workouts for today are part of the 8, 10 and 18 week programs to prepare for 103 miles, 66 miles and 37 miles at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has partnered with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard (www.fittesystem.com) to assist you with your training.

Have you registered yet? CLICK HERE to register and reserve your spot in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. (Use coupon code SDC10STF before 4/24 for 10% off).

Get the Full 8, 10 and 18 Week Training Plans for Free. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our Training, Group Ride & Cycling Contests Email List.

Training for 103 Miles

10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Training for 66 Miles

10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Training for 37 Miles

5 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

Cyclists: Free Biking Workout for Thursday from John Howard

2010-04-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Coach John Howard: USA Elite Cyclist, Olympic Athlete, Decorated Ironman Triathlete, Pan-Am Games Gold Medalist, Bicycle Land Speed Record Holder, and founder of The FiTTE system

THURSDAY BIKING WORKOUT: John Howard's workouts for today are part of the 8, 10 and 18 week programs to prepare for 103 miles, 66 miles and 37 miles at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has partnered with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard (www.fittesystem.com) to assist you with your training.

Have you registered yet? CLICK HERE to register and reserve your spot in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. (Use coupon code SDC10STF before 4/24 for 10% off).

Get the Full 8, 10 and 18 Week Training Plans for Free. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our Training, Group Ride & Cycling Contests Email List.

Thursday Training for 103 Miles

Thursday: 20 Miles With Power Drills (P)

Thursday Training for 66 Miles

Thursday: 10 Miles With Power Drills (P)

Thursday Training for 37 Miles

Thursday: 5 Miles Hill Repeats (HR)

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

Training Ride April 24: Trek Superstore Century Training Series

2010-04-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

A very well organized team of ride guides is available to support

riders of all levels.

Last week on 4/10 the A group, the three B groups and the C group put in 70 miles starting at the Peet's in Torrey Highlands.

This week's ride start rolls out again from Peet's in Torrey Highlands (map links below) and a 75 mile hilly route with some coast riding and the Purple Monster climb (long climb that is part of the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour) mixed in.

REGISTRATION DISCOUNT CODE

The weekly rides, group support and expert advice are in place to train for the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22. If you're ready to register for the ride on May 22, don't delay. Take advantage of the group discount code before it expires: CLICK HERE.

HOW TO WIN A GARMIN 500 THIS WEEK

Log or upload your rides at STRAVA.com by Sunday 11:59pm Pacific and you'll get a chance to win a Garmin Edge 500. CLICK HERE for details.

RANDOM RAFFLE

Be prepared for another random raffle (if we can all get there early enough) at the start of this week's ride. CLICK HERE to check out our last winners.

TREK SUPERSTORE CENTURY TRAINING RIDE DETAILS:

SATURDAY, APRIL 24TH, 7:30AM

Distance: 75 miles - Scripps Poway / Carmel / RSF Loop

Climbing Difficulty: 3 (Mostly hilly with 1 or 2 longer, harder climbs)

Start Time: 7:30AM SHARP

Start Location: Peet's Torrey Highlands

For the course map and start location map, CLICK HERE

THE COMING WEEKS

5/1 85 PCH San Clemente Out & Back

5/8 90 Julian Out & Back

5/15 65 Del Dios East Loop +Bandy Cyn

5/22 103 SAN DIEGO CENTURY (Event)

Notes from the editor: Join me at the ride this week for fun promotion details! A big thanks to the Trek SuperStore and Trek Ride Guides for organizing the weekly training rides. A little challenge: The editor buys coffee on May 1 for anyone who posts a faster time up the Scripps/Poway climb:) PS I took out a loan so I can buy a lot of coffee.

Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

Editor: Greg Hendrickson (email sandiegocentury@gmail.com)

Photo: Tony Deramo

Cyclists: How to Keep Training When it Rains

2010-04-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Here are a few tips to keep your training on track in spite of the weather:

Don't let the rain stop you: We are into week 13 of our Trek Training Program. We had to cancel the first and the third rides due to rainy conditions. Not too unusual for this time of year. Most of the time we have ideal conditions but we can't control the weather and have to reschedule rides at times.
This does however, bring out a point. The Trek Saturday ride is just one element in the overall program and your road to a successful century event. Saturdays will be your longest ride at event pace which with other riders shouldn't be too hard. These rides are designed to assist in building up mileage. If they are cancelled, be sure to get your workout in on a trainer, hit the bike at the health club, or find a safe route to get in your miles, wet or dry.

Keep up your training during the week:
If you want to ride strong and feel good during a 100 mile ride you need to add in workouts during the week. I've mentioned it before but again with lack of riding because of weather it's even more important that you get in the miles and saddle time.

Getting ready for a Century ride takes dedication which might mean getting up early in the morning to get an hour workout in or not watching your favorite show in the evening. The light is getting longer so there is more opportunity to actually do your training on the road. However, when it's too dark, jump on your trainer.

Use your trainer:

What is a trainer? A stationary trainer is a device you add to the rear of our bike. It provide resistance similar to what you would feel when outside. Cost is $100 to $300. Various types are available; wind, magnetic and fluid. Trek Super Stores carries a wide variety. The upside of using this is that you don't have to deal with traffic and it's never too dark. Also, you can get more done in less time. For example, an hour on the trainer, depending on intensity, is comparable to 1:15 to 1:30 on the road. Intensity is the key to the difference.

Some cycling exercises for the road or the trainer:

Here are a few exercises to weave into your weekly miles: Intervals, Individual Leg Training (ILT), Standing and Sprints. Let me explain.

Intervals:
Intervals are where you cycle at an intensity that is higher than race pace for a period of time and in sets. You might start with 30 seconds of hard riding (not a sprint), with 30 seconds off. Shoot for 90 RPMs. Do 2 sets of 5. Then add 15 seconds the following week. Do these once during the week.

Individual Leg Training (ILT)

This is best for work on your trainer or on a bike at the health club. Keep one leg clipped into your pedals while the other leg is propped on the trainer or a chair. Keep the resistance at medium and do 1 minute with one leg at 50 to 60 RPMs (revolutions per minute). Rest one minute and then 1 minute with the other leg. Start with 5 of these and then add 2 each week until you reach 10. This will help you round out your pedal stroke, build strength and highlight the areas to work on in your pedal stroke. You can lighten resistance and speed up cadence to 70 or 90. Increase the time interval to mix it up. Doing this type of exercise twice a week will help.

Standing:

If you are weak on the hills standing is a good way to become better. This works muscles in a different position. Resistance should be hard and your gearing hard as well. Cadence, 50 to 60 RPMs. Standing can be added into your road workouts and your stationary trainer workouts. Start with 10 minutes of standing and add 5 minutes each week until you hit an hour. You can do this twice a week along with ILTs.

Sprints:

Use this later in your training program. It will help give you speed to catch groups or stay in a pack. Warm up for 10 or 15 minutes. Sprint for 15 seconds and then rest for 2 minutes. Start with 5 of these and add 2 more each week. Once you hit 15. Start back at 5 with 30 seconds. Do these just once a week with your intervals.

There are so many other ways to train but again the point here is that you need workouts during the week to support your century training goals.

Additional training schedules can be found at http://treksandiego.com/articles/century-training-schedule-pg254.htm.

Also, ask the Ride Guides in this program. Lastly, Trek is offering trainer classes at the La Mesa and N County Store. (see store locations for details)

Don't us the rain as an excuse. There are still plenty of other days and ways to get ready for the Gran Fondo on March 7th and the San Diego Century May 22nd.

Notes from the editor:
A big thanks to Mike Henderson for contributing.

