12-31-2021 Ride

Ride from home with John and Jim on a day that was cool with damp roads but just at the beginning of the ride.  Headed over to W Bernardo Dr and then up to RB Rd, where we rode up to Bridlewood Rd and turned right.  Right on Summer Sage Rd, then another right onto Lake Poway Rd before turning left onto Riparian Rd to get us to Titan Way and then Espola Rd.  From there, we followed the old time trial route, including the little climb up to Poway Rd that was really slow for me on this morning.  All the way back to the intersection of Pomerado Rd and RB Rd, where we turned left and headed home via Duenda Rd.  It was a short, slower ride for me, but I needed to be home for a doctor's appointment.

Avg speed = 15.2 mph. Total mileage = 23.1 mi

Avg heartrate = 124 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1460'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6452441675

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/45069022114

12-29-2021 Ride

Well, this was a noteworthy ride.  Over to John's house the normal way, including W Bernardo Dr to RB Rd.  On the way over, I felt a couple of drops of moisture but nothing to speak of.  The streets were damp but not wet.  Slow on the climb up to his house, generally slow on this ride all day.  We headed up to Scripps-Poway Pkwy, then down to Mercy Rd and over to Black Mountain Rd.  I was wearing my rain jacket, and it had started raining, so I was slow from taking it easy on wet roads and the resistance from the jacket.  John kept getting out ahead any time it was flat or downhill.  Up Black Mountain Rd to Mira Mesa Blvd, where we followed the Fourth of July route in steady rain, not pouring but annoying and really dirty from the road.  Sketchy going down the big hill, where I took it easy.  Turned left onto Vista Sorrento Pkwy and took it up to Mira Mesa Blvd, where we turned right and then left to get onto Carroll Canyon Rd.  I was slow on the uphill sections and not enjoying it very much, just trying to get through the ride.  Stayed on Carroll Rd until turning left onto Miramar Rd, and again I just tried to keep up with John, for the most part successfully.  We rode up Pomerado Rd, John had gotten out ahead of me, so I spent most of the time just trying to close the gap, doing so near the end when it started to climb a little more.  I made it up the hill and then kept going, since John wasn't too far behind and I was getting tired.  Back to his house for a smoothie, probably a mistake because it cooled my core and made me really cold when I started back toward home.  I was shaking on the downhill to Poway Rd and my wheels were wobbling as a result.  Not great.  Eventually I warmed up enough and was fine, aided by a slight tailwind.  Just my feet were cold and wet, but everything else was fine.  Legs held out, just no real push from them all day.  Home via Duenda Rd, and was I glad to get out of my gear and have a hot shower.

Avg speed = 15.6 mph. Total mileage = 46.0 mi

Avg heartrate = 125 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2740'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6443594102
https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/45012773669

12-27-2021 Ride

Solo ride over to Dave's house, using the back way behind the mall.  I met up with him, John, and Jim, and we rode the so-called Marathon route, heading up Center City Pkwy all the way to Deer Springs Rd, turning left there and riding over Twin Oaks Valley Pkwy to Buena Creek Rd.  I pushed the pace and felt pretty good on the climbing sections up to Deer Springs, and I also pushed it on the downhill section to get to Santa Fe Ave.  Over to Mission Rd, taking it back into Escondido.  Dave and Jim were slowing down by this point, but John was keeping up on the flats and trading leads.  Back to Centre City Pkwy, then to Dave's house, where he showed us his new Motobecane carbon fiber bike, with disc brakes and electronic shifting.  Nice looking bike.  I headed home the normal way from there, keeping it about 10 mph on the last two little climbs.

Avg speed = 16.6 mph. Total mileage = 36.5 mi

Avg heartrate = 116 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1800'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6434621881

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44971739482

12-23-2021 Ride

Solo ride following the time trial route over to the Target in Poway, where I got some Christmas stocking stuffers before continuing.  From there, I headed up Twin Peaks Rd to Espola Rd, then down RB Rd and home via W Bernardo Dr.  This was a short, low-impact ride just to get in some miles.

Avg speed = 15.1 mph. Total mileage = 15.6 mi

Avg heartrate = 114 bpm

Total elevation gain = 950'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6419212065

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44900251193

12-22-2021 Ride

Solo ride initially, heading over the freeway and behind the mall to get over to Centre City Pkwy.  Up to Felicita Ave, turning left and then right onto Redwood St.  I rode to 15th Ave and turned left to meet up with Joe and his friend Mike Law at Mike's house.  Mike is pretty fit and races mountain bikes, so it was going to be a faster ride.  We headed over to Upas St and then over to 9th Ave.  Past the freeway, we turned left onto Del Dios Rd, taking it to Avenida del Diablo to get to Del Dios Hwy.  Then it was down to Via de la Valle, using that road to get to PCH.  I kept my pace generally even with Mike, and we periodically waited for Joe to catch up with us.  Down to Solana Beach, where we stopped for a beer and a break at Pizza Port before heading back via Lomas Santa Fe Dr.  That's a nice little climb back toward Rancho Santa Fe, and here I pushed the pace a little bit to stretch things out.  Road turns into Linea del Cielo, back into the village, where we continued, back up Del Dios.  I did okay on this climb but didn't try to keep it above 10 mph.  Maybe I could have, with a big effort.  We took this road all the way back to Valley Pkwy, turning right onto 9th Ave and riding over to Redwood St, then back to Mike's house.  I rode home from them, getting back to Centre City Pkwy and then taking the freeway back across Lake Hodges.  No strong push on the last two little climbs, although I kept it above 10 mph on the first one.  Felt fine at the end, legs in good shape but tired.  The weather was just about ideal for a bike ride, cool and overcast.

Avg speed = 16.4 mph. Total mileage = 49.4 mi

Avg heartrate = 126 bpm

Total elevation gain = 3160'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6416764752

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44897207834

12-21-2021 Ride

Solo ride on a cool, overcast morning, taking it really easy to reduce stress level after getting my booster shot on Saturday.  Headed through the neighborhood to RB Rd, then over to Dove Canyon Rd, taking it to Carmel Valley Rd.  Up, slowly, to Black Mountain Rd, where I turned and rode out to Miramar Rd.  Then it was back toward home, heading up Pomerado Rd and then down to Poway Rd.  With construction going on, I turned right and rode up to Community Rd, taking it to Twin Peaks Rd, then back to Pomerado Rd.  Up and then down to Rios Rd, turning right and getting to RB Rd via Alondra Dr.  Up RB Rd to get a little more distance, turning back a Valle Verde Rd and taking RB Rd to W Bernardo Dr.  Home the normal way from there.  All at a slow pace.

Avg speed = 14 mph. Total mileage = 30.7 mi

Avg heartrate = 118 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2070'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6411681256

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44898011956

12-19-2021 Ride

Solo ride after having gotten my booster shot the previous afternoon.  I didn't have any energy on this ride, probably a combination of the previous day's exertion and the shot.  So I just took it easy and put in some miles.  Down to W Bernardo Dr and over to RB Rd, then to Bernardo Center Dr, turning into the neighborhood.  I rode up Lomica Dr and turned right on Selva Dr, looking for a way to keep heading south.  But that wasn't it, so I headed back to Nacido Dr and then to Pomerado Rd.  Stayed this time up to Scripps-Poway Pkwy, where that little climb heading west was much more challenging than expected.  A brief banana break at the top before taking Springbrook Dr back to Sabre Springs Pkwy.  Stayed on this road until it merged with the normal time trial route, which I followed until getting to Carmel Mountain Rd, turning right there and riding up to Camino del Norte.  Then it was the time trial route through to the end, slow and steady but no push in my legs.

