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/
