Old Stuff For Randos: Tire Pressure Revolution

32mm tires on my SOMA Rando bike. Nothing new here.

Less tire pressure results in less rolling resistance and better performance? Yes, can do. I've had heated discussions for years now on just that. In fact, uncle Benny (rando/NCCC rider Ben Hassell) still owes me $50 on such a bet*. I backed up my end with strong tire test documentation on rolling resistance vs tire pressure. Here Jan Heine has more data on tire pressure vs performance.

Most of this is from an online article from Bicycle Quarterly by Jan Heine. It's a good little magazine which
contains lots of interesting Rando related articles. Of course, Jan is pumping his favorite frames and tires in this overpriced spread.

"Of all our research on tires, the most revolutionary finding is this: Tire pressure has almost no effect on a tire’s speed. We did not believe it at first, either, so we’ve tested it numerous times. It’s been confirmed numerous times, with different methodologies. The real revolution is not how you use your pump… What has totally changed our riding are the wide, supple tires, which only work because of this new insight.
 

First, let’s look at the data. Here is one experiment: We ran three different 25 mm tires (a supple clincher, a supple tubular and a harsher-riding clincher) at pressures from 4.5 and 9 bar (65 and 130 psi). These tests were done on very smooth asphalt (above), a surface where high pressures should offer the greatest advantages. The graphs below show the power required to ride the bike (above) with the tires at a constant speed of 27.8 km/h, but with different tire pressures.

Graph shows higher tire pressure doesn't mean better performance!

There is no relationship between tire pressure and performance in the tested range. (Lower and higher pressures are unsafe to ride.) The graph above shows some variation in power output (lower is better), but there is no trend. The CX tubular rolls fastest at 5.5 bar, the CX clincher is a little faster at 6 bar, while the Rubino is fastest at 9 bar, but almost as fast at 6.5 bar. 
Take-home message: Don’t stress about tire pressure!

This finding has revolutionized our understanding of tires. In the past, we all thought that higher tire pressures made tires roll faster. And that presented a problem for wide tires: A wider tire puts greater loads on the casing than a narrow one. To compensate, you have two choices:
1. Beef up the casing, which makes the tire less supple and slower.
2. Lower the pressure, which we thought made the tire slower.
 
No matter which route you took, then-available science predicted that your wider tire would be slower. It was a catch-22, and for the best performance, you stuck with narrow tires, where you could have a supple casing and high pressure at the same time.

My standard tire is the supple G'skin 28mm!

It’s this research that has led professional racers to adopt wider tires. They are up to 25 mm now. (Wider ones won’t fit on their bikes!) For the rest of us, there is no reason not to go wider. I now ride 42 mm tires at 3 bar (43 psi), knowing that they roll as fast as a 25 mm tire at 6 bar (85 psi) – or 9 bar (130 psi), for that matter.
To get the most benefit out of these lower pressures, you need supple tires. A stiff sidewall takes more energy to flex, so the tire will be slower. And since the sidewall is stiffer, it also will be less comfortable. You could call it a “lose-lose” situation.
 
Professional racers have known this all along: As much as their equipment has changed over time, they’ve always ridden supple tires. They usually ride handmade tubulars (above), but for the rest of us, supple, wide clincher tires now make it possible to enjoy the ride and speed of supple tires on any road."

* I was ready to collect my $50, but Ben crashed out a month ago while riding over a RR-Track! How could I ever ask Ben hobbling around on crutches to pay the bet?


-randorides

Walkin' The Dog-OFR Birthday Ride

Walkin' The Dog route today with sidetrack to Nyto Bike shop

Dee Wells posted up on the OFR Blog of a birthday ride today. A couple of the ladies had birthdays this week and they were riding down the coast to San Diego and taking the ferry over to Coronado for birthday lunch. After a long break, they're off around on the Bayshore Bikeway and would jump the Coaster back up north. Mmmm, sounds like a hook for a rando route to me. San Marcos to Ocean Beach and return would work just fine. That equals "Walkin' The Dog" Permanent.

Left a little after 0700 and checked in at Albertson's store on Woodland Parkway & Mission Road in San Marcos. Yesterday, I had emailed John Fry III if he wanted to join in. He said he would meet me en-route or at Swami's. Traffic was heavy along Mission Road, but became nil after the turn onto Linda Vista Dr. This is the back way to Palomar Airport Rd., missing all the downtown traffic past the new SMarcos High School at class time! Palomar was busy, and eased off after the turn south on El Camino Real. No cyclists at all along LaCosta Ave and even the quiet Vulcan Ave had only a few. Pulled into Swami's at 8:45, just in time. Tom and John were there, that's it!

