San Luis Rey River Revival...April Fool's Windfest

San Luis Rey River Revival modified route

Initially, I wanted to do Palomar Mtn. today, but with the early forecast @36F there, I figured maybe that would be an option when I get to So. Grade Road. Still cool at the start and was supposed to be a high wind warning after noon today. Woolie cap, long glove liners, long sleeve Arctic Guard underlayer, wind vest and carried along some arm warmers just in case. Also prepped up the new Giro "Feature" helmet  with some velcro, mirror and SDrando logos. Riding the heavier SOMA for some climbing build-up.

Started the route in San Marcos instead of Oceanside. Routes goes north of here anyway and it would save me the ride over and back. Followed the "Training Ride To Palomar" route through Escondido and up Valley Center Road instead of Lake Wohlford Road. The bottom mile of that road is sheer close with the no bike lane, fence and trash on the road. After that the road is good. Stopped on the long climb to Valley Center to strip off stuff. Clear skies and warming up! Big chain-ring climb under duress today. Took Woods Valley Road for some nice quiet riding. Lost some trash on the fast, bumpy downhill on Rincon Grade to Harrah's Casino. That road is getting worse every year. Next trip I'll go down Cole Grade instead, with the death ride along Hwy. 76 through Pauma.

Bike lane past Harrah's is awful. Getting worse each month. Wonder why they don't force the state to fix it and ante up some help funds from the Casino. Road construction along there today, but not where they need it. Looks like they are adding a turn lane southbound near the Casino instead. Re-arranged my clothing on the front HB bag at a bus stop bench. Started the climb past Stage Stop Market and noticed discarded tubes along Hwy. 76. I used to stop and pick up the tubes, check them out and either keep them OR take them to the nearest trash. Counted 7 roadside tubes up to So. Grade Road.

Roadie trash: CRAFT PB Rain Jacket

I was climbing along at a blistering 8 mph when something caught my eye in the road side bushes. Looked
like a white towel. I kept riding and then remembering towels don't have C...R...A...F on them. I turned around a went back downhill to check it out. I was a CRAFT Rain Jacket! Kind of damp and crumpled in the bushes. I shook it out, folded it and put in with my other clothes on the front bag. I'll check it out later on.

That 5 minute stop interrupted my nice pace I had earlier on the climb. Usually takes me 45 minutes to get to the So. Grade turn. Can't get my pacing down on the first section, but feel good on the switchbacks later on. Same thing today. Kept motoring at the top in the big ring. Real nice ride over to Lake Henshaw today as I soon discovered there was a tailwind! Saw some turkeys along the road in the LaJolla Reservation. Got a small Gatorade at the Henshaw Store and sat outside with my sandwich. Several hunters walking around. Turkey season is the last Saturday in March for 37 days. Hunters looked overweight in their camos. Time to head to Oceanside.

Headwind.. that's the word. Easy ride out, headwind ride back. Saw a 3 rider bunch and a trailer approaching So. Grade Road. Looks like they were surprised to see me! Easy ride down the hill. Full size motor home pulling a trailer just had to pass. Almost run me off the road! I was really cookin' past Stage Stop Market. Almost rolled all the way to the Pauma Market. Decided with this nice tailwind to opt out of the Cole Grade climb and head to Bonsall instead. I luv the Cole Grade climb, but am not fond of the Lilac/Old Castle section. Nice push to Pala, even over the 2 short climbs with no bike lanes!

Stopped at Pala gas station and ate my banana. Tighter going now even with lite traffic. Started to feel the onshore headwind as I passed over I-15. Sucked in my breath and rode the 76 to Bonsall. Still about 3 places with no bike lanes and it's still "iffy" at best with moderate traffic. Hit the McDonalds for a headwind breather before the slog to the coast. Still no ice cream there, broken machine, so I opted for a yogurt to eat with my 1/2 tuna sandwich. After icing up, I jumped Highway 76 and then the SLR Bike Path.

Added SDRando logo, mirror and velcro to new Giro helmet

Finally caught up to some young stud on a MTB crankin' it up on the Path. He seemed a little surprised to see me riding along side. I commented that he was riding strong and if he had a road bike I couldn't keep up. He finally ran out of gas and I waived "adios". Stopped at the Circle K in Oceanside for a Ice Cream Sandwich before heading back to San Marcos and finish up. Nice to have the tailwind all the way home. Cut through Vista and took Santa Fe back still under partly cloudy skies.

Supposed to rain tonight. Looks like the forecast was spot-one with the wind. Should have started earlier, since the temps were in the 50's early. Picked up a nice medium size CRAFT PB Rain Jacket and got in some climbing. Felt good when I got home.

-randorides.

Coffee At Peet's Populaire: Freebee Ride

Replacement Giro "Feature" Helmet. Need to add SDRando logos.

Needed to get over to Nytro today to check some things out. Why not include a route in there somewhere?

For one reason or another got a later start, around 8:30. Weather was nice with good road conditions and lite breeze along the SLR. Tailwind along the coast southward and east along the SR-56 Bike Path. Winds picked up from the west as afternoon arrived. Tri riders all over the place. Hot bodies chicks galore!

Vendor freebee giveaways from Nytro on big Tri weekend!

