The weather in central and northern Arizona has been unusually wet, cold and windy this year. That means outdoor training has been meager. At this time of year I would typically find myself driving hundreds of miles east or west to participate in cycling events. But given the pittance of training miles thus far this year that would be an unwise expense.
On March 23rd there are two 200 mile events that beg my interest. The first is the RAAM Challenge in Texas. The other is the Solvang California 200 mile recreational ride. The Texas event would be a 2,200 mile round trip and about $500 expense. The California event would be a 1,400 mile round trip and a $450 expense. Both events would require at least two days of driving.
The terrain near my home is exceptionally good and challenging for cycling. So I've decided to construct a few local courses in order to get some long miles under my wheel.
West of Wickenburg, (and west of Phoenix) AZ, is a good quality road that is lightly travelled by vehicles. Vulture Mine Road.
The Vulture Mine Road 200 - Flat or the Vulture Mine Road 200 - Climby is a 140 mile round trip and an $80 (gas and food) expense.
So I'll probably be doing the Vulture Mine Road events at the end of March and beginning of April. That should give me the training opportunities that are within my physical reach, mileage reach and expense reach.
No comments:
Post a Comment