I feel very spoiled living in California; I'm blown away at how big the state is in the ultra cycling world, not only in the number of ultra cycling events but the crown, if you will, that is the California Triple Crown Stage Race (CTCSR). When I first read of the CTCSR I was drawn to the challenge and the mystique of the event. Some of my earliest heroes in ultra cycling were the men and women who were proving themselves as some of the best ultra cyclists in the world by consistently reaching the podium in this challenging event.

The CTCSR is more than just a race, it's a great vehicle for cyclists to challenge themselves to attempt what they thought was not possible. In 2005 Kitty Goursolle commented, "I turn 50 this year and wanted to do something really great for that milestone day, rather than feel sad that I'm getting so 'old'." Goursolle, the first woman to race in RAAM (1983!) ended up winning the '05 Stage Race! The CTCSR can be part of a progression from completing the Triple Crown (finishing three doubles in one season) to adding some steroids to it for an even greater challenge; the point is to get out there and push yourself no matter where you end up... it's not about the destination, it's about the journey!

The proud papa of the California Triple Crown (CTC) is its Director Chuck Bramwell "The Triple Crown Guy" as he's known around these parts. Chuck has brought not only credibility to ultra cycling, but single handily put California doubles on the map, most folks won't show up to a double century unless it is on the CTC's calendar. Chuck is a true gift to our sport!

On April 16th, 2005 the CTCSR got off to a very challenging start with Stage 1, the Mulholland Double Century in Southern California around Malibu. Due to some heavy winter storms event organizers were presented with the task of rerouting the course making this already challenging course even tougher! The competition was fierce at the front with no one holding back. Behind the leaders was the heart of ultra cycling and my new heroes, the folks who show up for the reward of personal accomplishment, putting themselves into an event that maybe a year or two ago they thought was impossible. No longer intimidated they have stepped up their level of commitment to themselves and their sport. Long after the leaders have finished these brave riders come rolling in with a great sense of accomplishment and some new stories that will last a lifetime! 2005's third place woman, Kerin Huber commented, "It's interesting how your perceived limitations change. When I started with my first century in 2000 I had no idea that in four years I would be racing doubles instead of just trying to complete them."

Stage 2 took place April 30th and was an old friend of the CTCSR, the Devil Mountain Double in San Ramon, CA. Once again riders tackle a very challenging and scenic course, not to mention the most climbing of all the doubles in California! This course is relentless but a real blast to ride. Riders start the morning with a climb up Mt. Diablo, where they are treated to some amazing views and a beautiful sunrise, and then onto a rendezvous with Mt. Hamilton, followed by Sierra Rd., this one will get your attention! The Devil Mountain Double is a long day but a very rewarding one.

On May 13th the CTCSR reached its finale. Stage 3 saw racers heading to the central coast of California to the little hamlet of Paso Robles, home of another old friend of the CTCSR, the Central Coast Double. Once again riders are treated to an absolutely beautiful venue for an ultra cycling event. The morning is spent climbing and descending to the coast and Highway. 1, then after riders make their way up the coast, passing Hearst Castle, they're greeted with the longest climb of the course, with an added motivation to make the climb because lunch awaits them on the other side. After 210 miles riders find themselves rolling back to Paso Robles and the completion to their CTCSR adventure.

Many riders come out of the CTCSR to take on even bigger events. Graham Pollock went onto finish two Furnace Creek 508s and in '04 won the Race Across Oregon. Linda Bott, who finished second in the 2005 CTCSR, qualified for RAAM at Furnace Creek six months later. 2005's third place woman Kerin Huber teamed up with Isabelle Drake to set a two-woman team record at Furnace Creek. Karen Rhodes age 48, from San Francisco, completed four doubles in 2003 and 2004. She came back in '05 and did the stage race, then went on to race the 508 with Louise Comar, placing second to Huber and Drake by just 16 seconds!

The 2006 edition goes back to its roots, and what I consider the original CTCSR, the Devil Mountain Double (April 29th, 2006) Central Coast Double (May 13th) and the Terrible Two in Santa Rosa, California (June 17th). As in years past this year's stage race will find racers' coming from all over the country to challenge themselves once again in series of ultra cycling's premier events. Each of these three doubles is also included in the 2006 John Marino Competition. Whether you're coming out to challenge for the podium or for the personal accomplishment get out here, you won't be disappointed!

John Marino Competition

California Triple Crown complete results