12-31-2010 Ride

Ride up to Jim's house, meeting up with the other three. It was cold at the start, 34 deg by my thermometer. Headed over Duenda to W Bernardo Dr, then up the hill to Bernardo Center Dr. On the first climb, I got the sense that the others, particularly Dave and John, were going to lag behind. Jim was riding strong the entire day. Headed out Bernardo Center Dr and Carmel Valley Rd to Del Mar Heights Rd. Took this road over to the coast, and I really put distance on them on the short, steep climb just before the last downhill to the coast. On the coast, I generally held my own, particularly on any of the parts with an uphill grade. There was one point where the three of them got out ahead of me after a stop at a light, and I couldn't close the gap. Thankfully, they slowed down to let me catch up. We rode over to Palomar Airport Rd then headed up. This is a long, gradual uphill, with some but not many flat or slight downhill sections, just right for grinding it out. I finished a little ahead of Jim, and the other two were further back. From there, we headed by CSUSM and over Barham to Mission Rd. Took it back to Centre City Pkwy, where it seemed that we hit every other light. We motored down the road to just before the bridge on I-15, gathered up, and headed over. About halfway across, Dave's right pedal separated from its spindle, so I stopped to wait until he got it back in operation. Then we headed home. The climb up Aguamiel to Jim's house is a tough finish, and Dave outrode me to the top. Had a good smoothie at Jim's and rode back home. Finished the year, according to my calculations, with 2782 miles ridden, which is probably close to a record for me. All in all, it was a good riding year, and a good year in general.

Avg. speed = 16.8 mph. Total mileage = 50.0 mi
Avg heartrate = 144 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1580'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/26499120

12-30-2010 Ride

Ride from home with John, Jim, and Dave. Headed out Centre City Pkwy to N Iris Ln, which we took over to Village Dr and met up with Joe at his house. The initial part of the ride was at a steady pace but not too fast. We slowed down when Joe joined up. Headed up Centre City Pkwy, and not too long after, Joe got a flat. I gave him a tube to repair it, but the tube apparently wasn't any good, since he had a flat not that long afterward. Three of us had climbed up to Deer Springs, so we turned around and rode back to where he and John were finishing up the repairs. From there, we continued up 395. The ride down the hill by Lawrence Welk was cold. It was chilly at the start of the ride, about 40 deg, and it never really warmed up. I had taken my full-fingered gloves off, and so my fingers got cold on the downhill. I was lagging behind most of the others throughout most of the day, partly to hang by Joe and partly because I was feeling pretty listless. We turned left on Camino del Rey and headed over toward Bonsall. This is a generally flat section of road, with some gradual uphills. We then turned on W Lilac Rd and headed up. This part of the ride was not anywhere near as steep as I had remembered it. It was mostly a gradual uphill for about 5 miles, with just a few breaks. We crossed over the arch bridge, and then it was uphill/downhill on this road until it teed into Old Castle Rd. At this point, it was a gradual, steady uphill for about 1.5 miles. Then we took a downhill section to connect to Valley Center Rd. This part of the ride was okay. I had started to get my second wind, and I wound it up on the climb before the big downhill. Again, the others outpaced me on the downhill, but they slowed enough at the bottom for me and Joe to catch up. Joe split off at El Norte Pkwy, and then we really turned on the jets to get Dave back home as soon as possible. We headed back on BVP. That was a really fast part of the ride, with everybody taking turns to set and push the pace. I held my own for most of this part but couldn't really step away from the others, which left me feeling aggravated, for some reason. I felt okay at the finish, although my lower back was aching during the latter climbing sections.

Avg speed = 15.4 mph. Total mileage = 55.0 mi
Average heartrate = 145 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2310'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/26471186/

12-28-2010 Ride

Rode over to Dave's house and met up with him, Jim, and John for a ride. We headed down to the freeway and over the bridge, then turned on BVP and headed up, all the way to Citrus Ave. We took this road over to El Norte Pkwy and rode down to Broadway, where we turned right. Then we took Jesmond Dene over to Centre City Pkwy. I really busted it out on the little climb here, feeling pretty good about my effort. Then it was over Deer Springs to Twin Oaks Valley Pkwy, with a right on Buena Creek. There is a small climb here, nothing much, then a great downhill section through a nice wooded neighborhood, where I hammered the pace for a bit. We connected into Santa Fe Ave, heading back toward Escondido. This road, which turned into Mission Ave, is either uphill or gradually uphill for much of the section all the way to the Nordahl intersection. After that, it's mostly downhill and flat until Centre City Pkwy. We turned right and headed back the normal way. I was kinda down for this portion of the ride, hanging on but not feeling great. When we passed Felicita, I started feeling and riding better, and I hung with John on the ride across the bridge. We headed back up Pomerado to Dave's place to get him home, and I rested there for awhile before continuing up Pomerado to Higa Pl and going through the retirement home neighborhood, connecting back to RB Rd via Acena Dr. Then I took this road, slowly, to W Bernardo Dr and back home. At some point in this ride, I tweaked a muscle on my upper left leg, and I was hobbling for a couple of days.

Avg speed = 17.5 mph. Total mileage = 49.9 mi
Avg heartrate = 148 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1510'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/26403386/

12-27-2010 Ride

Ride from John's house with all four of us. It was in the low 40's when we started, and I was a little cold. Headed over to Scripps-Poway Pkwy, and the downhill to Pomerado Rd was kinda chilly. Right after than, Jim had a flat, so we fixed that and headed up to the 67. I led out on the primary grade, although Dave was relatively close behind. I wasn't feeling in top shape and was trying to pace myself for the long ride. We headed down the 67 into Lakeside, where the others got ahead of me since my jacket was catching the wind on the downhill. Caught back up with them on Vigilante/Moreno, and we headed over Willow Rd to Ashwood, turning on Mapleview St and heading out to Alpine. Dave and I hung together on the climb up by Lake Jennings and in the first part of the gradual climb up Olde Highway 80. At about the halfway point, I accelerated and he didn't keep pace. Right around then, my jacket fell out of my back pocket, but he saw it and picked it up. Heading into Alpine, I was slow on the 2-mile climb, and my lower back was giving me trouble. Dave and John caught up right at the end. The ride back to the base of the Lakeside grade was relatively fast and uneventful. I knew I was going to have trouble on the climb back up, and I was right. It was slow going, and Dave got a little ahead of me in the first steep section. I caught up with him in the downhill section, and we rode together for much of the second climbing portion. John and Jim weren't all too far back from us. My legs were in decent shape, but my back was making it difficult to keep up a steady cadence in the saddle. I took to shifting up to a higher gear and standing up on the pedals, and that worked okay. With about half a mile to go, I rode past and he was unable to keep up. After that, I was the freshest of the four, and I kept good pressure on them to stay with me on the remaining climbing sections, easily leaving them behind on the last climb up Scripps-Poway Pkwy before the turn onto Springbrook Dr. I felt good at the end, with no real soreness in my legs. My cardio still has a long way to go before I am in decent shape, but I was generally happy with this ride.

Avg. speed = 15.8 mph. Total mileage = 50.6 mi
Avg. heartrate = 149 bpm
Total elevation gain = 3290'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/26397742/

12-26-2010 Ride

Morning time trial ride with John, starting from home. The roads were wet from overnight rains, which is why Dave bowed out. I kept a steady pace but never felt like I could really push it. My cardio is still way out of shape, and my muscles will need to get toned back up. Finished in 58:05, could have gone a little harder in a couple of sections on the back end.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Average heartrate = 161 bpm
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

12-24-2010 Ride

Ride from home, through the neighborhood for a couple of miles until heading over to meet up with Jim and Dave at Jim's house. The first part of this ride I did without my helmet, not realizing that I had forgotten to put it on. We headed over to Escondido, using the freeway route to Centre City Pkwy. On this climbing section, I felt okay but ran out of gas pretty quickly. This turned out to be the story of this ride, just not enough energy throughout the ride to push the pace at any sustained level. It was a combination of not getting enough to eat the previous evening and not having ridden much recently. We turned left on Mission Rd and headed over to Barham Dr, then the normal route by CSUSM and over to Discovery St. Go onto San Marcos Blvd briefly, turning left on Rancho Santa Fe Rd. My legs were pretty shot by this time, so I just kept pedaling. We took this road to San Elijo Rd and up into San Elijo Hills. This latter climb was not as steep as I remembered it. Turned on Elfin Forest Rd and rode through this area, which was quite nice after the recent rains. It looked like the road had been heavily flooded, but we didn't have any problems. Connected into Escondido using Harmony Grove Rd, then over Enterprise to Andreesen and to Auto Park Way. Back to 9th Ave. Around this point in the ride, Dave shared a Power Bar with me because I needed an energy boost. It helped. Home via Centre City Pkwy and normal route. Although the temperature was a little cool at the beginning, the weather was really great for a ride, and it was fun to ride without getting wet and dirty.

Avg. speed = 16.7 mph. Total mileage = 37.8 mi
Average heartrate = ?? bpm
Total elevation gain = 1190'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/26337520

12-23-2010 Ride

Ride from home over to Dave's house, where I met up with him, John, and Jim. We headed up Pomerado Rd to Camino del Norte, then took Bernardo Center Dr to Carmel Valley Rd. Followed this road to Del Mar Heights Rd, where we turned right and rode over to Carmel Canyon Rd. which we took over to Carmel Country Rd and onto the 56 bike path. Followed this all the way to El Camino Real, where we headed north. Throughout the ride, the roads were still really wet from the recent heavy rains, but it started to dry up a little at this point. I was riding pretty slowly, keeping in mind that I hadn't been on a bike for nearly three weeks. Headed over to San Dieguito Rd, which we took back to Camino del Sur. The Three Witches climb was slow but I was able to keep up with Dave, which was a surprise. Interestingly, I felt pretty good in the latter half of this ride. Headed back to Dave's house via RB Rd, then back home using the normal route. Although I was slow on the ride, I felt good at the end. Cardio is out of shape, but my muscles were in pretty fair condition.

