2k9caltriplecrown

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

California Triple Crown:
"A Committment to Succeed"
Written for Crankin'TIME
by Karla Joseph

Congratulations to L.A. area cyclist Karla Joseph on her completion of the 2k9 California Triple Crown Series. Crankin'Time Cycling Magazine was privileged to get an interview with the newly crowned endurance rider.

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

KJ: "I completed the Solvang, Davis, and the LA Wheelmen's
Grand Tour Double in 2009"

CT: Which one of the doubles would you say was the
most difficult for you?

KJ: "Davis was the most difficult for me because I didn't train
as hard as I did for the first double and the week prior.
I also didn't get the proper rest and nutrition that I should
have for the endurance ride. In addition to that, it was
extremely hot that day."

CT: Which one of these rides was the most fun?

KJ: "The LA Wheelmen's Grand Tour Double was the most enjoyable to me because I was familiar with most of the course."

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

KJ: "The most challenging was the Solvang Double because it was my first double century. Everybody I had trained with for various reasons decided not to do the doubles. I had to make a decision to stay the course or let go of the goal. I knew if I had not attempted this goal the desire would still be in my heart so I had to do it. I was so determined to complete my first double, because Thomas Ward, club president of CTCC, announced to the world on CTCC's website! Most importantly, because I wanted to.

Although I was willing to do the ride alone, fellow club member Khamadi called me and said he wanted to do the ride as well - Thank God!!
The last 50 miles was the most difficult because I was on the course alone and fog rolled in at about 7:49pm.

On parts of the course there were no street lights, big thick trees which covered the moonlight, and a bumpy road not really made for road cycling. To the right of me were cows (I heard moo!) to the left were horses (smelled them too), in the bushes I heard crackling leaves! I couldn't see a thing.

However I was at peace because the animals surrounding me were mellow (...AND most importantly, THE "SAG guy" wasn't too far behind me either) Now, if the animals had started running wild that would have been MY clue - SOMETHING'S UP!

Bottom line, I was so determined to finish that I didn't have room for fear and quitting was never an option. Besides, the Greater One dwells inside of me and in Him I live, move and, have my very being."

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

KJ: The CTC has definitely impacted my life in a number of ways. One example of that is a charity ride with the Braille Institute I did in Santa Barbara. After several delays I ended up on a late train arriving after 10pm in Santa Barbara.
I had two choices: cut my losses (registration fee) and not go or continue the journey. I immediately reflected on the last 50 miles of my Solvang double - if I can ride alone in almost complete darkness in unfamiliar territory I can certainly ride down State Street on a well lit bike path in Santa Barbara at 10:30pm.

CT: Would you recommend anyone going for the California Triple Crown experience?

KJ: "Absolutely, but take plenty of determination and attitude."

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

KJ: "When I walked in the room to check in at the end of the Solvang double the volunteers were standing around waiting for the last rider to drag through the door. Just the opposite, I went in full of energy with my fists raised in victory - as though I was first. Everybody in the room laughed. "

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

KJ: "During the Davis double, I thought I was going to pass out from heat exhaustion! Nothing satisfied me, no water, Gatorade, sandwich, or fruit so I laid down at the SAG stop and took a nap. One of my coaches told me that Coke was the quickest way to get sugar in the blood, so when I woke up from my nap I drank a Coke and I was good to go."

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

KJ: "Train to ride continuously for at least 40 miles before stopping, eat while you ride so that you never get hungry, and do 'a lot' of climbing to prepare for these double centuries."

CT: Once again Congratulations on being a California Triple Crown Finisher and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF CRANKIN TIME CYCLING.

KJ: "My pleasure!"

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

LOS ANGELES, CA - CrankinTIME cyclist Karla Joseph the newest California Triple Crowner, CTCC Class of 2009.