Ride with John, leaving a little before 7:00 from my house and heading over into Escondido via the pedestrian bridge. We then took BVP and followed the normal longer way to church, although on Ash St I turned left on 3rd Ave to avoid having to trigger the light at Grand Ave. At the first stop sign, we turned right to get over to Grand Ave, which we followed down to Kalmia St, then over to church. After a short wait, we met up with Andy and headed back over to Grand Ave and out to BVP. Out to Valley Pkwy, which we took to Lake Wohlford Rd. I started a little slow up the grade, with Andy out ahead. Set a steady pace and gradually was able to pass him. He sat on my wheel for much of the climb but couldn't hang on at the last little climbing section before we got to that road that turns off to the right. We all gathered back up at the top and rode together around the lake. On the short, steep section before the turn onto Woods Valley Rd, I pushed it into high gear and had a good spurt to get some separation. We all rode together down into Valley Center, having to stop for a bit while John fixed a rear flat. Up and down Valley Center Rd back into Escondido. I was able to stay with John but only by pedaling hard to keep him from coasting away. We took Valley Pkwy to Citrus Ave and over to BVP to get back to Grand Ave. Took it through downtown, and we separated at Centre City Pkwy, with me and John heading back to my house the normal way. Good steady pace on the way back, and John was able to keep pace, other than a little lagging as we rode across the freeway. Felt fine on the last little climbs, as this was a short ride for me given my recent Saturday routes.
Avg speed = 17.9 mph. Total mileage = 40.2 mi
Avg heartrate = 146 bpm
Total elevation gain = 2490'