Stopped by Nytro to see Joe M. Giro "Feature" MTB helmet came in. That replaces the one that was ripped off with my bikepacking bike in late December, 2013. Weight of helmet is around 285, so it is lighter than my back-up cracked helmet. At least I got a helmet now! Need to add the SD Rando logos and glue on a mirror and other stuff. Picked up a whole bunch of give-aways from the vendors there. Big Tri weekend with the Oceanside Triathlon!

Quite a feat packing it all in my mini-string backpack!  Actually the strings cut into my shoulders and  inhibited circulation some while riding. Maybe should have chucked the box?

-randorides

Rainbow Prelude Permanent: Drizzle route

Drizzly, damp Rainbow welcomes you!

Slight chance of drizzle in the early AM, followed by partly cloudy skies and a high of 70F today. Wouldn't that be nice? Start at 8:00 and miss the wet roads and then dress light for the nice 70 degree weather with sun in the after noon. WRONG!

SOMA time with woolie cap, gloves, wind vest and  long sleeve under-layer to go with the wool rando SS jersey! All set. I was starting this route at the San Marcos Control. Rode over under light drizzle and got a receipt just before 7:00 AM. I figured to put up with the slightly wet roads a bit as I rode northward. Temp was around 57F, so it didn't feel too cold on the long damp downhill on Champagne Blvd. I figured it would be clearing up in a few hours, so not to worry. Water was dripping from my helmet as I turned onto Circle R for the climb into the hills. I don't do Old Castle Road anymore do to the heavy traffic there and spotty minimal bike lanes. It's the only direct road from I-15 to Valley Center in this area and randos get hammered during certain times of the day.

Road construction ahead up the hill. Looks like they are patching holes in the road. Short wait before they let me through along with 6 cars. I was huffing and puffing already and the steeper stuff was still ahead! Drizzle was picking up as I turned onto the winding Lilac Road . Slowed up for the downhill corners as they were laced with a mud glaze. Even worn Gatorskins won't stick to those surfaces! I dropped into the 34T chainring and the 24 cog for the 14% sections up Cooser Canyon. I followed near the center of the double yellow lines to the top under drying out skies! As I zipped up at the top, it started a heavy drizzle again! This continued all the way to Rainbow. Seems I made a good slo time slogging up Rice Canyon. Not one of my favorite roads to climb as I never have got into the "rhythm" on that section.

I bought a $1.29 dark choclate Milky Way bar a the market there. Hit the bathroom and was soon blasting down Old 395 toward Fallbrook under overcast skies and occasional drizzle. All the roads were wet from Fallbrook toward Bonsall. I stopped at McDonalds in Bonsall for a yogurt and a break. I neatly folded my vest, long gloves and woolie cap together and put it on the front of my handlebar bag. Slight headwind on Hwy. 76 over to the SLR Bike Path. One I hit the Bike Path, it started to drizzle again! Almost raining, I stopped under Douglas Street and put my stuff back on again. Doing so, the vest zipper pull came off, so I tied the vest halves together with a ruber strip I always carry. It kept the bottom together, but of course the top ballooned out with the bicycle forward speed. Puddles on the Bike Path as I finally rolled into Oceanside.

All muddy and damp, I motored southward to Magee and refueled with plain water. Out of Carbo Pro at home, so I added a scoop of Sustained Energy instead the morning. It works Ok, but I pass a little gas from the protein content. Roads were drying out along the coast, with a few spots of drizzle. Got into Nytro early afternoon. Picked up a 2# bag of Carbo Pro and some Shot Bloks. Also got a few safety pins to hold my vest together. Packed stuff in a white Nytro bag and strapped it on the top of my handlebar bag. Went over to Swami's for "lunch".

Sat overlooking the ocean and ate my carry-along tuna sandwich. Watching the surfers catch the small waves, I noticed a sudden heat wave roll through. Really weird! I checked the Garmin temp and it had soared to 74 F. Must have been that pineapple express from Hawaii coming through? Drying out now as I proceeded southbound up and around to UCSD. Dried off around here, so I darted through the parking lot route and stopped at the McDonalds by the mall. Still had my pinned vest on and the weather seemed warm enough. Followed the route onto El Camino Real and San Dieguito Road. A few cyclists were out now as the overcast didn't look so threatening. Socks were still wet as I went up Del Dios and over through Harmony Grove. Too bad about the new housing development there to clog that pristine ride through the valley. Picked up 3 cookies to take home from the 7-Eleven finish.

They missed the forecast again. Guess next time I'll pack for the bad stuff and store what I don't need! Just more weight to keep me in shape!

-randorides

Ursa Minor Permanent In Lieu Of SC-200 Brevet

Ursa Minor Route to Dana Tutors & Spunky's Deli

Surprisingly, John Mestemacher was doing the route with me today. Thought we would leave earlier and see or hook up with the randos doing the San Clemente 200 Brevet today. They would be leaving Sea World and following the coast highway up to Dana Point and return.

I was to meet up with John en-route at Rancho Santa Fe. He could ride from his house in Carlsbad, go the back way and not have to ride over to San Marcos for the start and then back home after the ride too! Good idea and it worked well. I started at the 7-Eleven in San Marcos per route and was overdressed, for sure. It wasn't long and I stopped to zip up my zest for the downhill by Lake Hodges. The zip-pull fell off! I tried to put it back on, but that didn't work. I just neatly folded it up and put it on the front of my handlbar bag! Hopefully, I could fix it at home lateron. Shucks, they should make those illuminite vests to last longer than 7 years! Thanks Performance Bikes!