Want to ride with a great group that is training together? Sign up now in the top right on the blog and join the weekly rides organized by the Trek Superstore. The weekly rides, group support and expert advice are in place to train for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

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Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

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

How to Win a Garmin 500 on April 25

2010-04-21T15:50:00.001-07:00

STRAVA, the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour and the San Diego Trek Bicycle Superstore have 3 EASY STEPS for you to share your cycling workouts on STRAVA by 11:59pm April 25, 2010 for a chance to win a Garmin 500.

See who won the Garmin Edge 305 on April 18.

1. SIGN UP/LOG IN TO STRAVA

The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has a special deal from STRAVA for unlimited FREE uploads until the ride on May 22, 2010, so sign up or log in and get started at http://www.strava.com/events/29.

2. ADD YOUR ACTIVITY

3. CHECK THE PARTICIPANTS LIST

HOW TO RECORD YOUR RIDE INFORMATION

To record your ride information so you can log it or upload it at STRAVA.COM

a) simply record your ride time and mileage with your cycling computer, watch and route plan, or

b) track your ride on your Garmin device

c) track your ride on your GPS cellphone with the free application from endomondo.com.

Need help? Shoot us a note: sandiegocentury@gmail.com.

Thanks for participating!

Promotion Rules for the Garmin Edge 500 giveaway on April 25, 2010.

1. One chance per cycling workout logged or uploaded on STRAVA.com after noon Pacific time, April 19, 2010 and by 11:59 pm Pacific time, April 25, 2010.

2. Once workouts have been uploaded or entered, you must "join" the public event for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour for your workouts to be valid for the promotion. Click here to join the event page:http://www.strava.com/events/29

3. To be eligible for the promotion you must be at least 18 years of age and a US resident.

4. Promotion recipient will be randomly selected from the pool of logged workouts associated with the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour event page athttp://www.strava.com/events/29

5. Promotion recipient will be selected on Monday, April 26, 2010. Recipient will receive an email from sandiegocentury@gmail.com and will have until 5pm on Monday, April 26, 2010 to respond and confirm their selection. If the recipient does not respond by 5pm, the promotion will roll to the next randomly selected participant with 6 hours to respond. Please add sandiegocentury@gmail.com to your address book to ensure email deliveries.

Cyclists: Free Biking Workout for Wednesday from John Howard

2010-04-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

Coach John Howard: USA Elite Cyclist, Olympic Athlete, Decorated Ironman Triathlete, Pan-Am Games Gold Medalist, Bicycle Land Speed Record Holder, and founder of The FiTTE system

WEDNESDAY BIKING WORKOUT: John Howard's workouts for today are part of the 8, 10 and 18 week programs to prepare for 103 miles, 66 miles and 37 miles at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has partnered with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard (www.fittesystem.com) to assist you with your training.

Have you registered yet? CLICK HERE to register and reserve your spot in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. (Use coupon code SDC10STF before 4/24 for 10% off).

Get the Full 8, 10 and 18 Week Training Plans for Free. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our Training, Group Ride & Cycling Contests Email List.

Wednesday Training for 103 Miles

Wednesday: 35 Miles Base Riding (B)

Wednesday Training for 66 Miles

Wednesday: 25 Miles With Hill Repeats (HR)

Wednesday Training for 37 Miles

Wednesday: 15 Miles Base Riding (B)

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

Cyclists: Bike Training for the Week from John Howard

2010-04-21T13:22:00.001-07:00

Coach John Howard at Bonneville: Setting the bicycle land speed record of 152.6 mph in the Bonneville Salt Flats. 20 July 1985. Photo: John Howard

Have you registered yet? CLICK HERE to register and reserve your spot in the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. (Use coupon code SDC10STF before 4/24 for 10% off).

Get the Full 8, 10 and 18 Week Training Plans for Free. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our Training, Group Ride & Cycling Contests Email List.

This Week's Training for 103 Miles

Wednesday: 35 Miles Base Riding (B)

Thursday: 20 Miles With Power Drills (P)

Friday: 10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Saturday: 75 Miles Group Ride (G)

Sunday: 25 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Monday: Rest Day (R)

Tuesday: 25 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

This Week's Training for 66 Miles

Wednesday: 25 Miles With Hill Repeats (HR)

Thursday: 10 Miles With Power Drills (P)

Friday: 10 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Saturday: 45 Miles Group Ride (G) or Solo Ride (SO)

Sunday: 5 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Monday: Rest Day (R)

Tuesday: 15 Miles Leg Speed Drills (S)

This Week's Training for 37 Miles

Wednesday: 15 Miles Base Riding (B)

Thursday: 5 Miles Hill Repeats (HR)

Friday: 5 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Saturday: 20 Miles Group Ride (G)

Sunday: 5 Miles Active Recovery (AR)

Monday: Rest Day (R)

Tuesday: 10 Miles Leg Speed Drills (S)

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

How anyone can join our 9 cyclists on the virtual podium

2010-04-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

9 Cyclists on the virtual podium on 4/18

Here are the 2 ways that anyone who is riding can participate in this week’s contests and join our 9 winners from last week on the virtual podium:

1. CLICK HERE to subscribe to our weekly training emails and promotions for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. Free 30, 60 and 100 mile training plans from coach John Howard.

2. CLICK HERE to sign up at STRAVA and upload or manually enter your cycling activities. Each activity you post gets you another chance to win. Click here to check out the participant list.

Giveaways for 4/25

Here’s the partial list of what the prizes will be for this week, and given away on 4/25:

Garmin 500
Free and 30% off registrations to the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour
Free Bike Fit Consultation from John Howard
T-Shirt from STRAVA

LAST WEEK’S 9 HAPPY CYCLISTS

Last week 9 cyclists hit the virtual promotion podium for the San Diego Century.

Jack won the Garmin Edge 305 on 4/17.

Outstanding! Thank you very much. I have been riding at least 10 miles every day since March 16, logging rides in an excel spreadsheet. Strava looks like a great way to track training progress in detail, and see what others are doing to get ready for the San Diego Century. Hope to see you out on the road –

Corey won free registration to the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

Thanks for the opportunity for me to participate in the San Diego Century and Strava. I will be doing the 103 mile ride. I am a Cat 5 Junior racer. So it will be nice to do a long steady ride for endurance vs. 30-40 min. races.

Donal won a free STRAVA t-shirt

I have to say that I like STRAVA a lot. My wife thinks I'm like a kid in a candy store when it comes to how much time I'm spending on that site, uploading my rides or looking to see what others are doing. In fact, I like it so much that I'm willing to pay the $60/year (as soon as my free uploads run out, that is...).

30% Off and the Garmin Edge 305 loaner

Manuel, Thomas, Wick, Michael and Pete won 30% off registration for the San Diego Century, and Kal won a loaner Garmin Edge 305 for the Trek Bicycle Superstore training rides.

Thomas: It's a ride that encompasses all that's great about riding in San Diego. From the coast to the mountains. I'm turning 40 years old a couple of days after the ride and I know that the best part of life is still to come.

Michael: Thank you for the outstanding job you're doing in promoting the San Diego Century ride!

I'm also very happy to have been directed to the Strava site. The capability to automatically compare KOM times with other riders is fantastic and a super motivation and training tool.

HOW TO GET 10% OFF UNTIL 4/24

REGISTER NOW for the San Diego with our Special offer until 4/24:

10% off registration with coupon code SDC10STF

Ride Maps & Details: http://www.encinitasrace.com/sdc/

All participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend and coach John Howard.

9 Cyclists Win Last Week, 4/11 - 4/18

2010-04-19T20:38:00.001-07:00

If you want to join the 9 cyclists who hit our promotions last week, then SIGN UP at STRAVA and stay tuned for a chance at this week's giveaways.