Average speed = 16.0 mph. Total mileage = 39.5 mi
Total elevation gain = 1500'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/26337668/

12-4-2010 Ride

Ride with Dave and Jim, riding over to Dave's house and heading north on Pomerado Rd, crossing the lake on the freeway and turning onto BVP. Stayed on this road until Idaho Dr, which we took over to Ash. In the early part of the ride, I kept my pace somewhat easy, since Dave was recovering from a cold and we didn't want to push it too hard. Over to El Camino Norte and then a right on Broadway, which we took out to Jesmond Dene Rd. This climb isn't bad. Dave was not too far behind me, so it seemed that he recovered well. I think I prefer it to the Centre City Pkwy climb that parallels it. Up to Deer Springs Rd, then back via Twin Oaks Valley Pkwy. Left on Barham Dr and over to Mission Dr, which we took down to the normal way of getting over to Valley Pkwy. Over to Quince, then the jog to get onto Centre City Pkwy and back. Dave and Jim headed up to Dave's house after the lake crossing, but I had to be back home to go over to the SDA Church for BW sign-ups, so I headed straight home. On the little climb before the park, my quads were tight for the first time in a long time. They were the same way on the last little climb up to the house. Felt fine at the end, so I'm guessing it was just a matter of more miles being put on them than they had experienced in awhile.

Avg speed = 17.6 mph. Total mileage = 37.4 mi
Avg heartrate = 149 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1090'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/routes/view/25960094/

11-26-2010 Ride

Ride while staying up in Lake Arrowhead over Thanksgiving weekend. We were staying in a house on the northern side of the lake. Headed from the house over to North Bay Rd, then up to the 173 and around the lake. Did a little jog up Hook Creek Rd to look for another little shopping area, but there wasn't much there. Back on the 173, I headed up to Rim of the World Hwy. This is a fairly challenging climb, and the climb continues on the highway. It was pretty slow going, and the weather was such that the temperature difference between riding in the sun and in the shade was substantial. I was fully covered for the shade riding but switched out of my full-fingered gloves on the highway. The climb was beautiful but hard (for me), and there was a point where I had to stop and consider whether to keep going. I did, going all the way to Running Springs by the fire department before turning around and heading back. The ride back was a lot more fun, with only a couple of smaller climbs to negotiate. Went back on the highway all the way to the Blue Jay cut-off. This portion of the ride was extremely cold, since that area is always in shade. Then back to the house via North Bay Rd. Satisfying ride, somewhat cold, but not a great elapsed time.

Average speed = 14.2 mph. Total mileage = 26.0 mi
Average heartrate = 142 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1660'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/routes/view/25753784

11-24-2010 Ride

Ride with Jim and Dave, starting from work. Headed over to Camino del Norte/Twin Peaks and took it all the way to Community Rd. Turned right and headed over to Poway Rd, where we climbed up to the 67. I felt good, but not great, on the climb, and it was overcast and cool. Headed over to Scripps-Poway Pkwy and came back that way, down to Pomerado Rd and back via the Camino del Norte route. I felt strong at the end of the ride, but it was only 25 miles, so that wasn't much.

Average speed = 16 mph. Total mileage = 24.6 mi
Total elevation gain = 1530'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/routes/view/25754124

11-23-2010 Ride

Solo ride from work during lunch. Not sure if I remember the exact route. Think I went out W Bernardo Dr to Camino del Norte, turning right onto Pomerado Rd and heading all the way up to Poway Rd before turning around. Then I went all the way down Pomerado Rd and came back via W Bernardo Dr.

Average speed = 16.9 mph. Total mileage = 16.5 mi
Total elevation gain = 590'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/routes/view/25959370/

11-13-2010 Ride

Ride from home over to Dave's to meet up with him and Jim. John was tired and decided to skip the ride. Headed over Pomerado Rd to Scripps-Poway Pkwy, which we took west, down to Mercy Rd and over to Black Mountain Rd. It was about 42 deg when I started but by this time it had warmed up, so I took my hat and full-finger gloves off. Headed up the small climb to the 56 bike trail, which we rode over to Carmel Country Rd. Over to Del Mar Heights Rd, where we got behind a morning bike ride group. We zipped on past them on a small climb and continued over to Camino del Mar. Headed north through Del Mar, then took Jimmy Durante Blvd over to Via de la Valle. Went over to El Camino Real, then caught San Dieguito Rd and headed over the flats. Speaking of flats, I got another one. Aargh! When I changed out my tire, I lost the little plastic faceplate on my cyclocomputer, so it's now officially time to get a new one. New tires too, I'm guessing. Motored on up the climb on San Dieguito Rd, keeping a high cadence and not really faltering in my pace. I was putting speed into the ride to get back home in time to get ready to get over to the Escondido Seventh Day Adventist Church for a Bethlehem Walk announcement. Headed back home the quickest way, using Matinal Rd and going through the neighborhood.

Avg. speed = 16.7 mph. Total mileage = 41.6 mi
Total elevation gain = 1650'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/routes/view/road-cycling-map/california/san-diego/25361776

11-9-2010 Ride

Ride over lunch with a smaller contingent of the HP crew, the ones who are still riding "slow." Headed over to RB Rd, then onto Camino del Sur. In the early part of the ride, a couple of the riders, Todd and Wiz, looked strong. I could pretty much keep up with Wiz, but Todd was stronger. Turned on Carmel Valley Rd and took it all the way over to the 56 bike trail, where we pushed the pace up to the turn at Camino del Sur. I stayed with the two leaders until the very end, when Todd dropped the hammer and I couldn't keep up. It was pretty impressive. Headed back over to Carmel Valley Rd, where we took a right and headed back to work via Bernardo Center Dr. On the final climb up to Camino del Norte, Avi put distance on me. It seemed that it had just taken him time to get warmed up. A good ride all the way around, although I later found out that I had gotten a slow leak in my rear tire.

Avg. speed = 18.1 mph. Total mileage = 21.2 mi
Avg. heartrate = 152 bpm
Total elevation gain = 890'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/routes/view/road-cycling-map/california/san-diego/25362254

2010 Tour de Julian

Drove over to Dave's house and picked him and John up, storing the gear in the minivan. Headed up to Julian, Menghini Winery, which is right off of Farmers Rd near Camp Cedar Glen. Registered onsite. It was kinda cool at the beginning, but not bad at all. There were about 200 riders. After the start, headed into Julian, then downhill until the turn onto Pine Hills Rd. By this time, the weather was great. Turned onto Eagle Peak Rd, then later onto Boulder Creek Rd. This part of the ride was rolling hills, with nice scenery. We rode past Camp Winacka. Then we turned on Engineers Rd and things got challenging. This section was about a 4 mile uphill, with the steepest part reserved for the very end. By this time, my lower back was aching, and it was a real chore to get up to the top. Thankfully, there was a rest stop right afterward, so I stretched and waited for the others to catch up. We then headed back toward Julian on the 79, turning right on Sunrise Hwy. There was a sharp rise not too long after the turn, then a gradual uphill. Bypassed the next rest stop, where I found that I had another 11 miles of climbing to go to the summit. None of it was really steep, although there were some long stretches of pretty hard work. The forests as we got higher were really beautiful. There was a crosswind that was partly in my face on the climb. At the rest stop by the turnaround point, I stretched again and waited for Dave and John to show up. I felt good at this point, although the weather was a little blustery at the 6000' level. The ride back downhill was fun, although the tailing crosswind was a little difficult to deal with. There was a moderate climb in the middle of the downhill, and that was slow going. Back on the 79, we headed toward Julian. By this time, the wind was more in our backs, helping push us along. There was an uphill section about 3 miles outside of Julian, but it was no big deal. Dave caught up with me, even though I thought I was riding a good pace. He has more endurance than me. On the final downhill into Julian, my bike was really riding loose, and I found out at the turn onto the main street that I had a flat. Good grief! It was a slow leak, so I pumped it up downtown and figured I would try to ride the last part without fixing it. There is a short, steep section on Farmers Rd that I was dreading, but I motored on up it with no problems at all. My tire held air until the end. At the end of the ride, they were serving warm apple pie and ice cream, and it was delicious. Felt really good at the finish, with tiredness in my legs but no soreness. It did feel good to be done.

Avg. speed = 16.0 mph. Total mileage = 55.3 mi
Avg. heartrate = 152 bpm
Total elevation gain = 3460'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/julian/422128908461434832

10-30-2010 Ride

Ride from home over normal way to Pomerado Rd, then south to meet up with Jim, Dave, and John, who were riding from John's house. Right at the start, I felt a couple of small rain drops, but nothing fell afterward. I climbed up past the hospital and went across Twin Peaks, and it started to drizzle a little bit. Not too long after, I met up with the guys, and we headed north on Pomerado to Highland Valley Rd. The rain kept getting worse, so that at the RB Rd intersection Jim suggested we cut it short by doing the time trial loop and heading back to John's house. Needing the miles for next week's ride, John and I convinced them to continue. It kept raining and the intensity grew. We turned onto Highland Valley Rd, and the visibility started decreasing too. John and I were talking about turning around at the base of the first hill, but we decided to climb it and see how things looked at the top. Things looked wet, but for some reason we kept going, only modifying the original plan to take Highland Valley Rd to the 67 rather than risking riding on the 78 in such poor visibility. The climb was not awful, just very wet. Again, my cyclocomputer gave out when it got too wet. On the downhill stretch to the 67, I got even wetter, with water completely soaking my socks and filling my shoes. A small sprint to the stoplight, then we turned on the 67 and headed up to the summit point by Mt. Woodson. I was cold by this time and not functioning well, and the last section of this climb was bad. As if things couldn't get worse, the rain was the worst it had been on the windward, downhill side, slowing us down and coming at us so hard it stung. I had zero visibility, since my glasses were useless for seeing through. It was almost as bad going down Scripps-Poway Pkwy, with no visibility and a driving rain. Just miserable! We cut the ride short and headed back to John's house. Near the end, the weather cleared a little bit (go figure!). I caught a ride from Jim back to my house, the prospect of riding back being too much to consider. This was, by a fair margin, the longest I have ridden in such heavy rain, ever. Not looking forward to doing anything like this again.

