Ride in the afternoon, starting when it was still warm, in the 80s. I had missed out on my Sunday morning ride (singing at the 8:00 chapel service), so I decided to get out for a moderately paced ride. Headed down W Bernardo Dr to Pomerado Rd. The wind was coming generally from the south and west, and it was fairly brisk. I rode up to RB Rd, deciding during the ride to head east, up and over Espola Rd to Poway Rd. I made good time on the gradual climb up to the high school, but I couldn't keep a consistently strong pace on the last little climb up to Poway Rd. Started strong and finished fine, but I had a slowdown section in the middle. The wind was in my face on the long stretch on Poway Rd down to Sabre Springs Pkwy, and it was a challenge to keep my speed up. The wind seemed to help push me up the gradual climbs on Sabre Springs Pkwy and Rancho Carmel Dr, and I had a good stretch here. Over Carmel Mountain Rd to Camino del Norte, where the wind was in my face again and I slowed down. I rode through it over to Bernardo Center Dr and up to W Bernardo Dr. Here the wind was my friend, and I had a nice fast ride back to Duenda Rd, powering up the last little climb and then back home. I was sweating again on this ride, but it generally felt good. I could tell my legs were tired from the previous day's workout, but they generally held out fine. I was pleasantly surprised at my output for this ride. Heartrate was up, but it was a warm day and I pushed it harder than I had originally intended.
Avg speed = 17.9 mph. Total mileage = 24.1 mi
Avg heartrate = 145 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1520'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/458355244