GIVEAWAY LIST - 4/11 - 4/18

Tomorrow we'll announce last week's 9 cyclists who hit the virtual promotion podium for the San Diego Century with:

1. A Garmin Edge 305

2. A cool STRAVA t-shirt

3. A Garmin Edge 305 loaner for the 4/24 group ride with the San Diego Trek Bicycle Superstore century training series.

4. A free registration for 37, 66 or 103 miles at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

5. 5 30% off registrations for the San Diego Century.

REGISTER FOR 10% OFF UNTIL 4/24

REGISTER NOW for the San Diego with our Special offer until 4/24:

10% off registration with coupon code SDC10STF

Ride Maps & Details: http://www.encinitasrace.com/sdc/

All participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend and coach John Howard.

Training Ride April 17: Trek Superstore Century Training Series

2010-04-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

A very well organized team of ride guides is available to support

riders of all levels.

Last week on 4/10 the A group, the three B groups and the C group put in 67 miles of hills on the Descanso Loop starting in Rancho San Diego.

This week's ride start moves back to the Peet's in Torrey Highlands (map links below) and a 70 mile route with Torrey Pines, some coast riding and a few more climbs mixed in.

REGISTRATION DISCOUNT CODE

The weekly rides, group support and expert advice are in place to train for the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22. If you're ready to register for the ride on May 22, don't delay. Take advantage of the group discount code before it expires: CLICK HERE.

HOW TO WIN A GARMIN 305 THIS WEEK

Log or upload your rides at STRAVA.com by Sunday 11:59pm Pacific and you'll get a chance to win a Garmin Edge 305. CLICK HERE for details.

RANDOM RAFFLE

Be prepared for the random raffle (if we can all get there early enough) at the start of this week's ride. CLICK HERE to check out our last three raffle winners.

TREK SUPERSTORE CENTURY TRAINING RIDE DETAILS:

SATURDAY, APRIL 10TH, 7:30AM

Distance: 70 miles - Torrey/Encinitas/Del Dios East Loop

Climbing Difficulty: 3 (Mostly hilly with 1 or 2 longer, harder climbs)

Start Time: 7:30AM SHARP

Start Location: Peet's Torrey Highlands

For the course map and start location map, CLICK HERE

THE COMING WEEKS

4/24 75 Scripps Poway/Carmel/RSF Loop

5/1 85 PCH San Clemente Out & Back

5/8 90 Julian Out & Back

5/15 65 Del Dios East Loop +Bandy Cyn

5/22 103 SAN DIEGO CENTURY (Event)

Notes from the editor: Join me at the ride this week for fun promotion details! A big thanks to the Trek SuperStore and Trek Ride Guides for organizing the weekly training rides. A little challenge: The editor buys coffee on the 24th for anyone who posts a faster climb up Torrey Pines on Strava:) PS I took out a loan so I can buy a lot of coffee.

Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

Editor: Greg Hendrickson (email sandiegocentury@gmail.com)

Photo: Tony Deramo

How to Win a Garmin Edge 305 on April 18

2010-04-14T16:53:00.001-07:00

STRAVA, the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour and the San Diego Trek Bicycle Superstore have 3 EASY STEPS for you to share your cycling workouts on STRAVA by 11:59pm April 18, 2010 for a chance to win a Garmin Edge 305.

1. SIGN UP/LOG IN TO STRAVA

The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour has a special deal from STRAVA for unlimited FREE uploads until the ride on May 22, 2010, so sign up or log in and get started at http://www.strava.com/events/29.

2. ADD YOUR ACTIVITY

3. CHECK THE PARTICIPANTS LIST

HOW TO RECORD YOUR RIDE INFORMATION

To record your ride information so you can log it or upload it at STRAVA.COM

a) simply record your ride time and mileage with your cycling computer, watch and route plan, or

b) track your ride on your Garmin device

c) track your ride on your GPS cellphone with the free application from endomondo.com.

Need help? Shoot us a note: sandiegocentury@gmail.com.

Thanks for participating!

Promotion Rules for the Garmin Edge 305 giveaway on April 18, 2010.

1. One chance per cycling workout logged or uploaded on STRAVA.com after noon Pacific time, April 14, 2010 and by 11:59 pm Pacific time, April 18, 2010.

3. To be eligible for the promotion you must be at least 18 years of age and a US resident.

4. Promotion recipient will be randomly selected from the pool of logged workouts associated with the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour event page athttp://www.strava.com/events/29

5. Promotion recipient will be selected on Monday, April 19, 2010. Recipient will receive an email from sandiegocentury@gmail.com and will have until 5pm on Monday, April 10, 2010 to respond and confirm their selection. If the recipient does not respond by 5pm, the promotion will roll to the next randomly selected participant with 6 hours to respond. Please add sandiegocentury@gmail.com to your address book to ensure email deliveries.

These Promotion Winners Cranked Out the Miles

2010-04-13T06:22:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour is excited to announce three winners in last week's promotions: Gary, Mario and Liam.

Gary came away with a free jersey for the San Diego Century, and Mario and Liam received 30% off registration for the ride on May 22. All three cranked out 67 miles with the Trek Superstore century training ride for the San Diego Century.

CLICK HERE for our weekly training and promotion information. You'll get in on:

Free 30, 60 and 100 mile training plans from coach and 3 time Olympic cyclist John Howard
Free supported training rides with the Trek Superstore Century Training series
Free membership and uploads at STRAVA and endomondo to log and share your rides
Weekly chances to win free registration, registration discounts, Garmin cycling computers, t-shirts, jerseys, shop discounts and more.

I am excited to ride in my first century and I am looking forward to riding in the San Diego Century. This is the first time I have participated in group training or riding and I am really impressed with the Trek team training for the San Diego Century. I can tell that the weekly rides are improving my riding performance. Completing a Century bike ride is one of the things in my "bucket" list and this Century will be my 60th birthday present to myself.

Thanks,
Liam OShea

Thank you very much for writing and even more for the prize. First I must thank the Trek team for helping recreational cyclists like me prepare for a century like the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour. Secondly, I am excited to feel strong and motivated for the century ride because I know it will be a challenge for me to travel the distance. Finally I thank the whole team at Trek and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour for giving us the training information and support.

Thanks again and happy day.
Mario Mandujano

I am really looking forward to the San Diego Century and utilizing all the skills I have been taught during the Trek Century Training Series program. The San Diego Century incorporates most of the training rides that I have been using to prepare for the ride. The Dos Picos course should be real challenging and takes you through some of the best of San Diego's scenery.

Thanks Again,
Gary Liegler

If you're thinking about riding the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour, register now to reserve your spot!

THE SAN DIEGO CENTURY BICYCLE TOUR MAY 22, 2010

Pass the word on to your friends and get in on the weekly training and promotions. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

How to Get in on the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour Training and Promotions:
Enter your email in the top right section of this page, follow us on twitter @sandiegocentury and become a Facebook fan of San Diego Century. Everyone will get free training plans & tips, and chances to win ride entries, jerseys and more. We're even looking at some fun virtual competitions with Strava.com and Endomondo.com for all those GPS tracks you record from your rides.

All participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend and coach John Howard.

