Ride from home, up Azucar and over to Dave's house, where I met up with him, John, and David Settles. We headed out Pomerado to the freeway and into Escondido via Centre City Pkwy. I felt pretty good on this gradual climb. Caught a fair number of lights in the city, turning right on 2nd Ave and heading up to the intersection at Juniper, where we met up with Joe. We took Grand Ave to BVP and went out to Lake Wohlford Rd. By this time I was warmed up, so I changed gloves and took off my jacket for the climb. It went okay. Dave hung with me for the first part but couldn't keep pace, even though I was significantly slower on the second half than I was the last time I rode it. We all gathered at the top of the hill and continued riding. On the climbs, Joe fell back but the others basically stayed together. Over to Valley Center Rd by the casino, and it's a rough stretch for about 3 mi. Then it smoothes out and it nice all the way back into Escondido. On the little climb before the grade, Dave took off and I didn't have any response. We headed down the grade and turned on El Norte Pkwy, keeping a loose pace line and making really good time on this section, averaging over 20 mph. Down to Centre City Pkwy and back toward Dave's house. Joe turned off at Grand Ave. We stayed together, but I was winding down and tiring out. Over the freeway, John turned on the jets and I couldn't match him either. Alas. I thought about heading for home but decided to ride it out. Reasonably good pace up Pomerado Rd, with several people taking the lead at various times. Back to Dave's house, then I went home via RB Rd. At the end, I felt good, no muscle tightening or soreness, just tired. This was the best ride of the week, easily. Cardio appears to be slowly coming into shape.
Avg speed = 16.8 mph. Total mileage = 49.6 mi
Avg heartrate = 148 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1880'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/61945196