Avg speed = 14.6 mph. Total mileage = 20.2 mi

Avg heartrate = 129 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1360'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6403815050

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44830385501

12-18-2021 Ride

Solo ride over to Robert's house, where I met him and we rode to the 4S Target.  On this day, there were 9 riders at the start: Robert, Perse, Jed, Julius, Jhonar, James, Andy, Zac, Arnold, and me.  It was 38 deg at home when I left, but it was warmer at the start.  We headed out Camino del Sur to San Dieguito Rd, Zac was first up the little climb and I came in next.  Down into Fairbanks Ranch, where it got cold again and stayed cold until we turned onto El Camino Real.  But it wasn't truly cold.  Over to Via de la Valle, which we took to PCH, at which point we had a short break and Jhonar turned around to head back.  The ride up to Carlsbad was not super fast, and others jumped out in front as I tried to keep a moderate pace so I wouldn't run out of gas later.  Another break at the Starbucks in Carlsbad, then we turned around and retraced our route.  I had pretty decent legs on the return, couldn't keep up with Zac on the little climbs on PCH.  Once we turned off, Jed and Julius took off and I marked them but didn't try to catch up, waiting until there was a tilt in the road when I closed the gap.  As soon as it flattened out, they jumped out again.  A final break just before we headed up Three Witches, where Zac rode like he was shot out of a cannon, no way I could match that pace.  But I came up the climb next, not as fast on the latter parts as I would have liked.  Legs held well, and I had some push left to get out in front on the last stretch back to the group starting point.  Then it was home through the neighborhood, legs just about maxed out on this ride but they held up throughout.

Avg speed = 17.4 mph. Total mileage = 60.1 mi

Total elevation gain = 2340'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6400000340

12-11-2021 Ride

Solo ride through the neighborhood (no Robert) to the 4S Ranch Target, taking a little detour through 4S Ranch because I was a little ahead of schedule.  On this ride were: Kamal, Jamil, Ray, Perse, James, JT (Julius), Zac, Audrey, Cam, and Charlie.  We headed out Camino del Sur to San Dieguito Rd, Cam and Perse got out ahead on the little climb and I didn't follow this time.  Down into Fairbanks Ranch and, with a decent pace line for a while, through the flats to get over to El Camino Real.  Then we took Via de la Valle down to the coast, turning left to go through Del Mar.  I tried to stay in the top 3 during the climbs on this ride, and I was mostly successful.  Over to Carmel Valley Rd to get back to El Camino Real and then to the 56 bike path.  We took this back to Camino del Sur, and there was a high-speed stretch with Zac and Perse getting out ahead and another group trying to catch them, unsuccessfully.  I got a PR for this stretch from trying to catch them.  From there, we headed back to Carmel Valley Rd and rode up and then down to Dove Canyon Rd.  Up this little climb, slowly for me, then back to the target using roads through the Del Sur neighborhood.  On the way home, I took RB Rd down to W Bernardo Dr and then home from there.  Felt decent at the end, the first time, after a Bisikleta ride, that I didn't feel like I had torched my legs.

Avg speed = 16.5 mph. Total mileage = 39.5 mi

Avg heartrate = 122 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2220'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6371510679

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44700100387

12-05-2021 Ride

Time trial with Jim, taking it mostly easy.  Finished in 1:04.  Had a decent push on that last little hill after the turn onto Camino del Norte.

Avg speed = 16.6 mph. Total mileage = 17.8 mi

Avg heartrate = 122 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1110'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6347943288

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44569631036

12-04-2021 Ride

Solo ride over to Robert's house through the neighborhood, using the normal route up Capilla Rd.  I met him and his friend David, and we met Gideon at his house on the way over to the 4S Target to meet up with the others.  There was confusion about start time, so we ended up waiting for quite a while before starting.  On this ride were: Robert, David, Gideon, Kamal, Jamil, Jed, Ray, Andy, James, Zac, and Mer.  We headed on Camino del Sur to the 56 bike path and then down to El Camino Real.  Then it was up to Del Mar Heights and down into the flats on San Dieguito Rd.  There we formed a pace line that kinda worked, although there was some separation because the pace was too high.  We stopped for an extended break at the turn onto El Apajo, then rode up to Via de la Valle and the Stud Loop to get to Paseo Delicias.  From there, it was up Del Dios Hwy.  I was able to stay with Ray but not with Zac.  Was slower up this climb than previous times, maybe it was the cool weather.  On the way to Via Rancho Pkwy, we took Rancho Dr to Lake Dr down by Lake Hodges.  The first part of this is downhill and nice, then there is a slight rolling section that is also nice.  But it finishes with a short, sharp climb back up, and I was struggling on this section.  Back to Via Rancho Pkwy, which we took across the freeway to the Chevron station for a final break before heading back via the pedestrian bridge, not my favorite.  We rode by my house and through the neighborhood on the way back, and I stayed with the group until we got to Capilla Rd, where Robert, Mer, Gideon, and David split off and I turned around to retrace my route back home.  I was feeling some twinges in my legs near the end of the ride, so I think I called it correctly not to ride all the way back to the meet-up spot.

Avg speed = 16.4 mph. Total mileage = 47.0 mi

Avg heartrate = 129 bpm

Total elevation gain = 3010'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6343407148

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44546512199

11-28-2021 Ride

Solo ride over to Dave's house, taking the route behind the mall, for his version of the time trial route.  We took it easy, me because my legs were feeling it from the previous day.  So I didn't track the actual time trial route time.  After we finished, I had some time to kill before meeting Ann at church, so I rode up Centre City Pkwy to Mission Ave and then over to Broadway before heading back to Grand Ave.  Up to Ivy St and over to 2nd Ave on the sidewalk to get back to Juniper St and then over to church.

Avg speed = 15.2 mph. Total mileage = 27.3 mi

Avg heartrate = 126 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1250'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6318522663

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44429793402

11-27-2021 Ride

Drove down to the Park N Ride off Carmel Valley Rd by I-5 near the coast to meet up with the others: Zac, Andy, James, and Arnold.  Small group on this day.  We headed up Carmel Valley Rd to the coast, taking it fairly easy on this first little climb and once we got onto PCH, for a while.  There were a couple of times that Arnold took off to chase after a faster rider, and I tried to keep up with him on this jaunts.  We stayed on this road all the way into Carlsbad, where I had jumped out to hang onto the wheel of another rider and made decent time.  Stopped for a break in Carlsbad at the Starbucks and decided to ride into Oceanside.  We turned off the highway on Easton St to get to Broadway St, then another left on Cassidy St to get to Pacific St, which we took past the pier, eventually turning right onto Harbor Dr and taking it until a cul-de-sac near its end by the marina, where we reversed course and started heading back.  I was pushing the pace much more on the outbound route than on the route after we turned around.  We retraced our route and headed back, mostly me, Zac, and Arnold getting ahead of the other two.  When we got into Encinitas, we turned on D St and took the next left to ride parallel until we got to the street by the Self Realization Fellowship, where we found out that James had gotten separated from us.  I went back the way we had come to try and find him but didn't see him, turning right on E St intead of D St, and probably missing him for that reason, I later found out.  I headed back on PCH to where I had left the others but didn't see them, so I assumed that they had found James and continued on.  That's what I did too.  Turns out that they had also gone back and found him waiting at the D St turn before they continued on.  By the time I found this out, I was committed to returning, and I didn't know if they were in front of me or behind.  So I pushed ahead, retracing the route back to the starting location.  I got back about 10 minutes before they did, so I waited until they showed up and then left not so long after.  Legs felt good on this ride that didn't have any substantial climbing, just several extended periods of riding in flats or near flats at fairly high pace.

Avg speed = 17.1 mph. Total mileage = 48.0 mi

Avg heartrate = 121 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1260'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6314485511

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44433235309

11-26-2021 Ride

Solo ride over to Dave's house, taking that route that leads behind the mall.  It was 45 deg at the start, and the first little bit of the ride was chilly.  By the time I got into Escondido, it was starting to warm up.  Through Kit Carson Park and up through the neighborhood to Escondido Blvd and then to Centre City Pkwy before getting to Dave's place.  From there, we headed through his neighborhood back to Centre City Pkwy and rode north through town, me not pushing the pace.  Out to Deer Springs Rd and then to Twin Oaks Valley Pkwy before turning onto Buena Creek Rd, with that nice long downhill to Santa Fe Ave, which connects into Mission Rd.  We took this road all the way back into Escondido, again with moderate but not fast pace.  From there, it was the normal way back to his house, where we had smoothies before I headed home the normal way over the freeway.  Felt good on this ride to ride at a modest clip and shoot the breeze with Dave.

Avg speed = 16.1 mph. Total mileage = 36.8 mi

Avg heartrate = 120 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1790'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6310120816

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44428843442

11-24-2021 Ride

Solo ride on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, which I took off.  From home over to W Bernardo Dr and up past work, keeping it about 10 mph on that little climb, but just barely.  I took the reverse of the time trial loop over to the Krispy Kreme and stopped for a couple of donuts before continuing on.  Stayed on Sabre Springs Pkwy until turning right onto Springbrook Dr and taking it up to Scripps-Poway Pkwy.  Continued on Angelique St up to Cypress Canyon Park Dr, then up to the top of Pomerado Rd.  Then it was back down, staying on Pomerado Rd all the way to the freeway and home the normal way from that point.  No sustained high effort on this ride, but I did push the pace a couple of times on the uphill sections.