Waited around a while before the other riders came in. Near 0900, our little group of 10 left for the trek southward. Chatted with John about his knee injury a while back. Said he tore a knee ligament in a bike crash way back and it kept him from his strong running quest. We took the outside route up Torrey Pines climb. I hit the head and water fountain at the top. After a regroup, the group proceeded through UCSD and down the Rose Canyon Bike Path. Rose Creek Path is usually a mess and today was no exception. Ladies stopped at De Anza Cove for a bathroom break before proceeding along the Bay toward Old Town. I mentioned to the group about the OFR ride next Thursday up in Orange County. Hi-lite of the day was when we stopped at a red light crossing Sea World Dr. Along side us was the running great Mebrahtom "Meb" Keflezighi out for a training run along Mission Bay. He took time to give us all a personal hi-five. Meb is just back from winning the 2014 Boston Marathon. What a great guy! We parted company with the group as John and I took the Ocean Beach Bike Trail toward the ocean. Next stop was the turn around control at Bacon St. 7-Eleven.

2014 Boston Marathon winner "Meb" stopped to give us high-fives today!

Control receipt was worth 79 cents. We filled our bottles and short order made the turn-around. Nice easy riding under cloudy skies and no wind! John had put the cue sheet in Excel and modified the format to view better while riding. Seemed to work good for him and easy to see. We made our turn near Sea World and were soon back on Mission Bay Dr. for the return loop. No race pace for us as we made our way through UCSD on the steepish Scholar Dr. and on down Torrey Pines. John was crankin' in the small ring to save the knee while I was doing pace work. Decided to go off route and stop at Nytro to pick up some more spokes. After checking the weather forecast, Joe decided maybe he would show up for work tomorrow instead of the Wounded Warriers ride from Santa Ysabel. I was thinking about joining them while riding the rando permanent "Camels To Yaqui Pass". Not to be with the possible rain ahead.

Took the back way from Encinitas to get back on track again. Around Garden View Road over to Leucadia Blvd. to save John's knee. He mentioned he did get the RUSA packet in the mail and liked what they sent. Good deal with the book and all. I mentioned the RUSA jersey and he said he had to "earn" it first. OK? After the fast downhill, a short easy climb prompted more climbing on Rancho Santa Fe past the new La Costa Ave. shopping mall. We turned off at Melrose Ave., where John headed for home and I continued climbing up thru San Elijo town. With a blistering 8mph pace, I welcomed the 45 mph downhill to the CSUSM Ralph's Store. My final receipt ended up with some ProMax Bars on sale for $1.

As I was headed back home on Twin Oaks Rd., four young racer boys came up and passed me. I thought I could catch up, but with the grocery bags flying, it wasn't to happen. Seems like I am getting slower and slower these days.

Walkin' The Dog video

Cloudy skies all day
Hi: 73     Lo: 59
Wind: nil
86 miles

-randorides

Fix My Bike Spoke Ride

Open Pro wheel in Park Truing Stand

Needed to head over to Nytro Shop today to pick up a few things, so this route was made just for that. By the time I finished up the computer things and got ready, it was 0900! I felt tired already! Pulled the rear Open Pro wheel off the SOMA, dropped the cassette off and needed to check it out and take out a little "hump" I've had in it. Johnny M. lent me his Park Truing Stand a while back, so I better use it soon. Riding the SL-1 lite bike today after using it last Saturday for the nicely attended Sandia Creek ride. I'm documenting exactly the tire mileage on it using a new set of Conti G'skin Hardshell 28mm tires. 2100 miles and counting. No flats.

Headed north and didn't see my usual Tuesday buddies at McDonald's or on the route to Escondido. Roberto and friend ride this Champagne route every Tuesday with a long stop at Mickie "D's". No wind at all today and the roads were clean and nice. So was the SLR to Oceanside. Thought about stopping to check out Dan Phillips at his shop, but nixed that idea and instead swung over to Air Products off Palomar Airport Rd. and dropped John M. a note on his SUV. He's been up north in Saratoga of late taking care of family things. Need to prompt him to get back riding more again, if possible.

Revolution DB 2.0-1.5 spokes

La-de-da ride down the coast with no hook-ups and lite bike presence today. Tuesday is normally a heavier bike traffic day. Stopped off at Nytro and chatted with Joe a bit. His big ride with the disabled vets is on Friday (rain scheduled). They'll start from Santa Ysabel and hit Mesa Grande, Hwy. 79, S-2 over/down to Scissor Crossing and then back up Banner Grade. Nice little route, esp if there is wind. I guess Joe is riding a Cannondale EVO-Six. Real light bike I didn't even know he had. Doesn't like it as well as his Cervelo.

