08-31-2026 Ride/Swim

Pretty restless night trying to sleep, I'm guessing I had too much caffeine in addition to the nap. I ended up waking up a little after 6:00 and getting ready, slowly, for a bike ride to try out my new wheels. Through the neighborhood via the long way to get to W Bernardo Dr, turning right there and heading up the hill and past the HP site. Over to Bernardo Center Dr, turning right and riding down the hill to test how the wheels felt (they were good). Right on Cayenne Ridge Rd, taking it over to Dove Creek Rd, which I used to get to 4S Ranch Pkwy, turning right and heading up to CSB. Left turn there, taking it up to Nicole Ridge Rd, where I turned left. I rode around that neighborhood and then got back to Nicole Ridge Rd, taking it to Potomac Ridge Rd and using that road to get to PdS. Left turn there, taking this road down to San Dieguito Rd and turning there. Down the hill and over El Apajo and Via de Santa Fe to Calzada del Bosque. I used that road to get over to VdlV, turning left there and riding, not too fast, to ECR. I turned left there and rode partway up the hill to the turn onto Derby Downs Rd, climbing up to Old El Camino Real. I initially turned left but then turned around to see where this road led heading south. It dead-ended into a street with no exit out of the neighborhood, so I rode back up and then down Old El Camino Real to return to San Dieguito Rd. Across the flats and then slowly up the Three Witches climb, just no energy on this day. I got back to CdS and plodded home the new normal way until turning off RB Rd into the neighborhood and riding that way back to the house.

Avg speed = 14.8 mph. Total mileage = 33.0 mi

Avg power = 131 W. Weighted avg power = 164 W

Total elevation gain = 2000'

Avg heartrate = 112 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 34

Training Load = 134

Intensity = 75%
https://www.strava.com/activities/19977586445

After the ride I had some breakfast, cleaned up the kitchen dishes, then watched a little TV. Next, it was time to do some tasks. I went out in the garage, took my new wheels off and measured the new rotor thickness to be about 1.80 mm. Because I had the issue with my rotor lock ring I took the ones that came with the wheels off and replaced them with the ones that came with my bike. I also measured the old bike rotor thickness values for front and rear wheels, they were 1.30 and 0.93 mm, respectively on average. I was surprised at how much wear they showed, probably won't put them back on the bike. My brake responsiveness is measurably better with the new rotors, just a little grabbing on the front rotor that hasn't resolved yet. A little after noon I talked to Blair, hadn't chatted with him since April. He's doing okay, seems resigned to not working, although I didn't bring the subject of job-hunting up.  After we ended our call Ross texted me, so I called him back and gave him some pointers about how to set up the old Canon Pixma printer on his Windows laptop. Initial efforts didn't work, but I sent him a video that showed how to download drivers and get it working, and apparently that did the trick. I watched a little TV in the afternoon, and read as well. Later on I went in to try and do some cycling analysis code upgrades but got sidetracked updating my cycling database program so it would work with recent changes I'd made to the general code. That took longer than expected. After dinner Ann and I watched some TV, then I read for a while. I also put the SPD MTB cleats on a pair of cycling shoes and installed my MTB pedals on my Fuji to test them out on the coffee ride in the morning with Nel and Andy.

08-30-2026 Run

Had trouble sleeping. The cat got really agitated around 1:00 in the morning, turns out that she hadn't been fed earlier, and she was hungry. Ann had the A/C on full-blast, and it was too much for me in our room, so I eventually went into the other room to sleep, after reading for a bit. Woke up a little after 6:00 and got ready for a longer run at a slower pace. Down to the park and looping around, then running back to get five miles in. I had negative splits throughout, along with a pretty decent last mile. Stretched a little bit before the run and didn't feel any discomfort.

Avg pace = 8:28/mi

Total distance = 5.12 mi

Elapsed moving time = 43:22

Avg heartrate = 130 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 19

https://www.strava.com/activities/19963955330

Got home, made some coffee, and chatted with Joe, then Laura, before they packed up their stuff and started back to Berkeley. I did some stuff around the house (Ann had gone to church), including cleaning up some of my emails. Then I went out in the garage and unboxed my new EliteWheels ENT 3.0 carbon wheels. Here are some of the details.

