9 Weeks Out to the Train of Pain

DAY 3

If you thought Day 2 was fun, you are going to LOVE Day 3, on the other hand if Day 2 was not a show-case for your talent – read no further.

First off let me say that while Day 3 is our longest day, it is all flat (except for the hills)…

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/bodega-bay/324123757265088796

Today we leave Bodega Bay and head inland; we begin the day’s ride by reversing our final 10 miles from Day 2, and then turning east, following along the famed Russian River, we’ll then turn north back into the wilds of Sonoma County…and many miles later finally arriving in our next host town = Santa Rosa.

There are 2 main climbs during the route, the first coming soon after leaving the town of Guerneville, cresting at 1300 ft. The second coming much later in the ride, after passing through Cloverdale (65 miles in), at the top we will crest at roughly 2733.464 feet (the high point for the entire 5 days). Both have some steep sections!! There is also one final bump located near the 91 mile mark, which normally would not even warrant a mention, but because of its strategic placement I feel compelled to point out. The famed Chalk Hill Rd climb – which those of you that have done the Vineman triathlon may remember; it’s not long, nor steep – but comes very late in the day so be warned – it’s rumored that here Kevin will attack in his quest to gather the day’s final King of the Mountains points…not that this is a race of course!

Our resting place for the next two nights will be the Courtyard by Marriott, which is walking distance from one of the areas finest eating establishments: Russian River Brewing Co., ok I admit their food is just ok, but they do serve a number of wicked brews…

For those of us that do not fall into the category of lithe climber; once again there will be short-cuts available: 3 this time, one to avoid the early climb, while the other 2 cut miles and the BIG 2nd climb