SLO Happy Hills Winter Training Camp

Just a reminder, the SLO "Happy Hills" Training camp has received a great response as is ready to roll out in about a week! The weather should be perfect. The hills have gotten hillier as riders have lobbied for more options, but ride plans will accommodate all. Don't be afraid. But bring enough food for long days in the saddle. One water stop will be had per day.

All new routes planned, new roads, new climbs, epic tales to be told. See below. Part of the revamped plan will allow some riders to "stretch their legs" while the rest of the group rolls on at a slow winter pace. If you are not from the Central Coast area, you'll be amazed at the riding here! World Class, reminds me of where I grew up riding, Sonoma County, endless options, quite roads, varied terrain and great weather.

Roadies!

Mark your calendars, get your hotel reservations or book a spot on the floor somewhere...The FOURTH ANNUAL SLO Training Camp is BACK! Severe rain cancels, anything less we ride. Wind does not change route plan. :)

Come one come all! The more the merrier, I always say.

Three days of long, slow endurance miles on the beautiful back roads of the sunny Central Coast at winter pace. Most riders are very experienced so even "slow" miles for them will seem fast for others. The group is always big and your bike handling skills must be high. This is not a race. There are chances to cut the ride short if you need to. I'll be taking $5 donations on Friday and Saturday so we can have SAG support all day Saturday, but always be prepared to fix your own flats and find your way back to the group or home.

All rides will begin at Uptown Espresso (HMMM, Coffee - 1065 Higuera St., SLO-town 93401 ) and leave on time, not 10 minutes late. There is a bathroom at the coffee shop, and one across the street at Higuera St. Cafe or down a block at Peets, but try and do your "stuff" before you get there. Pee stops will be had on the ride.

Friday 1pm - Head south for some rolling terrain, SLOWLY Up tough climb of Perfumo, REGROUP at END OF SHORT DIRT ROAD atop See, then down See Canyon, south to Pismo Beach, OPTIONAL WADSWORTH CLIMB lead by Dirk Copeland, CHASING BACK TO THE GROUP DOWN Price Canyon and REGROUPING at the top of Ormonde , Printz to Arroyo Grande, water stop at AG Park, then out toward HUASNA and back to SLO on 227. 4.5 hours - 70 miles.

Saturday 8:30am (come at 8:00 for coffee) - BIG Day, Going North. Hilly terrain, but slow climbs. Alternative starting point at Santa Margarita/Hwy 101/58 Park and Ride lot at 9:40. Up Cuesta Grade - slow neutral climb, after Margarita PnR regroup, out Park Hill Road, SLOW climb there also. BLACK MOUNTAIN will be the toughest climb of the week (month? year?), to the highest paved road in the County. Everyone should plan on doing it. Option one - KOM - all the way to the tower at the top for "leg stretchers," 10 mins wait and descend. Stragglers should turn around if group is descending. Option two, slowly up to the top of the saddle and don't make Left turn. Enjoy the view. Descend with caution back to Pozo Rd, LEFT TURN and regroup for water/food at the POZO fire station. Back Pozo Road to 58, down grade. 6 hours - 85 miles, it will feel like 100.

Sunday 8:30am (come at 8:00 for coffee) - Headed South on 227, just like the 2006 Tour de California departure route; 227 to Corbett Canyon. After that out to Lopez Lake restrooms/water stop, (some riders wanting a flat easy day will turn around here for about a 40 mile ride) otherwise it's HILLS around the lake to French Camp (short dirt section) and onto Lopez Canyon, OPTIONAL LEFT TURN on UPPER LOPEZ for EXTRA CLIMBING, otherwise RIGHT TURN on UPPER LOPEZ, steep climb then descend to High Mt. Road, LEFT Turn to head out High Mt. to the end of pavement. Chasers will catch up on High Mt. road. From there it is flat (finally!) and down hill for 25 miles back to SLO on Orcutt Road. 5 Hours - 70 miles.

ABSOLUTELY NO HWY 1 TRAFFIC on this year's camp. "Up the Coast" may come back by popular demand in 2008.

Any questions, let me know, otherwise get ready. Ride.

Peter Brown

805.440.4968 (slopedro@gmail.com)

PARTY???? Oh yes and Saturday at 5pm-10pm, I will cook my famous Turkey/Veggie Chili, Couscous, Rice, and Bread feast at my condo (2250 king ct. #89, 93401) - Park in the King Ct. Cul-de-Sac and walk on up to my unit, it is the last one on the Left side before the 2nd driveway- don't enter any driveways, you'll be lost forever, the unit is on the street. Complete with music, fire pit, the beer and wine , sodas/water, salads, appetizers and desserts that you bring, and tall tales of the day's heroes and goats.