The Paris-Roubaix of the West

Saturday is Copperopolis. Copper is the hardest, longest (time wise) race on the northern California circuit. 105 miles and 7500ft gained of pain and suffering on some of the worst roads California has to offer.

You should see about 10 of these signs on the course.

Copper is a very prestigious race and is definitely known as a "hard man's race" because only the fittest survive. It combines hard climbing, fierce winds, long miles, and tough competition. Scoring a top 10 in this race automatically means you're a stud. They don't call it the Paris-Roubaix of the West for nothing.

Check out the cobbles at Paris-Roubaix. Similar to the roads at Copperopolis

Copper is also the only race that I have done every season as a racer. As a cat4 I scored a 5th place as three guys got away individually and I managed a 2nd in the "field" sprint of 6 guys. A year later as a cat3 I flatted out of the winning group of 5, but got a wheel and still managed 5th place. Last year I had the best legs of the season and a broken cleat cost me a possible top-10 finish as Levi Leipheimer destroyed the field doing the last lap solo. This year my goals are as follows in order of importance. Note: its the most stacked field in years with several top pros signed up and likely more will show up race day.

• Don't crash (always my first goal)
• Don't flat or have a mechanical
• Finish the race
• Get a top 10
• Get a great workout
  

I have several teammates this year so we all get to suffer together. I can't wait