Solo ride, leaving a little before 11:00, after the rain had generally cleared through the area. Headed over the freeway to BVP and took it up to the 78, then jogged over to Citrus Ave. Took Citrus over to El Norte Pkwy, and around this time I felt some very light rain sprinkles, but nothing came of them. Down to Broadway and on to Jesmond Dene Rd, which I took pretty slowly, managing to stay just above 10 mph on the final climb. Then on Centre City Pkwy and Champagne Blvd, where I started to get some sunshine. Over to Gopher Canyon Rd, where this first climb, though not long, really slowed me down. Not sure what was going on here. I made good time on the rest of this section, which includes a longer, more gradual climb that was a little bit of a grind. Turned left on Vista Ave and took it over to Bobier Ave, where I turned right. This road turned into Oceanside Blvd, and it's a pretty good road to ride into Oceanside, although this section was longer in distance than I had expected. In Oceanside, I turned onto PCH and stopped soon after for a food break (gel pack and a banana). Then it was back on the bike and through Carlsbad and into Leucadia. I turned on Leucadia Blvd and headed inland, finally getting a boost from the steady westward breeze that was blowing all day. This road turns into Olivenhain Rd and then Rancho Santa Fe Rd. There are a couple of climbs, the second one being about 2 mi and a workout that was wind-aided. I caught up with another rider around this point, and we rode generally together all the way into Escondido. He was more of a follower than one to trade leads, which was something of a letdown. I turned on San Elijo Rd and headed up into San Elijo Hills, then back toward Escondido via Elfin Forest Rd and Harmony Grove Rd. I rode this section pretty fast, benefitting from the tailwind and the thought that this guy was on my rear wheel. Back into Escondido, making my way over to 9th Ave and onto Valley Pkwy. I was starting to tire out by this time. Got onto Centre City Pkwy and made okay time down to the mall. Crossing the freeway was slow because I was tired and the wind was now working against me. Back home, struggling on the last two little climbs to keep my speed above 10 mph. The only place during the ride where my pace fell below this level was on the first climb on Gopher Canyon Rd.
Avg speed = 18.1 mph. Total mileage = 70.8 mi
Avg heartrate = 143 bpm
Total elevation gain = 4120'