    Front wheel    R260607269 02010474   D110G1-J2F06734-213 02010474-29R38C31Z

    Rear wheel    R260608377 02010475   D110G1-J2F07454-242 02010475-29R38C31Z

I measured the inner and outer widths of the rims, and they are approximately 23 and 31 mm, respectively. I first attached the disc brake rotors I had purchased earlier (I attached them finger-tight, since I don't have the right spline tool to tighten the rotor lock rings.  The wheels came with a small roll of rim tape, so I carefully applied the tape around the interior surface of the rims to cover the holes for the spokes. Found a couple of old inner tubes with shorter valve stems that I could use, since these wheels are 38 mm depth. I was also lucky enough to find two 25 mm matching Gatorskin tires, purchased at different times and likely having different riding history. Put the tube and tire on the front wheel, it was more difficult with this rim to seat the tire bead, then I pumped the tire up. I tried to put it on the bike and ended up having to remove the brake pads, push the pistons back in, loosen the screws holding the brake to the frame, and reinstall the brake pads before I put the wheel on. I had to adjust the position of the brake to minimize rubbing against the rotor, then I tightened everything up and started on the rear wheel. I don't have a spare cassette, so I ended up taking the cassette off my DT Swiss wheel and installing it on the new wheel so I can try them out. Will have to decide if I'm going to buy another cassette to keep on this wheelset, since it will likely be $100-150. Then, using the same process, I put the disc brake rotor on and applied the rim tape to the interior of the wheel. Installed a tube and tire, then followed the same process to align the brake with the rotor. All looks good after both wheels were installed. I'll give it a test ride tomorrow. After that exercise I had some lunch, then in the afternoon took an short nap and read for a while. The rest of the afternoon was pretty quiet. After dinner and cleaning up the dishes Ann and I watched some TV before settling down for the night (<>).

While I had the wheels out, I also took pictures of the barcodes on my DT Swiss wheels. They have inner and outer rim widths of about 20 and 27 mm, respectively.

    Front wheel    2599476    W018922

    Rear wheel    2241859    W019084

08-29-2026 Ride/Walk

Got up early for a short bike ride before we went out for the day. I rode a little faster than I have been riding, legs felt a little sluggish from the regular exertion on previous days. This was a pretty standard route for the most part, through the neighborhood and out RB Rd to CdS. I took this out past the 56 and then turned on CMR and climbed to Black Mountain Rd. Left turn there, riding to CVR. I wasn't riding very hard at this point, but a guy on a beautiful Colnago bike passed me, and so I sped up to try and catch him on the subsequent climb. I was able to catch and pass him after we turned on CVR, but he eventually passed me again on the descent, and I wasn't interested in trying to catch him again. Down to Dove Canyon Rd taking it back to RB Rd and home the normal way from there.

Avg speed = 16.3 mph. Total mileage = 20.9 mi

Avg power = 141 W. Weighted avg power = 181 W

Total elevation gain = 1400'

Avg heartrate = 114 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 21

Training Load = 87

Intensity = 82%

https://www.strava.com/activities/19950085900

Got home and had time to shave and shower before Ann drove the four of us down to the Zoo to meet Emily and Caleb. We met them by the lion at the front gate right around 9:00 when the park opened. Caleb got the passed for us, and we headed directly to the panda exhibit, getting in line for the 9:30 opening. Only the male was out, it was underwhelming. Then we walked through other parts of the zoo, including the Australia and Africa regions. We waited in line for about 30 minutes to take the bus around the park, that was also disappointing, since we mostly saw the animal enclosures but not the animals. Caleb's employee discount allowed us to get refillable souvenir cups, they we expensive but useful on this warm (almost hot) day. We saw most of the highlights, including some interesting close-up views of adult male and female lions. Did a fair amount of walking, and everybody was hot and a little irritable by the end. We drove back and stopped at Best Pizza & Brew in CMR for lunch. Ann didn't order enough pizza, IMHO, but it was okay. Emily, Caleb, and I sat at one table and had a nice chat. Then they drove to their place, and we drove home. A little later, the four of us drove to Stone Brewery, which is likely closing this year. We had to wait about 25 minutes for a table (there weren't enough servers), and the service was initially lackluster. Had drinks and snacks, it was fine but started to get hot near the end, even though we were in the shade. Got home, and I scrounged around for some food to eat for dinner, there wasn't much in the house. Laura, Joe, and I watched Best in Show. I'd seen it at least once before, but it held up pretty well. Joe had never seen it, and he also thought it was funny. I was ready for sleep after that.

