California Triple Crown, Robert

The California Triple Crown:
"Quitting" Was Not An Option!
Written By Robert Chillous for Crankin'Time

Congratulations to L.A. area cyclist Robert Chillous on
his completion of the 2k7 California Triple Crown Series.

Crankin'Time Cycling Magazine was privileged to get an
interview with the newly crowned endurance rider in
between his hectic work schedule.

CTC: Which of the three California Triple Crown
double centuries did you complete?

RC: All three of the following:
1. The Butterfield Double Century,
2. The Solvang Double Century, and
3. The Hemet Double Century

CTC: Which one of the doubles would you say were the
hardest for you?

RC: "I would have to say the Planet Ultra Butterfield
Double. The high elevation made it more physically
challenging for me especially since I was involved in a
cycling accident a couple of months prior to doing the
Butterfield Double and was left with a broken jaw and
nose.!"

As a result, I couldn’t chew food, making it very
difficult to keep up with the proper nutrients I needed for a ride like this that was so physically demanding.

CTC:   Which one of these rides were the most fun?

RC: "The Solvang Double because it was so beautiful. The courses were well marked and the SAG support was awesome. Even though Solvang had its challenges all of those things combined still made the ride pleasant."

CTC:   Which double century was the most challenging for you?

RC:"The Hemet Double was the most challenging because of the hills and
the high winds. With the wind blowing so hard, it made it difficult to
climb the hills and then you had to be careful coming down because you
could be easily blown over."

CTC:   Did the CTC experience leave an impact on you?

RC:"It had a profound impact on me in the sense that it forced me to go
beyond my limits. By participating in the Double Century I was pushed
mentally and physically. I was so honored to just be participating and
I was determined not to give up. Despite the accident and the resulting
physical challenges, I felt I needed to prove to myself that I would do
anything if I put my mind to."

CTC:   Would you recommend anyone going for the CTC experience?

RC:"Yes, of course. But they would definitely have to be serious about it
and have the kind of determination that will help them overcome any
obstacles or challenges they may encounter."

CTC:   Was there anything funny that happened on any of the rides?

RC: "When we were doing the Butterfield Double a couple of us were
riding when we noticed a van with some kids in it pass by."

Then all of a sudden the van stops and began to backup.
My first thought was, “Oh Boy!.... here comes trouble”.

"As they came to a stop again, the side door flings open and several passengers pull down their pants and moon us! All we could do was laugh about it."

CTC:   Was there anything that scared you on any of these CTC rides?

RC: "The scariest thing for me was when I was doing the Butterfield. By the time I made it to mile 140, about 40 of the participants quit. I was pretty disappointed because I was using them as a guide for the route! So now here I am by myself, it's dark and my light goes out. As I continued on I began to hear noises in the bushes. As I make my way through the shrubbery I got off of my bike and held it up in case I had to use it as a weapon. Then all of a sudden a huge owl swoops down and starts flapping its wings! I used my bike to try to shoo it away. I was so scared. Finally, some more bikers came along and helped to guide me out of the canyon"

CTC:   What would you recommend to anyone that wants to do a Double Century?

RC: "To make sure that they receive the proper training and as I stated before they must be serious about it and have the kind of determination that will help them to overcome the obstacles and challenges they will encounter.

The CTC experience for me, was fun, it was challenging and most of all it was rewarding. I was determined to finish because quitting was definitely not an option.

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

CALIFORNIA TRIPLE CROWNER: CTC Cyclist Robert Chillous says "Quitting was not an option"