Average speed = 15.5-16.0 mph. Total mileage = 40.4 mi
Total elevation gain = 2150'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/routes/detail/24883476/

10-26-2010 Ride

Solo ride from work down to RB Rd, then over to Pomerado Rd and all the way up to the top of the hill. I felt decent on the first part of the last climb but ran out of gas about halfway up and slowed down somewhat. Back via roads by John's house, connecting into Sabre Springs Pkwy / Rancho Carmel Dr, which I took back to Carmel Mountain Rd. Over to Paseo Lucido and onto Bernardo Heights Pkwy, which I took down to Bernardo Center Dr. Back via RB Rd and West Bernardo Dr, again with some slowness on the latter parts of this final climb.

Average speed = 16.8 mph. Total mileage = 19.9 mi
Average heartrate = 144 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1030'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/24762912/

10-24-2010 Rides

Morning time trial ride with John and Dave, starting from home. It was pretty dark at 6:45 when I rode over there. I intentionally kept the pace slow throughout because I was planning on an afternoon ride as well. Finished in 58:00.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Average heartrate = 144 bpm
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

In the afternoon, after church, I took off for another ride, solo this time. Headed over to BVP and up to E Valley Pkwy. Took this to Lake Wohlford Rd and headed up this grade. It was really tough on my tired legs, particularly the first 1.2 mi or so. Even after the grade got a little less steep, I was just chugging along, with not much push available. Got up to the top okay, then took it pretty easy on the other climbing section on the northern part of the road. Took it all the way to Valley Center Rd, then back toward Escondido. A couple of miles on this road, which was super bumpy, and I got a flat. Changed it and in the process got bit by an ant, which is still painful. Headed up to the top of the Valley Center grade, where I gave my rear tire a couple more pumps before heading down. This is a nice downhill, but I was riding into a steady crosswind this time, which reduced my speed somewhat. It would definitely be a challenging ride going up this grade. At the bottom, my legs were pretty worn out; even still, I turned right on El Norte Pkwy and headed down to Centre City Pkwy. The first section of this road is uphill, and it was slow going for me. Made it okay, then the downhill and flat sections were a welcome relief as I rode through downtown. The red lights helped give me additional breathers. Headed the normal way, ignoring the detour route, then crossed the freeway, with a pretty stiff breeze in my face. Headed up W Bernardo Dr all the way to Duenda, to add a little more mileage, then home the normal way. Felt good at the end, just tired legs but not feeling shot. There was a point while changing the flat that I felt a twinge in one of my quads, but it held out through the rest of the ride.

Average speed = 16.0 mph. Total mileage = 40.1 mi
Average heartrate = 142 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2420'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/24689942/

10-23-2010 Ride

Ride from home with Jim, John, and Dave. The weather looked decent at the start, and we headed through the neighborhood (Poblado loop) to RB Rd, then over to Camino del Sur. All stayed pretty much together until the little climb after the bridge, where Dave showed his excellent fitness. I couldn't even begin to keep up with him. We stayed on this road until the 56 bike trail, which we took down to Carmel Valley Rd, which we had to take north because the bike trail is closed for an extended period. presumably to fix the poor condition of the pavement in the section that goes by the subdivision. Headed over to Del Mar Heights Rd, which we took to Carmel Canyon Rd, then Carmel Country Rd and back onto the bike trail. Took it all the way down to El Camino Real, which we took north. I led up this section, but I suspect it was just because Dave was holding back, even though I wasn't pushing the pace. Down to San Dieguito Rd. Just before the turn, Jim had a front flat, so we helped change it. On the Three Witches climb, again Dave turned on the jets. I kept him in sight but he was much faster than me. At the top, we stopped and waited, but it turned out that Jim had flatted again. I had to be back in time for a hike up on Palomar Mountain, so John and I kept going and Dave went back to help Jim out. We headed back the straightest route, and I ended up getting to church to meet the group right at 10:00. The hike was a good one, although the picnic and tour of the Palomar Observatory afterward were both pretty chilly. All in all, a good day. Oh yeah, Ann came back from a week-long visit with Kathy and Heather up in the Bay Area.

Average speed = 17.4 mph. Total mileage = 35.9 mi
Total elevation gain = 1360'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/24689478/

10-21-2010 Ride

Exercise bike at work, fitness mode, level 8 for 30 min

10-17-2010 Ride

Ride from church with Joe after music rehearsal. It was a little misty at the beginning, but I was hoping it wouldn't get too wet. Wrong! Headed out Juniper to BVP, and it was already pretty wet on the roads and heavily misting. Not too bad on BVP, since we were riding with the wind, but it got downright nasty when we turned on the 78. It was raining by then, and I got totally soaked going down the hill. Originally, we were going to ride out to Bandy Canyon, but it didn't seem prudent under these conditions, so we ended up taking a right at the light and heading out of the valley by Orfila Winery. We turned left on BVP, and here the ride got bearable. The rain and mist were absent in South Escondido, so we rode dry up Via Rancho Pkwy to Felicita, where we turned right. As it crossed under the I-15, the rain started up again, and we stayed wet all the way out Centre City Pkwy. I got a flat just past the high school, and it's no fun to change a flat in the rain, which was heavy at this time. Headed up Broadway to Ash St, using this road to come back toward downtown. I got another flat, rats! Fixed this one, not happy at all. The two flats caused me to cut the ride short, so we headed back to Grand Ave and down to Juniper, taking an alley over to Kalmia and back to church. It was a memorable ride but not for all of the good reasons. I was completely soaked and filthy by the end of the ride, so I took a shower at church and got ready for playing music at a district youth event at St. Mark's UMC later that day. At least that part was fun.

Total mileage = 22.0 mi
Total elevation gain = 640'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/24469914/

10-16-2010 Ride

Ride from home up to Jim's, with a ride up to the street above ours to look at the new houses and a loop around his block while waiting. It was overcast and a little misty at the beginning. All four of us rode, and the mist got heavier until it was light rain on the flats on Highland Valley Rd before the climbs. I was behind Dave on the first climb but slightly ahead of him on the bigger climbs. This was a wet ride, never really raining hard but misting and drizzling throughout. Went out to the 67 and back. Sometime on the way back, my cycle computer stopped working. So far, I haven't been able to revive it, so it may be truly dead this time. Alas. Finished the ride feeling okay, just thoroughly wet and still not in great shape.

Total mileage = 30.8 mi
Average heartrate = 154 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1740'
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/detail/5491037/

10-10-2010 Ride

Time trial loop with John and Dave, riding over from home. On this ride, we tried to get a PR for John, so Dave and I kept with him almost all of the time. However, he missed it by about 10 seconds. Finished in 56:12.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Average heartrate = 154 bpm
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

10-9-2010 Ride

Ride from home with John, Dave, and Jim. It was cool enough at the start for a long-sleeved jersey and full-fingered gloves. Headed over the freeway to Via Rancho Pkwy, which we took up and over to Del Dios Hwy. The climb on Del Dios is short and steep, and I was sucking wind on it. Down Del Dios through the fog to Via de la Valle, which we took down to Via de Santa Fe/El Apajo. Headed on this road over to San Dieguito Rd, where we took a right and rode on the flats to Rancho Diegueno. This stretch of road is nasty, with a very steep grade. It doesn't last too long, but it's a killer. Turned right on Rancho Santa Fe Farms Rd, which had a thrilling, fast downhill section followed by a very steep, short section to climb back up. Connected into Carmel Valley Rd, which we took all the way back into 4S Ranch, turning left on Dove Canyon Rd. Up this short hill, then left on Camino San Bernardo, following roads around the perimeter of the neighborhood and going by the new high school. Connected into Lone Quail Rd, where we took a left and got onto RB Rd. Back the normal way via West Bernardo Dr. On the gradual climb up RB Rd, my quads were tightening up, not having been abused this much in awhile. Finished feeling alright, although I was tired. Will take some time to get my cycling legs, lungs, and cardio back in shape.

Average speed = 17.1 mph. Total mileage = 30.4 mi
Average heartrate = 151 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1420'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/24060340/

10-7-2010 Ride

Solo ride after work from home down by the park and up Pomerado Rd to Poway Rd. The wind was swirly, but I felt pretty good, not pushing the pace super hard. The sun was out but it was on the cool side. On the stretch down Poway Rd, the wind was more in my face, but I made it through pretty well. The section up Sabre Springs Pkwy/Rancho Carmel Dr was a good workout, as I kept up a steady but not overwhelming pace. Took Carmel Mountain Ranch Dr over to Camino del Norte. Kept a good pace up the slight incline after the turn but flamed out as the incline leveled off. Stayed on Camino del Norte to RB Rd, then took this road back toward home. I had a little bit of a tailwind, and it really helped on the gradual uphills. Headed home via West Bernardo Dr and Duenda, again making good time. Felt generally good in this ride, although my lower legs were cramping up in the tendons, not painfully but difficult to ride through.