08-28-2026 Run/Ride

Went to sleep kinda early, woke up a little before 4:00. I dozed in bed before getting up (<>) and getting ready for a run. I drove over to Grape Day Park in Escondido, parked on a side street, and did a quick stretch before running what I think will be the route for the Grape Day 5k. Took Broadway to Grand Ave and turned right, running on the sidewalks down to Centre City Pkwy before turning around and heading back. Then it was up on Broadway to 7th Ave. It's fairly flat until 6th Ave, then it tilts up and actually gets steep before the left turn onto 7th Ave. I was still climbing after the turn but at a lesser grade until it tilted up again on my way to Grape St, where I turned left again. There is a little crest on this street, it drops down a bit before the right turn onto 5th Ave, where I had to climb again up to the top, at Fig St. I continued a little bit before finding a place to turn around and head back down 5th Ave to Broadway. This is steadily downhill all the way back to Broadway, and my pace picked up as a result. I turned right on Broadway and ran to Grand Ave, turning right again and running on the sidewalks up to Juniper St, where I turned around and headed back again to Broadway. Last right turn there, running back to the intersection where I started. I'm sure I got a little benefit from the run pausing at several intersections with red lights. If I want a shot at placing in the 5k, I'll need to start faster, not slow down as much in the second mile, and go all out at the end.

Avg pace = 7:21/mi

Total distance = 3.17 mi

Elapsed moving time = 23:19

Avg heartrate = 147 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 27

https://www.strava.com/activities/19935992784

Got home and got ready for a bike ride on (now more) tired legs. Wanted to get the ride in before it heated up, and I was successful here. I rode down by the park and over to Highland Valley Rd, turning there, riding on the flats and up the first part of the climb before turning around and heading back to Pomerado Rd. I was okay pushing the pace on the flats but didn't have much else in my legs when the grade turned up. I turned left at Pomerado Rd and rode up to Stone Canyon Rd, turning right there on a whim and then left on Avenida Lamego. This is an initially steep little climb that took me to Avenida Villaha, which changed to Calle Pueblito after I crossed Bernardo Heights Pkwy. There was a traffic jam on this street as parents dropped their kids off at the middle school. I rode up to Paseo Lucido, turned right, then took a left on Corte Sabio to bypass some of the school traffic. I took Avenida Alcachofa over to Calle Saucillo and used it to get back to Paseo Lucido, where I headed over to CMR. Talked to another cyclist while we were waiting for the light changes at CdN and, after turning onto Rancho Carmel Dr, at CMR. He was heading to C's Ice Cream & Deli in Scripps Ranch, I'm guessing he owns or manages it. I pulled into the parking lot and got a couple of donuts from Sesame Donuts, then I sat and ate them while relaxing. After the break I rode back to Rancho Carmel Dr and then took CMR back to CdN, turning left there and following the new time trial route back home. Was slower on the ride than I'd hoped I would be and certainly more tired when I got home.

