ISSUE 1: S1/P001/TWE/$ECTOR 1/NEW BEGINNINGS

BY MATT SOLOMON

THE SUN RISES IN THE EAST

An epic ride sits somewhere in a triangle of long miles, challenging routes, and a blistering pace. Many think to chart an epic route you need to travel far from the cities and into the plains or hills but challenges can be found anywhere you want. On a warm February morning, a group of 5 riders set out to challenge themselves to set the fastest known time around the Bay Area.

The route covered 131 miles with 4,000 ft of climbing and took us from the historic Jack London Square, down through San Jose, and back up along the 101 and Golden Gate Bridge before a final push back into Richmond and through the East Bay.

We set the goal of wanting to complete the route in sub 6 hours of elapsed time meaning planning our rest stops and the route became essential. With our pockets full of bars, gels, (and bagels) we began our team time trial 8:51 am on February 13th.

Nailing this section and keeping it fast was necessary to ensure we were putting time in the bank for the inevitable slowdown from hills and beach traffic in SF. We kept it fast but made sure we continued to fuel. Our only rest stop would be at the 3-hour mark so we kept enough libations to sustain us through this sector. In reflection, this was a tranquil way to start the ride as the flat and straight roads meant that we could get in and stay in a rhythm that kept everyone focused on the task at hand and relish the adventure that was truly just in its infancy. 

ON ON TO THE NEXT ONE

After weaving through Amazon warehouses and several office parks we eventually made our way to the lowest point of the bay trail and ripped it through Sunnyvale Park finishing off the first sector of our odyssey before crossing into Mountain View.

SECTOR 1

DISTANCE: 52

TIME: 2:11

SPEED: 23.8mph

ON PACE FOR: 5 HOURS 30 MINUTES