Checked with Joe on some 290mm long, 2.0-1.5 Revolution spokes. These are the good, lite ones. Last time, the spoke box had different lengths in it and my wheel build was jacked up. Took me forever to finally figure it all out. From now on, I check all spoke lengths carefully! ( Note: A box of spokes aren't always exactly the same length. Some may be 1mm + or -). Got that all figured out . Joe gave me some sample stuff. I asked him about recovery aids too. I had some of that Chocolate Cliff Recovery Mix that worked really good. Cost too much as do most of the rest of them. About time to get a tub of Whey Protein and mix with Instant Breakfast/soy milk again.

Photographers taking shots at Cardiff

Off down the coast, I stopped at Cardiff Beach. Several photographers with telephoto lenses doing long shots of a few surfers getting hammered by the waves. Low tide and mild sets now. Over by the bathrooms, three older skateboarders were doing GoPro shots with camera attached to a golf club. They were really into curb jumps. I didn't see the "thrill" of it and pulled out in due order. Feeling like too many negative ions in the atmosphere tired, I made the turn inland and worked my way up the rollers to Rancho Santa Fe. Early afternoon and didn't see other riders, even past Lake Hodges. Made the usual turn through Harmony Roads and was soon back to San Marcos. Finally saw a group of riders on Twin Oaks Road looking around. I passed their buddies up the road fixing a flat tire.

Felt a little "blah" all day from the start. Picked up a few spokes, goodies and some advice today.

Clear skies
Hi: 77     Lo: 54
67 miles

-randorides

Sandia Creek Century Permanent Training Ride

Garmin Stats from the training ride today.

Nice little group showed up at the San Marcos Albertson's start this morning. With only a few days notice, it's good to see the turn-out. An unusual later start time of 0800 for this ride. Plenty of time for the ride-ins to arrive and we would have enough time to finish up before dark.

Mike Shaw rode in from Oceanside via Champagne Blvd climb. HP hard core guy who is ramping up for his retirement later this year. Dan Phillips rode in from Oceanside, but not before stopping off with his buddy Bill Stevenson for a load up at Denny's first. Bill would miss our ride, but was riding with another group today. Dan took the route in through Vista. Ben came in with his buddy Jeff from Carlsbad. Keith & Dave both drove in as they live far south. I made the ride in from my house just a few miles away! Arm warmers, paper vest and woolie cap. They were all to come off at La Costa.

Most of the riders were amped up after the Rainbow 200 last week. Lots of chit-chat as we worked our way towards the first Control at La Costa. Picked up a small group of riders in like-jerseys on the Rancho Santa Fe climb. Some high speed work on La Costa Ave before stopping off at our favorite Circle K. 39 cents for a control receipt, fill the bottles with ice and 12 minutes later we were on our way to the coast.

Do-Dah looking at water on San Luis Rey Bike Path.

Ben and Jeff picked up the pace a bit on the way to Oceanside. These riders aren't used to riding at 17 mph. Soon, Steve Schechter came up from behind to join the group. He had his yellow jacket on and had to be melting under that heat blanket! I mentioned our next real stop would be at Bonsall for water refill. Group broke apart on the San Luis Rey River Trail. Ben & Jeff led out. A few riders joined up. I stayed back with Mike Shaw. Then slowed to pick up a hard body rider with a poka-dot jersey. She had a route slip on her handlebars so we started chatting. Looking a little confused I checked out her route-slip and could see why. "Turn left at the end of the SLR and ride to Starbucks" Sorry, not to happen. She was with a group doing a pre-ride of the lower portion of the El Camino Double route. I eventually took her over to the Starbucks at College & Vandergrift Blvd. Her group was waiting there. I exited, doing the solo thing to Bonsall. I figured I did my first rando good deed for today.

Dave D. and Mike Shaw went straight past Bonsall for no-water break. The rest of us stopped. Somewhere on the SLR we had lost Steve Schechter. Never saw him after that. Troy Buss joined us for real there. He rode the route in from Poinsettia Lane along the coast and SLR. There were also a few NCCC riders hanging around from their club ride today. We loaded up our bottles and were soon on our way chasing Dave and Mike.