Avg speed = 15.7 mph. Total mileage = 20.7 mi

Avg power = 130 W. Weighted avg power = 151 W

Total elevation gain = 1240'

Avg heartrate = 122 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 27

Training Load = 70

Intensity = 69%

https://www.strava.com/activities/19937515457

Got home, and I was glad to sit down and chill for a bit while chatting with Laura and Ann. Laura was talking about sewing her wedding dress, along with its intended design, with Ann, I had nothing to contribute. So I took a shower and felt much better. Made some iced tea later, then I watched some TV about reviving an 80s Ferrari engine that was pretty interesting. Had a little nap later in the morning while I was reading, then I had a big lunch. We three chatted in the afternoon, and I read for a bit as well. Continued cleaning up my Google Photos storage as well. Later in the afternoon we drove down to the airport through moderate traffic to pick Joe up from the airport. We didn't have to wait too long. Then we drove to Old Town and had dinner at El Sueno, a decent restaurant that was only a little overpriced. Home after that, where the fourof us talked until it was time to settle down for the night.

08-27-2026 Ride/Swim

Slept pretty well, although it was muggy in the night and harder to stay cool. I woke up a little before 5:30 and got ready for an early-morning bike ride, leaving as soon as it was light enough, a little before 6:00. Even then, it was kinda sketchy riding on W Bernardo Dr. I rode over to the pedestrian bridge and across the lake, then over to Via Rancho Pkwy, turning left and heading up to Felicita Rd, where I turned. Up that little climb and then left on Hamilton Ln, taking it to Bernardo Ave. I turned right there and rode up and over to the gate, past it, then up to 11th Ave. Not a lot of energy in my legs on this day, I think I need to include more multiple days of riding to get ready for the November trip. I rode over to Del Dios Rd and used it to get to Avenida del Diablo. Then it was over to Citracado Pkwy, turning right there and staying on it up to the hospital. When I got near the top of the climb Paula was waiting, she had ridden from her house via Twin Oaks Valley Pkwy. We kept on Citracado Pkwy until turning left onto Auto Park Way. Stayed on Nordahl Rd, up that little climb past the 78, then we turned left on Knob Hill Rd. Over to Bennett Ave, where we turned right and took it to El Norte Pkwy. This is a nice wide road with good bike lanes. Left on El Norte Pkwy, then a right on Country Club Ln. We took this road for a bit, then turned right on La Brea St, which turned into Cortez Ave and then into Sunset Heights Rd. This took us to Nutmeg St, where we turned left and rode back to Country Club Ln. Right turn there, under the freeway, then we turned right on Village Rd to get over to Broadway. This road wasn't a great choice for early morning traffic, but we made it into downtown Escondido with no issues, turning right on Valley Pkwy to get over to Quince St. Left turn here, taking it to the end and turning right on 13th Ave to get to Redwood St. This got us to Felicita Rd, and we rode over to Hamilton Ln, turning right there and taking the new route I'd found, up this road, then a right on Continental Ln followed by a left on Calle Catalina that got us to the top of Gamble Ln. We then used Scenic Trail Way to get back to Citracado Pkwy. Paula let me know around here that she was going to ride back through San Elijo Hills, so we rode down to Harmony Grove Village Pkwy, turned there and took it to Harmony Grove Rd. We split up there, and I headed north on this road to get back to Citracado Pkwy. Left turn there and then a right on Andreasen Dr, heading through the Escondido industrial park via a right turn on Harmony Grove Rd (it no longer connects directly). Over to Hale Ave, turning left there and then right onto 9th Ave. At this point I wasn't sure which way to take home, but I decided to try and stay away from traffic as much as possible. So I rode back to Del Dios Rd, turned right there and then left back onto 11th Ave. From here, I retraced my earlier route back to the freeway and took it over the lake, riding home the normal way from there. Again, no a high-energy day for me on the bike, just working to get miles in. The route ended up having more elevation gain in it than I had thought it would.

Avg speed = 14.1 mph. Total mileage = 33.1 mi

Avg power = 110 W. Weighted avg power = 149 W

Total elevation gain = 2010'

Avg heartrate = 110 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 32

Training Load = 118

Intensity = 68%

https://www.strava.com/activities/19924054995

Got home, I ended up not eating much (I'd eaten a banana during and just after the ride), just drank a large cup of coffee. I talked Ann into going to the WWC with me to swim, which was great. She had to eat breakfast, so it was over an hour before we actually drove over there. I ended up doing four 250s with longer breaks in between than usual. Ann did some laps as well, which was fantastic. I took my camera but apparently it got knocked around so it wasn't aimed at the pool. Here are the splits (from my watch data) for the four 250s: 4:35, 4:38, 4:38, 4:15. I tried to keep a long and strong stroke, last 250 was using the swim fins, but in the first three 250s my stroke count was 18-19.

