On June 26, while participating in the Grand Tour Double Century, I had an experience that most cyclists dread; a bicycle versus auto incident.  It was an exceptional day,  great for cycling with a 5:30 am start time.  Temperatures were cool, requiring a wind vest and arm warmers.  As all of you know, summers on the California coast are cooler than the temperatures we experience 100 miles inland.  You might say that the coldest summer month I ever spent was on the central coast in July.

I left the start with 12 other riders and quickly formed a pace line heading north on the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) out of Malibu.  Fortunately there is no wind during the early hours so we were able to maintain a 23 to 25 mile pace depending on who was pulling.  As we passed riders, they jumped on the gravy train. By the first rest stop in Port Hueneme our paceline had grown to about 30 riders.  This was great since I only had to take one pull this segment of the ride.  Within a few miles after leaving the rest in Port Hueneme, half of our original 12 riders made the turn for the highland route.

My group continued on the lowland route northeast to Moorpark and the second rest stop.  We were having a great ride, arriving at the Ojai lunch stop at 10:45 am, about 100 miles into the event.  In order to maintain a good pace for a doubles, several things have to happen.  Number one, you have to be one of those super human individuals who can average 20 plus mph over a 200-mile course or you need a fast group working together. I was with a fast group that suited my riding abilities. Also rest stops are kept to a minimum, 10 minutes max. If rest stops are less than 25 miles apart, skip a few.  You would be surprised how much time is lost at rest stops.

After leaving the Ojai lunch stop, we headed west to Ventura, then north to Rincon Point and the turn around.  I was anticipating the turn around and the afternoon tail winds pushing us back south along the coast.  My group had dwindled to four, but we soon joined several other riders and the pace quickened to 27 mph for a stretch.  Even with a tailwind and a slight down hill, I was spit out the back about five miles south of Rincon on a gentle 1% downward grade. At this point, little did I know that my record setting day was about to come to an abrupt and sudden stop.   An SUV, making a left hand turn from the opposite freeway lane darted in front of me at a frontage road entrance.  I had no time to react, just enough time to brace for an impact.   The impact could have resulted in serious injuries.  The only injury I sustain was a cut finger. My helmet was cracked in several places and my Trek  Madon 5.9 was totaled. I ended the ride at 2:15 pm, at 160 miles,  just 40 miles short of finishing my fourth double for the year.   I am thankful that I was able to walk away with no serious injuries, accept a cut finger.  

See you on the Road,

Ronald Quitoriano, FCC President