Solo ride after work, leaving from home and heading over to RB Rd through the neighborhood. On the little climb up Matinal Rd, I wasn't feeling strong, and it was generally a weak start for me. Headed out to Camino del Sur, where things were still on the slow side. Took this road down to the 56 bike trail and headed west, into a fresh breeze. Down to Carmel Valley Rd, where I turned and headed back toward home. After about a mile on this road, I started to ride better, maybe helped a little bit by a tailwind. When I got up to Camino del Sur, I hit a light and saw a rider that I decided to try and catch. So I really picked up the pace on this part of the ride. The rider I was trying to catch turned on San Dieguito Rd, but there was another rider still further up the road. I had to work pretty hard to catch up with him. He was Italian, just getting back into the swing of things, but he could keep a good pace. I rode with him for a bit, chatting, then tried to leave him behind. Good burst of speed, but he eventually caught me after I had turned onto RB Rd. We rode together for awhile, neither one of us strong enough to break away. I turned on W Bernardo Dr and headed all the way down to Aguamiel Rd, then up the little climb back home. The last 10 miles or so of this ride were as hard and fast as I have ridden in some time, and it felt okay.
Avg speed = 18.3 mph. Total mileage = 27.0 mi
Avg heartrate = 156 bpm
Total elevation gain = 950'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/82265133/
