With the 2014 CRCA Bear Mountain Spring Classic just three weeks away, we took advantage of limited racing options and warm weather to check out the 14 mile loop that will see a full day of racing on May 11. With the traditional Bear Mountain course last used in 2009 it had been some time since we'd experienced these roads - today's ride immediately reminded why its such a well-liked (and challenging) course. A quick run down of the course conditions:

• Seven Lakes Drive is absolutely beautiful with fresh and nearly flawless pavement throughout
• Lake Welch Parkway is a bit rough, but other than one or two potholes it's nothing too out of the ordinary
• Tiorati is in great shape overall - some rough patches on the yellow line in the lower sections, but upper Tiorati has fresh and beautiful pavement