Avg pace = 1:49/100 yds (Video)

Total distance = 1000 yds (Video)

Elapsed moving time = 18:06 (Video)

Avg heartrate = 122 bpm (too low)

Relative Effort = 8 (too low)

SWOLF = 35

Avg stroke rate = 20 bpm

Avg pull distance = 2.54 yds

https://www.strava.com/activities/19926333517

Got home, caught up some on blogging, then had some lunch (I was pretty hungry). Laura got back from visiting her movie producer friend Sonia around noon. We chatted for a little bit, then she went upstairs. I watched some TV, then went in the garage and did a brake bleed on my rear brakes, which were kinda shaky after I had replaced the brake pads (front and back) the previous evening. Bleed procedure went okay, maybe they are a little more grabby, but they aren't as grabby as the front brakes. We ate dinner together and chatted after dinner. The rest of the evening was quiet.

08-26-2026 Ride

Slept fitfully, apparently from the big cup of coffee the previous day. I woke up around 3:00, was awake for a while, and finally got back to sleep. Woke up again, finished my latest book, Gaudy Night, then got up to get ready for a ride with John. I took the normal way over there (including going to top of Briarleaf Way and then down to Dapple Ct) but not too fast. Jayden was out when I got there, he wanted us to race around the street before we left, so we three did. Over to Angelique St and then up to the top, where I circled back and rode down to John before riding back up. Right on Cypress Canyon Rd, taking it down to Blue Cypress Dr and turning left there. It's a steady climb up to Spring Canyon Rd, where we turned left and took the gradual climb back to Pomerado Rd. Down the hill, and it was a little sketchy in morning traffic. I rode the brakes (rear brake was squealing) for much of the way down. We continued on Pomerado Rd all the way back to RB Rd. As we were gradually climbing to Ted Williams Pkwy, a rider passed us, and I thought I recognized him as Craig Miller. He was moving, so I was torn between riding with John and trying to catch up to him. I ended up somewhere in the middle, and he caught some lights, which gave me a shot to close the gap. I caught him just past the hospital and chatted briefly with him before slowing down to wait for John to catch up. Then we continued down to RB Rd and got onto the old time trial route. He was pretty slow, I'm guessing he hasn't been riding that much. I stopped several times to wait for him. Eventually, he passed me on the downhill past the high school. He got pretty far in front. I eventually caught him on the climb up to Poway Rd, and I matched his pace to the top. We rode together all the way on Poway Rd back to Springhurst Dr. I stopped to pick up a penny around Oak Knoll Rd, then pushed to catch back up to him. Back to his house the normal way, I ended up doing the same little extra distance on Briarleaf Way as I had done earlier. Vivian made smoothies for us, and on this hot humid day they were particularly satisfying. I chatted with them for a while but not as long as usual, since the day was hot and getting hotter. Because I'd ridden on Pomerado Rd so much, I took the new time trial route back by turning left on Sabre Springs Pkwy. Back to the intersection with CdN, where I decided to go straight and stay on Paseo Lucido all the way down the hill before turning onto Bernardo Heights Pkwy. Home the normal way from there via Bernardo Center Dr. I have been slower in this weather, definitely. My average heartrate is also higher when riding in this kind of weather.