Average speed = 17.8 mph. Total mileage = 22.2 mi
Average heartrate = 150 bpm
Total elevation gain = 750'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/24049520/

9-26-2010 Ride

Time trial loop with John and Dave, riding over from home. I had missed the ride on the Saturday before due to the Pancake Breakfast, so I was in okay shape but not great shape. Pace was steadily strong going up Espola, with Dave and I trading leads, him more than me. On the climb up to Poway Rd, I was doing all I could to keep on his back wheel. Went down Poway Rd with the other two riding strong. On the stretch up Sabre Springs Pkwy, I got out a little ahead of Dave. Took it pretty easy going up Ted Williams Pkwy, with all three of us riding pretty much together. A hard push going down Pomerado Rd, with John pulling a strong stretch on the way up to the hospital. Finished in 54:10.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Average heartrate = 155 bpm
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

9-18-2010 Ride

Ride from home up Azucar and around to Jim's house, where I met up with him and Dave. Headed over to Pomerado using the quick route, then up Pomerado to Poway Rd. It was cool and really misty at the beginning of this ride. Turned left on Poway Rd and headed all the way up to the 67. I kept a steady pace but didn't feel like I was setting any records on this climb. About halfway through, the mist cleared out, and it was sunny for the rest of the ride. Headed on the 67 into Ramona. I felt pretty strong on the climb up to the crest near Mt. Woodson, and we made good time, as usual, on the descent into Ramona. Took the 78 down, and I climbed fairly fast on the initial little hills, then pedaled fast on the downhill segments. We were going into a minor headwind, and I kept the pressure on to make good time, separating again from Dave and Jim. Met up again at the turn onto Bandy Canyon Rd. The steep part of this climb is only about a half mile long, but it is really steep; Dave measured up to 16% grade. We hustled back home to try and get Jim back as soon as possible. I felt strong throughout this ride, with no undue exertion experienced.

Average speed = 17.7. Total mileage = 41.4 mi
Average heartrate = 152 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2110'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/23219010/

9-10-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home up to Julian. I ate a lunch and let it settle before starting around 12:35. The day was warmer than I had hoped it would be. Headed out into the San Pasqual Valley by the high school, taking Old Milky Way to link into the 78. I had the benefit, particularly during this section of the ride, of a nice tailwind. On the climb up to Ramona, it was really hot and dry. I was sweating quite a bit and suffering some. Legs felt just fine. I stopped at the convenience store in Ramona and refueled my water bottles with cold energy drink. I also took a hammer gel packet, to try and keep my energy level high. Used the route to Santa Ysabel via the Old Julian Highway, and this section was hot too. On the extended climb in the latter part of this section of the ride, my back was stiffening up again. I just took it easy and didn't really push the pace. It wasn't as bad as the Labor Day ride, just uncomfortable. Back on the 78, there are a couple of moderate climbs before you get into Santa Ysabel. I stopped at a convenience store again and got another energy drink to refill my bottle for the last section up to Julian. I did just fine on the initial climb after this stop, which was the first time on this ride that I didn't feel the beginning of cramping in my thighs here. The section climbing section up into Wynola was fairly slow, and my left calf was a little jittery but not bad, all things considered. I kept going without stopping, appreciating the brief break in the climb. The last part of the ride, climbing into Julian, was hard but not brutal. My back was a little stiff and sore, but my legs held out really well. I was really glad to ride into the town, at least a half hour faster than I thought it would take me. This was probably a top-ten output day for me on the bike, given my level of effort and how I felt at the end. I was really happy to see my average heartrate at the level it was, given the heat of the day and my high level of exertion.

Average speed = 13.5 mph. Total mileage = 40.2 mi
Average heartrate = 152 bpm
Total elevation gain = 4070'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/22629360/

9-6-2010 Ride

Annual Tour de Labor ride. This time, we decided to ride from John's house on the Barona loop, going up Scripps-Poway Pkwy. It was the four of us. I felt pretty good on this section, keeping the pace lower to conserve energy for later. Headed down the 67 to Lakeside, then over to Wildcat Canyon Rd. This climb started out okay. I felt good in the early parts, perhaps taking it too fast. When it got steep, I started to hurt. My lower back was really sore, and I was having real trouble pedaling. Got to the top of that climb and stretched while the others caught up. The stretching really helped, as it wasn't a problem for the rest of the ride. Took this road until it connected into San Vicente Rd, which led us back into Ramona. I think that Dave was hanging back somewhat for John, and Jim was really feeling strong. He kept up with me for much of the climb up to the crest at Mt. Woodson. I separated from him around the last half mile of the climb. We went back via the usual route, going pretty fast on the downhills. The last climb after crossing Pomerado Rd was slow for me, and Dave got out in front. I was pretty tanked by that time in the ride. Felt fine at the end, just tired and a little sore.

Avg. speed = 16.2 mph. Total mileage = 49.0 mi
Average heartrate = 151 bpm
Total elevation gain = 3020'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/22612146/

9-4-2010 Ride

Ride from home with Jim and Dave. It was cool at the start as we headed toward Escondido and up San Pasqual Rd then down into the valley. Turned right on San Pasqual Valley Rd, the 78, and headed up to Ramona. Felt pretty good on the climbing section; there's really only one part that is somewhat steep. The rest of it is just a long slog uphill. Mapmyride says it's about a 5-mile climb. I started out somewhat slow, to keep all three of us together, but couldn't keep up the slow pace and took off, waiting for the others at the stoplight in Ramona. It got warm on the climb up and was really warm and dry in Ramona. We circled around the city via San Vicente Rd, Warnock Rd, and Dye Rd, then headed back via Highland Valley Rd. The climbing part of this section wasn't too bad, and the downhill was fun as always, although I was more aware than usual about the dangers of riding at high speeds. It was a little slower after the downhills, as the others, Jim in particular, had slowed down. Back via the park, and I felt okay on the last two little climbs, although I was really tired out by the first one. The smoothie at the end of the ride tasted particularly good.

Avg. speed = 17.8 mph. Total mileage = 40.0 mi
Average heartrate = 158 bpm (can that be true?)
Total elevation gain = 1690'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/22503758/

9-2-2010 Ride

Ride from home after work over to Fredeline's house to drop off the stapler. Headed over to Pomerado Rd via the normal route to Dave's house, then up to Bernardo Heights Pkwy. Over to Paseo Lucido and to her house. I'm not sure what was going on, but this part of the ride seemed like it had a lot of uphill, and I was struggling. Headed back over to Camino del Norte, where I was once again slow going up that small grade, particularly at the false flat near the top. Home via the normal route going by HP. Although it was a short ride, I was really sweating when I got done.

Average speed = 15.8 mph. Total mileage = 10.3 mi
Average heartrate = 142 bpm
Total elevation gain = 430'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/22422372/

8-29-2010 Ride

Ride from home over to Dave's house for the time trial loop with him and Jim . The weather was pretty much ideal for riding. We started out fast and kept up the pace. All three of us were riding together for the most part, and I was riding about as fast as my body would let me. I separated a little from the others on the climb up to Poway Rd, which gave me enough time to catch my breath before they got there. Down Poway Rd, we kept up the fast pace, and we hit every green light, which helped with time significantly. On the Sabre Springs Pkwy section, I rode fast, and Dave kept pace with me, catching me near the turn. He and I stayed together going up Ted Williams Pkwy, and we caught the light turning onto Pomerado Rd. I knew then that I had a shot for a PR, and we took the incline up to the hospital at a quick pace. Going downhill afterward, Jim jumped out in the lead, and we stepped on the gas to catch up with him. Passed him and pushed as hard as I could at the end, finishing in 51:36, a new PR. In fact, all three of us ended with PRs, a pretty cool accomplishment.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Average heartrate = 158 bpm
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

8-28-2010 Ride

Ride starting from the Park-n-Ride by Ted Williams Pkwy near the I-15, over to John's house, where I met up with him, Dave, and Jim. We headed up the normal way to Pomerado Rd and took it all the way to Genesee Ave. On this stretch, both Jim and John pushed the pace pretty hard on the flats, but I just hung back, knowing that I hadn't ridden in awhile and wanting to be able to finish. The section on Genesee has been challenging for me in the past because it seems to be up and down the whole time. I did okay on this part today, hanging in or near the lead of the four riders. We turned left on Linda Vista Rd and took it over to Mesa College Rd, which eventually turns into Kearny Villa Rd. This part of the ride was pretty flat, and we had a little bit of a tailwind, so it went smoothly. On the climb back up Pomerado Rd, the wind had picked up a little bit and was again at our backs. I felt pretty strong here and had no problems riding up, which was a little surprising. Headed back to John's house the normal way, and I rode back to the parking lot after a short break. Again, the slight climb up Sabre Springs Pkwy wasn't bad. Finished feeling pretty good.

Avg. speed = 17.7 mph. Total mileage = 40.3 mi.
Avg. heartrate = 149 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1410'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/22141986/

8-15-2010 Ride

Ride from home over to Dave's house for the time trial loop with him and John. Set a faster pace than the previous week but still held back throughout the ride. Weather was quite foggy at the beginning, and the sun was just starting to burn it off toward the end. Finished in 56:39.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Average heartrate = 142 bpm
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

8-14-2010 Ride

Ride from home up to Jim's house, where I met up with him and rode over to Dave's. From there, we headed back up RB Rd to Camino del Sur and over to Carmel Valley Rd. Took this road to Del Mar Heights Rd, which has a section not too long after the turn that was steeper than I remembered. However, the climb just past the freeway wasn't as bad as I had recalled. This portion of the ride was misty, with a fairly heavy marine layer present on the coast. Headed north on PCH to Via de la Valle, where we turned inland and headed back to Paseo Delicias. On the final climb up to this intersection, I got a thorn in my rear tire and it went flat. The first tube burst after I had put it in and pumped it up to near maximum. Bummer! The second tube held, although I didn't put as much air into it. I was pretty beat from changing the tires, which I think affected my pace going up Del Dios. We waited at the top of the first climb for Jim, then pretty much stayed together throughout the rest of the climbing. Turned right on Via Rancho Pkwy and headed over to the freeway. Going over the freeway, Dave really opened it up on pace, and I couldn't keep up with him. Jim split off at the intersection with Pomerado, while Dave and I headed back up to his house. I turned off at RB Rd and headed home via W Bernardo Dr, since I was pretty beat and didn't want to climb the part on Bernardo Center Dr. Got home okay, no muscle cramping and not too much soreness, just tiredness.