How to Share Your Rides & Win with STRAVA & endomondo

2010-04-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

Here are the 4 EASY STEPS to sharing your rides with STRAVA and endomondo, having some fun, and getting chances to win cool cycling gear:

1. RECORD YOUR RIDES

a) simply record your ride time and mileage with your cycling computer, watch and route plan.

b) track your ride with the application from www.endomondo.com on your GPS cell phone

c) track your ride on your Garmin device

2. SIGN IN TO STRAVA

Go to the STRAVA event page for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour and sign up or sign in. We have a special deal from STRAVA for unlimited FREE uploads until the ride on May 22, 2010. Click here for the event page: http://www.strava.com/events/29/news

3. UPLOAD OR MANUALLY LOG YOUR RIDES

Upload or manually log your rides at www.strava.com. Every upload gets you another chance to win, or show your personal best, or move up the KOM rankings.

4. JOIN THE EVENT FOR THE SAN DIEGO CENTURY BICYCLE TOUR

Join the Event and the Club on STRAVA for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour, have some fun, and stay tuned for all the weekly results and winners. Remember, if you are on STRAVA and you join the Event or Club for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour STRAVA is sponsoring us with unlimited free uploads until May 22, 2010. Click here to join the event page:http://www.strava.com/events/29/news

Need help? Shoot us a note: sandiegocentury@gmail.com.

Thanks for participating! We look forward to seeing you out there on the rides.

Training Ride April 10: Trek Superstore Century Training Series

2010-04-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

Read below for all the details and join the 100 - 200 riders who participate in the weekly century training rides put together by San Diego's Trek Bicycle Superstore.

A very well organized team of ride guides is available to support

riders of all levels.

Last week on 4/3 the A group, the three B groups and the speedy C group completed 67 miles from the start at Mira Costa College in Encinitas.

PROMOTION WINNERS!

We ran a drawing at the start for all the riders with Liam and Mario receiving 30% off registration for the San Diego Century, and Gary Liegler taking home a free registration for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010.

This week's ride start moves just east of San Diego to Wachovia Bank Rancho San Diego. The mileage will increase just slightly over last week, but this week's ride will bring a lot more climbing, so be prepared.

UPLOAD YOUR RIDE!

Don't forget to bring your Garmin and upload your ride to Strava.com when you're done. It's a great way to track your progress, compete with other cyclists and get a chance to win free registration, gear and more!

If you don't have a Garmin, log your ride on Strava and get a chance to win a Garmin!

TREK SUPERSTORE CENTURY TRAINING RIDE DETAILS:

WEEK 11 RIDE - SAT. APRIL 10TH

Distance: 70 miles - Great Western Plus Loop

Climbing Difficulty: *4* (Very hilly with 2+ longer, harder climbs)

Start Time: 7:30AM SHARP

Start Location: Wachovia Bank Rancho San Diego

For the course map and start location map, CLICK HERE

WEEKS 12 - 17

4/17 70 Torrey/Encinitas/Del Dios East Loop

4/24 75 Scripps Poway/Carmel/RSF Loop

5/1 85 PCH San Clemente Out & Back

5/8 90 Julian Out & Back

5/15 65 Del Dios East Loop +Bandy Cyn

5/22 103 SAN DIEGO CENTURY (Event)

Notes from the editor: Join me at the ride this week for more special promotion news! A big thanks to the Trek SuperStore and Trek Ride Guides for organizing the weekly training rides.

The weekly rides, group support and expert advice are in place to train for the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

Photo: Tony Deramo

Training Ride April 3: Trek Superstore Century Training Series

2010-04-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

Join the 100 - 200 riders who participate in the weekly century training rides put together by San Diego's Trek Bicycle Superstore.

A very well organized team of ride guides is available to support riders of all levels.

Here's the schedule and mileage:

4/3 65 North County Inland Loop

(CLICK HERE for details)

4/10 70 Great Western Loop +Descanso

4/17 70 Torrey/Encinitas/Del Dios East Loop

4/24 75 Scripps Poway/Carmel/RSF Loop

5/1 85 PCH San Clemente Out & Back

5/8 90 Julian Out & Back

5/15 65 Del Dios East Loop +Bandy Cyn

5/22 103 SAN DIEGO CENTURY (Event)

Notes from the editor: Join me at the ride this week for some special promotion news! A big thanks to the Trek SuperStore and Trek Ride Guides for organizing the weekly training rides. The weekly rides, group support and expert advice are in place to train for the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

Photo: Tony Deramo

Trek Superstore Century Training Ride Schedule

2010-03-26T06:17:00.001-07:00

Join the 100 - 200 riders who participate in the weekly century training rides put together by San Diego's Trek Bicycle Superstore.

A very well organized team of ride guides is available to support riders of all levels.

Here's the schedule and mileage:

3/27 60 Poway/Ramona Loop (CLICK HERE for details)

4/3 65 North County Inland Loop

4/10 70 Great Western Loop +Descanso

4/17 70 Torrey/Encinitas/Del Dios East Loop

4/24 75 Scripps Poway/Carmel/RSF Loop

5/1 85 PCH San Clemente Out & Back

5/8 90 Julian Out & Back

5/15 65 Del Dios East Loop +Bandy Cyn

5/22 103 SAN DIEGO CENTURY (Event)

Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

Photo: Tony Deramo

Trek Training Ride #9: Saturday, March 27

2010-03-26T06:16:00.001-07:00

Join 100 - 200 riders at all levels for ride #9 in the TREK BICYCLE SUPERSTORE

CENTURY TRAINING SERIES - SPRING '10!

The next ride is Saturday, March 27th, and will cover 60 miles. The route will be the Top Poway/Ramona loop and has a climbing difficulty of 3: (Mostly hilly with 1 or 2 longer, harder climbs)

Start Time: 8:00AM SHARP

Start Location: Peet's Torrey Highlands

For the route sheet and all the details from the Trek team, Click Here.

The training group is preparing for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

Here are a few training tips from Mike Henderson, who leads the Trek Ride Guides:

The Trek Saturday ride is just one element in the overall program and your road to a successful century event. Saturdays will be your longest ride at event pace which with other riders shouldn't be too hard. These rides are designed to assist in building up mileage. If they are cancelled, or you can't join, be sure to get your workout in on a trainer, hit the bike at the health club, or find a safe route to get in your miles.

Keep up your training during the week: If you want to ride strong and feel good during a 100 mile ride you need to add in workouts during the week. Getting ready for a Century ride takes dedication which might mean getting up early in the morning to get an hour workout in or not watching your favorite show in the evening. The light is getting longer so there is more opportunity to actually do your training on the road. However, when it's too dark, jump on your trainer.

Use your trainer:

Some cycling exercises for the road or the trainer:

Here are a few exercises to weave into your weekly miles: Intervals, Individual Leg Training (ILT), Standing and Sprints. Let me explain.

Intervals: Intervals are where you cycle at an intensity that is higher than race pace for a period of time and in sets. You might start with 30 seconds of hard riding (not a sprint), with 30 seconds off. Shoot for 90 RPMs. Do 2 sets of 5. Then add 15 seconds the following week. Do these once during the week.

Individual Leg Training (ILT)

Standing:

Sprints:

There are so many other ways to train but again the point here is that you need workouts during the week to support your century training goals.

Additional training schedules can be found at http://treksandiego.com/articles/century-training-schedule-pg254.htm.

Also, ask the Ride Guides in this program. Lastly, Trek is offering trainer classes at the La Mesa and N County Store. (see store locations for details)

Notes from the editor: A big thanks to Mike Henderson for contributing his expertise to successfully training for the San Diego Century. I was able to experience the start of the week #8 ride group. Mike and the Trek Ride Guides run a very well organized ride that can give every cyclist camaraderie and safe support during the longer rides. There are 4 pace groups that can accomodate riders at every level. Whether you're a novice or an expert you'll find the ride is a fun addition to your cycling. The weekly rides, group support and expert advice are in place to train for the full century distance at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22. Share Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions! by Mike Henderson Mike's Blog: Finding Way to Help Others Photo: Tony Deramo

Strava.com Hill Challenges and New Weekly Giveaways

2010-03-26T06:12:00.001-07:00

SIGN UP on our email promotion list to be eligible for the San Diego Century Weekly Giveaways with ride contests at Strava.com, starting March 24, 2010 until May 22, 2010, with our first giveaways on March 28.