Tree lined Live Oak Park Road near Fallbrook

Group rode together until the Green Cyn. Road turn, there Ben & Jeff slowly paced away off the front. Hope to see them later at the Temecula Control. Troy, Keith, Dan & I rode a nice leisurely pace up Live Oak Park. Dan got a rear flat, so we did the normal rando thing: I stayed back and Troy & Keith would meet up with us later at the Temecula Control . Dan exhibited his tire changing skills to little avail. His cartridge inflator blew out it's O-rings. I got my pump-/CO2 unit out and we got the job done in due time. After forever, we were off to some massive side-winds going up Old Hwy. 395 toward Rainbow. Dust-devils and side tracking, we finally made it up to Rainbow Canyon, where the wind died down. I showed Dan the back way around to the 7-Eleven on Bedford Ct. missing all the nasty traffic on Hwy. 79. Keith and Troy were already there. Said they saw Ben & Jeff earlier, as well as Mike pulling out. Ahhhh. Time for a refill.

Ate some carry-along almond butter on ww crackers. Topped if off with a Pro-Max bar. Filled my bottles with water/ice and hung around for 15 minutes. Troy snatched a big sandwich, leaving the crust untouched. Dan opted for some chips while Keith was stretching out on the sidewalk chatting with some well-weathered chick. About 15 minutes and we were waiting for what the winds had in store for us on the Rancho California climb. Keith left ahead to get a run on the climbing ahead.

No wind climbing Rancho California Road today!

The back way around through the "neighborhood" sure beats the Front Street traffic. We all grouped up again as we started the climb up RC Road. NO wind! How nice was that? Troy and I paced off the front and regrouped at the Avenida Del Oro turn towards Sandia Creek. Dan started to cramp up on the climb. Keith took off on the downhill like he looking for food. Straight up Avenida Del Oro. He missed the turn onto Sandia Creek! We were all yelling at him to no avail. I started to chase him down up the climb, yelling as I went. He finally got out of his "zone" and turned around. Next up was a lot of downhills mixed in with a few rollers. Dave Danovsky joined up along here. We were still looking for Mike Shaw ahead. We knew Ben and Jeff were long gone. Great riding through here with no traffic! Started the last steep 17% climb with Dave taking the lead. Saw Mike Shaw ahead, doing a hike-a-bike near the top. We had a short regroup waiting for the others to finish the steep climb. Dan was having more hamstring problems, so I recommended "Chinese Medicine" relief. Mike took off ahead.

Dan Phillips led out at a breakneck speed down along the Santa Margarita River with the "Chinese Medicine" in full effect. Some more great riding through here with tree lined roads. Dave led out on the nasty 8% climb up to Fallbrook via DeLuz Road while Dan was having hammy crampitis. Mike was sighed ahead. We were finally all back together again in Fallbrook getting ready for a few miles of easy riding downhill to Bonsall. Heller's Bend is a nice relief from the traffic on Mission Road nearby. Pulled into Mickie D's in Bonsall. Keith followed-in a short time later. We were in ice cream sundae mode!

SORRY! No ice cream. Machine broke...again. I opted for the Parfait Yogurt instead. Unfortunately, there was only about 2 spoonfuls in the cup. Gave Dan some vitamin B-6 for his tight hamstring. He was also trying to fix his O-rings in his CO2 inflator. Dave gave him his to use till he got home later. That's what randonneuring is all about! Keith dumped his jersey contents out on the table and was massaging his legs. 15 minutes later we were heading out for the last headwind and climbing of the day. Troy took the SLR back to the coast and home.

Start and Finish at San Marcos Albertson's

Nice pace-line along Camino Del Rey into a slight headwind. Group separated as as we turned onto Old Hwy. 395. Dave, Dan and I were riding together as we passed Lawrence Welk Resort. I mentioned to Dave that the NCCC riders have a time-trial up the Champagne climb. Starting at Champagne Village Drive to the stoplight at the top. 12 minutes is a nice rando time. My best time was 9:52 on the Madison SS. Dave took off like was looking for gold! Hamstring Dan and I rode up at a conservative rando pace-10mph. Regroup at the top,as Dave was excited with his under 11 minute time. Good climb by him. When Keith arrived, we were all heading to the finish together.

Group kept together to the end. I slightly missed the Woodland Pkwy turn and we had to use the light button. Downhill specialist Keith amped it up to 22mph back to Albertson's. After the Control receipt, we chatted a bit in the parking lot about upcoming rides. Still plenty of light left at 4 PM as Mike was riding back to Oceanside via Champagne for some real miles today. I rode with Dan a few miles on his route back to Oceanside, before turning off for home.

