Coffee At Peet's (mod) Populaire

Modified "Coffee At Peet's" route we rode today

Managed to catch the train over to Oceanside this trip. 34 degrees called for wool layers today. Had a few stiff climbs in there so I opted for the carbon bike. Hadn't been on that for a while plus it had the newer Gatorskin Hardshell 28mm tires on.

First ride of the New Year and it was a "shortie" too! John Mestemacher couldn't make it due to flu related issues, but said we could modify the route and start in Carlsbad instead. I did stop on the way down and got a receipt at Oceanside (where a regular route control was) just in case. Rolled into Magee Park with a minute to spare and hit the bathrooms before meeting up. Michigan George, son-in-law Jeff, Keith Olsen and Mike Shaw were there and soon John Fry from NCCC rode in too. We tried to convince him to ride with us, but he was waiting for other riders for a 090 start. I gave him a SDRando Card*. Group rolled out at 0835.

Sun was out as we paced down the coast. Stopped at Swami's in Encinitas where Troy Buss joined us. He rode in from Poinsettia Lane earlier. After stripping off the wind vest, knee & arm warmers warmers , I packed them neatly on the HB bag. Jeff was turning around here back to Oceanside. He might join us later today. After some chit-chat, we were off together for our "modified Coffee At Peet's" route.

Took the back way through Del Mar before getting onto the SR-56 Bike Path. Keith dropped a chain on the first climb, so we paced back a bit. George was climbing good and set the pace up to the Camino del Sur Circle K control stop. Twelve NCCC riders there stretching out. Looks like Dianna W. New Year Day ride. They were going to the coast. Filled my bottles, got a cheapo receipt and chatted with the NCCC riders a little. NCCC riders were still there when we left 15 minutes later. Headed northward toward Rancho Bernardo.

Troy's early AM photo along the coast today.

A few nice rollers on the way there. We all set the pace to stay together on these little climbs. Made the short-cut turn
onto Martinal St. and after a bit of climbing, crossed the Pedestrian Bridge over Lake Hodges. Did an unscheduled stop at the Mule Hill Chevron, where we hit the head and filled our bottles Keith emptied out his jersey pockets and discovered a large burrito. Said he forgot he had it along!

Decided to start the "modified" part of the route next. After El Ku Lane, opted for the 2 climbs up Gamble Lane. George was feeling good on these 15%+ climbs. We all made it up in good order and were soon back on course, following Harmony Grove Rd. over through Corporate Dr and the back way to Woodland Pkwy. We opted to go straight up Woodland Pkwy. instead of the loop to the 7-Eleven. Stopped at Woodland Park, where the bathrooms were locked on NYDay. Took the back way around for some more climbing and passed Walnut Grove Park. Stopped at the Green Potty there before deciding on the next "modification" on the route.

Twin Oaks Road is a nice gentle climb through rural like homes and greenhouses. Great route on the weekends. Mike used to ride this a lot during his NCCC heyday. During the week there is likely truck traffic from the quarry up the road. Keith dropped a chain again on the first downshift grade. After the quarry turn-off, we hit the steep15%, regrouped and blasted down to Gopher Cyn. Road. Some sections of this road are bike-lane less. Fortunately, we were riding downhill westward and negated any brush-by with cars. A quick turn onto Little Gopher Cyn. Road was more relaxing as we wound our way through the trees downhill to River Road. The group turned there and made our last stop at Mickie D's in Bonsall. I jumped on my HF Sundae, topped off with Peanut Butter GU Gel. Keith got a Red Bull. Troy and George had a burger. Mike was almost home now.

After climbing up Twin Oaks Vly. Rd., it's a fast downhill now!

20 minutes later the group was together as Keith led out on the fast section of SR-76 to Oceanside. We bid Mike farewell at Melrose Dr., as he had a cold ride-in earlier today. Jeff met up with us as we passed through the residential Andrew Jackson St. George was feeling it now and took the lead pull at 19 mph into a headwind on San Luis Rey Bike Path. That didn't last till Douglas, as his speed kept going down... 18mph...17mph. Keith took another pull, then Troy took over. I was sitting in the back having a nice rest. Headwind got stiffer as we closed in on the coast. My turn next and I was looking at the TREK MTB rider ahead. We slowly pulled him back and I was able to pass him. Doing so, he made some sly comment. He escaped our wrath by turning off the path toward the harbor. We passed the Oceanside Pier.

Next up we dropped off George and Jeff. They both rode well today and George got in some good riding while out in San
Diego. Keith dropped a chain again. I rode with Troy past Magee Park to get a finish receipt at Oak St. 7-Eleven. Later turned around and chatted with Troy and Keith at Magee Park. Keith gave me a bag of citrus and I rode north to catch the train over to San Marcos.

Weather was warming up throughout the day. Lite breeze kept the clothing layers just right. Nice of Jeff to split up his day with two rides. George was riding strong on the rides he did while here too. Keith has dropped 20 lbs and his riding shows it. He's working on his "dropped chain downshifts" next. Mike has recovered from the recent flu and will soon be back in tough riding shape. He'll be doing the Rainbow 200 workers ride next weekend (Jan. 10th). Troy had a good workout and was the only OFR rider to show today. He and Mike both ride newer TREK Domaines.

*Received a email on Friday from John Fry (NCCC rider who showed up at Magee Park). Said he is interested in riding on Thursday for longer rides. Mmmm, might be a candidate for the Rainbow 200 in two weeks.

Cool start with clear skies all day
Hi: 68     Lo: 46
85 miles

-randorides