Rode with Dave and Jim. I got there early to register for the ride, then I drove over to the parking lot by Smoothie King and got everything in order. I had worked on my bike the previous day to clean it up and adjust the shifters, and they worked much better, particularly the front derailleur. John and Dave showed up, Dave just a little before we needed to get down to the start line. We rode down, and it was a little chilly, overcast, which was good. We headed off at the start and got going at a decent pace. On the climb up Poway Rd, I had a good ride. I got passed by a couple of riders but was able to catch up with the group where they were riding, and I hung on to the top of the grade, where I stopped to wait for John and Dave. The sun stayed behind the clouds, and we continued on, with me leading out on the climb up to Mt Woodson and getting away, working hard to pass other riders on the downhill into Ramona. I had a good pace going and was feeling decent. I waited for the others at the turn onto Dye Rd, and we rode together over to San Vicente Rd and on to Hanson Ln. I got out ahead there again during the ride up to Ashley St, which turns into 7th St. I waited for them at the light by the 78 intersection, and we rode over to the first sag stop on Elm St, where I loaded up a water bottle and had some food. We continued on to Haverford Rd, then over to the 78 downhill. The three of us stayed together on this downhill, riding with a couple of other riders and keeping a decent speed down into Escondido. The weather was still decent, so we were able to stay together on most of the ride through the San Pasqual Valley. My climb out of the valley was fast, nearly all of it over 9 mph. We gathered together at the top and continued on to BVP, riding a fast pace down to Beethoven Dr and taking it over to get onto the freeway across Lake Hodges. I got out ahead but didn't ride super fast across the freeway, saving something for the little climb up the hill before the second sag stop. We stopped there for some more fluids and food, then continued on up W Bernardo Dr and then RB Rd. Another gathering together after the turn onto Camino San Bernardo, where we all rode together to Dove Canyon Rd and then to Carmel Valley Rd. I was slower on this climb but kept it above 10 mph pretty much the whole way. Then it was down to Camino del Sur and back toward 4S Ranch. We turned on RB Rd and took it over to Dove Canyon Rd, where there was a sag stop just before the intersection with Camino del Norte. By this point, I was riding out ahead and getting separation on the flats and uphills, then waiting for them at the lights. On Pomerado Rd, I ended up riding with another rider who could keep up with me on the flats, and we pushed a fast pace over to Metate Ln. This road wasn't as bad as I remembered it, with only the last part having any steepness. I waited for Dave and John there, and then we rode on Community Rd, hitting a couple of lights that allowed them to catch up. After the light at Poway Rd, I kicked out the jams and gave it a strong effort. I couldn't push at a maximum pace, but my legs were holding out okay, no serious muscle twitching but they were definitely feeling the exertion. Back to Aubrey St and over to Midland Rd for a solid finish. I finished in 3:23, and this was my fastest average riding pace on this route in maybe forever. Felt really good at the end, lots of training miles to get ready for this one paid off big time.
Avg speed = 18.4 mph. Total mileage = 62.5 mi
Avg heartrate (latter portion) = 148 bpm
Total elevation gain = 4540'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/546435042