Average speed = 17.1 mph. Total mileage = 46.7 mi
Average heartrate (with stop to fix flat) = 148 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1690'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/21436284/

8-12-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home after leaving early from work, heading down to Moonlight Beach for the end-of-summer church beach party. Headed out RB Rd to Camino del Sur. I suspected I was in for a tougher=than-expected ride as soon as I felt the stiffness of the headwind I was riding into heading west. Had a big lunch too, and that seemed to weigh on me during the ride. Down to San Dieguito Rd and through Fairbanks Ranch to El Apajo, which I used to connect to Via de la Valle. Climbing up this section wasn't too bad, mainly because the wind was less of an issue. Headed into Rancho Santa Fe and took the turnoff to Encinitas, going by the golf course. This stretch was okay, much of it downhill. The one short steep uphill section was tougher than expected. Turned on Encinitas Blvd, which has a gradual uphill for about a mile that was a challenge. After that, there was really only one small uphill section just past El Camino Real, and I was pretty slow going up it. What made the ride tiring for me was the steady breeze I was riding into. Even on the downhills, it seemed like it was slowing me down even as I was working harder than usual. Glad to be done with that ride.

Average speed = 17.2 mph. Total mileage = 18.9 mi
Average heartrate = 156 bpm
Total elevation gain = 640'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/21341750/

8-10-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home to church for yoga, following normal route. I felt okay for most of the ride but slower than usual on the small climbs on BVP. The wind was in my face once I started heading west, and it was more of a slog than usual on Oak Hill. I seemed to be working harder on this ride (see average heartrate) but without better results. Maybe residual recovery from donating blood on the previous Wednesday.

Average speed = 17.9 mph. Total mileage = 10.6 mi
Average heartrate = 154 bpm
Total elevation gain = 440'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/964123799127555358

8-8-2010 Ride

Ride from home over to Dave's house for the time trial loop with him and John, who has returned to Team Slow after recovering from prostate surgery. It was good to have him back. We intentionally all rode together throughout the route. Finished in 58:52.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Average heartrate = 142 bpm
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

8-7-2010 Ride

Ride with Dave from home out to North County Fair and up BVP to Sunset Dr, which we took over to Escondido Blvd and then to Centre City Pkwy via Felicita Rd. Out Centre City Pkwy all the way to Gopher Canyon Rd. On this early part of the ride, Dave was riding slow, not really motivated to push the pace, either in the flats or gradual climbs. Going up the grade on Gopher Canyon Rd was tougher than I had remembered. It's probably 6% grade for a little less than half a mile. We turned on Vista Valley Rd, which has a private entrance gate, and headed up into this golf course community. After we had gone about a mile in, it looked like there was no outlet, contrary to what I had mapped before the ride. So we turned around and continued on Gopher Canyon Rd out to E. Vista Way, where we turned left and headed toward Vista. Got into Vista on Vista Village Dr, but I was kind of lost by this point, trying to figure out how to get back. Went over the 78 and turned right on Hacienda, then left on Melrose Dr, which I knew connected with Palomar Airport Rd. It took a fair distance longer than I suspected to get to this connection, and we had slowed down by this time, knowing that the route was going to be quite a bit longer than originally intended. Headed back toward San Marcos, turning on Discovery and taking side streets (Bent Ave and Craven) to get to Twin Oaks Valley Pkwy by the university. Went back into Escondido via Barham Dr to Mission Rd. Connected via the usual way to E. Valley Pkwy, then turned right on Quince to 13th St and back onto Centre City Pkwy, where we headed back to the freeway. At the turnoff, Dave headed home up Pomerado, while I went by the park and the normal route home. I was tired going up the final two little climbs but not cramping up, which was a good sign. Finished feeling fine, tired but not too sore.

Average speed = 16.8 mph. Total mileage = 51.4 mi.
Average heartrate = 148 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1760'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/21072116/

8-1-2010 Ride

Ride from home over to Dave's house for the time trial loop with him and Jim. The weather was cool with no sun, perfect for riding. Jim and I took off at a fairly rapid pace, and it took Dave awhile to warm up and catch up. Pushed it a little bit going up past the curve but not too hard. Kept a steady pace past the high school, putting some distance on Dave and Jim. We rested at the top of this hill, then took off again. Caught the light at Twin Peaks Rd and headed at a steady pace up the grade to Poway Rd; it wasn't the hardest that I had ridden this section, but I was definitely breathing hard after the turn. Down Poway Rd, we kept up a good pace but hit several lights, and I thought that I wouldn't have a chance for a PR. Again, some separation at that little rise past Community, but the others caught up and we traded leads on the section down to Sabre Springs Pkwy. After the turn, Dave really hit the jets, and it was all I could do to hang on his wheel. He slowed down and let me take off. On Ted Williams Pkwy, I kept up a good, steady pace, trying to keep the pressure on my average speed. The ride on Pomerado was also helpful to me, as Dave set another good pace and led out for awhile. I took over the lead, then he pushed the pace again as we got to the hospital. I passed him going up to the crest and kept riding fast. Down the hill, I was pedaling steady and somewhat hard, then Jim and Dave came blowing by and I raced to catch up with them. The final section on Rios Rd was all out for me as I tried to finish fast. Finished in 52:18, a new PR. Felt completely gassed at the end but also knowing that there were sections of the ride that I could have ridden harder.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Average heartrate = 155 bpm
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

7-31-2010 Ride

Ride with Dave and Jim from Dave's house. Dave and Suzanne were having a garage sale at their place, so we started from there. Went up Pomerado to Scripps-Poway Pkwy, then climbed up to the 67. It had been a long while since I had tried a longer climb like this, but I did fine. Actually felt pretty fast on the second climbing section. Headed on the 67 to Ramona, and here is where I was slower than I would have liked to be. There were some guys on the road ahead of me, and I couldn't catch them. Instead, they put distance on me. Frustrating. On the downhill section after cresting by Mt Woodson, Dave really pushed the pace. I kept up but it was a challenge. Took Highland Valley Rd back, and I kept up a good pace on the gradual climbs up to the top before the fast, fun downhill. Again, I felt solid at the bottom, with lots of gas left in the tank. I was slower than I would have liked but not laboring at all. Headed back to Dave's house via Pomerado, then headed home the normal way. Felt good at the end, no muscle tightness.

Average speed = 17.0 mph. Total mileage = 41.8 mi
Average heartrate = 151 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2140'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/20715190/

7-27-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home to church for yoga, following the normal short route. I pushed the pace more than usual, working on keeping my output level high for a sustained period of time.

Average speed = 18.4 mph. Total mileage = 10.6 mi
Average heartrate = 152 bpm
Total elevation gain = 440'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/964123799127555358

7-25-2010 Ride

Time trial loop with Dave, riding over from home. During this ride, I never really felt great and thought I was going slower than the previous week. Took it easy throughout most of the ride, pushing a little on the Sabre Springs climb and on the climb up to the hospital. Finished in 55:55, a fair bit better than the previous week, which was a surprise. Could have ridden harder.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

7-24-2010 Ride

Ride over to Dave's, stopping by Jim's to ride with him. He hadn't been riding in awhile. From Dave's, we rode up Pomerado to Ted Williams Pkwy. I pushed it up this section and tried, throughout the ride, to ride hard on the climbing sections. Got on the 56 bike path and took it all the way to El Camino Real. Rode hard to catch a big group of riders who were ahead of us but riding slower. Up El Camino Real, taking it pretty easy until a couple of riders passed me and I jumped on their wheel. Took this road to San Dieguito Rd and up Three Witches, pushing it fairly hard. After turning onto Camino del Sur, I kept in a higher gear on the uphill, and it really worked out my quads. Stayed on Camino del Norte, with Jim heading home from here. Turned left on Bernardo Center Dr and headed back to Dave's via Lomica/Acena/Callado/Rios. Came back home the normal way, except I turned on W Bernardo Dr, went down the hill, and came back up Aguamiel, turning right on Aguacate and Creciente to try to get to 40 miles. Didn't quite make it. This ride definitely qualified as one with rolling hills. It seemed like we were either going uphill or downhill the entire ride.

Average speed = 16.8 mph. Total mileage = 39.7 mi
Average heartrate = 147 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1380'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/20353628/

7-22-2010 Ride

Solo ride from work over lunch, heading out Via del Campo to RB Rd and out to Camino del Sur. Turned on Carmel Valley Rd and headed over to the 56 bike trail, which I took back up to Camino del Sur. I really pushed hard on this section, finishing it in under 10 min. Back Camino del Sur to Carmel Valley Rd, which I took all the way back to Bernardo Center Dr and back to work. I kept the pace pretty fast all during this ride, which explains the high average heartrate. The weather was ideal, cloudy during the first half with the sun peeking out on the latter portion. Felt tired in the second half, probably due to the hard push up the bike trail section.

Average speed = 18.4. Total mileage = 21.5 mi
Average heartrate = 159 bpm
Total elevation gain = 890'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/20328530/

7-18-2010 Ride

Time trial loop with Dave, riding over from home. He has just started back up with riding after a long layoff. We took the ride pretty slow. I felt good on the climb up to Poway Rd, although around the bend I was gassed, need to build my climbing endurance back up. Somewhat slow on the Sabre Springs Pkwy section, but I was pretty fast on the latter climbs. Finished in 56:40.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

7-17-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home in the morning. I was supposed to ride with Dave, but his knee is flaring up, so he's giving it a rest. Headed through the neighborhood over to RB Rd, then out to Camino del Sur all the way to the 56 bike trail. Felt decent, and it was relatively cool. Down the bike trail, where there were a number of cyclists. Went to El Camino Real and took this all the way to San Dieguito Rd. The initial short climb on this road was tougher than I had remembered, but I kept up a good pace for most of the rest of the climbing section. I was starting to tire in the flats leading over to Fairbanks Ranch, and I was slow on a couple of sections of the climb, particularly near the crest of the last hill. Back via the normal route, taking RB Rd all the way to W Bernardo Dr, then home. Legs were getting tired, even though the climbs were slight. Need more riding to get legs back into shape. Cardio seems in good shape.

