Ride, starting around noon from church, with Andy Sweet. It was warm, not boiling hot, and humid. We headed over to 2nd St and then Grand Ave, riding up to Ash St. On the flats and slight uphills, Andy was really fast, and I was trying my best to stay with him and occasionally lead out. We headed up to the 78, down into the valley, turning right on San Pasqual Rd and then left on Old Milky way. We were keeping a fast pace, in part because we had something of a tailwind on the outbound part of the ride. Onto the 78, motoring out to Bandy Canyon Rd and then heading up over to the climb out of the valley. This part was into the wind, so I was slowed down quite a lot. Andy outpaced me on the climb up Bandy Canyon Rd, and I just couldn't respond to his faster pace. Short break at the top, then we continued over to Highland Valley Rd and over to Pomerado Rd. This stretch was faster, particularly very fast on the stretch over I-15 to get to BVP, where Andy's racing form was in full evidence. On BVP, I struggled to catch up to him and then we rode together up the slight grade. I could keep up with him on the climb but he outpaced me after we got to the top and started heading down. We connected again, then rode together to Grand Ave and turned left there. His pace was fast, but I was able to keep up with him and even pass him on the little climb behind Walmart. Down and over to Juniper St and then back to church, where after a short break I headed home the normal way. I was fighting something of a headwind on the way back, and I could feel in the backs of my legs some tightening of my muscles. I was really slow on the little climb before the park, just no strength left in my legs, similarly for the last little climb up to the house. While it was a fast ride for me, it also showed me clearly that there is another level of fitness for me to work toward.
Avg speed = 17.8 mph. Total mileage = 33.8 mi
Avg heartrate = 151 bpm
Total elevation gain = 1790'
http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/1565941565
