Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Posted February 16th, 2010 by KellBell

By now you should know the story of Goldilocks and the three bears. Well, that fairytale is only one version of the story. There is a far nastier version that I was introduced to this past Presidents’ Day out in Berkeley.

In the world of Northern California cycling there are two very well known races that occur in Berkeley: The Berkeley Team Time Trial (TTT) and the Berkeley Hills Road Race (BHRR). While they are two separate races, they both occur on the same route. The only difference between the two races is that the TTT has you complete the approximate 19 mile course once while the BHRR has you completing 2-4 laps depending upon your racing category. You may think 19 miles is a piece of cake, but when it comes to this course…well…the bears will do you in. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the ride profile before reading on…

With the TTT looming this weekend, a few of the NorCal ladies wanted to head out and do a training run. Although not everyone who went down plans on racing the event (me being one of them), it was a good opportunity for team bonding. I have long heard the horrors of the route from Giampaolo, Dave, Luca and Rita; I even witnessed Dave’s pain when he tried to complete the BHRR two years ago. What I have come to learn is that nothing can explain the joys and pains of that course like riding it yourself. I will say this: I hate the bears and Goldilocks is a bitch! Seriously, I completed 2 laps on the course (with about a 20 min break in between them) in 2:32:45. It was 38.34 miles of fast and furious descents coupled with approximately 3200 feet of painful climbing. Yes…that is 1600′ of climbing PER 19 mile loop! The only thing that kept me going up Papa Bear the second time around was the knowledge that I would hit a totally fun 40+ mph descent on the other side.

All of the talk of pain and misery aside, it was still pretty darn fun. The day was clear and warm, the reservoir was beautiful, and it was just an awesome experience. It’s true that I realized that doing the TTT was just not for me, but I may try to tackle the BHRR in May after I’ve been able to get more miles and climbs in my legs. Thanks, NorCal ladies, for such a fun day!