How can it be February already?

The fact that it’s now February is just not right: it means May is just around the corner and perhaps it’s time to finally get serious about training in preparation for this year’s version of the Train of Pain.

Things to remember/consider:

Ride dates are Monday May 24th to Friday May 28th. The official course will be announced soon; but basically it’s an indirect route from Santa Barbara to San Diego – which requires that all riders arrive in Santa Barbara no later than Sunday May 23rd. We do finish in San Diego mid-afternoon on Friday the 28th, so for our non So-Cal riders; anyone flying home can book a flight out on Friday night if needed – but doing so will mean that you’ll miss the awards dinner scheduled for the Friday evening…stay until Saturday if you can.

Details on travel options to Santa Barbara from San Diego and Orange County, as well as bike transportation info will follow in the next few weeks.

ToP has reached an all time high for people wanting in, which means that the rider slots will fill up fast.

This year there are two ways to ensure your spot for this year's ride:

1) Via PayPal

Beginning next week: Log on to the club website: canari-navycycling.com and look for the ToP sign-up tab. Please note, there will be a 3.5% PayPal service fee added to the charge. Remember, this is a "by invitation only" event, Kevin or I will send out a code that you will need to enter into the site and gain access to the registration page - look for the e-mail mid week as soon as the link is live.

2) By sending a check; made payable to: Canari-NAVY Cycling to:

Carter Goodnough
7168 Salizar St
San Diego CA 92111

This year the amount for shared expenses is $400.00; which as always covers the vans, fuel, drivers lodging and eats, route cards, mechanical support, bike transport from So-Cal to Santa Barbara, ride incidentals and anything else I can think of…what it does not cover is the rider lodging and meals.

We will not hold spots this year, this will be a first come-first in ride. You know you want to come, so don't delay. Once you commit, start training in earnest and get ready for the annual SD/OC/NorCal king of the ride battle.