The NCAC covers some of the most amazing and diverse areas of the Greater Sacramento Valley region.
As amazing as the route itself is, however, the scenery is not what keeps participants returning year after year. Life on the road of NCAC involves team-work, camaraderie, dedication, and solidifying friendships. The day starts for some crew members as early as 4:30 a.m., when they wake up start the day off. Cyclists and most of the crew hits the road around 7 a.m. to head out in the cool of the mornings looking forward to the first rest stop of the day. Look closely, though. Cyclists have been met by surprise rest stops for a quick water-fill, some lovely looking hula dancers bellydancing on the side of the roads, motivating music pumping from the speakers of a crew vehicle, crew dressed in prom-attire, super-hero costumes, and “luau” garb. There’s no telling what’s coming around the next corner!
Cyclists and crew receive detailed cue sheets each morning that points out every turn, marks each rest stop, and makes sure everyone gets to lunch! Turns and tricky spots are accompanied by any number of a dedicated (and omnipresent!) motorcycle crew to make sure no one misses a step. Those motorcycles also carry water and communicate with the route coordinator should anyone need some extra assistance.
Some folks you want out there on the road with you but hope not to see too much are our Bike Tech who drives the route all day, and sets up a mobile “tune-up” shop in the evenings, and our Medical Crew, who also drive the route and make sure crew and cyclist alike can speak coherently and ride a straight line!
The days can be long, but they are some of the most supported, safe, and enjoyable days you will have.
