Montage: Tinkerbell
I have enjoyed having my bike for two weeks in LA as well as taking photos of Tinkerbell at various hotels. As I am driving back on Saturday, this is the last photo of Tinkie at a hotel.
Back to the Vagabond and Quality Inn... What's La Quinta mean? Next to Denny's!!
Latigo Canyon, Malibu
The Bu: I was recommended a loop in Malibu that heads up Latigo Canyon from PCH and down Kanan Dume, back along PCH. This is an amazing ride! The climb starts right off of PCH and heads up at almost a constant climb for 2200 feet of climbing. I only had about 5 cars pass me up Latigo, but included in those were "BUMOMA4" and "MISS BU". Miss Bu was in a 356 Porche from the 60's and was sporting a very cute 60's hat. BU MOMA4 was a minivan.
Here are some photos from the ride:
Manhattan Beach and more LaLa
I spent the week in LA and then the weekend at the Ritz in Marina Del Rey (thanks to my employer) to prep and relax for the Manhattan Beach Grand Prix.
I got to the race and realized that I had pre-ridden the course backwards. I am doing well with my races these days! (NOT.) The course is the shape of a green bean and it has a 7% grade short climb part way down from the start finish into a right 180 uphill turn into the wind. The field would go fast out of the saddle at this point, but then would slow down before the next little climb. Everyone would bunch up and slow down, then speed up for the final swooping 180 to a 300 meter straight over a gutter to the start finish.
I decided that this race would be just one I would hang out in the back and then make my move at the final climb. I had two friendly faces, 1) Laurie Simonson (Metromint) who pipped me for a prime and 2) Rita Szeto (Norcal Racing.) The SoCal ladies roll up their shorts!! Strange.
I tried a couple of routes during the race to see what would work best, did an outside line and an inside line. I didn't see anyone taking a flyer as the wind was too much and there were not huge teams representing. The last lap came quick and I was actually hurting but decided that everyone was probably pretty tired, too. At the final climb a Helen's lady took off up the climb, I took the inside and got up with about 10 women in front of me. I wanted to be in 5th, but didn't put myself near enough to the front. I took the inside at the final sweeping 180, just then a SDBC chick slid out and almost took out the outside people. I started sprinting, got past about 4 other women and took 6th. Had I had 2 more feet, I would have gotten 5th.. oh well. It paid $50. Just call me gutter girl. Every crit I have done well in, I have taken the gutter into the final turn.
I then quickly changed my numbers and went for the 1/2/3... it was a short ride. Laurie decided to make it worth her while and got an HRM for a prime. The next lap, I came around almost last and they actually called out my name. Why? I was cramping up and both Laurie and I were pulled after 16 minutes of racing. There was a spectacular crash in the last lap on the 7% grinder. Some professor from Southern Utah University won. She was a cat 4 last year... Anyway, it was a blast!!!! I am really glad that I was here, although I don't think I would drive down for this event again.
This is Tinkerbell at the Ritz
