Sandia Creek Century Inaugural Ride

Sandia Creek Century Official Route Map

Leaving at 6:00 AM from San Marcos, Keith Olsen and I followed the route through town amidst light early traffic.
This route is best started just slightly earlier to miss all traffic. The intersection at SM Blvd and Rancho Santa Fe is usually busy, even at 6:30. Keith was taking a day off his county job to log a few more miles in his quest for the Rando 5K Award. Maybe even bumping it up to "K-Hound" designation this year?

I was taking a few pics this trip, in hope of doing a route video. My battery situation was lame indeed. I brought along 4 spare AA cells from my Garmin Battery Booster. For some reason, the Canon 1100 works best with a full charge battery set. So I was stopping a few times along the route to LaCosta. We rolled into the Circle K control on El Camino Real and opted for a cheapo treat for receipt. I stripped off the my vest and we were soon off on the new repaved LaCosta Ave to the coast. Just a few riders along the coast this morning. Clear skies and no wind made riding comfortable. We did stop at the bathrooms at Buccaneer Beach in lieu of Magee Park in Carlsbad. Pappy's control was still closed this early as we passed by.

SLR Bike Path had the barriers up (actually lying flat on the ground) today, so we chanced traffic and finally managed to get over onto eastbound Hwy. 76. Off at Benet St., we're soon on the Bike Path. Keith once again didn't have a mirror, so he rode out ahead, unbeknown what was happening behind him. Stopped to take a few pics around the recent river bottom brush fires. Easy riding on Hwy. 76 to Bonsall, where we made an optional stop to load our bottles. I did manage a parfait yogurt with berries for fun. Gentle climbing up and around Fallbrook with little traffic on those roads.

Keith grinds up Sandia Creek climb!

Green Canyon turn met up with early rider. He was telling us he rides this 4 time a week. Sounds like he is a teacher around here somewhere. Gave him a rando card. He turned around before Reche Road . We continued on chatting as we climbed up the pleasant Live Oak Park Rd. and past Rainbow before the several downhill curves into Temecula. We waived the listed Shell Station Control for the "back way" into Carl's Jr. instead. I had my usual Choc. Shake and Keith added some protein to his diet! We sat around there for 30 minutes, filled our bottles and we soon back after it.

Nice little jog around to miss the confusion of riding through "Olde Towne" before we were climbing up Rancho California Road. More traffic than usual on this one. Even a flatbed tractor pulling a D-9 Cat! Fortunately, there was a slight breeze to cool the air. Temps were in the high 80's. Stopped at the Sandia Creek turn and chatted with Keith as to the climbing ahead. Lots of rollers topped off with a shorter 17% section at the end before heading along the Santa Margairta River thru De Luz. That section of road had some recent repairs to fill a few of the nasty holes. Tough little climb up to Fallbrook, with a max of 9%. Keith noticed a rear wheel noise, so we stopped to check it out. It was coming from inside the hub. Time for some internal lubing? We skipped the Fallbrook Control and opted for a longer stay at Bonsall instead. Jog over to Heller's Bend was a welcome relief from the Mission Road downhill traffic.

SOMA & Holland take a shade break at Bonsall McDonald's!

Another parfait for me at McDonalds. Keith had a burger and fries. They finally filled up the ice machine, so we topped off. Keith called home to tell the Ms. to get the IV's ready later! Wind was blowing the trees around good. Fortunately, we weren't riding west.Leaving Bonsall, the strong tailwind made cruising at 16 mph effortless. Last climb of the day is Champagne Blvd. Slight breeze blowing so the slow paced climb wasn't too hot this trip. Fast downhill on Centre City, cut off on Sunset Dr. took us past the now defunct Escondido Golf Course. Everything was brown there, soon to be followed by rows of condos! Too bad for the home owners there. Rolled into the finish and got a big cookie to take home for the Ms. We chatted a bit and Keith rode back to Albertson's for his car.

Video of this ride can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/IL7g2ntN6ZM

Clear skies
Hi: 94   Lo: 57

-randorides