What you can win: Win free jerseys, free registration, cycling gear, Garmin devices and more. If it's a little competition you're looking for you'll also be able to compete with other riders on the hills that you ride.

Three Ways to Win!

1. Sign Up on the email promotion list. We'll randomly select winners each week from everyone on the list.

2. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Some of our giveaways will only be going to Facebook and Twitter, so stay tuned!

3. Share your ride tracks and workouts at Strava.com and Endomondo.com. We'll have competition, contests and fun on Strava, so sign up at Strava.com and upload your workouts!

How does it work with Strava.com?

1. Ride & Record your rides with

a) your Garmin device, or

b) the GPS application from www.endomondo.com on your GPS cell phone (search for the “endomondo” app on your phone)

2. Create a free account and upload your rides at www.strava.com

3. Share your results, have fun with other cyclists, weekly winners!

If you have questions about Strava or Endomondo please leave a comment here or email sandiegocentury@gmail.com and we'll help to get you up and running!

If you're thinking about riding the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour, register now to reserve your spot! THE SAN DIEGO CENTURY BICYCLE TOUR MAY 22, 2010

Pass the word on to your friends and get your rides up on Strava. And be sure to get in on more deals and cool stuff when you follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

How to Get in on the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour Promotions: Enter your email on this page, follow us on twitter @sandiegocentury and become a Facebook fan of San Diego Century. Track and upload your rides at Strava.com, and Endomondo.com. Everyone will get free training plans & tips, and chances to win ride entries, jerseys and more.

All participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend and coach John Howard.

Cycling "How To" from John Howard: 8 Group Ride Tips

2010-03-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

John Howard at Bonneville: Setting the bicycle land speed record of 152.6 mph in the Bonneville Salt Flats. 20 July 1985.

Photo: John Howard

GROUP RIDES: This edition of Cycling "How To" from John Howard will give you some pointers for group rides. Group rides are a great way to safely train and improve your cycling.

John Howard, USA Elite Cyclist, Olympic Athlete, Decorated Ironman Triathlete, Pan-Am Games Gold Medalist, Bicycle Land Speed Record Holder, and founder of The FiTTE system, has joined forces with the San Diego Century Bicyle Tour to help you become the best endurance cyclist you can be. John has established a reputation as one of the country’s best cycling coaches and he has coached such cycling greats as Brad Huff, Denise Mueller, Scott Tinley, Scott Molina, and Mark Allen. With his training program in hand and access to John for FiTTE advice, you’ll have the tools you need to go farther faster and reach all new heights of performance.

8 Group Ride Tips: Among the principles of group riding, none is more important than safety. Each person in a particular group is responsible for the safety of the others members. The choice of which group to ride with is based on the experience level and progressive understanding of a few basics outlined below:

1. Avoid sudden moves. A group moves safely along a roadway because of predictable behavior on the part of all participants. Quick turns or slow downs disrupt the flow of the group. Be smooth and make all moves predictable.

2. Avoid wheel overlap. Overlapping a wheel is the number one cause of crashes in groups. Always pay attention and never allow your front wheel to drift into close proximity of a rider’s rear wheel.

3. Share the load. If the group is small and a pace line in which all member of the group participate in providing pace at the front share the work load and avoid quick accelerations at the front which opens gaps, and stresses others.

4. Pull off in the correct direction. Pay attention to wind direction and pull in the direction of the wind or the generally agreed upon direction based on the close proximity to traffic.

5. Signal intension and objects in the roadway. If the direction of the pull has not been established, let the others know which direction you are planning on taking. If you see an object in the roadway that might prove to be a danger to the group point it out with a hand wave.

6. Warn of vehicles. The same advice applies to cars coming up from behind. Be courteous and of motorists and the other riders, and inform them of vehicles trying to pass.

7. Use Brakes sparingly. Braking suddenly can cause wheel overlap. Braking excessively also wastes energy and causes other riders to label you as a dangerous rider.

8. Obey all traffic signals. Bikes are vehicles under the same legal jurisdiction as autos and therefore we have a responsibility to stop at all traffic signals as dictated by local laws.

warming up, a hill repeat workout can include 3 to 10 or more repetitions of a hill section, climbing in a seated or standing position.

Enter the San Diego Century Weekly Giveaways and John will share his 30, 60, or 100 mile training programs with you at no cost! Plus you'll have a chance to win bike fit consultations from John, cycling gear, jerseys and entry to the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010.

The next winner will be selected on 3/28 so don't miss out! Sign-up is as easy as entering your email address for the San Diego Century Weekly Giveaways. To get you email entered for the next giveaway Click Here

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

Bruce Pulls in the Third Double VIP Giveaway

2010-03-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour are excited to announce that Bruce Millikin was the third and final winner for the Double VIP promotion!

Bruce is ride leader for the San Diego Trek Bicycle SuperStores century training program AND a USA Cycling Certified Level 3 Coach. That makes him a rockstar in our book, and we are very happy to see him taking advantage of free entries and sweet jerseys for both the Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour.

RAIN and TRAIN
Editor: Even though the rainy Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego is over for 2010 you can still get in on the century training programs with Bruce and the team at the San Diego Trek Bicycle SuperStores. Be sure to check out the century training program, and stay tuned for more promotions and giveaways for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

As part of the Double VIP Giveaway Bruce received:
Free entry to any distance for Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego
Free Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego jersey
Free pass for entry to the VIP starting corral
Free entry to any distance for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour
Free San Diego Century Bicycle Tour jersey
Free bike fit consultation with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard

If you're thinking about riding the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour, register now to reserve your spot!

THE SAN DIEGO CENTURY BICYCLE TOUR MAY 22, 2010

Pass the word on to your friends and participate in our March and April promotions. And be sure to get in on more deals and cool stuff when you follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

How to Get in on the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour Promotions:
Enter your email in the top right section of this page, follow us on twitter @sandiegocentury and become a Facebook fan of San Diego Century. Everyone will get free training plans & tips, and chances to win ride entries, jerseys and more. We're even looking at some fun virtual competitions with Strava.com and Endomondo.com for all those GPS tracks you record from your rides.

All participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend and coach John Howard.

Villa Sandi Gran Fondo Colnago Reception 2/25 6-8pm

2010-02-23T22:39:00.000-08:00

Attend for great food, cycling stories and a chance to win gear, prizes and yet another Double VIP giveaway (Free entry and jerseys for BOTH Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego on March 7, 2010 and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010).

The third -- and last -- Villa Sandi Gran Fondo Colnago reception will take place THIS THURSDAY, February 25, 2010 at Nytro, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

It will be catered by Via Italia restaurant in Encinitas.

As before, there will be Gran Fondo VIP upgrades, entries into the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour, GF helmets and other schwag.

Location:

Nytro Multisport

940 south Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Directions:

From The San Diego Airport: Take I-5 North to the Encinitas Blvd. exit. Head west. Turn left on the Coast Highway. We are 8 blocks south on the right. (30 min drive from the airport)

From Los Angeles and Orange County: Take I-5 South to the Encinitas Blvd. exit. Head west. Turn left on the Coast Highway. We are 8 blocks south on the right.