Avg speed = 15.7 mph. Total mileage = 24.6 mi

Avg heartrate = 115 bpm

Total elevation = 1720'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6302068495

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44377260151

11-20-2021 Ride

Ride with the Bisikleta team from Charlie Witherspoon's house in Rancho San Diego.  We met a little after 7:00 and got going around 7:30. Headed down Puebla Dr to Avocado Blvd, turning right  and then right again onto Fuerte Dr.  First section was generally downhill, this road curves around a couple of times until it merges into E Chase Ave, which we took for a short stretch before turning left onto Jamacha Rd.  Here it was fairly flat for a while.  We turned right onto Granite Hills Dr, which also curved around before we turned left onto 4th St.  A little jog on Broadway and then a right turn onto Main St, which we stayed on as it turned into Blossom Valley Rd,  Then a right onto Flinn Springs Rd, with a short break for everybody to catch up and rest.  By this time, there was a gentle grade heading up toward Alpine.  This road connected into Old Hwy 80, which I've been on in previous rides with John and others. Used Dunbar Ln to get over to Alpine Blvd.  From here, with the exception of one small downhill section, it was steady uphill into Alpine.  Ray and I were out front for most of the climb, then some of the others caught up with us as we got into the town. We rode up to a shopping center by Victoria Dr, and I couldn't keep up at the very end with a small group that got out ahead.  A longer break here before we turned around and headed back, this time taking Arnold Way until turning on Midway Dr.  Nearly all of this part was downhill, some of it curving and on not so great roads.  Eventually back onto Arnold Way until we turned left onto Harbison Canyon Rd.  I hadn't been on this road for a long time, since one of the early Alpine Metric Century rides, and I remembered it to be steeper than it was.  It was still fast and curving in sections.  Turned into Dehesa Rd, which we stayed on until turning left onto Willow Glen Dr.  I think it was this section where Charlie had us set up a pace line and make faster time.  The pace line held for once through but broke up on the second time around.  We had our final break in a little shopping center at the end of this road as it teed into Jamacha Rd.  After the break, we got onto Fury Ln, and from there it was two climbs back to Charlie's house.  Ray got out ahead and was out of the saddle.  I hung with him for a little bit but couldn't match his pace, so I settled in and tried to keep him in sight, with general success.  Right onto Avocado Blvd for the final climb up to the starting location.  Felt good on this ride generally, not great.  I was more competitive on the earlier climbs, but the climb into Alpine took more out of me than I thought.  Still kept a decent pace throughout.

Avg speed = 16.0 mph. Total mileage = 39.6 mi

Avg heartrate = 121 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2850'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6284698033

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44321366501

11-14-2021 Ride

Time trial ride with Dave and John, leaving from my house and not stopping at Jim's.  I made decent time at the start, slowed down a little bit on RB Rd and at the beginning of Pomerado Rd, but pushed a little harder toward the top and down to Poway Rd.  Steady effort up to the pause point by Ted Williams Pkwy, then a little slower on the part up to the top of the little climb on Camino del Norte, not much willingness to go into the pain zone there.  From there, I was faster and ended up finishing in 1:00:52.

Avg speed = 17.7 mph. Total mileage = 17.8 mi

Total elevation gain = 1090'

Avg heartrate = 118 bpm

https://www.strava.com/activities/6257731102

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44206985319

11-13-2021 Ride

Solo ride over to Robert's house via the Poblado Rd route, where I met up with him and Gideon to ride over to the 4S Ranch Target.  Big group this time: Robert, Gideon, Cam, Audrey, her friend Zac, James, Andy, Kamal, his brother Jamil, Jed, Perse, Garry, and Mer.  We headed over to Dove Canyon Rd and then to Carmel Valley Rd, where I was first up the climb followed closely by Cam.  Down Black Mountain Rd to the 56 bike trail, taking it to Carmel Country Rd.  Pace on this stretch was pretty fast, then it slowed down on the climb up to Carmel Mountain Rd.  I couldn't keep pace with Zac on that climb but still held my own on it, even though it probably took a lot out of me.  Stayed on this road through the left turn and down to Sorrento Valley Rd, which is in pretty bad shape.  We crossed by Sorrento Valley Blvd to get over to the bike path that follows the I-5.  Never been on this route before, and it's a steady 1.5 mile climb where I couldn't keep up with the leaders.  It spilled us onto the UCSD campus, where we rode over to the CSE building for a break and some water.  From there, we headed over to the Library Walk, then to Gilman Dr, then to Scholars Dr S and Revelle College Dr to get to N Torrey Pines Rd.  We headed north up and then down to the beach to get through Del Mar.  I was in the lead on that little climb into the town, where we stopped to get some duct tape to repair one of Jamil's bike shoes.  It was starting to warm up by then.  We turned off onto Jimmy Durante Blvd and took it behind the fairgrounds, turning onto a sandy gravel path that took us under the freeway and over to Via de la Valle.  This was not easy riding, as there was loose sand on the path and not much opportunity to make speed.  We had to hike our bikes up the last little bit, then we got onto Via de la Valle and took it to Calzada del Bosque.  At one point, I got too close to the edge of the road and went into the side, staying upright but having a bumpy ride of it.  Around this time, I noticed my right quad starting to signal stress, so I was paying attention to that and not pushing it so hard.  Over to Via de Santa Fe and El Apajo to San Dieguito Rd.  Three other riders had gotten out ahead of us, and I didn't have it in me to try and close the gap, so I pushed up the Three Witches climb, not very fast and feeling the effects of the heat and earlier effort.  Similar feeling, going slower than previous rides on the last stretch back to the Target.  The ride back home was slower, since Robert cramped up near the end of the ride and didn't want to make it worse.  I was tired at the end but my legs held out.  Probably didn't eat and drink regularly enough during the ride this time.

Avg speed = 15.2 mph. Total mileage = 50.3 mi

Avg heartrate = 122 bpm

Total elevation gain = 3080'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6253417113

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44139690047

11-07-2021 Ride

Time trial route with Jim, nothing special other than I was riding on tired legs from the previous day, so no real push on this day.  Finished in 1:04

Avg speed = 16.5 mph. Total mileage = 17.8 mi

Avg heartrate = 118 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1110'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6225617162

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/44050063541

11-06-2021 Ride

Ride through the neighborhood over to the 4S Ranch Target to meet the Biskleta group - Ray, Andy, Jed, Audrey, Charlie, Irwin (new), and James (new).  We headed out Camino del Sur down to the 56 bike path.  I was able to lead out on the little climbs here and generally stay in front of the other riders.  Down to El Camino Real, where Ray led out down by the creek and I stayed on his wheel.  First up the gradual climb to Del Mar Heights Rd, then down to San Dieguito Rd.  There we tried to form a pace line but it kept getting broken up, not enough coordination among the riders, including me.  We took El Apajo and Via de Santa Fe over to Via de la Valle to get to Paseo Delicias.  On this climb, Audrey and I were out in front, and I was able to pull away to the top.  We rode over to that coffee shop located near the base of the Del Dios climb for a break, then continued up.  I had a good first section of the climb, started to falter a little near the first crest but kept it going to make it in the lead.  Ray caught up and led for a while until we got closer to the turn, where I kept it going and finished ahead.  Down Via Rancho Pkwy to the Shell gas station, where we gathered up for a short break before finishing.  Across Lake Hodges using the pedestrian bridge (not my favorite), then up W Bernardo Dr, pretty slow for me but in front of the others (not by much).  After we turned onto RB Rd, Audrey decided she was going to attack, so she got out of the saddle and started pushing.  I sat on her wheel, struggling on my tired and sore legs to keep there until she tired out, but she kept going.  Near the top she slowed down a little and I got out in front, but not by much.  I had more left after that and got out ahead while some of the others (Ray, Irwin) caught up with us.  That was a big effort for me on the last climb to stay in contact an eventually get ahead.  The ride back home through the neighborhood was pretty slow, legs were gassed.  Later, Ann and I went up to Temecula to go wine tasting and have dinner.

