Sandia Creek Century (Matt's Memorial Today)

Route I ended riding today.

I had been planning on riding down to Matt O'Neil's Memorial in Chula Vista today via the Honey Spring Permanent reverse route. Matt was a long time Randonneur, who lived and rode out of Chula Vista in the mid-2000's. He since moved northward to pursue his educational goals and kept after his riding in earnest there. As noted before, he was killed by a rookie driver during a long 3C Brevet up north earlier in the month. I rode with Matthew several times, but wouldn't classify him as a personal friend.

It was real foggy out and I was felt slow on the bike as I left San Marcos around 0530. I had stopped at the 7-Eleven for a start receipt, just in case I decided to ride the Sandia Creek route instead. For some reason, the fog lifted as I neared the coast. I was on route to the memorial if I went south on Coast Hwy. 101and on another route if I went north. I chose north as I felt a little "off" today and the long ride down in 100 degree temps might make me a little grouchy at the memorial. Also I never did like to "socialize much after those affairs, so the choice was easy.

I did my normal stops at Magee Park and soon I was in mud riding east on the SLR. I felt like it today. Made another stop at the College Ave. Park to get some water before I headed eastward. Must be a brake rub as I stopped at Bonsall McDonald's for an answer. Felt a little stronger as I made the climb around Fallbrook on Green Canyon and Oak Grove. A quick flashback brought me to realize that there was a headwind riding eastward earlier to Bonsall. No wonder I thought the brakes were rubbing and I was dead-meat! Stopped at Carl's Jr in Temecula for the normal break. I had several $1 off coupons for a shake, but opted for a cheaper alternative. Long slow climb up Rancho California this time. It was getting warmer and I couldn't wait for the top. Sandia Creek Road is quite nice riding till the last 14% climb. I think the climb to Fallbrook is harder, for it is longer. I was crawling up that one.

Matt O'Neil at '07 Bear To Honey Spgs Start

I tried a choc sundae with a GU pak to boost me up at Bonsall McDonalds! As I was leaving, a large group started arriving from Olive Hill descent. Black and green jerseys. Decided to go up Lilac Road climb instead of San Luis Rey, just to liven me up some. I also knew that group would be right behind me. I hadn't been up that climb for years now and it was much easier than I had remembered. 3 of the group passed me just before the top. I stopped over at the Shaun Harrison Memorial on the other side.

As I passed Champagne Village I hooked up with 2 riders ahead. As we started the last big climb of the day, the gal took off. I followed her and we started chatting as I was sucking air. Seems the other rider is her ex-husband! Huh! They started in Carlsbad and were riding back via San Marcos. She was middle-aged and a nice looking rider on her new Focus Carbon. I left her at the top waiting for her ex. I made the trip over to Country Club is short order, as there is a new smooth road section on the Nutmeg downhill. Fast! A hot-dog fixie was trying to race so I had to amp it up some and passed him after every red light. He didn't stop for stop signs either! We turned together racing down Mulberry St and as I passed for the last time, his drive-line gave way and he stopped in the road. Too bad for HOTDOGGIE!

Ron Smith & Matt at Alpine deli during Permanent break

Finally made it home around 2:00 PM. The day started out real sluggish, but after some warm-up and a few gel paks laced with ice cream, I was good to race up the hills! Sorry I missed Matt's Memorial, but there was plenty of rando jerseys to go around.

Foggy early, clear later
Hi: 97   Lo: 66
97 miles

-randorides