Solo ride in the morning, after dropping Ann off at the airport. It was foggy for the first part of this ride and generally gray throughout. I headed over to BVP and took it up to the 78, getting onto Citrus Ave. I rode over to El Norte Pkwy, keeping a steady pace but not feeling like I was really pushing myself. Right on Broadway and over to Jesmond Dene Rd, where I hooked up with a strong rider. We traded leads going up this road, and I pushed it to the max to get to the top of the last little climb ahead of him. He passed me not too long afterward, since I was played out at that point. I took Deer Springs Rd/Twin Oaks Valley Pkwy back into San Marcos, making really good time on this section. Over to Barham Dr, where it seemed I was slow but really wasn't too bad. I made good time on Mission Ave back into Escondido, taking it all the way to Broadway to see what kind of set-up there was for the Tour of California. Broadway to Grand, which was closed off as they were getting the tents set up. Back to Centre City Pkwy, then home via the normal route. I think I had a little bit of a tailwind on this section, as I made good time all the way through the city and across the bridge (not super fast here). Felt good all the way on this ride, although I could tell that my cardio fitness has dropped quite a bit from its peak for the BP MS150.
Avg speed = 19.0 mph. Total mileage = 36.1 mi
Avg heartrate = 148 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1560'