Avg speed = 16.9 mph. Total mileage = 49.2 mi

Avg heartrate = 127 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2990'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6220950324

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43983443475

11-04-2021 Ride

Solo ride after work, none of the others were available.  Headed out Bernardo Center Dr to Camino del Norte, staying on it and Twin Peaks Rd until turning right onto Silverset St, which has a really sharp little climb just after the turn.  Let onto Palisades Dr, then another left onto Pequot Dr, and another left onto Tuscarora Dr, which has a steep downhill section that would be challenging to climb sometime.  Right onto Tarascan Dr, and then over to Poway Rd, where I turned right and headed back to Pomerado Rd.  Rode it until turning left onto Greens E Rd and going by the RB Country Club.  Then it was Bernardo Oaks Dr back to RB Rd and home via the Duenda Rd route.

Avg speed = 15.7 mph. Total mileage = 15.5 mi

Avg heartrate = 128 bpm

Total elevation gain = 940'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6213114120

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43986283248

10-29-2021 Ride

Ride with Ann on our beach cruisers around the bay in downtown San Diego, leaving from the Navy Pier parking lot by the Midway.  First we rode up toward the airport, then turned around and headed back near the start, with a break for lunch before continuing south and riding around the Embarcadero Marina parks.  Had to walk our bikes by Seaport Village.

Total mileage = 7.4 mi

https://www.strava.com/activities/6184320857

10-24-2021 Ride

Time trial ride, posted in the blog awhile after I rode.  This one was super slow, maybe just me and Jim or Dave.  Finished in about 1:10.

Total mileage = 17.8 mi

Avg heartrate = 108 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1110'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6160650548

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43759428709

10-23-2021 Ride

Ride with Joe, Jim, and John on an overcast morning, heading out across the pedestrian bridge to BVP.  Up to get to Citrus Ave off the 78, then we used this road to head over to El Norte Pkwy.  I needed to drop a credit card off for Emily while she was pet sitting, so we turned right off El Norte Pkwy onto Vista Verde Way.  This road gets steep, so it was work to get to the top, where we turned left onto Vista Ave and headed down to Canyon Grove Dr, turning right and then another right onto Malone Ct.  There are some nice houses in this neighborhood.  From here, we headed back to Vista Ave and took it down to Broadway, turning left and riding back over to El Norte Pkwy.  Headed west out toward Borden Rd, at which point it started to get misty.  As we continued, it got wetter and wetter, until I decided it was time to start heading back.  So we turned on Mulberry Dr and used it to get to Mission Rd.  Took this back into Escondido, going through several stretches of drizzle.  Seemed like it let up a bit when we got onto Centre City Pkwy, but by the time we got to Citracado Pkwy to ride back toward Kit Carson Park via El Ku Ave, it was really heavy.  Back behind the mall to BVP and then back home using the pedestrian bridge and the normal way back.  I was pretty fast on the two little climbs back home, and the drizzle let up at the end, when we had smoothies.

Avg speed = 15.5 mph. Total mileage = 30.0 mi

Avg heartrate = 118 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1400'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6155798935

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43728690439

10-21-2021 Ride

Ride over to Robert's house after work, taking Via Tazon route.  We met up and headed up to RB Rd and out toward 4S Ranch.  Turned right on Alva Rd and headed to Albert Ave to head through that neighborhood, reversing the route we have used in the past on our Thursday rides on the way back.  Over to Camino del Sur, heading out to Carmel Valley Rd and turning left.  Then we rode up to Black Mountain Rd, turning right and riding down to Stargaze Ave.  Then we rode up to its top, it's really steep (!), and stopped for a break before heading down, slowly, back to Black Mountain Rd.  Back to Robert's house the standard way via Dove Canyon Rd to RB Rd.  I had a beer with him and his wife Isabelle after the ride, she is very nice.

Avg speed = 15.9 mph. Total mileage = 18.3 mi

Avg heartrate = 131 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1390'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6148047982

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43684202553

10-17-2021 Ride

Solo ride, none of the others were available.  Headed through the neighborhood to RB Rd.  On this ride, I probably pushed a little harder on the way out, but I was feeling the effects of the previous day's effort.  So no real strong segments for me on this day.  Out to Alva Rd, taking it to its end and coming back to it via Hunters Ridge Pl.  Then over to Albert Ave, reversing the route we had taken through this neighborhood in the past until I got to Camino del Sur.  Then it was out to the 56, where I stopped for a coffee and a break at the Peet's.  On the way back, I was slower on any of the uphill sections.  Turned right on Paseo del Sur and rode through that neighborhood to Lone Quail Rd, from there home via RB Rd and W Bernardo Dr.

Avg speed = 16.6 mph. Total mileage = 23.9 mi

Avg heartrate = 125 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1540'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6127513934

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43552024469

10-16-2021 Ride

Ride over to Robert's house, where I met up with him and headed over to the starting location at the Target in 4S Ranch.  11 riders in the group on this day: me, Robert, Ray, Jed, Cam, Mer, Charlie, Edson, Kamal, Mark, and Andy.  I found a rear flat just as we were about to start, but I changed it pretty quickly.  We headed back the way we had come, down RB Rd and over W Bernardo Dr to Pomerado Rd, to get to Highland Valley Rd.  It was cold enough for my fingers to get numb in the flats on the way to the climb.  Once we started up, it was Cam, Ray, and I who were in front for a while, then Cam dropped back.  At one point, Ray got out ahead and I couldn't respond.  But I kept going steadily, and toward the end of the climb he slowed down, allowing me to power past and lead the way to the top.  We gathered there, waiting long enough for Garry to join us, then continued over to Bandy Canyon, heading down and over toward the 78.  On the way there, Jed had a flat, so we stopped to fix that.  Took the 78 to Old Milky Way, then we turned right at the end and then a fairly quick left onto Old San Pasqual Rd.  I don't believe I have ever been on this road, and it climbs up to a tee, where we took a left onto Summit Dr.  This one has a shorter, steeper climb, and the lead group missed the planned turn onto Mary Ln.  I was able to keep in front on the climbs.  So we rode it up and then down to the 78, where we waited for a bit and then realized our mistake.  Took the 78 to BVP and then pushed the pace to get back to the meeting place at the Shell station by the mall.  Garry and Mark left separately and headed back home at this point.  After a long break, including Edson having to fix a rear tire flat, we headed up Via Rancho Pkwy over to Del Dios Hwy.  On that short, sharp climb past Felicita Rd, it was me, Cam, and Ray again, and they were ahead until I passed Cam and tried to stay in contact with Ray.  Same thing, near the top of the climb I still had juice and was able to get to the top first.  Then it was down Del Dios Hwy and up that little gradual climb into Rancho Santa Fe.  Same thing, but closer contact among the lead riders.  Most of us rode the reverse stud loop over to Via de la Valle, and Robert and I were able to catch up with Ray and Cam, who got out ahead of the others.  In the end, I had more stamina than the others, although I was definitely starting to feel it in  my upper legs, especially when I got out of the saddle.  Down to Via de Santa Fe and over to San Dieguito Rd, where we took another break and ended up waiting longer for Kamal to fix another flat on the road.  At this point, my right cleat broke, so I couldn't clip in.  This made standing up on the pedals difficult, but that was okay because I was ready to just push up the 3 Witches climb.  On this one, Cam got out ahead and I didn't have anything to respond with.  I rode the rest of the way back with Robert, he and I were at about the same exhaustion level, I had maybe a little more push left.  Back to the starting point for a short gathering, then we rode back to our homes, slowly.  Other than that time on the way into Rancho Santa Fe, my legs felt fine for the rest of the ride, just tired from the exertion.

Avg speed = 16.4 mph. Total mileage = 56.8 mi

Avg heartrate = 135 bpm

Total elevation gain = 3920'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6122908100

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43555889289

10-14-2021 Ride

Solo ride in the afternoon after work, nobody else was available.  Headed out Bernardo Center Dr to Camino del Norte and rode up to Carmel Mountain Rd.  Left of Stoney Peak Rd, then back to Highland Ranch Rd, which is a nice little way of getting over to Ted Williams Pkwy.  Over to Pomerado Rd, heading north until I got to Rios Rd, where I turned right and took it in a loop through that neighborhood back to Summerfield Ln to get to RB Rd.  Right back onto Pomerado Rd, taking it down and across the freeway, home the normal way from there.  The weather was just about ideal for a bike ride.

