Solo ride from home after getting back from a trip to Israel on the previous day. I didn't get much chance to do workouts during the trip, just a couple of fairly short runs. So I didn't know how my fitness would be. The weather for this ride was just about perfect, overcast and cool, no sun during the entire ride. Headed out across the freeway and up Via Rancho Pkwy, which is a good way to judge fitness. I couldn't power up this climb but did okay. Headed over to Del Dios Hwy and down this road, turning right at El Camino del Norte to head over through Rancho Santa Fe. Took this road, which has a lot of ups and downs, over to Rancho Santa Fe Rd, connecting to Olivenhain Rd, which turns into Leucadia Blvd at the El Camino Real intersection. Here, there is a short climb where I tried to keep my pace about 10 mph. No luck, although it can be done. I just didn't have either the fitness or the drive to make it happen. Headed down to the PCH and turned left, heading south. There were a lot of walkers, runners, and cyclists, but I didn't see a lot of cyclists going my direction. My pace was decent, not great. At the place where Via de la Valle connects in, I stopped for a break, ate a banana, and almost left my phone there (had to circle back and pick it up). Pretty good pace heading into Del Mar. I was able to keep my pace about 10 mph going up Torrey Pines, much of the way was about 11 mph. But it was a chore, and my heartrate was up in the 170's. Headed over to Genesee Rd and used it to connect to Eastgate Mall. Got onto Miramar Rd and took this back. This is a really bad road, smelly and bumpy for much of the way. I have to figure out alternate routes to get back from this area. I was feeling the effects of not having ridden here, not able to keep any decent pace on this relatively flat section. Chugged up Pomerado Rd, again not feeling strong, having my chain come off before the last little climb. Then it was down into Poway, on maintenance mode with no real drive left and some muscle tightness (no cramps). Back to RB Rd and home via the W Bernardo Dr way. I felt okay at the end, tired muscles but no soreness. Hoping it won't take long to get my cardio and pedaling fitness back on track.
Avg speed = 17.3 mph. Total mileage = 56.7 mi
Avg heartrate = 146 bpm
Total elevation gain = 3500'