Cycling "How To" from John Howard: Hill Repeats

2010-02-23T22:25:00.000-08:00

John Howard at Bonneville: Setting the bicycle land speed record of 152.6 mph in the Bonneville Salt Flats. 20 July 1985.

Photo: John Howard

HILL REPEATS: This edition of Cycling "How To" from John Howard will give you the basics for structuring workouts with hill repeats to build into your routine.

What is a hill repeat: After warming up, a hill repeat workout can include 3 to 10 or more repetitions of a hill section, climbing in a seated or standing position.

Why hill repeats? They may be uncomfortable and they may hurt. But, they will build strength faster than most anything you can do on the bike.

Select your workout hills: My suggestion—if you live in a hilly area—is to locate a variety of hills for a variety of different types of hill repeats. Look for a short steep hill, and a longer more gentle climb for sustained efforts. If you do not live in a hilly area, highway overpasses will work just fine. If this doesn’t work, or you live in a colder climate, just add a 3-5 inch block under your front wheel to simulate a climb.

The fartlek workout: My favorite type of hill repeat is actually not a repeat but a series of hills. I will ride a course with a variety of hills and simply increase my tempo by 5-10 beats per minute up these different grades. Some are done while standing, others are done while sitting to work muscles differently. The technical term for this type of workout is “fartlek” a Swedish word that broadly defined as “speedplay” and used often in running workouts too. Intervals done in fartlek fashion are certainly more fun but with less discipline. You can decide what works best for you.

Enter to win the Double VIP Giveaway and John will share his 30, 60, or 100 mile training programs with you at no cost! Plus you'll have a chance to win entry to two of California's top rides - Gran Fondo Colnago on March 7, 2010 and San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. As if that weren't enough, the winners will also receive free jersey's for both events, a VIP pass to the Gran Fondo Colnago starting corral, and a free bike fit consultation with John Howard at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour.

The next winner will be selected on 3/1 so don't miss out! Sign-up for the Double VIP Giveaway today and get started on your world-class training program courtesy of the legendary John Howard.

To sign up for your chance to win the Double VIP Giveaway on 3/1 Click Here

editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

Trek Training Rides: Tips for Ride #5 on Feb 27

2010-02-23T22:19:00.001-08:00

Get ready for ride #5 in the TREK BICYCLE SUPERSTORE

CENTURY TRAINING SERIES - SPRING '10!

The next ride is Saturday, February 27th, and will cover 40 miles. The route will be the Elfin Forest/ Del Dios West loop and has a climbing difficulty of 3: (Mostly hilly with 1 or 2 longer, harder climbs)

Start Time: 8:30AM SHARP

Start Location: Mira Costa College Encinitas

For all the details from the Trek team, Click Here.

The training group is preparing for the Gran Fondo ride on March 7 and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

Here are a few tips to keep your training on track in spite of the weather:

Don't let the rain stop you: We are into week 5 of our Trek Training Program but I have to say that in reality we are back at week 2. We've had to cancel the first and the third rides due to rainy conditions. Not too unusual for this time of year. Most of the time we have ideal conditions but we can't control the weather and have to reschedule rides at times.
This does however, bring out a point. The Trek Saturday ride is just one element in the overall program and your road to a successful century event. Saturdays will be your longest ride at event pace which with other riders shouldn't be too hard. These rides are designed to assist in building up mileage. If they are cancelled, be sure to get your workout in on a trainer, hit the bike at the health club, or find a safe route to get in your miles, wet or dry.

Use your trainer:

Some cycling exercises for the road or the trainer:

Here are a few exercises to weave into your weekly miles: Intervals, Individual Leg Training (ILT), Standing and Sprints. Let me explain.

Individual Leg Training (ILT)

Standing:

Sprints:

There are so many other ways to train but again the point here is that you need workouts during the week to support your century training goals.

Additional training schedules can be found at http://treksandiego.com/articles/century-training-schedule-pg254.htm.

Also, ask the Ride Guides in this program. Lastly, Trek is offering trainer classes at the La Mesa and N County Store. (see store locations for details)

Don't us the rain as an excuse. There are still plenty of other days and ways to get ready for the Gran Fondo on March 7th and the San Diego Century May 22nd.

Notes from the editor:
A big thanks to Mike Henderson for contributing during his knee surgery recover. We all have Mike in our thoughts and wish him a speedy recovery.

Want to ride with a great group that is training together? 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.

Share

Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

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

How to Get Motivated: Join Teresa as a Lucky Cyclist Riding Two Centuries

2010-02-22T20:20:00.000-08:00

Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour are excited to announce Teresa Crew as one of the winners for week 2 the Double VIP promotion!

We're excited to have Teresa back on the course after a shoulder injury last year. What a great way to come back to century riding! It will be Teresa's first time cycling the Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego and she is upping her mileage for a second time at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour:

INTERVIEW WITH TERESA CREW
Editor: Teresa, what are your thoughts on winning the Double VIP promotion?

Teresa: I'm excited to complete my goal of Riding 100+ miles in this years San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on the Purple Monster. This will be my second time riding the San Diego Century and first time riding the 103 mile Century route. I completed the Green route two years ago, and a shoulder injury kept me from riding last year. I'm excited to complete my goal of riding my first full Century.

I hear the Gran Fondo is a great ride and crossing over the Coronado Bay Bridge would be a great experience. I've been participating in the Trek Superstore training rides to be ready for the 53 mile route. And next year, the full distance indeed.

And that's not to mention the great opportunity to meet and learn from expert cyclists along the way. Wow! This was such a motivator. Thank you so much!

As part of the Double VIP Giveaway Teresa will receive:

Free entry to any distance for Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego
Free Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego jersey
Free pass for entry to the VIP starting corral
Free entry to any distance for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour
Free San Diego Century Bicycle Tour jersey
Free bike fit consultation with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard

If you're thinking about riding either of these events, register now to reserve your spot!

GRAN FONDO COLNAGO SAN DIEGO MARCH 7, 2010

THE SAN DIEGO CENTURY BICYCLE TOUR MAY 22, 2010

Pass the word on to your friends and participate in this week's TWO(2) Double VIP Giveaways, one on 2/25/10 (follow on Twitter/Facebook) and 3/1/10!

How to Enter the Double VIP Giveaway for 2/25/10:
One tweetup giveaway on Wednesday February 25 you will find only by following @granfondo and @sandiegocentury on Twitter or becoming a Facebook fan for the Gran Fondo and San Diego Century.

How to Enter the Double VIP Giveaway for 3/1/10:
Enter your email in the top right section of this page by February 28, 2010 at 11:59 pm Pacific and then follow the rules to share the promotion on Facebook, Twitter or email. You'll get free training plans and get your chance to win entries in two of California's top century rides. For all the details on the Double VIP promotion Click Here.

All participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend and coach John Howard.

Enter by 2/28 for a Chance to Win Entry to TWO Century Rides

2010-02-22T07:45:00.000-08:00

It's the Double VIP! Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour have partnered to offer you a chance to win VIP entry and ride in style on at two of California's top rides on March 7, 2010 and May 22, 2010.

All promotion participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend John Howard.

The fifth winner in our promotion series will be selected on March 1, 2010! Sign up for your chance to win the Double VIP by 11:59pm Pacific time on February 28, 2010.

To sign up for your chance to win the Double VIP Giveaway on 3/1 Click Here.

How to Be a Lucky Cyclist Like Ron!

2010-02-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour are excited to announce Ron Henderson as the winner of the first giveaway for the Double VIP promotion!

Ron is very excited to be a part of this promotion, and we found out it will be Ron's second year cycling in both Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour:

INTERVIEW WITH RON HENDERSON
Editor: Ron, tell us what you think about riding for a second year in both of these great events.