Average speed = 17.6 mph. Total mileage = 33.9 mi
Average heartrate = 151 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1240'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/19990094/

7-15-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home after work. It had been awhile since I had ridden, what with the SSP week taking up two weekends. The day had been really hot, and there were threatening clouds off to the northeast. Took the standard route by the park and up Pomerado Rd all the way to Poway Rd. Right around this time, it started to sprinkle. Turned right on Poway Rd and headed down to Sabre Springs Pkwy, then up to Carmel Mountain Rd. On this section of the ride, it was raining pretty good, but the streets weren't super wet. Stayed wet for the rest of the ride, but the rain let up on Camino del Norte. Headed back home via work. For the first ride after an extended layoff, it went alright. Early in the ride, it really seemed hot, but my average heartrate for the whole ride wasn't too high.

Average speed = 17.2 mph. Total mileage = 19.6 mi
Average heartrate = 150 bpm.
Total elevation gain = 680'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/19988792/

6-26-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home, going up Azucar and through the neighborhood to RB Rd, then over to Camino del Sur. Took this road down to Carmel Valley Rd, then over to the 56 bike trail. Pushing hard but not really hard. Bike trail all the way back to Ted Williams Pkwy, which I took to Twin Peaks Rd. Right on Community and over to Poway Rd, which I took up to Espola. I was riding on the steep section and struggling, looked down, and I was still on my big chainring. On Espola, the climb wasn't anywhere near as steep as I thought it would be. Turned right on Pomerado Rd and kept the pace pretty fast on this section all the way down to the freeway. Back home via normal way, standing on the pedals for much of the last two little climbs. Felt surprisingly good throughout this ride, given that I hadn't ridden hard for a couple of weeks. Maybe the all-day ride on Saturday in NYC helped more than I thought.

Average speed = 17.8 mph. Total mileage = 36.8 mi.
Average heartrate = 151 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1310'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/18983722/

6-6-2010 Ride

Time trial ride with Dave, riding over from home. Fairly fast pace but not record-breaking. I turned in a reasonably good time, given that I hadn't ridden the route in awhile. Loop riding time = 54:09.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

6-5-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home, leaving around 6:30 to try and finish before it got too hot. Headed out Centre City Pkwy to Mission Rd, then down to Auto Park Way. Took a right on Country Club Dr and followed this road, mostly downhill, until it intersected with Harmony Grove Rd. This portion was flat to downhill as well until it turned onto Elfin Forest Rd, when it began a gradual climb into San Elijo Hills. At this point, I started thinking about trying to keep my speed above 10 mph for the ride. There was one small stretch on this climb that I fell below (dang it!), but this climb was nowhere near as long or as bad as I had remembered it. Took San Elijo Rd over to Rancho Santa Fe Rd, including the left turn. This stretch was mostly downhill as well. Turned left on El Camino del Norte, which was a stretch of rolling hills that connected me to Del Dios Hwy. Feeling pretty good at this point, and I climbed the entire section at over 10 mph. Don't know if this was a first, but it felt like an accomplishment. Back home by Via Rancho Pkwy and the normal route by the park. Finished strong.

Average speed = 18.2 mph. Total mileage = 40.2 mi
Average heartrate = 148 bpm.
Total elevation gain = 1620'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/18015402/#

6-3-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home after work. Up Azucar to Duenda, then the reverse of the short loop. It seemed like the wind was in my face for most of the ride, with the exception of the stretch on Camino del Norte to Pomerado. After the crest by the hospital, I think I averaged over 20 mph the whole way down to the freeway. Felt good at the end, motoring up the hill by the park and the final hill by home, averaging over 10 mph on each.

Average speed = 18.2 mph. Total mileage = 12.6 mi
Average heartrate = 143 bpm
Total elevation gain = 400'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/17944326/

5-31-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home on Memorial Day. I got kind of a late start, beginning after 8:30am. It was fine at the beginning, as the temperature was cool and good for riding. There was a little headwind in the early part of the ride down to the coast and heading south. Headed over to RB Rd and took it to Camino del Sur, riding down to Carmel Valley Rd and turning right. Stayed on this road until Del Mar Heights Rd, where I again turned right. Took this road down to Carmel Canyon Rd, where I took a left, then another left onto Carmel Creek Rd. I crossed the 56 and got onto the 56 bike trail, which I took to El Camino Real. Over to Carmel Valley Rd, which I took to the coast and headed south. Up the normal route on Torrey Pines Rd, where the wind died down but the temperature started to increase. Stayed on Torrey Pines Rd until a right on La Jolla Shores Dr. At the light here, I couldn't clip out fast enough and fell over. Brother! Stayed on this road until it connected back with Torrey Pines Rd, which I rode up until a right on Prospect St. I took this road until it dead-ended, then got onto La Jolla Blvd. Turned left on Nautilus St, which I took up Mt Soledad. The early part of this climb is fairly easy, with a little stretch of steepness. After a small downhill section in the middle, it gets pretty steep until it connects to La Jolla Scenic Dr. Took this road to the memorial at Mt Soledad, which was all decked out for a Memorial Day celebration. Brief rest here, then down Via Capri to Hidden Valley Rd, which tees into Torrey Pines Rd. This section is uphill until it connects into La Jolla Village Dr, but the wind was at my back, which was a big help here. Took LJV/Miramar Rd all the way to Pomerado Rd. At this point in the ride, I was waiting for my second wind to kick in. Averaged 17-18 mph, but it was wind-aided. Going up Pomerado Rd, I had to take it pretty slow, particularly at the top. Down Pomerado, again the wind was at my back all the way to the hospital, and I felt better on this portion, tired legs but better cardio. Headed back to RB Rd, where I took a left and went to W Bernardo Dr. The small uphill section under the freeway was painfully slow, but the rest of the ride (normal route) home was easy, since it was mostly downhill. I was surprised to be able to finish without any muscles tightening up. They were sure tired, though, and maybe I was helped by keeping a slower pace on the latter half of the ride.

Average speed = 16.3 mph. Total mileage = 55.9 mi
Average heartrate = 149 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2510'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/17804382/

5-29-2010 Ride

Solo ride while staying up at the Lazy W Ranch for Claremont UMC Fellowship Camp. I drove the car into San Juan Capistrano, since riding on the Ortega Highway is not a good idea. Headed into SJC from where I parked, then turned right on Camino Capistrano and headed north. Turned right on Junipero Serra and crossed under the I-5, then turned left onto Rancho Viejo/Marguerite Rd. This part of the ride was somewhat familiar from earlier times of riding down from the Fullerton train station to Oceanside or San Diego. However, I think this was the first time I had ridden it in this direction. It is much more uphill in this direction, with a couple of stretches of gradual climbing. Stopped on the way and got some bread and veggie burgers at a Pavilions. Rode out to El Toro Rd, where I turned around and headed back. This section was mostly downhill, much easier, but it seemed like I hit every red light. Made good time on this part, including back through the village of SJC. The final stretch was flat to uphill, and the tailwind helped. This was the first time in awhile that I had ridden during the middle of the day, and it was toasty, particularly on the Marguerite Rd section. I suspect that my average heartrate was higher because of the higher temperature during the ride. It was in the high 80's to low 90's during much of the climbing section.

Average speed = 16.7 mph. Total mileage = 29.7 mi
Average heartrate = 155 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1080'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/-san-juan-capistrano/789127526199730890

5-24-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home over to John's after work to visit him after he got home from his prostate surgery. Went Duenda to RB Rd, then over to Pomerado and then Poway Rd. On the way over, I stopped at a 7-11 and bought him a bottle of chocolate milk. He looked good, all things considered, but he was pretty weak. Will take some time for him to heal.

Average speed = 18.1 mph. Total mileage = 18.7 mi
Average heartrate = 148 bpm
Total elevation gain = 570'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/133127526145321533

5-17-2010 Ride

Solo ride from home to church for yoga, following the normal short route. I didn't really push the pace, just kept it steady.

Average speed = 17.9 mph. Total mileage = 10.6 mi
Average heartrate = 143 bpm
Total elevation gain = 440'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/964123799127555358

5-15-2010 Ride

Ride from home with Dave. Headed up Centre City into Escondido. On the freeway section after the mall, I put a little distance between us and kept it past Felicita. We rode together from here out to the climb section near Deer Springs, where I separated again. Stayed together all the way to the beginning of the climb up 395 to the top by West Lilac Rd. The initial section was steep, and the section over the freeway was steeper than I remembered it. But it wasn't as steep in the latter sections. Waited for Dave at the turn, where we took a brief break before continuing on. The portion of the route on West Lilac Rd was more hilly than I remembered it, with lots of going either uphill or downhill. Turned right when we got to Lilac Rd, and this section was more of the same. At the point where Old Castle Rd connected in, we had to do a long, gradual climb, and I again separated. Took a right on Valley Center Rd and headed up the small crest (steeper than I remembered) before going down the grade into northeast Escondido. Turned on BVP and headed back toward home. At this point in the ride, I was tired enough that Dave was keeping up with me but not getting ahead. Finished by going across Lake Hodges and up the hill before the park (pretty slow, but no pain). I was beat at the end, but I didn't have any muscle cramping. Legs tired throughout the day.

Average speed = 17.5 mph. Total mileage = 46.0 mi.
Average heartrate = 152 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2100'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/17098328

5-13-2010 Ride

Solo ride after work up Highland Valley Rd to the 67 and back. It was breezy during the ride, with the breeze helping on the way out and in my face on the way back. I seemed to be slower than usual on the climb up to the top of Highland Valley Rd, maybe not enough to eat during the day. However, on the way back, I kept up a good pace on the gradual climbs by the elementary school and back up to the top. Probably didn't push the pace as much as usual on the flatter downhill sections. I made it up the hill before the park pretty well and still had enough to go pretty fast up Aguamiel. Felt good, but tired, at the end of the ride.

