Scripps Ranch 4th of July ride, starting out with Dave and John. Standard route, same as previous years, although they changed the position of the last sag stop to the corner Poway Rd and Pomerado Rd. I started out riding with Dave, who was going to be slower than in previous years. Was feeling good and the stoplights worked okay, so I rode up into the front group where John was. We stayed together until after the turn off Mira Mesa Blvd and over to Calle Cristobal, where John got out to the front of the pack for a time and then dropped back. I stayed in touch with this front group a little longer, riding near the back up Vista Sorrento Pkwy until we got separated by a stoplight. I was content to just keep riding at my pace, faster than usual but not killing myself to catch up. It was sparse company though. I basically traded leads with another rider on a Bianchi bike while we were riding through the San Dieguito flats and onto Del Dios Hwy. At some point, he couldn't keep up on the climbs. I was able to keep my pace generally above 11 mph going up the climbs here, but it was a workout and I could feel it. Over to Via Rancho Pkwy and then down to and over the freeway. On Pomerado Rd, I stopped by Highland Valley Rd to wait for the others to catch up. It took a long time, more than 30 min. When they did, Avi Halpern was riding with them. He and I generally rode up Pomerado Rd together to the hospital, when I stopped to wait for Dave and John. From there, we rode to the sag stop and had a quick break. Before that, I got in with some Ranchos riders who were setting a pretty fast pace, and that was fun. Avi and I continued riding together up to the Pomerado hill, where he started out with me but dropped back. For the most part, I was able to keep it above 9 mph on this hill, but it took a big effort. We gathered back together at the top, then John and I rode down the hill until he started to fall back a little bit. I was still feeling pretty good, so I continued pushing the pace on the gradual uphill sections before the last downhill to the finish line. Legs held out very well, although my pace was off from last year (haven't put in as many miles as last year either). I think they were helped by the more moderate pace that I set for awhile after I joined back up with the others on Pomerado Rd. Overall, the ride was a good one for me. I wasn't as fast as in previous years, but my heartrate was under control and my legs survived well.
Avg speed = 18.7 mph. Total mileage = 49.0 mi
Avg heartrate = 142 bpm
Total elevation gain = 3220'
http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/1057901979
