05/12/2013 Rides

Ride over to Dave's house for the time trial route with John.  The weather was foggy at my house but clear and a little warm during most of the ride.  I started out riding at John's pace but picked it up a little bit at the bend on Espola Rd, waiting for him at the stop light, then riding with him to the base of the little climb up to Poway Rd.  I kept my pace near 11 mph on this climb, not feeling like I was pushing it but getting my heartrate nonetheless up near 180 bpm.  We rode together down Poway Rd, with me creating a little separate just before the turn onto Sabre Springs Pkwy.  I rode a little faster on this section, not going all out but riding faster.  Same thing on Ted Williams Pkwy.  We rode together mostly on Pomerado Rd, with me pulling a little bit ahead by the hospital and sprinting out at the end.  Finished the time trial in 53:50.

Total mileage = 23.2 mi
Avg heartrate = 151 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1440'
https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/277991431

Solo ride over to BVP and up to Sunset Dr, on up to Juniper St, and over to Valley Pkwy, then to check in at the volunteer tent for the Amgen Tour of California.  Then they sent me back to watch the route on BVP by Royal Crest Dr.  I retraced my route to Juniper St, turning left on El Dorado Dr, which is where the tour riders were going to turn as well.  Down to BVP, then over to Royal Crest Dr.  I got to stand in the median of the road, blowing a whistle to alert the riders to move to either side.  It was a good way to experience the peloton, which was by me in a flash.  Then I headed back into Escondido, taking Royal Crest Dr, which turns out to be a short, steep little climb.  I turned left on Sunset Dr and went over to Escondido Blvd, stopping at Jack-in-the-Box for fries and a soda, as it was starting to get really warm.  Then I headed over to Grand Ave and rode into the set-up for the finish of the stage.  I left my bike at a bike valet and walked around to see the booths.  They had big screens showing the tour coverage, but it was a preview show and the sound was hard to make out.  I walked up to Bike Bling and talked to Bill and Laurie Schwarz, then walked down to see a few more sights and pick up my bike.

Avg speed = 15.0 mph. Total mileage = 14.7 mi
Total elevation gain = 940'
https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/277993477

My station in the afternoon turned out to be right in front of Chin's Restaurant.  Across the street in the performing arts center parking lot were all of the team buses, which was mildly interesting to watch.  I got to my general spot around 2:00, but not much was going on.  I walked over to buy a PowerAde at the AM/PM on the corner of Escondido and Washington, then walked back and took up my station after the pylons blocking off the exits from the parking lots on the east side of the street had been set up.  Most people were accepting when told they had to turn around, while a few with medical issues raised a bit of a stink.  The lead riders came by a little before 4:00, two out in front followed closely by the main chase group.  It took until around 4:30 before all of the riders were off the course, then I rode home (relatively slowly).  I got onto Centre City Pkwy via 5th Ave, then followed the normal route, thankful for a bit of a tailwind in Escondido, that turned into more of a headwind as I continued south.  It was a fun day, and I hope the tour organizers make San Diego a regular stop for stages in the future.

Avg speed = 15.0 mph. Total mileage = 7.0 mi
Total elevation gain = 210'
https://www.mapmyride.com/workout/277994611