Average speed = 16.4 mph. Total mileage = 30.8 mi
Average heartrate = 150 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1740'
http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/detail/5491037/

5-10-2010 Ride

Ride from work with Dave and John after work. It was John's last ride before his prostate surgery on 5-17-10. I had my cycle computer with me, which had flown off in our last ride, but it got jostled early in the ride and reset, so I didn't record my average speed. The last digit for the average speed doesn't work anymore. We headed out Via del Campo to RB Rd and Camino del Sur, then went west to San Dieguito Rd, where we turned left and headed into Fairbanks Ranch. Turned right on El Apajo/Via de Santa Fe and rode over to Via de la Valle, which we took slowly up to Paseo Delicias, all riding at about the same pace. Headed into Rancho Santa Fe and turned onto La Gracia, which tees into Via de la Valle. We followed this road to Calzada del Bosque, which we took back over to San Dieguito Rd. Again on the climb here, we all stayed pretty much together. Headed back Camino del Sur/Norte to Bernardo Center Dr, then back to work via W. Bernardo Dr. A nice, fairly easy ride.

Total mileage = 23.4 mi
Average heartrate = 140 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1000'
http://beta.mapmyride.com/route/detail/17097578/

5-8-2010 Ride

Ride from home over to Jim's house, where we rode over to Dave's house to meet up. Headed up Pomerado Rd to Ted Williams Pkwy, which we followed over to the 56 bike path. On this section, all three of us were riding pretty fast, not really letting up. On the bike path, we slowed it down a bit. Past Black Mountain Rd, we were going on a downhill and hit a bump, where my bike computer flew off. I went back and picked up the pieces, but it wasn't working. Not too long after, I lost a screw from one of my bike cleats. Not a great start to the ride. Headed down the bike path to El Camino Real, then over to Carmel Valley Rd to the coast. Headed up Torrey Pines Rd, taking the inside route. Dave hung with me all the way up the steep part, and he looks strong. Waited for Jim at the top of the steep part, then I motored up the shallow climb, putting some distance on the other two. Back onto Torrey Pines Rd, which we took over to Genessee Rd and over to Eastgate Mall. Took this road over to Miramar Rd, where the sewer smell was particularly bad. This road is getting pretty bad in the bike lane. Dave and I mostly traded leads on this section, while Jim stayed up with us. On the climb up Pomerado Rd, I put some distance on the other two in the early section, where the grade is gradual. I got stopped by a light and Dave caught up. After that, we rode together, trading leads back and forth to the top. Then it was all the way down Pomerado Rd back to Dave's house. There were a couple of places where I put some distance on the other two, mainly in sections where the incline was a gradual uphill. Picked up my jacket at Dave's house and headed home the normal route. I felt good throughout the ride and finished feeling pretty fresh.

Average speed = 17.7 mph. Total mileage = 46.6 mi.
Average heartrate = 146 bpm (including some stops)
Total elevation gain = 1560'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/756127335336499008

5-4-2010 Ride

Ride from home to yoga. Took BVP to Oak Hill, then over to the 78, turning left on Grand and going by the hospital. Left on Kalmia, then right on 4th. Felt good throughout the ride, taking the uphill section on BVP at a pretty fast pace. Had a little bit of a tailwind, which helped.

Average speed = 18.9 mph. Total mileage = 10.6 mi.
Total elevation gain = 440'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/964123799127555358

5-2-2010 Ride

Ride from home over to Dave's house for the time trial loop with him, John, and Jim. The weather was good, and we started off at a good pace. Trading leads up to the turn on Espola Rd, although I was mostly following. I moved out at this point and pushed it pretty hard. Had to let off when the incline leveled off, and eventually Dave joined up with me. We traded leads to the high point on Espola, where we waited for the others. On the climb up to the Poway Rd intersection, Dave went ahead but I was able to hang on until the bend where it flattened out; I had some gas left in the tank and moved ahead to the waiting point at the light. Going down Poway Rd, we again traded leads, but I led out at the slight uphill section and nobody followed. Everybody caught up at the Pomerado Rd intersection, and we again rode at a fairly fast pace down to Sabre Springs Pkwy, Dave and me out in front. Up this road at a fast pace, dropping Dave. Up Ted Williams, Jim started ahead of me and kept a good pace for me to chase. We rode together down to the light, then everybody gathered up just past Twin Peaks Rd. John and Dave helped tremendously with their leads, but we hit a couple of lights that slowed us down. Eventually, I got frustrated and pulled out and away, trying to finish fast. Dave caught up near the turn onto Rios Rd. Pushed it hard all the way back to Dave's house, where I finished with a new PR of 52:24.

Total mileage = 23.1 mi
Total elevation gain = 820'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/854917700575

5-1-2010 Ride

Ride from home with Dave and John out Highland Valley to Ramona. On the very first hill, I felt really good at the start, then slowed down quite a bit around the middle of the climb. For the rest of the climbing section, I did it but didn't feel like I was really riding well. I finished feeling strong, then waited for Dave and John before continuing on. From this part of the ride on, I pushed the pace whenever I could and felt like I had good legs. Maybe it was the better energy transfer using my old pedals. Headed out Dye Rd and around that loop to Warnock Rd, connecting to San Vicente Rd and back to the 78. I pulled away from the others on the small climbing sections of the 78 leaving Ramona, then pedaled steadily and hard in some places on the downhill, working to make good speed going downhill, which I don't do very much at all. Got to the bottom in one piece and waited around the Bandy Canyon Rd turnoff for Dave and John. Then we continued on the 78 past the Wild Animal Park and to Via Rancho Pkwy, where we took a left and headed up and out of the valley. On this section, I felt really good, like the wind was pushing me up the gradual climb. Back home by BVP and across the freeway. Good ride all around for me.

Average speed = 17.5 mph. Total mileage = 40.1 mi
Average heartrate = 149 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1700'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/268127275657363834

4-30-2010 Ride

Ride to and from work. Motored up the first part of the hill by work, then slowed down near the top. Need a little more endurance to make it to the top without conking out. I forgot my shoes and had to get Ann to bring them to me. O, brother!

Total mileage = 4.7 mi
Total elevation gain = 280'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/235124071541511611

2010 Alpine Challenge Metric Century

Got up early and drove over to John's, then we packed everything into his truck and headed to Viejas Outlet Mall. The night before, we discovered that our water heater was leaking and called out a plumber to replace it. I stayed up to help him with the job, so I didn't get a full night's rest. I did change out my tires and put on new handlebar tape. It was a little chilly when we got there. Got everything ready and took off with the rest of the riders at the starting time. By that time, it was starting to warm up. Headed up the hill to the overpass, which thinned the pack out. Waited at the top for John, then we headed off back toward Alpine. Turned on S. Grade Rd before getting downtown and eventually made our way over to Harbison Canyon Rd, which had some fairly steep downhill sections. Weather was cooperating, but around this point my right pedal started making a lot of noise. John was riding ahead in a pack, but I decided not to work too hard to catch up. Turned onto Dehesa Rd and started climbing. For most of the climbing section, I intentially kept the pace slower, to make sure I had something left at the end of the ride. Stopped at the first rest stop to regroup, then it was onto Japatul Rd for the longer climb. Overall, the climbing generally lasts from mile 16 to the turnaround at about mile 33. There are a couple of rest stops in there. On Japatul, my pedal was occasionally seizing up and making a fair amount of noise. At the turnaround, I looked at it but couldn't really figure out what was going on. Heading back to Descanso, it seized up a couple of times, then it loosened up and didn't give me any further trouble other than making noise. I kept pedaling for much of the downhill section, fearing that the pedal would lock up if I stopped. Kept it slow on the uphill sections and not too fast on the downhills. John was right there, passing me near the bottom of the overall downhill section. I caught him on the climb back into Alpine but didn't get too far ahead of him. On the initial climb, which was somewhat steep, my left quad was cramped up, which got me a little worried. However, it loosened up and was fine for most of the climb back, although I was slow. There was only one steep section on this portion, just before crossing the freeway. I took it slow, but my quad was cramping. This is where I put a little more distance between me and John. The rest of the ride was pretty easy, either downhill or slightly uphill. Finished in just under 4 hrs.

Average speed = 15 mph. Total mileage = 58.8 mi

Averarge heartrate = 154 bpm

Total elevation gain = 4370'

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/alpine/302124023600531919

4-18-10 Ride

Ride from home over to Dave's for the time trial loop with him and John. I kept it at a pretty even pace at the beginning, staying with the others, including slowing down on the gradual climb up Espola to the high school. At the steeper climbing section, I hung on Dave's wheel, but it was a challenge. Fast going down Poway Rd, mainly because we hit most of the lights. I pulled up the last stretch on this road before the turn onto Sabre Springs Pkwy, then waited again for the others to catch up. Once again, I hung on Dave's wheel up this section. I led up much of the Ted Williams Pkwy section with Dave hanging on, then we all three raced to the top of the hill on Pomerado Rd by the hospital. Dave and I took off after the crest and motored back to his house. Finished in 54:20, which was okay for me given by long layoff from riding this route. On the way home, I took a longer loop to add another mile and some climbing.

Total mileage = 24.46 mi.
Average heartrate = 155 bpm.
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ca/san%20diego/514127173306563536

4-17-10 Ride

Ride from home with Dave and John. Headed over to Highland Valley Rd and up. Dave kept ahead of me in the first steep climb and finished about 20 seconds ahead of me. After that, I went ahead and stayed in front to the top of the climb. The middle section is a real killer, and I was slow going up that part. Other than that section, it wasn't really challenging. There is a steep section just by Eagles Crest, but it isn't long at all. Most of it is just slogging uphill. We gathered at the crest and rode as a group down to the 67 and up the first portion toward Mt. Woodson. Then John fell back and it was just me and Dave for a time, until he dropped off and I continued solo up to the crest by Mt. Woodson. The wind was at my back, and I really felt strong on this section of the ride. Then we rode pretty much together on the downhill section, with a little separation on the climb up to Poway Rd. Down the hill at Scripps-Poway Pkwy then back up, where we lost contact with John and waited for him. From there, we rode as a group on Pomerado, until I separated somewhat on the climb up to Twin Peaks. Turned left and took this road over to Bernardo Center Dr, then home via the route taking us by HP. I felt really good throughout this ride, which we had to cut short to get back in time for John.