John was waiting at Rancho Santa Fe town at 6:00 for me. He was blazed out in his reflective stuff and had a new usb handlebar light, which he quickly demo'd for me. Looks good for shorter rando night sections. Only way to rechage is via USB port. Should work OK for a 400K too. I was using a single Blaze 2W headlight and my helmet mounted 135 lumen spotlight. By the time we got to Solana Beach, the sun was just starting to come up in the east. Nice and quiet along the coast, with a few riders starting to appear riding southward.

Tutor & Spunky's Deli Brevet Control

We stopped at Magee Park in Carlsbad for a bathroom break and to take off some clothes. Felt much better with only the wool rando jersey and a long sleeve underlayer. We opted for the Harbor Drive route past the Oceanside Pier and the I-5 route northward. No wind to speak of through the San Onofre Campground and we took a stop at Bathroom #1. A few more cyclists now as the overcast skies were breaking up a bit. We took the Brevet route through San Clemente and along the ocean up to the turn around point at Tutor & Spunky's Deli. Got a overpriced drink there and ate the carry along tuna sandwich. Waited around for 20 minutes and headed out. I noticed a park on the left and did a U-Turn. Great little overlook of the Dana Point Harbor and ocean view from this little park at the end of Blue Lantern. Have to ride there again!

Return trip met the first group of Brevet riders in San Clemente town downhill and another group with Jimbo Wiesner at a stoplight. Did manage to see Keith Olsen pulling a group northbound near Trestles Bike Path. Rode with a group from Anaheim who were going to San Diego Amtrak Station. John cranked 'er up for the wind aided pull through the Campground. Saw Greg Olmstead riding solo. Stopped at the fence opening and chatted with a confused looking rando Bill Schffler. Said his Garmin wasn't working. Several randos behind him, including William Volk and his boxed out recumbant.

Ride hi-lite: Sampson's Gazebo Overlook on Blue Lantern

Took a fast I-5 southbound as John set the pace. I paced us up the last little hill and into Oceanside Harbor rest stop. Next up was the wind aided San Luis Rey Bike Path. We rode that at around 18mph all the way to our final stop at the Bonsall McDonalds. John had a vanilla shake and I opted for the one-dollar yogurt with frozen fruit. Bathroom were plugged up so we would wait for a later bush along Camino Del Rey. Still a nice tailwind along that road to Old Hwy. 395. John was dreading the Champagne climb, but it wasn't bad as I paced us up at a slow pace. My legs weren't feeling that great either, as 3-200's in 4 days was a lot on a bike that wasn't set up correctly yet. I only adjusted my seat 1X during today's ride. We fought the headwind to the finish at 7-Eleven. Sitting there in the sun, John noticed his seat was low. Yep! It was slowly dropping down and was now down 1/4 inch from his perfect mark. OUCH! I picked up a pak of CC Cookies for the wife and we departed at San Marcos Blvd., as John headed back to Carlsbad and me homeward.

Interesting ride with great tailwinds. My legs were a little tired near the end and I guess I didn't overdress, as it was much cooler inland than expected with the overcast skies returning. In fact, we mentioned several times it looked like rain! Wouldn't that be nice? Supposed to rain mid-week.

-randorides

University Loop Permanent

Some dude on the San Luis Rey Bike Path to Oceanside

Time for some back-to-back-to-back 200K stuff. Needed to stop by Nytro today AND meet up with the OFR gruppo out of Magee Park in Carlsbad. Why not jump on the Uni-Loop Permanent?

Left home well before 6:00 for an early start and co-ordinate the meet up in Carlsbad. My woolie cap, arm warmers, fingerless gloves and single under-layer weren't enough! After getting a start receipt, I went back home and added a vest and long gloves! Gee whiz, that Twin Oaks Valley is real cool in the early morning.

Felt comfortable enough till I got to the Bike Path extension off Hwy. 76. Another temp drop along there. The sun way trying to come up on the SLR, but some high clouds were blocking those much needed rays! Picked up a single speed guy riding a chrome Bianchi Pista on the SLR. Did an straight cut on one of the loops under the roadway above and got ahead of him. He passed me and I followed him to Benet Street. Bike Path was closed here. Pista rider didn't know what to do , so I passed around and headed over to Hwy. 76 for the super fast ride in to Oceanside. Must have been a huge tailwind as I was crankin' along at 27mph. With my 50x13 gears, that's moving along!

Stopped at Circle K and tried to get 2 bananas for a buck! No deal. They wanted $1.50. I kept riding and stopped at a 7-Eleven where I did get 2 for a buck! Raced over to Magee Park to meet the OFR boys at 8:30. We chit chatted a bit and then all 7 of us rolled southward at a fast 18mph pace set by Kiwi Stuart! Shut him down on the little climb south of Carlsbad. Bruce and Troy joined up along the way south. Then Salton Sea Ben joined up near Encinitas! Good to see him after his "explosion" on the Salton Sea ride.

Lots of chit chat during the stop at Swami's Park. I stripped down and neatly folded my clothing before putting it on the front on my bar bag. Group of 15 headed south and up Torrey climb. I went straight through Del Mar and got ahead of the gruppo. Met 2 women riders pacing up Torrey and rode with them. Both were out of gears and struggling a bit. Looks like they had compacts with 11-25 on the back. No wonder. One on a carbon and the other rode a Titanium bike. Waited at the top for the Gruppo to show up.

