Solo ride on Easter after church. I headed through the neighborhood to RB Rd and over to Camino del Norte, turning left and taking it over to Pomerado Rd. On the early part of the ride, I didn't notice the wind, which built up later on. I took Pomerado up to Scripps-Poway Pkwy and headed east, now with the wind at my back. I made good time on the first climb, keeping it above 10 mph the whole time. On the last climb up to the 67, I had my best ride here in a long time, riding from the turnout up to the white sign in about 10:30, keeping the pace above 9 mph the whole time, I think. This exertion took a lot out of me and, in hindsight, was a mistake. I headed down toward Lakeside on the 67, and the fast downhill sections were scary due to a swirling crosswind. I was on the brakes a couple of times. After this part, I was slow for the rest of the ride, no drive in my legs and battling headwinds for much of the time. I took Lakeside Ave over to Riverside Dr and used it to connect to Riverford Rd and El Nopal. The wind and tired legs were slowing me down. I connected to Mast Blvd via Magnolia Ave and struggled over to the 52 bike trail. Started out pretty well on this section but quickly lost steam and went slowly up to the top. I took a break here, eating a banana and resting for a bit. The downhill was nice but right into the wind, so I was just pedaling along. Right before the loop to get onto Santo Rd, I rode by a rattlesnake lying on the pavement, and it gave me a huge adrenaline rush (not great). Took Santo Rd over to Clairemont Mesa Blvd, fighting the climb up to Ruffin Rd. The Kearny Villa Rd section was the slowest I had ridden this road in a long time, I just had no energy and the crosswind was tough to handle. I did okay going up Pomerado Rd, wanting to stop and take a break and resisting the temptation. Near the top, the wind was at my back, which helped me out when I needed it. It was a fast ride down the hill to Scripps-Poway Pkwy, then slow on the section to Poway Rd. I headed up to Community Rd to add some mileage, took it over to Twin Peaks Rd and up to Espola Rd. It was a slog going up this shallow climb, and there wasn't much relief going back into RB because of a stiff headwind. Again, I was having to pedal on tired legs. I kept on RB Rd to W Bernardo Dr, then took it down to Aguamiel Rd and up the final climb, slowly, to finish at home. My legs held up, no cramping, they just wouldn't respond after the early exertion. My cardio was also decent, I just need more leg strength that probably won't be there for the big ride in April.
Avg speed = 16.3 mph. Total mileage = 58.9 mi
Avg heartrate = 138 bpm
Total elevation gain = 3940'
