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Trust the taper: Jon Secrett's Ride Santa Barbara 100
14th overall, and 4th in his age group for both the ride and the timed Gibraltar Road climb, after easing off in the final 10 days instead of cramming.
This is the first athlete story on Notes from the field. Jon Secrett is one of LOAD's Founding Athletes, with early access to the app. On Saturday 17 October 2026 he rode the 100 KM + Climb course at Ride Santa Barbara 100 in California: about 68 miles and nearly 7,400 ft of climbing. Here's how it went, in his words.
The 100 KM + Climb course
The event
We were travelling to California, and it was a nice end-of-season event where I could carry the fitness I'd gained through the summer into one final sportive in a beautiful setting. The course is 100 km plus a climb up Gibraltar Road, which is famed as one of the best climbs in Santa Barbara: just over 6 miles at an average of 8%. A real challenge, with beautiful scenery.
Where I started from
I've competed in endurance sport for over 25 years. In my 20s I did a lot of running, half marathons and marathons, at what you'd consider a good level for my age. As I've got older I've moved more and more into cycling, particularly road cycling, which I've really enjoyed for the last 10 years or so. I've been lucky enough to ride sportives, races and Gran Fondos all over the UK, Europe and North America.
My run-up to this event was built around the other events I'd done. I came into it at the end of the season with a little fatigue, but also a good level of fitness built up from earlier in the year.
The goal
To enjoy it, first and foremost. But the event was timed, with a separate timed segment up Gibraltar Road, so I also wanted to place well for my age. That was very much an opportunity I saw in this event.
The build
Preparation was good overall. I'd ridden well in other events and felt strong. There was a little fatigue, and some travel beforehand that stopped me doing one or two sharpening sessions, but nothing that was a major hindrance.
Training with LOAD
I used LOAD in the weeks leading up to the event. It was very useful in keeping me on track, steering me away from overtraining and making sure I was peaking in the right way.
One moment stood out. I gave LOAD my travel plans for the weeks before the event and asked for the best course of action. It talked me down off the ledge of trying to do too much in the last 10 days. It made the point, rightly, that I was unlikely to gain any more fitness in that time. It was about sharpening the tools I had, not building new ones.
What I really liked was that the guidance was rational, based on where I was with my fitness and fatigue. It made the case that I was better off taking it easier than pushing hard in the days before the event.
The day itself
The day went well. I started strong and got into a fast group, knowing the opening miles along the coast would be flat. Then we got into rolling terrain, and there were some obvious splits.
The climb came midway through the ride. It started fine, but the low point was towards the end. I didn't feel I'd pushed too hard, but it was an unseasonably warm day, so my heart rate was higher than expected and my power dropped with it. I really had to pace the last third of the climb, which felt pretty slow, to be honest. It was a welcome relief to crest the top and take the winding descent back to the coast. I really enjoyed the push for home, and came in 14th overall and 4th in my age group (40 to 49), and 4th in my age group on the timed climb too.
How it went against the goal
Everything went to plan. I was happy with my pace and power against what I'd set out to do. Nutrition was sound and hydration was good. It was just a lot warmer than I expected, and that's something I'd talk to LOAD about next time: what to change when it's especially hot.
Looking back and forward
I'd be better prepared for the heat. That could mean some heat training or adaptation in the lead-up, or simply being more aware on the day. It was over 32°C on the climb, so power is likely to be lower and heart rate higher. Planning for that keeps you from blowing up and paying for it in the rest of the ride.
As for what's next: taking it easy for a while, then maintenance over the winter, with some intensity alongside steady rides and gym work. After the new year I'll get back to serious structure with LOAD for my 2027 events, which I've yet to decide on.
One piece of advice
If you're following a plan, whatever it is, but certainly one from LOAD: trust the process, trust the coach, and be honest about how your body feels, so the coach can set the best preparation for you.
Don't change anything in the day or two before, and taper properly. Don't go in fatigued. And pace yourself, and enjoy it.