Phil's Fondo - Double Fudge (longest distance)
So glad that Art talked me into this one. Great day on the bike and stoked at my execution and outcome. Execution being attitude. Found myself again pulling a ton all day but it was all good. There were about four major KOM's and I didnt even notice until the end of the first one - they were not even the entire climb so it was strange to hit it for ~10min up the middle of a climb... I just rode smart and hard all day. Not planning on a KOM or trying to take the win but just wanting to ride my bike and push it. Success!
Got up with the lead group and me and like 2 or 3 dudes pulling into the wind. We had a breakaway to chase after the first KOM and it was so cool to see the "karma" work out all day.
"the race" changed for me after about 100K when we were rolling down PCH and for some reason I pulled into the Chevron we always stopped at and let the group go. I pounded a redbull and got back at it but I didnt realize it was right before the route merged with the shorter rides. Tons of cyclist now and no idea where the leaders were at... I could have saved it but I hit Encinal with a fury. Felt so good! Sat on 319w for the first section until a small descent and then sent it for the rest of the 40min. I passed a ton of people but mostly the shorter distances. Anyways, I saw Eric at the top aid station and he said that the top two guys (Matt and Jason) just rolled through. I jumped on it and forgot to get some aid! doh! Out of water and got dry before the next aid about 20mi later but mostly downhill. Rode with those two guys the rest of the way and started feeling better and better at the end. Gnar head/side wind heading back and those guys were hurting so I just pulled back. I felt awesome! Like TT time. Fun day and the highlight is still jumping on the trampoline with the family.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1232288953/segme...