Solo ride on Saturday morning, no other takers to join along. It was a little chilly at the start, and I began before sunrise, so I started the ride with my lights on. Headed down by the park, then took Pomerado Rd all the way to the top. I couldn't keep a good pace on the last mile, need more miles on my legs to be able to sustain a high effort for long. Then it was down to Miramar Rd and out to UTC, At this point, I felt like I had a tailwind, and I made good time. Right on Eastgate Mall, taking it over to Genesee Rd and over to Torrey Pines Rd. I kept my pace above 10 mph on the climb up, but it was a chore near the top. Then it was down to the coast and up into Del Mar, feeling good but not seeing many cyclists on the road. There was a big group of them gathered in downtown Del Mar, but they weren't riding. Headed over to Via de la Valle and rode it up to Del Dios Hwy, again keeping it above 10 mph but having to work at it on one of the short, steeper stretches. On the approach to the climb up Del Dios, I caught up with a guy who was riding a vintage Lemond bike in perfect shape, and we rode up the climb, with me leading all of the way on the first climb and him taking over after that. I was able to keep it above 10 mph, but it took nearly all I had, and I wouldn't have done it if that guy weren't right there pushing me to give my max effort. On the climbs on Via Rancho Pkwy, I started to feel my quads tightening up. There were a lot of riders we passed on Del Dios and some more on Via Rancho Pkwy. Back home the normal way, with not much left for the little climb before the park. I was able to finish on a pretty strong note on the little climb up Aguamiel Rd.
Avg speed = 17.7 mph. Total mileage = 50.6 mi
Avg heartrate = 139 bpm
Total elevation gain = 3130'
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/669472802
