California Triple Crown, Steve

The California Triple Crown:
"Be Prepared for the Challenge!"
Interview with Steve Bayne for Crankin'TIME!

Crankin'TIME Cycling is a proud supporter of the California Triple Crown

Congratulations to L.A. area cyclist Steve Bayne on his completion of the 2k10 California Triple Crown Series.
Crankin'Time Cycling Magazine was privileged to get an interview with the newly crowned endurance rider in
between his hectic traveling schedule.

Crankin'TIME: Which of the 3 Cal Triple Crown
double centuries did you complete?

Steve B: "The Solvang Double, The Hemet Double
& The LA Wheelmen's Grand Tour (Lowland Double)"

Crankin'TIME: Which of the doubles would you
say was the hardest for you?

Steve B: The hardest was the Camino Real (the Butterfield).
We (Tony Johnson, Keith Youngblood, Karla Joseph,
Franklin Love) started out in a downpour of rain!
(My socks stayed wet the entire ride), it was cold and the
course was poorly marked, if marked at all.

At mile 91, shortly after lunch, my pedal broke (bearings
disintegrated) and THEN.... was NO SAG support!
I had to ride 35 miles, to the nearest bike shop, while staying on the course, to get a new set of pedals.

Once the bike was repaired, we were at least 70 miles to finish, but only 3 hours left to complete the ride. When we finally did get in touch with the SAG support, they pulled us off the course, as we ran out of time. We (Tony, Keith & Angelo Smith, a brother we picked up along the way) had ridden 143 miles.

Crankin'TIME:   Which one of these rides were the most fun?

Steve B: Solvang, for the scenery and pace that we kept. Drafting in and out
of line for a 10 mile stretch, Tony Johnson and I had a blast!

The ride started out in 32 degree temperatures and the tingling in my finger
tips went on for weeks (should’ve had on my long gloves).
Angelo Smith (yes, since brothers are far and few between, we tend to stick
together, and do the same rides) and I, rode most of the way, after the
second rest stop to the end, together.

As dusk approached, I had neither Tony or Angelo around, but found a
burst of energy, caught up and passed a couple of guys from Oregon I had
been drafting with. They were amazed that I came out of no where, caught
and lead them into the last rest stop.

After that rest stop, was a monster of a hill (Drum Canyon , a 3.4 mile ascent).

Darkness had fallen and my headlight was getting dim.
Fortunately, there was a full moon to light the way. Anyone that knows me, knows I’ll get up a hill, but it may take some time and I will never get off and walk.

At the top, my compadres from Oregon, were waiting, realizing I was without light. These guys lent me a small light and escorted me for the remainder of the ride.

Crankin'TIME:   Which double century was the most challenging for you?

Steve B: Sage Road, on the Hemet Double. Keep in mind, the Hemet Double is primarily flat. The first 100 mile loop was no big deal. Started out in the dark and foggy morning. Sun comes out. Gets pretty warm. Stop for lunch. Back in the saddle, we get to Sage Road . Four miles of an average 5.3% grade. Youngblood stopped halfway up to undress. I stopped at least once, just to catch my breathe. At this point, it was 90*+, but we made it. There was also substantial headwinds at various points throughout. At about mile 190, I realized this course was so flat, that my legs had been going the entire day (i.e. no downhill rest).

Crankin'TIME:   Did the CTC experience leave an impact on you?

Steve B: I can achieve anything I set my mind to (as long as I have prepared for the challenge). Some of you, as I did, think 200 miles is an eternity, even in a car, but to do it on a bike!? Are you crazy? I trained most Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesday evenings (thanks to Kevin Evans, of Major Motion) since January, which allowed me to get and stay in shape.

While it’s not a “piece of cake”, it is do-able. It also makes doing a century, afterwards, a very easy task.

Crankin'TIME:   Would you recommend anyone going for the CTC experience?

Steve B: ABSOLUTELY!!! If you are willing to put in the time and training, it is really not that hard to do. I believe

Crankin'TIME:   Was there anything funny that happened on any of the rides?

Steve B: Solvang. As I mentioned, this ride started out in 32 degree temperatures. Just before sunrise, this rider passes us in a SLEEVELESS jersey! No arm warmers, no windbreaker. No nothing. All Tony Johnson and I could do was laugh and think "this mofo must be crazy…"

Also, I did not experience a single flat on any of these rides. God must’ve been smiling down on me. There was one day, on a training ride, I experienced two or three. I was not a happy camper…

Crankin'TIME:   Was there anything that scared you on any of these Cal Triple Crown rides?

Steve B: Scared? No. BUT!.. riding (Camino Real) on the 5 fwy, in the dark and then having to stop to help Youngblood change a flat. Cars zooming by, some honking their horns, just didn’t make things comfortable.

Crankin'TIME: Is there anything that you would recommend to anyone contemplating going for the California Triple Crown?

Steve B: Find a ride partner (as Tony Johnson, Keith Youngblood, Karla Joseph & Franklin Love, kept me motivated).Train hard (A special thanks to Kevin Evans, Anthony Knight, Raja Black and Norma Pringle).

Train often. Keep the tires pumped up and the tire side down…the more hands to help, the easier the load.

“The diamond cannot be polished without friction, nor the man perfected without trials.” –Chinese Proverb

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF Crankin' TIME CYCLING.

For more information on the California Triple Crown visit: www.caltriplecrown.com

CALIFORNIA TRIPLE CROWNER: CrankinTIME cyclist Steve Bayne says "I can achieve anyhing if I am prepared for the challenge"