Average speed = 16.9 mph. Total mileage = 37.8 mi.
Average heartrate = 154 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2120'
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ca/san%20diego/920127173436489913

4-15-10 Ride

Solo ride after work, going down W Bernardo Dr and up Pomerado to the top of the hill. The last climb was slower than I'd hoped I would be able to ride it. Down Pomerado through Scripps Ranch and across the freeway, turning right on Kearny Villa Rd and taking Black Mountain Rd all the way to its dead end. There is a pretty steep section on this road, just past Mercy Rd and continuing up to the 56 overpass. I chased another rider up this section and caught him just before the crest. The rest of the Black Mountain Rd section was relatively easy. Turned left on Carmel Valley Rd and rode it down to Camino del Sur, which I took up to RB Rd. Kept up a pretty decent pace on this gradual uphill section. Took RB Rd down to W Bernardo Dr and climbed the last section back to work. That last section slowed down my average speed quite a bit. Finished feeling pretty good.

Average speed = 17.5 mph. Total mileage = 34.3 mi.
Average heartrate = 148 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1470'
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ca/san%20diego/916127173467955081

4-13-10 Ride

Ride from home to church for yoga, going out through the San Pasqual Valley. I was slower on this ride than the previous week, and I don't really know why. Maybe it was because I hadn't ridden over the weekend (back in Houston visiting the parents). In any case, I really noticed it on the climb out of the valley, when I just didn't have much push in my legs. I was behind schedule and had to cut the ride short, staying on the 78 over to Idaho, then climbing up and over to Juniper and riding in to church. Not sure why my pace was so slow on this ride.

Average speed =16.4 mph. Total mileage = 19.3 mi.
Average heartrate = 154 bpm
Total elevation gain = 870'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/291127135468937798

4-6-10 Ride

Ride from home to church for yoga, taking the long way. Over to Highland Valley, then up to Bandy Canyon. The climb up Highland Valley was tough but not as bad as I thought it might be. Bandy Canyon over to the 78, then back into Escondido by the Wild Animal Park. The wind was swirling here and tough to ride into in places. The first part of the climb out of the San Pasqual Valley was pretty easy, then it got tough near the end, as I kept in second gear and really had to grind it out. Onto BVP, headed over to Oak Hill Rd, then turned right on Ash and left on Grand. Into downtown, left on Juniper and right on 4th to get to the church. It took me less time to ride this route that I thought it would. Because of the wind, I did a lot of pedaling and not too much coasting throughout the ride, other than the section coming down Bandy Canyon into the San Pasqual Valley. Good workout.

Average speed = 16.9 mph. Total mileage = 21.2 mi.
Average heartrate = 148 bpm (apparently low from early reading failure)
Total elevation gain = 870'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/301127032581696537

4-3-10 Ride

Ride from home over to Dave's house, where I met up with him, John, and Jim. We headed into Escondido and out Centre City Pkwy to Deer Springs Rd. Took this road to Twin Oaks Valley Pkwy, then turned right on Buena Creek, which we took until it dead-ended at Mission Rd. Followed Mission Rd all the way back into Escondido, turning on Washington and connecting to Centre City via Tulip and Valley Pkwy. Took normal route all the way back to Rancho Bernardo Rd, where I took a right and headed home. Jim has lost about 20 lbs and has been riding quite a bit, so he was strong throughout the ride. I was reasonably strong for the first 20 miles or so, then I got tired legs. John and Dave were riding well, John in particular. I could tell that he has been training a lot in preparation for the Alpine Challenge coming up. I think this ride is really going to test me this year, particularly the last uphill section to get back into Alpine.



Average speed = 16.6 mph. Total mileage = 42.8 mi
Average heartrate = 154 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1380'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/301127032581696537

4-1-10 Ride

Solo ride over lunch, standard loop out to Poway Rd and back. It had been awhile since I had ridden, but things went okay. I found myself pedaling in a lower gear than normal much of the time. The wind helped out in a couple of places.

Average speed = 18.0 mph. Total mileage = 16.5 mi.
Total elevation gain = 620'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/-san-diego/679125912373832912

3-13-10 Ride

Ride with John from home out by the park and up Pomerado. Parts of this climb were slower than in the past, as was the initial climb up Scripps-Poway Pkwy right after the turn. We took this road up to the 67. I rode up without getting out of the saddle, but most of the climb was in my lowest gear. North on 67 to Highland Valley Rd, which we took back to Pomerado. I was slower on the climb up to the Mt. Woodson pass, and we rode pretty fast on the downhill after Mt. Woodson. Not too much difficulty with the climb to the high point on Highland Valley Rd. I hadn't ridden the downhill since last August, and it was fun. I was tired, with some soreness in my calves at the end. I had enough for a pretty good finish up Aguamiel. Maybe some endurance effects from a minor cold I am at the tail end of.

Average speed = 16.9 mph. Total mileage = 39.4 mi.
Average heartrate = 154 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2030'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/464124987533575867

3-6-10 Ride

Ride on Saturday morning with John and Dave, from John's house. Headed up to Pomerado the usual way, then down to Miramar Rd. By the base, I discovered a slow leak in my back tire, so I replaced the tube. We continued down to Genesee and turned left. This road was challenging for me, with several medium climbs and a longer gradual climb up to Linda Vista. Right here, then a left on Ulric, which took us down to Friars Rd. We turned left and headed over to Qualcomm Stadium. On the way there, Dave hit a set of keys in the roadway and got a flat. John thought they were his keys but missing his car keys, so we looked for the keys on up the road while Dave changed the flat. Turned out they weren't his keys. Hilarious! Dave's first inner tube broke at the valve stem, so he had to change it out. After the second fix, we headed on Friars Rd over to Mission Village Dr, which has a steep section right after the turn that isn't as long as I thought it would be. Took this road up to Ruffin Rd, where we turned right and headed over to Aero Dr, another right, then a left back onto Ruffin Rd, where there was another small hill. Past this hill, I hit a pothole in the road and got another flat. Crap! Fixed it, but I was wearing out by this time. We stayed on Ruffin/Kearny Villa back to Miramar Rd, then headed up Pomerado back to John's house. I was pretty tired by this time, so I took it easy up this section. Even still, my legs were working well, just not a lot of drive in them. No soreness or cramping.

Average speed = 16.6 mph. Total mileage = 37.9 mi
Average heartrate = 147 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1360'
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ca/san%20diego/764126792394184305

3-5-10 Ride

Ride on Friday morning from work, with John and Dave. This was my second ride out on my repaired bike, and it worked well. Headed out to Camino del Norte via Bernardo Center Dr, and we took this road all the way to the 56. I started out slowly, while John and Dave were motoring. Down the bike trail toward the coast, Dave was really pushing the pace, but I could hang with him. Got down to El Camino Real and headed north. On this gradual climb, I pulled ahead, even though I was taking it pretty easy on the pace relative to recent rides (still recovering my cardio fitness, it will take some time). They pulled away a little bit on the downhill toward San Dieguito Rd, but I caught back up and traded leads with them until the climb through Fairbanks Ranch, where I dropped them again. Back to work via Rancho Bernardo Rd to Via del Campo. Weather was pretty good overall, although it was chilly at the start. Dave was going to ride another 40 miles after we finished, which was pretty incredible, given the pace that we were riding.

Average speed = 18.1 mph. Total mileage = 31.9 mi.
Average heartrate (with stops) = 152 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1150'
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ca/san%20diego/166126783985093050

3-4-10 Ride

Solo ride over lunch from work. Standard short loop, with the jaunt out to Poway Rd and back thrown in. It hadn't taken long for me to slow down in my riding. My heartrate was pretty high, which slowed me down at times. This was the first time for me riding on my repaired frame. It rode well, although my rear brake is rubbing again.

Average speed = 17.6 mph. Total mileage = 16.5 mi.
Average heartrate = 157 bpm
Total elevation gain = 620'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/-san-diego/679125912373832912

2-20-10 Ride

Ride from John's house with him and Dave. It had rained during the previous night, so the roads were wet, but the sun was peeking out at the beginning of the ride. We headed up Scripps-Poway Pkwy to the 67, then down the Lakeside grade to Vigilante/Moreno. On this climb, I was riding the bike borrowed from David and Christine, and it really seemed like I had to work much harder to get up the grade. For this portion of the ride, it was humid and wet on the roads but not raining. On Moreno, John suggested that we all try to keep a 25 mph pace. We tried, but the wet roads prevented any drafting. John and I traded turns in the lead at about 23 mph, but we couldn't keep it up. We turned right on Willow Rd, then onto Lakeside Dr and then Riverside Dr. At about this point in the ride, we had gotten onto roads that had been rained on very recently. Turned right on El Nopal, which we rode on to Timberlane Way, where we took a left and got over to Mast Rd. Took this road all the way to the 52, and the uphill sections got us warmed up for the long (about 2 miles, but it felt like longer), gradual climb up the 52. On the downhill section to Santo Rd, it started to rain pretty heavily, so that section was miserable. Took Santo Rd over to Clairemont Mesa Blvd, which we took up to Ruffin/Kearny Villa Rd. Followed this to Pomerado, with rain squalls and very wet roads making it challenging. Up Pomerado, where I was really beat. On the flatter sections, John and Dave got ahead, but I caught up to them in the latter portion where it got steeper. Even still, I was wiped out at the top. Headed back the normal route, and I was really glad it was all downhill. This was clearly a day when it felt fantastic to finish the ride, the hardest 40-mile ride I had done in quite a long time.

Average speed = 16.2 mph. Total mileage = 39.2 mi.
Total elevation gain = 1970'
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/san-diego/403126671311342704