WF training weekend

Well, the best way to describe the KP Wildflower Training Weekend and the Tierra Bella Century, was, in a word, WET! Oh, and COLD! Oh, and WINDY! but...we still managed to have, in a word, FUN!

Camping in the rain is not anyone's idea of a fun time, but when you are with a great group of good natured people, it makes the experience so much better! The KP Wildflower Training Weekend could be remembered as a wet and rainy mess, with hypothermic conditions, but when we think back to it, we will only remember the high points. :)

***Saturday had rain in the forecast, but that did not seem to damper any spirits. We started with a nice, cool lake swim that ended in the wind and rain. Everyone seemed to handle the cooler conditions well and just laugh off the wind and rain. (except maybe Coach Kain who experienced his first bought of hypothermia of the day). From there it was off to a quick breakfast and re-group for the big ride around the infamous Wildflower Long Course bike route. A few of our real die-hards (Glenn B., Veronica M., Linda G., Linda S., Kim P. and Steven A.) actually got an early start on the bike in an attempt to do 2 bike loops.

***We had two aid stations set up on the route, one at the park entrance and one at the top of the Nasty Grade. We started the ride under blustery skies, but no rain. Then the sky seemed to be clearing, so when we got to the SAG wagon at the park entrance, most everyone took off there rain gear, as it seemed to be clearing up. It was actually warm in the sun! The decision to leave the rain gear behind quickly became a poor decision! By the time we hit Lockwood at about 20 miles, the rain and wind were back in full force! The only luck we had going with us, was the wind was at our backs! We flew for the next ten miles, with the wind (and rain) at our backs! Problem was, it was also getting cooler. Wet and wind are bad enough, but through in cold and things go south in a hurry. Luckily, by the time we hit the Nasty Grade, the skies let up a bit. We actually got to dry out a bit. The best part was, no one complained outwardly! Most everyone made it around the 56 mile loop one time, with some of the KainIron Team heading back around to Lockwood and back. The early 2 loop group also stayed out in the fierce conditions and completed their 2 loops! Nice work to all who came out and hung tough in poor conditions at best.

***After the ride, most of the group was too frozen to go out for the 20 minute run off the bike. A big Thanks to Gordon G. for his hospitality and helping get the group warmed back up! Thanks to Jody Gold for going and getting a bunch of pizza's that hit the spot! Then it was off to the showers for a nice "luke warm" shower. Oh, camping at its best! We had a few more light showers, then the sky cleared in time for a great dinner with the whole group. A big THANK You to our chef's, Rob D., Josh M., Melody D., Linda S., Veronica M. and everyone else who contributed to the great meal! Awesome salads, great pasta (it was the DiNapoli sauce), great tri tip and chicken and of course, brownies for desert (Thanks Kim P. and Jody).

***We woke up Sunday morning to clear skies, with a little wind. Perfect conditions to go run the WF course! After a little oatmeal and pancakes we were off and running! Conditions were great and everyone had a good run! After a soak in the lake we packed our bags and headed home!