Ron: Why both the Gran Fondo and the San Diego Century? Simply because they are two of the best, most scenic rides there are. This year is even better with the addition of the crossing of the Coronado Bay Bridge.

Both events are so well organized. I'm just an average guy that loves to ride. The nice thing about both of these events is you can always find someone to ride with at any level.

I am so excited to meet Mr Colnago and a chance to meet Paolo Bettini at the Gran Fondo. And the opportunity to meet and spend some time with John Howard at the San Diego Century is amazing.

I rode both last year and committed early to both this year. I look forward to two great rides!

As part of the Double VIP Giveaway Ron will receive:

Free entry to any distance for Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego
Free Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego jersey
Free pass for entry to the VIP starting corral
Free entry to any distance for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour
Free San Diego Century Bicycle Tour jersey
Free bike fit consultation with legendary cyclist and coach John Howard

If you're thinking about riding either of these events, register now to reserve your spot!

GRAN FONDO COLNAGO SAN DIEGO MARCH 7, 2010

THE SAN DIEGO CENTURY BICYCLE TOUR MAY 22, 2010

Pass the word on to your friends and participate in this week's TWO(2) Double VIP Giveaways, one on 2/17/10 and 2/22/10!

How to Enter the Double VIP Giveaway for 2/17/10:
One tweetup giveaway on Wednesday February 17 you will find only by following @granfondo and @sandiegocentury on Twitter or becoming a Facebook fan for the Gran Fondo and San Diego Century.

How to Enter the Double VIP Giveaway for 2/22/10:
Enter your email in the top right section of this page by February 21, 2010 at 11:59 pm Pacific and then follow the rules to share the promotion on Facebook, Twitter or email. You'll get free training plans and get your chance to win entries in two of California's top century rides. For all the details on the Double VIP promotion Click Here.

All participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend and coach John Howard.

Win the Double VIP: Cycle Two Centuries in Style

2010-02-11T13:37:00.000-08:00

Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour have partnered to offer you a chance to win VIP entry and ride in style on at two of California's top rides on March 7, 2010 and May 22, 2010. All promotion participants receive free 30, 60 or 100 mile training plans from cycling legend John Howard. Next Winner 3/1/10!
To sign up for your chance to win the Double VIP Giveaway on 3/1 Click Here.

Ride for a Reason!!

2010-02-11T11:04:00.001-08:00

Make your San Diego Century Bicycle Tour even more meaningful this year by helping The Challenged Athletes Foundation to change the lives of challenged athletes. The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) raises money to help people with physical disabilities pursue an active lifestyle through physical fitness and athletics. CAF's mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, competitive lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. The funds your raise will pay for handcycles, sports chairs, running prosthetics, and training and competition expenses for physically challenged athletes.

Sign up to fundraise and you'll get your own fundraising webpage, a cool Race for a Reason training t-shirt, a free San Diego Century Bicycle Tour jersey for anyone who raises $250 or more by March 15th and and a free San Diego Century Bicycle Tour entry for anyone who raises $500 or more by May 21st.

CAF is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible, and you can feel safe that your donation will directly
assist challenged athletes around the world. Based on our most recent audited financial statement, more than 80 cents of every dollar raised is used by CAF to support its athletes.

CAF Contact: Jennifer Rose

Race For A Reason Manager

Challenged Athletes Foundation

www.challengedathletes.org

by Greg Hendrickson Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: CAF

John Howard: Featured "Ride With" Athlete for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

2010-02-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

Photo: John Howard

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.

John Howard Profile:
We are honored to bring you more information about 3 time Olympian and cycling legend John Howard, the featured "Ride With" Athlete for this edition.

We are thrilled to announce that John Howard, cycling extraordinaire, will be joining us at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22, 2010. John is our featured "Ride With" athlete for this week's edition of cycling news.

John Howard's illustrious cycling career has been a passion for him for 50 years. He has accomplished as much in one career as many of us would dream of doing over several lifetimes. Fellow UltraCycling Hall of Fame inductee, Lon Haldeman, once spoke of John by saying, "John Howard was a lot better rider than me. The only way I could win was to have better organization and try to make up time when the weather conditions were bad." To put it simply, John Howard is one of the most respected and admired cyclists in the sport.

His accomplishments are long as his illustrious career.

John is a 3-time Olympic Cyclist, competing in the 1968, 1972 and 1976 Summer Olympics as part of the US Olympic Cycling Team. He won the gold medal in the 1971 Pan American Games road cycling race in Cali, Columbia beating Luis Carlos Florez in a memorable sprint finish. He was a member of the U.S. National Team for 10 years, and a 4-time U.S. National Road Cycling champion accomplishing the feat in 1968, 1972, 1973 and 1975. If these cycling accomplishments weren't enough, John Howard also won the 1981 Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii. One year later, Howard partcipated in the 1982 Great American Bike Race, which is the precursor to the revered Race Across America that John helped establish. He came in second to the man who respected him immensely, Lon Haldeman, with a time of 10 days, 10 hours and 59 minutes.

On July 20, 1985, John Howard sealed his legendary career by setting a land speed record of 152.2 miles per hour (245 km/h) while motor-pacing on a pedal bicycle on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. His record stood for over 10 years. Later in the decade, John set the 24-hour paced record after 3 attempts cycling 539 miles in Clearwater, FL in June 1987.

John Howard is an UltraCycling Hall of Fame founder and inductee, and still enjoys all types of athletic events. A resident of Encinitas, CA, John has stated this his proudest achievements are setting the 24-hour record and the co-founding of RAAM (Race Across America).

We have the great pleasure of welcoming John Howard as one of our "Ride With" athletes for the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour in Encinitas this May. We are very excited to have him part of this year's bicycle tour. As a special gift, San Diego Century is proud to offer a complimentary bike fitting with John as part of the Double VIP promotion running now through March 5, 2010. Sign up today for your chance to win this opportunity to learn from a legend.

If you are interested in contacting John visit his website at http://www.johnhowardsports.com/

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 Chris Hendrickson
editor: Greg Hendrickson
Greg's Blog: WatchMyRace
Photo: John Howard

Trek Training Report: Ride #1: 185 riders!

2010-02-02T00:13:00.000-08:00

Wow! On Saturday, January 30th the Trek Century Training group met near Fiesta Island for the first training ride. The group is preparing for the Gran Fondo ride on March 7 and the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

It's now the third year of the Trek Training Program. I remember our first Fiesta Island ride when we had 10 people. Participation has gone up year after year and this year we expected about 70 people would show up. Saturday really threw us for a loop: Over 185 people showed up! WE WERE STUNNED!

Trek has worked hard on this program to ensure participants walk away with a "WOW, that was a great ride!" experience. It's a free program and was designed by Mike Olson, the owner of the local Trek stores, to help people fall in love with cycling. He noticed over the years that people buy a bike but but then are lost on where or how to ride it. We are so fortunate in San Diego to live in a place that has bike lanes and year round perfect weather. Mike's Trek Training programs prepare participants for selected 100 mile riding events in the spring and the fall and provide an easy way to find riding partners at every level. In the spring it's the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour and in the fall it's the Tour de Poway.

Completing a 100 mile ride is an amazing experience and the training program gets everyone there step by step. 100 miles for most first time rides will take about 7 to 9 hours. That's a lot of time on the bike and thus we start out slowly and build up the mileage over time. We start with 20 miles adding 5 miles each Saturday and before you know it the weekend ride is at 90 miles. From there it's an easy jump to complete the 103 mile San Diego Century Bicycle Tour on May 22.