Avg speed = 14.9 mph. Total mileage = 41.9 mi

Avg power = 128 W. Weighted avg power = 157 W

Total elevation gain = 2720'

Avg heartrate = 123 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 66

Training Load = 164

Intensity = 71%

https://www.strava.com/activities/19911494725

Got home early enough for just a little relaxation time before I needed to get ready for my volunteer shift at the hospital. It was in the 90s when I rode over there, I had a pretty big lunch when I was there. The shift was slow at the beginning but got pretty busy about 2/3 of the way through. I heard that Johnny was recovering from neck surgery, and I met a travel nurse, Lauren, who was pretty nice. Courtney was the charge nurse, she's decent as well. After the shift I walked out to my scooter, and the temperature gauge said 103 deg. It felt really hot on the way home, not that hot but definitely in the upper 90s. Got home and had a little down time before dinner, where I watched a bit of TV. After dinner I replaced a small drip sprinkler head in the back yard and then replaced both sets of brake pads on my Canyon bike. Couldn't get the front pads to be completely free from the rotor, but I think it's close enough. Then, Ann and I watched an interesting documentary about the feud between chess grandmasters Hans Niemann and Magnus Carlsen. It was a compelling and weird story. The rest of the evening was quiet.

I've started a new book, Shadows of Eternity, by Gregory Benford, one of my favorite SF authors from a number of years ago.

08-25-2026 Ride

Slept pretty well, woke up around 5:00 and kinda dozed in bed until I got up at 6:00. I saw a message about the meeting spot for my ride with Andy and Nel and hustled to get ready and leave sooner than I had planned. Rode through the neighborhood all the way around Matinal Circle and then took W Bernardo Dr to RB Rd and then Bernardo Center Dr. Right turn there, taking it up to Bernardo Heights Pkwy and turning left. Another left on Paseo Lucido, where I climbed a little bit to its intersection with Avenida Venusto. This is where I thought I was supposed to meet Andy and Nel, so I sent them a photo and a message. Andy called shortly afterward. Apparently there was a miscommunication about where he and I were supposed to meet (he thought at his house). We cleared it up, and he started riding to our meeting point, which, from Nel's subsequent message, was at the other intersection of Paseo Lucido and Avenida Venusto, by the high school. So I took Paseo Lucido up and over past the high school and met Nel at that intersection, where we waited for Andy to show up. He did, not too long after, and we continued over to CMR, taking it to Rancho Carmel Dr and turning right there. Down the hill and over to the 56 bike path entrance, where we turned and got on the bike path, staying on it all the way to its end. In the morning, this bike path has a number of dangerous intersections, where car drivers are not always watching for cyclists. But we navigated all of them safely and got down to Sorrento Valley, where we turned left on that bike path and back to CMR, turning left and stopping for coffee at the Corner House Cafe. It took a bit of time to get our coffee, then we chatted for a while as the temperature creeped up. It was already more humid than usual, so the ride back home was going to be tougher. After coffee, we retraced our route back to the 56 bike path and took it to CdS, turning right there and then right again onto Torrey Santa Fe Rd. Over to Torrey Meadows Dr, turning there and using it to get back to CdS. We rode over to the Von's shopping center and stopped there for a quick bio break before heading back to CdS yet again and turning left. To CVR, right turn there and up the gradual climb. I put in a little bit of an effort here, suffering some from the heat and humidity. Nel kept on my wheel all the way to the summit, where we stopped and waited for Andy to catch up. Then it was down the hill and back up to Bernardo Center Dr. We stayed on it into RB. Nel turned off at Bernardo Heights Pkwy to head home, Andy turned at Lomica Dr, and I took the normal way home from there via Bernardo Center Dr. It was, I think, 97 deg when I got home. A little bit of a breeze, but no wonder I felt a little bit drained at the end of an easy-paced ride.

Avg speed = 13.9 mph. Total mileage = 36.7 mi

Avg power = 104 W. Weighted avg power = 133 W

Total elevation gain = 2270'

Avg heartrate = 108 bpm (Coospo)

Relative Effort = 33

Training Load = 116

Intensity = 60%

https://www.strava.com/activities/19899095585

Got home, Laura was on her way from the conference, so I had a shave and a shower before she got there. We chatted for a while before heading to lunch at Charm Thai Cafe. Lunch there was decent, and we drove back after that, chatted some more then. I went upstairs later to read for a bit, and Ann and Laura went down to UTC for Laura to return something. Watched some TV in the afternoon. We three had dinner together and talked for a while after dinner, then retired for the rest of the evening.