A few turned around at the top, the rest were riding to the Cabrillo Monument. Rode together till Santa Fe Street, where I kept going straight for the sidewalk cut up to Morena Blvd. They headed over to Mission Bay and points beyond. Rolled down Morena into a slight headwind under partly cloudy skies and nice temps. Not much traffic through Friars and Mission Valley. Traffic increase up Montezuma Road. Lots of tour buses around now, due to the Final Four tourney kicking off at SDSU on Friday. No action at McDonald's, as I got a burger and a ice cream cone. Didn't pack a sandwich today.

"March Madness" hits this week at SDSU Areana

Turned around into a headwind to the coast, but a nice push up Morena Blvd., Santa Fe St. and the Rose Canyon Bike Path. Went through the UCSD campus with little traffic and down Torrey Pines. Passed a "fat tire bike" creeping up to Del Mar. Wow! Nice looking black bike with hyd. disc brakes and 3x10 gearing. This dude just bought it and I don't know if he ever made it up to the top! Jumped through a group of young riders heading north. One leader said they were going camping at the San Elijo Campground.  Picked up a slick racer guy on a TREK with a PowerHub. Drafted him for several miles before he kicked my ass from Chesterfield to Encinitas! He was gone and so was I! Stopped at Nytro for stuff. Joe Morgan had the next 4 days off! Nice. Left empty handed. Rode northward and got into a group for relief. Turned at Carlsbad and finished up over in San Marcos. Route done. Back of my shoulders hurt off and on all day. Must be the bike set up. Need to do something about that... somehow.

Looks like a day off tomorrow (Friday) for bike cleaning and set up. Suppose to ride with John M. on Saturday for our Ursa Minor 200+ Permanent. Maybe we'll see the San Clemente 200 Brevet riders along the route somewhere. Might meet them at the Dana Point Deli too!

-randorides

Crusin' The OC

Peters Bike Path along channel

Time to head north. Took the earliest train over to Oceanside for a near 5:00 AM start. Still working on the fit for the SOMA. Arm warmers, woolie cap and RUSA jersey with cut-off shirt underlayer. Still too cool at the start, as winds were 12mph from the east. Rode I-5 northward, with one Blaze headlight and the small, but powerful Dorcy helmet light. Strong Planet Bike rear blinkie, with extra rubber band to secure it on the seat bag.

Once riding along I-5, it seemed to warm up. From Las Pulgas north through the campground, no bikers, either way. Too early. Got to San Clemente around 6:20 for a refill at Carl's Jr. A little too much early traffic in spots northward on Hwy. 1 and I couldn't wait to get off of that and onto some bike paths at Newport Beach. Stopped at the Chevron on Bayside Street for a receipt. Followed some big guy with a sign on the back of his carbon seatpost "Iggy". Dropped him on the short steep climb at the end of the Bay bike path. Looped around and joined the San Diego Bike Path eastward. Lots more bike traffic on this on. Looked like workers and students use this a lot early in the AM. Also many Asians walking along this route with their dogs!

Fiber One Chocolate Bar packs power!

Peters Bike Path would be real great, if they would connect both parts up together. Instead, we need to go out on Harvard for a mile and then rejoin the Bike Path northward. Saw 2 riders ahead on Jamboree, but needed to hit the bushes first and by then they were long gone. Stopped at the Orange Control Chevron at Chapman. Got 2 Fiber One bars for $1.20, ate a banana and hit the road.

Deceiving climb right away on Santiago Cyn. Rd. before the long downhill. Plodded up the few climbs into a breezy headwind. Did see a few riders riding northward. Also encountered a truck pulled off to the side on the road. Their dog was running loose among traffic. Real nice looking dog too! The dog disappeared through the trees and into a downhill field. Lone gone and scared!

Aliso Creek Bike Path route

I opted for the Aliso Bike Path instead of the Live Oak Canyon/Antonio Parkway route. This Bike Path is the
last part of the Santiago Peak Trail Permanent. I needed to check it out anyway. It takes you through Lake Forest and past Laguna Hill High School before you're back on the roads for a bit. Then it's another bike path through the Mission Viejo Train Station before you're on Camino Capistrano heading for San Juan Capistrano. All looked well for a short stop at SJC before heading to San Clemente Carl's Jr. and the bike paths and I-5 again to Oceanside.

Sunny day out after a cool start to the route. Turned out the mileage was the same doing the Aliso Bike Path way.

-randorides

Busted In DeLuz Popularie...goodies on the road!

Modified "Busted" route with heat and wind added.

Last minute climbing route on a Saturday. Left before 8:00 and rode over to OCCR and checked out the North County boys. Robert A. commented on his OC 400 last week. Ben H. was there and explained what happened on the Salton Sea ride a few weeks back. How he was done after the turn-around, but plodded along with some encouragement from the group and after several more stops, finished up their century in Calipatria. I left there and took Palomar Airport Road over to El Camino, with a quick downhill to the "official" start at the Circle K at LaCosta Ave. Loaded with water and ice before heading out to the coast.