Avg speed = 16.9 mph. Total mileage = 14.2 mi

Avg heartrate = 122 bpm

Total elevation gain = 740'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6114446253

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43555264558

10-03-2021 Ride

Time trial ride with Jim, no real extra effort on this day.  Felt the workout from the previous day, so I decided to take it easy.  Finished in 1:07:40

Avg speed = 15.8 mph. Total mileage = 17.8 mi

Avg heartrate = 118 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1110'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6058124902

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43234753548

10-02-2021 Ride

Big ride on this day.  Headed over to Robert's, then we rode up to meet the others at the 4S Ranch Target.  Only 6 riders taking the longer route today: Robert, Kam, Jed, Kamal, Audrey, and me.  We headed over to San Dieguito Rd and then down into the flats, forming a pace line that went okay.  Left on El Camino Real and up that little climb, I was able to keep it above 10 mph the whole way, left the others behind.  Then it was down to Carmel Valley Rd to get over to the coast, where we headed south.  I talked everybody into taking the inside route, which is probably easier since the bulk of the climbing is in the first mile.  Then we stayed on N Torrey Pines Rd by the university, turning right onto La Jolla Shores Dr, where I hung back and rode near Audrey.  This road is steep and not in great shape, so going downhill was a little fraught.  Turned right onto Camino del Oro to get to the beach, where we took a break and decided what to do next.  Eventually, the decision was reached to ride up Mt Soledad. so we got back onto Camino del Oro and rode to Avenida de la Playa and then Calle de la Plata to get up to Torrey Pines Rd, riding over to Girard Ave, then a jog left and left on Genter St to Fay Ave, when took us to Nautilus St.  The climb up was shorter than I remembered, and steeper before we got to the stop light.  All told, it was a little over 2 miles to the cross, where we stopped and took another break.  Then it was down to Torrey Pines Rd using Via Capri and Hidden Valley Rd, riding the brakes basically the whole way on Via Capri.  I kept it above 10 mph on the way back uphill, legs felt pretty good on this day.  Back via N Torrey Pines Rd and down the hill to get back to Carmel Valley Rd and then over to the 56 bike path.  Everybody, me included, was feeling it by this time.  The temperature was heating up as well, so no records were going to be set on the way back.  We tried to keep a pace line on the stretch from Carmel Valley Rd up to Camino del Sur, but folks kept dropping off the back until it was just Kam and me, so I pushed forward and finished it.  Short stop at the gas station at the corner there for water, then we headed back to the starting point using Camino del Sur and going slower.  Kam left a little earlier than the rest, so it was Robert, Audrey, and I riding out front until Robert dropped back to stay with Jed and Kamal.  Audrey and I finished it off, and it was a little bit of a chore to ride back home, legs were fine just getting tired.  Back home through the neighborhood, up that last little climb pretty slowly, I was done for the day.  All in all, this was a major workout for me, happy that my legs held out.  Was first up all of the climbs, usually with Kam not too far behind and Audrey a little further back.

Avg speed = 15.8 mph. Total mileage = 59.2 mi

Avg heartrate = 128 bpm

Total elevation gain = 4100'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6053986651

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43225076536

09-29-2021 Ride

Solo ride on a mid-week day off, we went to the Wild Animal Park later.  Just a steady pace throughout, nothing pushy.  Down by the park and across to Pomerado Rd, taking it up to RB Rd and turning left to head up to Espola Rd.  Turned left onto Lake Poway Dr and rode up to the entrance, it's steeper than I had remembered.  Then back down, continuing to Twin Peaks Rd until it turned into Camino del Norte, following the time trial route home from there.  When I turned on Aguamiel Rd, there was water on the road so I swung wide and into the path of a car, thankfully nothing happened.

Avg speed = 16.4 mph. Total mileage = 21.9 mi

Avg heartrate = 125 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1540'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6038034966

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43129012693

09-26-2021 Ride

Solo ride in the late afternoon, no early morning Sunday ride on this day.  Instead, I headed over the pedestrian bridge to BVP and rode up to Peet Ln, don't think I've ever been on that road.  Turned north on it, and it was pretty steep, some 10+% gradient there.  Then I turned onto Ranchito Rd and took it back to BVP.  Out all the way to the end, then out Valley Pkwy to Hidden Trails Rd, taking it up to the first turn and then turning around to head back.  Retraced my route back to Citrus Ave, turning there and taking this alternate route back.  To BVP and back over the freeway and the normal route home.  It was a cool day, overcast, but I was sweating from the effort.

Avg speed = 16.? mph. Total mileage = 20.6 mi

Avg heartrate = 125 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1100'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6025427101

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43084321789

09-25-2021 Ride

Ride over to Robert's house, where I met up with him and then with Gideon at his house before heading over to the Target in 4S Ranch to meet up with the others.  14 riders in total on this day: Gideon, Robert, Ray, George (his first ride with the group), Mer, Gary, Andy, Edson, Ferdie (his first ride with the group), Perse, Audrey (her first ride with the group), Jhonar, Kamal, and me.  There was a greater range of riding fitness on this day, and it slowed the pace down a little.  I also was much more intentional about fueling during the ride, and it made a huge difference.  Out Camino del Sur to San Dieguito Rd, Gideon had a flat on the little climb beforehand, so Ray, Robert, and I rode back to make sure it was all okay.  Then it was down into the flats, where we had a long pace line to get over to El Camino Real, taking it to Via de la Valle and then to Calzada del Bosque.  This is a short, sharp climb up to Linea del Cielo, and I got up to the top first.  Then it was over to PCH via Lomas Santa Fe, turning right and stopping for a break before continuing.  On the way out, Gideon and I got a late start and were behind the lead group, and we tried to catch up to them when they were riding at pace.  He made it, I didn't.  But I caught them at a light and stayed with them.  Out to La Costa Ave, where we had another break before turning around here.  Another rest break at the 7-Eleven in Leucadia before heading back south.  I felt strong and successfully attacked on each of the little climbs.  Mer is a strong climber and is building up her endurance to keep pushing.  Through Del Mar to Carmel Valley Rd and then over to the 56 bike path.  Folks were slowing down a little bit here, I was still feeling pretty good.  Another break at the cul-de-sac area, same as last week, before we continued up to Carmel Valley Rd, turning left here and taking a different way back to Camino del Sur.  Ray was leading out here, and I tried to keep in contact with him, it was a struggle.  On that last little climb up to Camino del Sur, a lead group was pacing, and then Ray and I attacked and got free of the others.  I hung with him for a while, even passed him briefly, but he was too strong and I fell back.  Audrey had a flat at the base of that hill, so we ended up waiting at the turn for the others to join.  Gideon, Ferdie, and George had cut their route short in Encinitas, and we got back together with them on the 56 bike path, but by this time some folks were hurting.  A group got out in front of the others on the way back, and I hung with this group, which whittled down to Gideon, Ray, Robert, and me.  Gideon got out ahead, and I kept trying to push myself to close the gap without much success until the end, when he slowed down.  After the end, a group stopped for pizza at Marco's, and I joined them by riding over.  The last little ride home was short and slow, it was an overall good day on the bike for me.  I'll have to pay more attention in the future to how and when I attack, as sometimes others are expecting us to ride as a group.  It's difficult for me to slow my pace down on the climbs, might need to dial it back a little.

Avg speed = 17.3 mph. Total mileage = 56.9 mi

Avg heartrate = 133 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2750'

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/43056052072

09-23-2021 Ride

Solo ride after work, nobody else was available.  Headed out Bernardo Center Dr to Carmel Valley Rd and up and over to Camino del Sur.  Then out to the end of that road, where they are building an extension further south into a new subdivision.  Then I turned around and headed back, turning left on Lazanja Dr and riding through that area until I came to a dead end, turning around and retracing my route.  Then it was back to Paseo del Sur, riding through that neighborhood and continuing on across Camino del Sur to follow a route we had taken before through 4S Ranch.  Then it was back home via the neighborhood.  Felt okay on this ride, it was a little warmer than I thought it would be.  No real hard pushes, just trying to keep a steady pace.

