Ready to try some hills on this Saturday morning ride, which was brisk at the start. Headed up Azucar Way to Duenda Rd, then over to RB Rd and onto Pomerado Rd, heading south. This was grinding away riding, not feeling bad but not feeling strong either. Rode over to Scripps Poway Pkwy and headed east, chugging up the first little grade at a fairly weak pace. On the slight uphill and flat sections, I was pretty slow, but I did okay on the last climb up to the 67, not great but benefiting from something of a tailwind. Stopped for a break at the top, then continued over to Poway Rd, glad that I was at the top of the ride by this time. The ride down Poway Rd was thrilling and a little scary, the first time since the Tour de Poway that I had done any long downhills. Traffic was light, which helped. I stayed on Poway Rd to Community Rd, then took this over to Twin Peaks Rd, an up-and-down stretch getting me to Pomerado Rd. The ride up to the hospital was slower than usual, again a fitness thing. I did a little better past here, getting down to the freeway then heading up by the park. I wanted a few more miles in, so I stayed on W Bernardo Dr up to RB Rd, then took it to Matinal Rd. This last little climb was going pretty well until I downshifted and lost my chain. Got to Matinal Rd and headed back home the normal way. This first return to longer climbs felt decent, not as tough as I had thought it would be.
Avg speed = 16.8 mph. Total mileage = 34.1 mi
Avg heartrate = 154 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1850'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/161408536