Picked up a group of racers with a different jersey: "San Diego Downhillers" All lean looking tall guys cranking out at 18mph. I fell in behind them for several miles. Later hooked up with a older guy riding north. He lifts weights 5 days a week in the gym, then opts out on Saturday for a 30 mile coastal ride. Said "adios" near the Oceanside Pier and turned onto the SLR Bike Path off Harbor Dr. Not many riders along there today. Slight headwind as I drifted along saving energy for later on. Hwy. 76 was fast as usual and I made good time to McDonalds in Bonsall. Loaded with riders as the North County long riders were there. I iced up, hit the bathrooms and was off in 5 minutes!

Climbing starts going up Mission Road toward Fallbrook. I moderated my pace and the turn onto Green Canyon offered more climbing. Felt good enough to lower the gears for the long haul up Oak Canyon. Used some big chainring gear combos to Mission Road and enjoyed the downhill to the Hwy. 395 crossover. The turn north to Rainbow was a shocko headwind. I geared down and finally dropped in into the 34 chainring and the wind increased. I saw 2 riders ahead were also fighting the headwind like me. I was closing on them slowly and by the time I got to Rainbow, one had turned off and the other had his wife loading his bike into their SUV! No more headwind for him. I continued plodding northward into a stiff breeze. Several riders were coming downhill from Temecula. Nice! Finally made it to the top for a stretch-out downhill into Temecula and a break at Carl's Jr. Already 50 miles in and needed a ice-cream sandwich to go with my tuna sandwich I brought along. Iced up the bottles and headed out after 15 minutes.

Warming up now for the climbing ahead. I took the back-way over to Rancho California Road, eliminating the Old Town traffic experience. I dropped some gears and paced up the climb. Stopped to pick up a Lance type plastic bracelet. The turn onto Sandia Creek Road was welcome, as my Garmin noted 101F! No wind now as I climbed that first 12% grade. Next was a series of downhills and some rollers. Finally, the big 14% climb near the end. I dropped to my 30T cog. It slipped one time when I got out of the saddle. Nursed it along up and over. The downhill on the other side is really fast and I braked a lot. Noticed the top speed today was 52mph... must have been right here! Nice riding along the Margarita River, with lots of hikers out today and a few swimmers soaking in the river pool. 9% climb up to Fallbrook wasn't too bad using low gears either. Rolled through Fallbrook and later stopped at the McDonalds in Bonsall again. Ice cream cone with some Coke/water in one bottle for a little "kick".

"Road goodies" I picked up today!

I changed the route at this point. With a massive headwind going westward, I opted for more climbing. I turned left on Camino del Rey and hit the Champagne climb instead! Great tailwind along Camino del Rey which make cruising relaxing for a change. I saw something in the bike lane and did a ride around. Looked like some "road goodies" as I put the neat small seat baggie into my handlebar bag. The turn onto Old Hwy. 395 has some headwind, as I noticed a rider approaching from behind. I pulled over to put some "Chinese Medicine" on my ailing right knee. Stopped to pick up a "bike wallet" lying in the bike lane. I figured it would be nice to ride up the Champagne climb with someone, or at least follow him. He never came up fast enough, so I pulled out ahead. Figured I could pace him up the windy climb. Temps dropped to 94F by now as I paced up the climb. I was slowly pulling away, so figured "no way he was going around me now". I used the various gear combos as I was in and out of the saddle the whole way up. Racer guy dropped back around 200 meters by the top. I got a green light and was off like a flash down Centre City. Feeling good, I soon heard the tragic "click, click, click" from the back tire. OH, ya. A 4d nail in there!

I never figured how a nail gets straight into your tire. I pulled over, walked a bit to find some shade. I stomped down some roadside grass for a snake check and proceeded to methodically put in a new tube. Using my frame pump, I tried to pump with the wheel down on the grass. Broke that stem off! Got out another tube and changed it quick. This time I pumped it up on the bike! Stiffer than a board by now, I started to loosen up with the ride through the Escondido Country Club area,  San Marcos and over to the start.

Interesting late start, last minute ride today. Had to see if the lowered seat on the SOMA would make a difference or not. Jury is still out on that now. Lots of climbing today for a 100 mile ride, in heat and wind. Picked up a few "road goodies" too!

- randorides

University Loop Permanent

I wanted to start this ride at 6:00 AM. When I finally got ready, I realized it was still dark out due to the messed up "daylight savings time" thing. I grabbed the helmet light and put on a rear blinkie. By the time I rode over to the start, it was 6:23! OH, well.

New Liberty prescription frames

Still dark and the little helmet light worked OK.. John picked up several of these online for $12 each. They
are 135 lumens and are bright enough to flash oncoming cars! Several AAA batteries don't last long. I put a velcro patch on the helmet visor and on the bottom of the little light. Works good! I imagine if you really were doing a long rough ride, then you'll need a second attachment method to be real secure.

Not much traffic in the dark riding through San Marcos. Hwy. 395 had a few cars as it skirts I-15 northward. A little cool down Champagne Blvd. I had on the wool arm warmers with the RWB Rando Jersey and a cut off underlayer. Also had on a new pair of prescription glasses. These were from Liberty and I had been working on this for a while... since September when I got the eye exam. With the advanced stronger prescription and the thick glass, they bowed out the frames somewhat. So I made some "adjustments" and it seemed to work. Not super, but only OK. With the polarized transition lenses, it makes a big difference in the sun and at night.

