Originally, this was supposed to be a time trial route with Dave and Jim, and I was going to add some miles onto the end to lengthen it. But Dave wasn't feeling well, and Jim backed out because it was Elizabeth's birthday. So I ended up solo, heading through the neighborhood to RB Rd. It was the same temperature at the start, about 40 deg, and it was generally fine, although my toes were cold throughout the ride. I took RB Rd to Dove Canyon Rd and over to Lone Quail Rd, connecting back to Camino del Sur and heading over to the 56 bike trail. On the climbs, I was exerting myself but not pushing it to the max. On the bike trail, I kept it over 20 mph on the slight uphill section (that took a fair amount of effort) between the two downhills to Carmel Valley Rd. Stayed on the bike trail, but I wasn't riding too fast here, because the trail seemed slippery. I got onto El Camino Real and started heading up toward Del Mar Heights. Initially I wasn't pushing it, but I was riding hard after the first little climb all the way to Del Mar Heights. I stopped here to take off my outer full-finger gloves and my hat, and my progress to the top wasn't great. Took the downhill section and got onto San Dieguito Rd. Here I had a steady pace, but I couldn't seem to get rolling fast. I really felt it on the uphill section near Camino del Sur. On the last uphill section, I went all out to keep my pace above 11 mph all the way to the top, which seemed like a good accomplishment. Turned on Camino del Sur and did okay on the climb toward 4S Ranch, just not feeling it in my legs on this ride. I turned left on Dove Canyon Rd and then right on RB Rd, comparatively slow to get to Via del Campo. Headed down to W Bernardo Dr and home the normal route, working hard to finish on a strong note.
Avg speed = 17.4 mph. Total mileage = 34.4 mi
Avg heartrate = 149 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2430'