Avg speed = 16.9 mph. Total mileage = 19.3 mi

Avg heartrate = 129 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1270'

https://www.strava.com/activities/6009290619

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42988149420

09-21-2021 Ride

Solo time trial on a Tuesday morning during Sukkot, so no early meetings.  I pushed hard on this ride and was able to keep a good pace for the first half or so.  Slowed down on the second half but kept pushing for a good time.  Not much left at the top of that last little hill on Camino del Norte, still room to improve my stamina and keep my pace higher throughout the ride.  Finished in 58:40, which I believe is a new Post-Israel PR for me.

Avg speed = 18.2 mph. Total mileage = 17.8 mi

Avg heartrate = 132 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1090'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5995904173

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42954156703

09-19-2021 Ride

Time trial route with Jim, spending a fair amount of the time that didn't involve climbing talking about COVID-19 response philosophy.  So these flatter sections of the ride were slower.  Finished in 1:08, legs were tired from the previous day's exertions.

Avg speed = 15.7 mph. Total mileage = 17.9 mi

Avg heartrate = 112 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1110'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5986973712

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42871588544

09-18-2021 Ride

Solo ride generally through the neighborhood to Robert's house, didn't see him, so I rode up to the tee with Matinal Rd and then back down, seeing Gideon coming out of his house, we then rode back to Robert's to meet him.  Up to the Target parking lot meeting spot, where there were a number of other riders:  Arnold, Andy, Ray, Perce, Charlie, Kam.  We started on the same route as the previous week, down through the flats by the Fairbanks Ranch CC and over to El Camino Real to get to Via de la Valle, where we turned right and rode up to Paseo Delicias, then did the reverse stud loop to get back to Paseo Delicias, turning right to get to a left onto El Montevideo and then a right onto Lago Lindo to ride up to El Camino del Norte.  From there, it was a little climb and then a steady, fast downhill ride to Rancho Santa Fe Rd, turning right and taking another little climb until we dropped down to Olivenhaim Rd.  This turns into Leucadia Blvd, which we followed down to PCH, stopping just before for a break at a 7-Eleven.  I was feeling pretty good, weather was milder than the previous week but the route was tougher.  Gideon and Andy had turned back earlier, so we were 7 riders when we got onto PCH.  Everybody was generally staying together and riding at a good clip as we stayed on this route, with a short jaunt to avoid some of the traffic lights in Encinitas.  I set the pace on the climb into Del Mar and through the town, turning left onto Carmel Valley Rd and using the normal route to get to the 56 bike path.  Here, in the initial stretch, others took the lead and I followed.  We stopped at the cul de sac by the underpass for another break before getting onto the 56 bike trail again.  On the stretch up to Camino del Sur, we were generally slower, and I was feeling the effects of the pace.  Kam and I traded leads, and I got to the turn in front, but with an effort.  From there, we followed Camino del Sur back to the starting point, and I ran out of gas around the first turn onto Paseo del Sur, slowing down significantly until the end.  I just ran out of energy, legs weren't cramping (thankfully), need to have a better plan for fueling during these long, challenging rides.  From there, it was home via the neighborhood, slowly, as I was pretty much done.

Avg speed = 17.0 mph. Total mileage = 61.0 mi

Avg heartrate = 134 bpm

Total elevation gain = 3350'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5981582702

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42870965069

09-16-2021 Ride

Afternoon ride after work with Justin and Robert, keeping the pace down.  Same route as the previous week with Blair, it was nice weather for a ride.

Avg speed = 14.5 mph. Total mileage = 15.5 mi

Avg heartrate = 122 bpm

Total elevation gain = 900'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5972483094

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42873636958

09-12-2021 Ride

Time trial ride from home with Dave and John, taking it slow because of my bigger effort the previous day.  A little slower pace this time than last week.  Finished around 1:09.

Avg speed = 15.4 mph. Total mileage = 17.9 mi

Avg heartrate = 111 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1100'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5949193689

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42727472426

09-11-2021 Ride

A notable ride on this, the 20th anniversary of 9/11.  I rode through the neighborhood up to where Capilla Rd cuts into Matinal Rd, meeting up with Robert and his neighbor Gideon Abraham, who is affiliated with a San Diego cycling club, Bisikleta Club of San Diego.  We rode up to RB Rd and then over to the Target in 4S Ranch, where we met up with other club members: Andy, Arnold, Jed, Charlie, and Kamal.  Gideon tried to get everybody on board with maintaining some semblance of a pace line, but it didn't work so well.  Headed out Camino del Sur, riding up to San Dieguito Rd.  Gideon showed he is a climber on that little rise up before the turn.  We rode down into the flats by Fairbanks Ranch, forming something of a pace line with four of us, at a pretty fast pace for me.  At the turn right onto El Camino Real, Gideon tried to get everybody to slow down and maintain an 18-20 mph pace.  It worked for a while, over to Via de la Valle and taking it to the Coast Hwy.  Once there, the pace was faster but generally manageable for me.  The group spread out some, not too bad, and we rode to the La Costa turnoff for a short break there, deciding to continue riding into Carlsbad.  Stopped at the Starbucks there for a break, then headed back the way we came, stopping for a longer break at a 7-11 in Leucadia, where I had a candy bar and some Gatorade.  The group was spreading out more now, with a couple of riders falling back.  We slowed down a little bit, not a lot, and rode back to Via de la Valle.  By this point, I was feeling it but my legs were holding up.  Retraced our route back to the flats, where a group of us rode a pace line in a decent fashion until another stop before making the Three Witches climb.  I was slower up the climb than in past efforts, but I still finished right at the front, along with Arnold, who came from nowhere on the last climb to catch me.  Four of us split from the others on the gradual climb on Camino del Sur.  I was feeling some twinges in the backs of my thighs, but they didn't come to anything.  We split up at the Target parking lot, and we rode at a slower pace back into the neighborhood, first to Gideon's house on Capilla Rd and then me and Robert to his house on Palacios Ct.  From there I rode down to Poblado Rd and then to W Bernardo Dr, home the normal way from there.  This was my longest ride since coming back, and it was a pretty fast one too.

Avg speed = 17.2 mph. Total mileage = 60.2 mi

Avg heartrate = 138 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2280'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5944209407

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42728187452

09-09-2021 Ride

Ride with Blair in the afternoon after work.  He had been experiencing some knee pain when he rode last, so we stayed nearby and flat.  Down W Bernardo Dr past the park and then to Pomerado Rd, turning left onto Highland Valley Rd and riding the flats the the first little part of the climb before stopping and turning back.  At the bottom of the climb, Blair tried to avoid the ruts in the road and ended up going into the sand on the side.  He was fine but shaken up.  We headed back to Pomerado Rd and then rode up to Higa Pl, shortening the ride somewhat.  To Lomica Dr and over to Bernardo Center Dr, then back to work with that short climb up to the parking lot.

Avg speed = 15.3 mph. Total mileage = 15.5 mi

Avg heartrate = 124 bpm

Total elevation gain = 900'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5934937549

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42667184608

09-06-2021 Ride

Tour de Labor, starting from my house with John and Jim.  We rode over to the pedestrian bridge over Lake Hodges, then took BVP to Beethoven Dr behind the mall and used that route to get onto Escondido Blvd.  We took this route through downtown to the parking lot by the cinema, where we met up with Joe.  From there we headed out Valley Pkwy to 9th Ave, then over to Harmony Grove Rd.  Out to Elfin Forest Rd and up into San Elijo Hills.  I was feeling pretty good and was able to keep it above 10 mph all the way into the village.  The others, particularly John, also put in a good effort, so we decided to ride up San Elijo Rd toward Double Peak.  John, Joe, and I rode up to Double Peak Dr, where I rode up a little bit while I waited for the others.  Jim met us on the way down, and we continued into the village, then heading back the way we came.  I felt pretty good on the little climbs on the way back, and we decided to turn right on Harmony Grove Village Dr to take it to Citracado Pkwy and get back to Valley Pkwy.  From there, we headed back to the meet-up spot with Joe, dropped him off, then rode Centre City Pkwy back toward home.  John and Jim were slower, I was still feeling okay.  Made good, not great, time over the freeway and stayed above 10 mph on the climb toward the park.  Then I was slow back to my house, where we split up and only Jim and I rode to his house for smoothies.  Was a good ride for me, pretty hot by the time we finished.