Was trying to meet up with the OFR rides at Magee Park around 8:30. Never made that, but was close as I met them on Coast Hwy. 101 as they were leaving for there ride north to Dana Point. Nice group ... around 15 this trip! I continue southward on 101. Not much going today. Few riders and I didn't recognize any of them. I was on the SOMA, still adjusting things getting ready for the big ride. Ankles and lower leg seem sore as I ride today. Maybe "ankleing" or need a different bike fit somewhere. Guess the old measurements don't work anymore. Long 9 mph slog up Torrey Pines. My climbing has been way off as has my riding power. Used to do a big ring at a steady 12mph up that sucker! Too beat up now.

Little traffic all the way down to SDSU. Headwind down, means tailwind back! Big push from the coastal breeze on Friars Road and up the Monty hill to the campus. Big ring riding now. 20 minutes at MacD's with a ice cream cone before the turn around into a normal headwind. Morena Blvd. started out with a sidewind, then as usual, changes to tailwind. I finally stopped on Santa Fe St. to adjust my seat. Lowered it 1/4" to the mark. Made an immediate difference to the ankle soreness issue. Slight tailwind up the coast.

Shimano 6701 directional chain...smooth

Stopped at Nytro to see Joe. Not very busy at this time of day...around 2 PM. Had Joe measure for chain wear with the Park gauge. Long gone. Way too long. Should have replaced the chain 3 months ago. Joe suggested a KDX Chain. I check them out. They were 4 dollars cheaper. Same plating on the outside plates as the Shimano 6701's. I thought about 1 of each, but the KDX were heavier and I know they wouldn't shift as well. Joe said they would wear the same as the Shimano chain. I got 2 of the Shimano 6701... Ultegra 10 speed chains for my 9 speed drivetrain! I've always done that. They are narrower and shift better. Also require special "tweaking" of the front derailleur for accurate chain-ring shifting. The Shimano are a directional chains and work best in one direction.

Needed to finish off this ride quick after the long break at the bike shop. Plodded northward and finally over to the finish in San Marcos. Big tailwind from the ocean, of course. Quite beat up and tired when I got home. Must have something to do with the bike fit, seat height and front to back adjustment. Joe mentioned he would give me a bike fit one their machine. He also mentioned he got with some expert guy on his own fit and ended up raising his seat 1.25 cm! Hope that works out.

-randorides

Bike Path X Two Populaire - "Easy Rider" Helmet Day

New "Easy Rider" helmet I found along Hwy. 76!

Guess I call this a "recovery" ride of sorts. Wanted to take the unused spokes over to Nytro, so might as well make a "route" out of it. Right knee still hadn't felt a whole lot better and Saturday's ride didn't improve it one bit! Duh. Mounted up the SOMA early with the rebuilt rear wheel. Used 16 of the Swiss "Revolution" 2.0/1.8 on the rear drive side for now. Didn't true up with even tension on the Park Meter, so we'll see. Ended up with about 23 on the drive side and 15 on the non-drive side. Wore the green SR jersey from the PCH rando grouppo. Fits a little tight!

Short sleeve riding weather today, as the "spring-foreward" time thing gets me all messed up. Left the start control at 9:05, which was actually only 8:05! Huh? SOSA today... which means sort-of-santa-ana winds. Felt warm anyway as I checked out the knee on the road. Forgot the spokes in my garage, so looped back home to get them. Rode up Deer Springs instead... that would be a great rando road if they only added 2 feet to the bike lane, especially around the upper curve at the guardrail (which has no bike lane at all).

Monday isn't a day when you see many cyclists riding. Saw one rider with yellow jersey on Camino del Rey. I waived and he looked and then yelled "kellyjay"! I don't know who that was. He looked thin and fit though. Seemed to be warm out as I stopped at Bonsall McDonalds for some water and a receipt at the next door AM/PM. Rolled westward on the usually fast Hwy. 76. Stopped and looped back to pick up a "Easy Rider" moto helmet I spotted 20 feet from the roadway. This sucker was brand new... minus  a few slide marks from the asphalt! I finally figured how to attach it  behind the seat, where it wouldn't hit my legs or rub the rear wheel. Stopped at the SLR Bike Path to re tighten the helmet and check the size...Medium, just right!

Not much action on the SLR Bike Path today. A couple of joggers and some solo TT riders heading east. Stopped at the Circle R on 101 to pick up a receipt. The Pakistani manager said he rode 35 miles over the weekend on his TREK! "That's good news", I answered. "Keep after it". He usually ask me how far I'm riding today. Returned back to the Pier route. Stopped by Chuck's bike shop. Not open on Sunday or Monday. Still construction at the new "circle" on 101 entering Carlsbad. Stopped at MaGee Park for a water break. Headed down the coast. Hooked up with a few riders along the way. Too fast for me today. Stopped at Nytro.

Joe was hiding downstairs. No car out front. He rode in his converted Cervelo carbon SS today. Huge 53 chainring on the front, with a 17 on the rear. Has a "tensioner pulley at the rear. He says it weigh 16.5 lbs and is just right for the coast ride in... not going up Torrey Pines climb! Returned the unused 286 spokes and gave Joe the Easy Rider helmet for his collection. Maybe somebody needs a new helmet? Doesn't look like my 'ol 77 Beamer will be on the road soon. Also added to his order to Giro for another "Feature" helmet for me. We placed an order direct to Conti for some 28mm G'skins Hardshells too. We'll see what happens. Picked up a few shot blocks and headed out the door.

