Neverland Endurance Ride: a Dub Perspective

Double Dub Checking in . . . 

Getting back from a "Trikking" road trip, I had plenty of time for myself and my thoughts. It was a great time to get away and Neverland put me in my happy place - on my Trikke!

pre-ride at TrikkeTech

The route has been described in many ways, scenic, picturesque, Challenging, Fun ... I could go on and on. But I'm going to echo our host, Claudio Pagan's Sentiments - "It's hard to explain how beautiful this ride is, words and pictures can't even begin...you have to experience it!" I've been here twice. It's the same yet wonderfully different! My mindset was ready for a blazing hot day, just like last year and yet it wasn't. I was a little bummed that some folks didn't make the ride. And yet, it was completely awesome with the amazing people who were there! 

The route starts at Trikke Tech over to Ballard Canyon Road. Right off the bat, it's an uphill climb with really light traffic. Yup, get your skills up, if you can. Otherwise, enjoy the walk, like I did last year. This year, this stretch was a cruise. Right up to the next "hill". Last year, I had a ride or die attitude. I got frustrated at what I couldn't do, got mad at myself for the poor condition I was in, and beat myself up for the overall preparations I did or didn't do to get ready for this ride. This year, it just didn't matter. The weeks previous to this ride were  ... well, let's not revisit them. I haven't been carving, in fact the last two times I stepped up were ten and twenty days ago. So much has happened and so much is going on ... but I'm here and going to have a great day sharing with friends!
I probably walked as much as I did last year except this year I smartly stepped off. I did what I could. I challenged myself where I wanted. It was satisfying. I rode alone and knew folks were watching for me. I stopped as well because I watched for them. This, for me, makes it fun! We are together and in so many ways, on our own.

Towards the end of Ballard Canyon Road, after rolling hillsides of ranches and wineries, is a fairly steep and long hill to climb. There is a video from Dan Marazon capturing Gildo Beleski gracefully carving where so many of us have walked. The year before there was a Porsche Club videoed on this same hill. Upon reaching the top, there was a sigh of relief with a breath of excitement! We all know, what goes up must come down! Gildo calls us together and says let's race down together! He also pointed out that when we enter a turn we really need to commit to it and lean in. I'm not sure who asked but I heard "No Brakes?!" "No" I was like "What?!!! OK" And five of us take off! All I can say is you better trust, respect, and like who you're doing this with because it can get ugly and it can get ugly fast! We stayed pretty tight, which was intense. No room for any errors here. We all enter a turn together, picking a line and trying to hold it. It didn't seem like anyone was using their brakes, I sure wasn't. Speeding down like the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca,  we get into a hairpin, which "G" had warned us about (gotta commit!) I think Gildo was upfront with room, then it was Juan, Dan, Angjelko, and myself. I'm not sure if they had tapped their brakes or not but suddenly, I came up on Dan really quick! I tapped and adjusted my line. We all leaned in ! This was the closest I've ever carved at this speed. It was a rush! I'm not sure which wheel it was but I could feel my tires skipping. A little lean seemed to get me back in line. A few more turns and we were at the bottom with a hard left hander. When "G" mentions something about carving, Listen! I found myself on the heels of Dan again and we were both smiling! It was awesome! 

We then roll into Los Olivos, a small little town in the middle of our ride. Perfect for re-hydrating, refueling, and just havin' a seat! This is also the suggested half-way meeting spot where we met up with Rich to ride.

across the 154, just past Los Olivos

There's a section past Los Olivos on Figueroa Mountain Road where just like last year, we skipped from shady tree to shady tree. This year it wasn't due to the heat and exhaustion. More for not being in condition and cramping in my legs. We carve what we can and save what's left for the fun ride back. I don't know how long it took me to get to Neverland (the rest of the group was resting and waiting). But everyone who has trikked this route will tell you, Everything you endured during this ride to get here will be well worth the trip! For the past fifteen miles it's mostly been up hill. At Neverland, we turn around and head back, down hill! Some of the longest stretches of effortless carving  you'll enjoy is right here! There are a couple of hills but it's a lot easier on the return.

2014 Neverland Endurance Trikkers

I did mention I was cramping up. The excitement and joy of knowing what laid ahead seemed to take it away (mostly). You can relax and enjoy or carve it up and pick up some crazy speed, either way is just smiles! In no time, you'll find yourself back at Los Olivos. We parted with Rich, again and with Live music playing, someone heard "Stella" calling. We had to stop.  . . . 





Come back and finish the ride 
WW