Avg speed = 14.7 mph. Total mileage = 38.0 mi

Avg heartrate = 117 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2460'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5916401986

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42554553836

09-05-2021 Ride

Time trial ride with Jim, John, and Dave, who I hadn't ridden with since before his knee surgery.  We took it slow, but Dave did just fine, showing signs of slowness on the uphill stretches.  Finished in 1:08 or so, but who cares on this ride.

Avg speed = 15.5 mph. Total mileage = 17.8 mi

Avg heartrate = 120 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1110'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5910796846

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42556922681

09-04-2021 Ride

Ride from home with Jim and John, heading over the freeway and over to Felicita Rd.  I intended to take the back way and stay on the west side of the freeway but didn't go far enough, so we ended up on Felicita Rd heading into Escondido.  Left on Tulip St, but I found out it doesn't go through, so we got onto Redwood St to get over to 9th Ave.  Stayed on 9th until we got to Valley Pkwy, where Jim found that his rear brake was rubbing and thought it couldn't be fixed.  So he bowed out and John and I continued, over to Harmony Grove Rd and then onto Country Club Dr.  Took this road over to Auto Park Way, not as long as I thought it was, and then onto Mission Rd.  We stayed on this until turning right onto Vineyard Rd, merging into Woodward St.  Turned left onto Borden Rd and then onto Twin Oaks Valley Pkwy, heading north.  This road is slightly uphill, so it was slower.  It gets steep for just a little bit before the freeway, but I made it up okay, and from there it was a straight shot back through Escondido and home.  Felt decent on this ride, although I would have liked to have done better on the climb up Deer Springs to the freeway.

Avg speed = 16.8 mph. Total mileage = 33.3

Avg hearrate = 125 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1700'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5905149031

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42550010707

09-02-2021 Ride

Ride after work with Robert and Justin, Blair and James were on vacation.  Justin and I headed out Via del Campo to RB Rd, where we met up with Robert and continued to Camino del Sur.  Rode past and then turned right, getting onto Paseo del Sur to take the more shaded route back to Camino del Sur.  Took this road all the way to the 56 bike path, and Justin was riding well, a little slower than us but we basically took turns staying close to him.  Back on the bike path to Black Mountain Rd, and I had a really good stretch climbing this little bit, with a tailwind that felt like somebody was pushing me in the back.  We stayed together on Black Mountain Rd to Carmel Valley Rd, then took it down to Dove Canyon Rd.  Again, taking it slower on the little climbs, with Justin hanging in there great.  Back to RB Rd, retracing our route and splitting with Robert at the same meet-up place.  No crazy efforts here other than the sustained pull on the bike path, but it was a good day.

Avg speed = 14.3 mph. Total mileage = 19.5 mi

Avg heartrate = 116 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1260'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5896370340

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42489617973

08-28-2021 Ride

 Rode with Jim down to a Park 'n Ride not so far from Roberto's Taco Shop in Del Mar, to meet up with some of his BP colleagues for a ride up the coast and back.  We met up with Flash, Micah, and Steve, and headed over to the coast, going north toward Oceanside.  Pace was modest, nobody was trying to push it on this day.  The weather was cloudy and occasionally a little misty, but overall fine cycling weather.  On the way up, there were a couple of times when I pulled ahead and stretched my legs out for a while.  Jim hadn't ridden in a couple of months, so I don't know what he was thinking when he committed to a 40-mile ride, even at modest pace and on a flat course.  With some minor detours off the coast highway when we got into Oceanside, we rode up to the pier and took a 15 minute break there before turning around and heading back.  Not too long after the turnaround, Jim started feeling the effects of the ride and slowed down.  I stayed back with him, or waited for him at points, and the others did so until he slowed down even further and texted them to go ahead and ride.  On the way back, there were a couple of points where we got off the main coast highway and rode side streets for a time.  By the time we were getting into Cardiff, Jim was really hurting on the little uphill segments.  Coming into Del Mar, he felt ill and stopped for a breather, then there were a couple of other spots where he had to walk off leg cramps.  He eventually made it back to the car ahead of me, making a couple of long lights that stopped me.  On the ride home, we saw Blair Butler coming back from the coast as well, small world in cycling!  It was a fairly low-impact day for me, no real stress.

Avg speed = 14.7 mph. Total mileage = 42.0 mi

Avg heartrate = 102 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1240'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5867794393

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42365081365

08-21-2021 Ride

Solo ride over to the Sabre Springs Transit Station, up Aguamiel Rd and over RB Rd to Bernardo Center Dr.  It was misty when I started, and it just got wetter and wetter, never actually raining but really heavy mist and drizzle sporadically throughout the ride.  Over Bernardo Heights Pkwy (kept it above 10 mph) to Paseo Lucido and then taking the backwards time trial route to meet Blair and John.  We decided to ride in the weather, so we headed back to Carmel Mountain Rd, turning on Stoney Peak Dr and then left on World Trade Dr to get over to Twin Peaks Rd.  Up to Espola Rd, where we turned left and I was able to keep it above 10 mph on the climb up to the high school.  Then it was down to Pomerado Rd, where we ended up turning left and following the time trial route back to the starting point.  I kept thinking the drizzle would let up but it never did.  I rode back to Pomerado Rd via Ted Williams Pkwy with John, then he continued straight and I turned left to head back home, not pushing the pace by this time.  Home via RB Rd to W Bernardo Dr and then the normal route.  This was a wet, dirty ride, was really glad to be done with it.

Avg speed = 16.0 mph. Total mileage = 35.5 mi

Avg heartrate = 121 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2160'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5829748108

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42190704421

08-15-2021 Ride

Solo ride from home over to Krispy Kreme, where I met Ann and she picked me up.  Headed through the neighborhood to Matinal Rd, then over W Bernardo Dr to RB Rd.  I took it all the way to Bridlewood Rd, turning right and riding to Summer Sage Rd, turning right and staying on it until I took another right onto Lake Poway Rd.  Left onto Riparian Rd and over to Titan Way, where I turned to get over to Espola Rd.  Then it was down to Twin Peaks Rd and Camino del Norte to World Trade Center Dr, winding through there to Highland Ranch Rd and then onto Carmel Mountain Rd.

Avg speed = 15.7 mph. Total mileage = 12.7 mi

Avg heartrate = 126 bpm

Total elevation gain = 870'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5797015436

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42022354566

08-14-2021 Ride

Solo ride over to the Sabre Springs Transit Station, taking RB Rd to Bernardo Center Dr and then up Bernardo Heights Pkwy.  I took it easy, because I had left early and because I knew it was going to be a lot of miles on this day.  By the post office and down to the meeting place, where I joined up with Blair, and we headed out to the 56 bike trail, riding it down to Camino del Sur to get over to Carmel Valley Rd.  Out to Rancho Santa Fe Farms Rd, which first drops then climbs back up for a short, steep segment before we turned onto Rancho Diegueno Rd to ride down to San Dieguito Rd.  Over to El Apajo, taking it and Via de Santa Fe up to Via de la Valle, where we headed down to Calzada del Bosque, using it to climb up to Linea del Cielo.  This is not a long climb, but it has some steepness to it.  Then we rode down to the coast, via Lomas Santa Fe Dr.  South on this relatively short stretch of flat road through Solana Beach and into Del Mar, passing through (it was starting to get hot by then) and turning on Carmel Valley Rd to get back to the 56 bike trail.  From here, it was back to the meet-up spot, and I kept my pace dialed back, feeling the effects of the miles and the heat.  Still was able to keep it above 10 mph on the little climb up to Black Mountain Rd, and then I was done with major efforts for the day.  I headed back home via Carmel Mountain Rd and felt okay, with no evidence of cramping in my legs, just tiredness.

Avg speed = 15.5 mph. Total mileage = 47.4 mi

Avg heartrate = 134 bpm

Total elevation gain = 3180'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5792310879

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/42018000057

08-12-2021 Ride

Ride with Justin, Robert, and Blair after work, start was a little delayed because of work stuff. We headed out from the back parking lot to W Bernardo Dr and down toward RB Rd.  By the Park n Ride, there was a guy with a mountain bike and a flat tire, so I decided to help him out and told the others to keep riding.  The guy was a little weird, but I pumped up his tire for him and gave him a shot to get to where he needed to go (Escondido).  Then I turned on RB Rd and caught up with the others at the Bernardo Center Dr intersection.  After we continued, it was just a little bit, and Justin had a mechanical, so we had another delay.  Continuing on, we rode up RB Rd until we needed to stop again for another derailleur adjustment for Justin.  By this time, I was behind on schedule and concerned I wouldn't be back for a 6:00 phone call.  So I rode with them up to the top of the hill on Espola Rd, then turned around and headed back from there.  Turned left on Acena Dr and over to Lomica Dr to get to Bernardo Center Dr, which I took to climb back to the parking lot starting spot.  Turns out I could have stayed with the others, as they got back just before 6:00.