Hit Swami's and checked the surfers out. Slight tailwind down to Solana Beach. Didn't want to ride the Del Dios alternate route again so looped around and came the back way along the lagoon and Rancho Santa Fe before heading back to San Marcos. Noticed the Garmin had shut down way back at Encinitas. Don't know if it lost the signal or I shut if off while putting it in the handlebar bag. OH well. Quite breezy from the west around San Marcos. Knee wasn't too bad and only took 2 Tylenol today! Still feels a little "heavy" in that area.

-randorides

Ursa Minor-R Permanent

Ursa Minor-R route on Garmin

Keith Olsen & I left the San Marcos 7-Eleven at 7:00 and rode through residential streets up and around to Old Hwy. 395. It warmed up quickly from the low of 42F as the sun rose above the eastern hills. Feelin' good on the plunge down Champagne as a few golfers were already out on the local links there. I told Keith I was riding at a "400K pace". It seems he was riding at a 100K pace! Nice early riding around Camino del Rey as we met a few riders along this stretch. Short break at the Bonsall AM/PM. Big line there for some reason. No headwind and maybe a slight push as we hit the Hwy. 76 speedo run to the SLR Bike Path in Oceanside. Keith stopped at the College Ave. Park for a short one. No draftees on the SLR for the run in to the coast. ZERO wind and best of all no headwind on this stretch.

We stopped at the Harbor Dr. bathrooms for a break and water. We took the Hwy. 5 route up to the Las Pulgas Exit. Many riders out today through the base. We hooked up with a buff chick on a first-ride new Focus/Dura Ace with deep dish carbon rims. As we were sucking her wheel on the slight climb to the campground, I chatted a bit and she asked if she was "holding us up!" Looking down at her Power Tap rear wheel, I thought what a nice view looking at her rear-end! She was really pushing the wattage trying to pull the train so we eased up a bit in the campground area. We stopped at #1 for a breather. As we left, Keith almost took out some TT boys racing by! Dude in a yellow jersey made some asshole comment and I fired back as they raced by. Keith procrastinated by listing the uses of this campground area for family activities and not for racing! BE ALERT KEITH!

Chinese White Flower kept me moving

Rolled though San Clemente via route and soon we were up and onto the San Juan River Trail. Rode a bit with a pleasant lady riding a road bike. Said her husband left early and went home to do stuff and she was finishing out the ride on her own! Detour on the other side of the bridge into San Juan Cap. Took the parking lot route to Carl's Jr. Ice cream sandwich this trip. We chatted a bit too long and left at 11:30 for the ride west.

We opted for the Camino Capistrano route instead of the SJRTrail and the detour. Slight headwind to the coast and a side breeze on the bikeway to San Clemente. I did the slo-pace thing up the hill into town and waited at the turn for Keith. On to the Trestle Bike Path where they were having a surf contest today and had cyclists routed around the parking area. Chatted with a plump rider on a newer Giant with aero bars riding south, shadowing us. Said he was out for a 30 mile ride to Las Pulgas and return. Stopped at the restroom #1 again and Keith instructed some lonely rider lady on how to get to Camp Pendleton. I think she was looking for a "hook-up". Keith likes those ladies and rides good with the likes of Elaine Perry. Made good time with a NW tailwind through the busy campground and the Las Pulgas turn onto I-5 southbound. Quick riding there with a tailwind to Oceanside. No flats and the bike lane seemed somewhat clean for a change. Took Harbor Drive past the long pier. Stopped for a water break at Magee Park in Carlsbad.

Racer group passed us on the way south along the coast. A few stragglers behind finally grouped up with us and some nice older guy with a UCSD jersey. He was almost taken out by car on several occasions! Grumpy girl rider in black was complaining about her cramping on the hills to Encinitas... HONEY, what hills? We did stop at the Solana Beach park and got some water there. Busy place. I found a kiddie sand roller and used it on my legs. Also applied some "Chinese herbal medicine" to the right knee. Can't hurt.

I was feeling like crap as we headed inland to some rollers on the way to Rancho Santa Fe. Keith was his heavy self and dropped off on any hill. Nice riding through "Rancho" as the wind was at our backs, even on Del Dios Highway climb. I stopped off to give location info to a biker pulled off the side of the road near the dam. Harley clone broke down and he was calling AAA for help.  He wanted a cross street. LOL. "Del Dios Highway, 1 mile south of the dam" was good enough as I turned around and headed up the dam climb. We finally made it to Escondido and the route takes us over to Harmony Grove Road, then up Andreason past the hospital climb. We blitzed the Nordal yellow light and soon were on the last bit on Mission Road heading to San Marcos. One last paceline behind a young racer capped off our day and nearly blew him up!

Nice ride with full sun and good tailwinds most of the day! Knee held up with a few Tylenol, one ice pack and some Chinese medicine. More later on that.