Everyone is welcome at the training rides, and it's never to late to jump into the program. On Saturday the riders were a mix of brand new to the Trek program all the way to the well seasoned rider. The types of bikes covered just about every type you can imagine: Road bikes, mountain bikes, cross overs, hybrids and comfort bikes were all represented. For some this was their first ride on a brand new bike. Others broke out the old 10 speed that's been hanging in the garage. It doesn't matter what you're riding. All cyclists are welcome into the Trek Century Training Program.

To manage larger groups as is the norm with Trek, we break every one into smaller groups by speed. The A group, as an example, rides at about 10 to 12 MPH on average. Our fastest group cruises at 19 to 22 MPH. We also have two middle groups, B and B plus. This is where most people tend to ride. B is 12 to 15 MPH and the B plus 15 to 19 MPH. With 185 people we broke the main grouping into smaller segments to help meet our objectives for the day, teaching group riding skills and pacelining. These become the heart and soul of long distance events and will be worked on continuously throughout the training.

We had actually planned to start the program on Saturday the 23rd, but with all the rains we decided waiting a week was a good idea. Fiesta Island still had a lot of sand in spots but everyone did well.

The first few laps on Fiesta Island are always a bit nerve racking for the first time riders who are not used to being close to another wheel. But with patience and time people catch on and soon realize why it's important. Drafting behind someone will cause you to work about 30 percent less. When riding a 100 miles sharing the work with others is a great way to enjoy the ride.

I'm proud to be a part of something like this and get a lot of enjoyment out of helping others learn about cycling. I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of smiling faces come May 22 at the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour bursting with a sense of accomplishment. Come join us. I guarantee you will find a great group of people to turn the pedals with.

Notes from the editor:
A big thanks to Mike Henderson for writing this ride report right before he went in for surgery. We all have Mike in our thoughts and wish him a speedy recovery.

Want to ride with a great group that is training together? 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.

TREK BICYCLE SUPERSTORE CENTURY TRAINING SERIES SCHEDULE (note: please check the link at Trek below as the schedule has shifted a week due to the rainy weather):

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

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Enjoy the path to accomplishing your biking resolutions!

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

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

2010-01-25T12:47:00.001-08:00

Kick 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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

4 Causes to Inspire More Cycling

2010-01-22T06:23:00.000-08:00

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

Free Cycling Training Plan to Kick Off 2010 - New Edition

2010-01-21T18:08:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-21T12:40:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-21T05:48:00.001-08:00

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

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

2010-01-07T00:16:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-07T00:15:00.000-08:00

It'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

2010-01-07T00:13:00.001-08:00

Join 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

2010-01-07T00:11:00.002-08:00

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

2010-01-07T00:10:00.002-08:00

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>>.

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

Friend Rides Free with 2 for 1 Registration

2010-01-07T00:09:00.001-08:00

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

To YOU: 2 for 1 Registration for The San Diego Century Bicyle Tour. Our Holiday Gift!

2009-12-15T12:24:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays from the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour!

Our gift to you for this Holiday season is 2 entries for the price of 1 for the ride on May 22, 2010. Simply be one of the next 100 to 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!

Stay tuned for our free training resources in January 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 our newsletter list to get the January information be sure to sign up in the column on the right.

Here is how the 2 for 1 offer works:

1. Be one of the next 100 to purchase your registration 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>>

Here are the terms we need to go along with the 2 for 1 Registration Offer:

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 Holidays!

The San Diego Century Bicycle Tour

12 Great Holiday Rides in Southern California

2009-12-15T12:21:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays from the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour!

Here is our Holiday list of rides in Southern California with options from December 19th to January 3rd. The list covers Ventura & Conjeo Valley to Irvine, Orange County and the San Diego area with road biking and a touch of mountain biking. There are options for all riders from beginner to advanced. Click the grey copy for more details on each ride. Enjoy!

December 18:
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

December 19:
San Diego: Trek’s very cool, FREE and beginner friendly mountain bike ride. 8:30am
Westlake Village: Conejo Valley Cyclists intermediate/advanced 40-60 mile ride.
Irvine: Bicycle Club of Irvine, 3 rides, all levels intro to the club. 9:00am
Ventura: Channel Islands Bicycle Club, The Sea to Wheeler Gorge. 9:00am
Irvine: Orange County Wheelmen, 3 rides, all paces slow to fast. 8:30am
Carlsbad: Coyotes Triathlon & Bike Club North/South County Rides. 7:30am

December 20:
Los Angeles: LA Wheelmen, 3 rides, all welcome. 8:30am

B+L Bike+Sports: We have our Flat repair clinic on the Sunday the 20th at 4pm, Sports Arena location

December 25:
Los Angeles: LA Wheelmen, Christmas Day Ride. 9:00am
Arcadia Park: Foothill Cycle Club, Christmas Morning Ride, 9:00am
Ventura: Channel Islands Bicycle Club, Holiday Show & Go. 8:00am
Irvine: Orange County Wheelmen, Deerfield Park Sprint, 9:00am

HOLIDAY GIFT OFFER:
Our gift to you from the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour for this Holiday season is 2 entries for the price of 1 for the ride on May 22, 2010. Simply be one of the next 100 to 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! Click here for details>>

December 27:
Borrego Springs Century: Julian, CA. 35 to 100 miles

Pine Valley: Knickerbikers, MOST BEAUTIFUL RIDE OF THE YEAR. 8:00am

JANUARY RESOLUTIONS?
Stay tuned for our free training resources in January to help kick off the new year and get ready for all three levels of the San Diego Century Bicycle Tour, or just get in shape for more riding. We'll be working with Trek and other great partners to provide both great training support, some which is free, all reasonable. If you aren't on our newsletter list to get the January information be sure to sign up in the column on the right.

January 2:
Encinitas: Swamis Signature Club Ride for experienced riders. 8:00am
San Diego: North County Roadies Saturday Ride, 8:00am
January 3:
San Diego: Cyclo – Vets (Masters) Regular Sunday Ride, 8:30am
La Jolla: San Diego Bicycle Club, Competitive Sunday Ride. 8:30am

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!

Special thanks to BikeCal.com, SoCalCycling.com and the San Diego Bike Coalition for the great resources for rides in California.

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

December Rides to Keep the Calories in Check

2009-12-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for local rides in the next few weeks to keep those holiday calories in check? We've collected a few suggestions to carry you through mid December. Stay tuned for our next article the week of December 15 on Christmas and New Year rides. See you out there!

1. B+L Bike+Sports Rides
Check out what Scott and the team at B+L Bike+Sports have put together for the next couple weeks. Rides, repair clinics and a little competition at the Velodrome are enough for anyone to get a few extra miles in. Here is the B+L line-up:

December 6, Flat Tire Repair Clinic- 4pm, Sports Arena Store
December 6, SoCal Cyclocross Prestige Series #14 @ San Diego Velodrome
December 9, Group Road Rides- 8am, both store locations
December 13, Flat Tire Repair Clinic- 4pm, Sports Arena Store

More Info>>

2. Trek Rides
The folks at Trek have a very cool, FREE and beginner friendly mountain bike ride set up for December 19th at 8:30am.

More Info>>

Everyone can use a little bike maintenance primer, and Trek has their famous one hour classes going. Check out the one nearest you:

Saturday, December 5th, 10:30am at our SAN DIEGO store
Saturday, December 12th, 1:00pm at our SOUTH COUNTY store
Saturday, December 19th, 10:30am at our NORTH COUNTY store

More Info>>

3. Coyote Club Ride
The Coyote Club has rides going out every weekend to both North and South county, usually on Saturdays. Intermediate and heart-pounding flavors available.

More Info>>

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!

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