Avg speed = 14 mph. Total mileage = 12 mi

Avg heartrate = 133 bpm

Total elevation gain = 650'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5783574381

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/41979515965

08-07-2021 Ride

Ride with Oren Perets starting around 6:00AM from our normal meeting place in Netanya.  We headed out to Hwy 4 and took it north to Hedera, turning there for a different route through the southern outskirts of town and eventually back to Hwy 9, heading east.  On this stretch, I pushed the pace and caught up with a couple of cyclists on TT bikes, trading leads for a while and going pretty fast.  We turned off at the 581 and took it south, eventually turning onto that winding road that goes by Gan Yoshiya and over Hwy 6.  We headed back west on a road leading toward Netanya but turned to head further south toward Pardesiya and that road where time trialists practice riding back and forth.  Over by the field where paragliders take off and land, then over to a road heading north in parallel with Hwy 4 to a rest stop where we had iced coffee.  It was heating up by then, and Oren had been slower for the last 10 km or so.  He felt better after the break, and we took Hwy 2 all the way back to the stadium and to his house, where he washed Zvika's bike and let me borrow a wrench to lower the seat back.  This was a long ride in hot and muggy weather, but I felt good due to its small elevation gain.

Avg speed = 16.0 mph. Total mileage = 48.9 mi

Avg heartrate = 131 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1230'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5751227012

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/41824652503

08-06-2021 Ride

Ride with Mark Cook from his place out to Palmahim Beach and back, taking a route by the beach on the way out (and having to dodge several people out in the streets).  Once we got through Bat Yam and western Rishon LeTsiyon, we were able to pick up the pace, and I felt decent.  I had borrowed Zvika's second bike and adjusted the seat height, but it felt a little squirrely given the saddle position and the short top tube.  Still, it worked out just fine.  Some nice stretches of riding out to the turnaround point and on the way back.  We headed back through Rishon, connecting to the 412 like in former times.  It was the normal slow going through the city center, but I was able to open it up on the way over to the 44 and Ben Zvi.  That stretch, slightly downhill overall and with a tailwind, seemed like it was pretty fast, and I took the lead most of the way.  Overall, it was quite fun to ride with Mark again.  He is strong and steady and knows how to match his pace and level of effort to me.

Avg speed = 16.8 mph. Total mileage = 33.3 mi

Avg heartrate = 137 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1000'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5746505857

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/41783090849

07-31-2021 Ride

Solo ride on Saturday morning before flying out to Israel.  Headed out through the neighborhood to RB Rd and then to Camino del Sur, turning left onto Paseo del Sur and riding through that area to get back to Camino del Sur.  From there I rode out to the end of the road and then turned around to follow Camino del Sur back into 4S Ranch, turning on Four Gee Rd to ride through that neighborhood and get over to Alva Rd to head back to RB Rd.  Down the hill to W Bernardo Dr and home via the normal way, except taking Azucar Way down to the house.

Avg speed = 16.0 mph. Total mileage = 22.3 mph

Avg heartrate = 128 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1280'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5716430227

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/41652670425

07-29-2021 Ride

Ride with Blair and Nicholas after work after a stressful day trying to lock down a COVID-19 test that would be ready in time for my flight on Saturday (it was ready the next morning).  We headed down W Bernardo Dr to Duenda Rd and turned right to get over to RB Rd, which we took up to Espola Rd, keeping a decent but not scorching pace.  I talked them into doing the little climb up to Poway Rd, and I felt strong enough (with the help of a tailwind) to keep it above 10 mph all the way up (first time in a long time).  Then we headed down Poway Rd to Community Rd, over to Twin Peaks Rd, and from there back to the site the normal way.  Other than that one stretch, I spent the rest of the ride either just in front of the others or riding with Nicholas.  Weather was fairly decent on this ride.

Avg speed = 15.0 mph. Total mileage = 17.0 mi

Avg heartrate = 130 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1230'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5708781209

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/41654443880

07-25-2021 Ride

Solo ride, nobody else interested in or available to ride.  So I headed out by the park and over to Highland Valley Rd, taking it up to the summit point where I usually stop and wait for the others when riding together.  It's about 10 mi to that point.  Going up was a real chore, I felt like I was working harder than I would have wanted.  Back down the hill and over to Pomerado Rd, where I turned left and rode up to Escala Dr, turning right and going downhill and back up that short steep climb with the more gradual grade at the end back to Duenda Rd.  Home the normal way from there.  The ride felt good, I just wish I could have ridden faster up Highland Valley.

Avg speed = 14.3 mph. Total distance = 21.2 mi

Avg heartrate = 124 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2160'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5685064690

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/41536043055

07-24-2021 Ride

Ride from home with Joe, John, and Blair.  It had been a while since I rode with Joe.  We headed through the neighborhood to RB Rd and then to Camino del Sur.  Out to San Dieguito Rd, taking it down to El Camino Real.  Through Del Mar Heights, where I was able to keep my pace above 10 mph on the climb.  Then down to the 56 bike trail, which we took over to Carmel Valley Rd.  Back to Dove Canyon Rd, again able to keep it above 10 mph on the two climbs.  To RB Rd and back through the neighborhood.  Felt decent on these little climbs, dialed my pace back otherwise to stay by the others.

Avg speed = 16.1 mph. Total mileage = 31.0 mi

Avg heartrate = 120 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1940'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5680766568

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/41489149120

07-22-2021 Ride

Ride after work with Blair and Justin.  Weather looked weird, especially off to the east.  So of course, I picked a route that took us east.  Down W Bernardo Dr by the park and over to Highland Valley Rd, where we rode the flats and the first little section of the climb before stopping and riding back to Pomerado Rd.  Then it was up to Camino del Norte, Justin was feeling fine and working hard.  Turned right, and from there it was the usual way back to the starting point.  I kept my pace dialed back and stayed with the others for most of the way.

Avg speed = 14.2 mph. Total mileage = 17.8 mi

Avg heartrate = 108 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1100'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5671749362

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/41487044956

07-18-2021 Ride

Time trial ride fom home with John, no Jim, who had some mechanical issues with his drivetrain on Saturday.  I started out fairly slow, had a pretty good stretch on Pomerado Rd and Poway Rd, and was slower than usual going up to Carmel Mountain Rd.  Finished pretty well too, and had a time of 1:00:45, which was surprising to me.  Opportunity soon to try and break an hour on the ride again.

Avg speed = 17.7 mph. Total mileage = 17.8 mi

Acg heartrate = 128 bpm

Total elevation gain = 1070'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5647922644

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/41359856075

07-17-2021 Ride

Ride initially to get in some miles before meeting up with the others, heading down by the park and over to Highland Valley Rd.  Out until I hit 5 miles, just at the turn where it starts to get steeper, then turned around and rode back to Pomerado Rd.  Up to RB Rd, turning right and riding up to Matinal Rd, keeping it above 10 mph.  Then down to Hada Dr and over to Jim's house, where I met up with Blair, John, and Jim.  We headed down Aguamiel Rd to W Bernardo Dr and then over the freeway to BVP, riding up to Sunset Dr.  Over to Juniper St, which we took to 5th Ave and then on to Centre City Pkwy.  From here, it was the normal route out to Deer Springs Pkwy and back via Twin Oaks Valley Pkwy.  Back via Barham Dr to Mission Rd to Centre City Pkwy, and from there the normal way back to Jims via W Bernardo Dr up to Duenda Rd.  Again, I kept it above 10 mph on the last two climbs, but it was a workout.  Fig smoothies at the end, Jim trailed in the latter part of the ride, in part because his chain was slipping on the climbs.  Felt okay at the end, but I was tired during the day.  Ann and I hiked later on that day with the church group down by Encinitas.

Avg speed = 16.9 mph. Total mileage = 47.6 mi

Avg heartrate = 123 bpm

Total elevation gain = 2460'

https://www.strava.com/activities/5642859232

https://www.fitbit.com/activities/exercise/41322015171