-randorides

Crusin' & "Tweaked" Knee Ride

I watched the surfers at Cardiff By The Sea Beach

Finally got most of the moving stuff in order... In January moved downstairs while they were remodeling the unit upstairs! Now the final move back up the 16 steps. Second hand truck load up and got a sharp pain near the right knee where the quad connects. Unfortunately, the day had just started so it was a long, long day, limping up and down the stairs. Iced it up and took some Advil to little avail. Feeling better today, so decided to take a ride over to Swami's and meet the Thursday OFR gruppo and to get some proper length spokes at Nytro too.

Took the Rancho way over to Encinitas. Can't get out of the saddle on those climbs without some knee discomfort, so I eased up with a sit down spin up. At Swami's, the OFR'ers were going to Lake Hodges. Chit-chat about the Salton Sea ride and there were some big stories on that about Ben quitting on the return trip.. and then cruising back with the group to Calipatria. Alan L. thanked me for the "Jerusalem Cap" I gave him a few weeks back. I rode with the group some till they turned off at Manchester... I continued southward to the Cardiff beach, where I sat and watched the surfers battle the infrequent rough waves. While riding back to Encinitas, I saw Ben and Dale riding southward on Hwy. 101. Must have got a late start from Swami's and were riding their own route.Ben probably couldn't take the "hammering" about the Salton Sea Adventure ride! The good thing was he finished up the full 100 mi ride and didn't need a "bail-out". ( Of course, no easy bail outs were available!)

Chatted with Joe at Nytro and he put the word out on some Swiss DT DB Revolution Spokes.. just need 16 in at 290mm length. Most stores buy spokes by a box of 100, but these are so pricy, that they come in boxes of 60 and cost a lot. I got some DT's 290mm DB that were 2.0/1.8mm size, instead of the needed 2.0/1.5mm. Good enough for now for it gives me something to finish off the rear Open Pro/XTR wheel. When the correct spokes show up, I'll change over. Also chatted about a new Giro "Feature" helmet (like I used to have before the MTB theft) and some G'skins Hardshells in 28mm width.

Decided to ride back through Encinitas and Leucadia Ave to Rancho Santa Fe to San Marcos. Ride was only about 40 miles today. Hills didn't feel that great but made it home in time for a note from Zaharah saying the COX guy was coming out to transfer the service after 3 PM. That whole service thing was a mess, with one Service Rep saying one thing and then nobody shows up. They deny it all. Guess I'll have to start recording my phone conversations with COX (just like they do when I call them!) Got the I-Connection up and running in a few minutes so I can type this!

Might be riding the Ursa Minor with Keith Olsen on Saturday. Put out a email feeler to others. Many local randos are riding the OC 400 this weekend up north.

cheerio,
-randorides

Coffee At Peets Popularie-Rain Ride

Coffee At Peet's alt route with climbing.

Weather forecast was wrong again... no partly cloudy skies today. After an early blue sky effect, I opted to do a short ride today after about 3 days of off and on again rain. As soon as I rolled into the 7-Eleven start, it started to come down. I was on the Fuji carbon bike instead of the fender friendly SOMA. I had pulled the rear wheel on the SOMA to re-lace the drive side with 4mm longer spokes. Bummer. I had on my Louie G. booties, leg warmers coated with Silicone spray, fingerless gloves and PI rain jacket. Covering my front bag and helmet were the 10 for 99 cent shower caps!
Steady rain followed me around and up Old Hwy. 395. Rolling down Champagne Blvd at 30mph was a blast! Things seem quieter in the rain. Drive line, roads, traffic and such. Nasty splash by as a few cars rolled by. Did see a family of 4 cycling near Welk Resort. They all had on lime green jackets and looked good. A little breezy too as the rain followed me up to Bonsall, where I stopped at the AM/PM for a cheapo receipt.

Nice fast riding on Hwy. 76, as westbound splashing traffic was light . Saw a rider far ahead of me, so I cranked it up a bit to 20mph on smooth roads, coated with a little water. Passed this racer guy while he stopped for a red light at Melrose Ave. Rain tapered a bit as I turned on the SLR Bike Path, where the racer guy pulled off for the bushes!
I did stop at the College Ave. Park for rest rooms and put my helmet cover back on, as it was starting to rain again. The bike path was void of cyclists, but a few joggers did dot the damp surface. Nearing Oceanside, the rain let up some. I stopped at the Circle K for a receipt and loosen my booties and pull my jacket back and fasten it behind my back.

Louie Garneau Power Covers go on before the shoes!

Slo going down the coast, as misty conditions and a slight headwind from the counterclockwise low pressure system lingering about. Rolled into Nytro store. Parked the wet bike in the store. No bike rack outside today due to weather. Picked up 16 new shorter Swiss DT spokes for the SOMA drive side. They didn't quite have the length I needed, so I did get some 286mm ones. (They later proved to be too short and wouldn't catch the new brass nipples!) Chatted with Joe on a Gatorskin Hardshell order and chances of getting another Giro "FEATURE" helmet.(My other nice one was taken with the C'dale MTB in December). Chatted a while and headed south. Did the Del Dios option route back to Escondido. Met a lot of riders in the real light rain. They all had numbers on their bikes. Must be some local ride. I checked and it wasn't the Tour De Cure, or the SD Century, or the Poway Century. Still wondering.  By the time I got back to San Marcos, the rain had all but stopped with a slight mist left. Picked up some cookies as a reward and headed home to try the spokes. Shoes were dry, long wool socks were damp. Hope it rains on the SB400!

-randorides