Thanks to the riders who joined up today: Dave Danovsky, Kelly Deboer, Ben Hian, Keith Olsen, Mike Shaw, Troy Buss, Dan Phillips, Steve Schechter and Jeff (Bens buddy)

Regular Sandia Creek Century Video

Clear skies
Hi: 93     Lo: 59 (Garmin)
Wind: NE to 25 mph
98 miles

-randorides

Commute To SDSU

Commute To SDSU Permanent Route today

Photo-journal type ride today for this new rando permanent #2592. When submitting new routes to RUSA, I really like to add in a route video along with the other required items. In this case, it didn't happen. Sometimes I don't always get the time or inclination to get it done early.

After loading up my trusty, beat-up old Canon PowerShot camera, I rode over to the Albertson's start point before 0800. Still using the same camera batteries: 2-Energizer Lithium AA inside. Already have over 500 pictures and counting on the initial pair. Add in 15 video clips and it's amazing they have lasted so long. They cost 3x as much as the regular Energizers, so I have been documenting how long they last. So far it's pretty impressive!  Arm warmers and woolie cap was it for extra clothing today.

Packed house at SDSU Control

Rolled out at 0815 and rode east on Mission Ave. Massive traffic with ample bike lanes. After the turn off on Linda Vista Dr., car traffic disappeared only to be picked up later on Palomar Airport Road. Not a super day for taking photos, as a high layer of thin clouds made for "hazy" looking pictures. Met several groups of cyclists riding east on La Costa Ave. Used Vulcan instead of busier Coast Hwy. 101 this route. A turn on D Street in Encinitas led to the first control stop at the handy 7-Eleven there. AA Energizer Lithiums finally gave out, so I popped in a new set.

After a few pics, chased a trio of riders on 101. Hard to catch them, as they were looping through each red light. Finally made contact near Cardiff, at which time they checked me over and tried to drop me. Sorry boys, not to happen today. They took the neighborhood route through Del Mar as I stayed on the straight route. Rode with a NCCC club girl and guy before they turned off onto Carmel Valley Road. Nice easy big-ring pace up Torrey, where I hooked up with a couple out for a short 2 hour ride today. They turned down to LaJolla for coffee. I hit the Rose Canyon Bike Path.

Construction on Qualcomm Bike Path

Nearly out of water, so I remembered the SportRX stand on Santa Fe Street. Filled my bottle and grabbed a free bar after signing their clip-board list. Handy place for me today.  Wish they would keep cars from parking in frot of the canopy though. Hard to see while blasting down Santa Fe. Rode straight past Mtn. Bike Warehouse and turned off on the tricky sidewalk path before climbing up to SM Morena Ave. Cruse control now with the normal traffic on the India St. turn. Took a few pictures along Friars Road of the Riverwalk Golf Course and as I rode through Fashion Valley.

Not much going on as I worked by way up to SDSU. Classes are in full swing again, so more traffic than usual up the Montezuma climb to the campus. Did the alley thing and was soon at the McDonald's turn-around control. Of course it was packed at this time of day. Got behind a student guy with green pants, green hair and green lipstick! What a fashion statement! Ate my tuna sandwich with the HF Sundae laced with a Root Beer GU Gel. Yummy? Iced up my bottles and started my return trip with a blast off downhill.

Murphy Canyon Charger HQ

Made a quick stop at the side path tree, before breezing through the traffic-tough Camino del Rio N. turn. Ward street turn brought me into the Qualcomm parking lot path. Construction Area! Bike Path was blocked off by SD Water District equipment. I stopped for a few pics before wandering around the lot looking for a way out. Packed over a chain-gate and rode a dirt path near the fuel depot. Finally back on the bike path riding north again. Couldn't wait to clear the busy Wal-Mart traffic & horn honking before finally some downhills on Murphy Canyon Road. Stopped for a few pics of the Charger main offices and practice field, before climbing around to Kearney Villa Road.

Noticed a rider with a packed bike walking wrong way up a on-ramp from Hwy. 52. Stopped to see if I could help. All I heard from him was "motherf&^$%$ queer bastard..." I kept riding northward on the fast, smooth Kearny Villa Road. Stopped to take some pictures of Marine Air doing touch & go's at Miramar Base. Saw a racer-guy riding wrong way towards me in the bike lane. He swung out into traffic as I took his picture. He immediately turned around and chased me down. When he passed, he had his cell-phone out and took my picture. I complied and took another pic of him as he dropped his cell-phone. As his phone was bouncing along the road, he asked "What that was all about?" I said I was documenting a route for Randonneurs USA. He answered: "Sorry, and I apologize". He turned around and went back for his phone. I kept on route with my business. Never saw him again. What a day so far!

Wrong way rider who dropped cellphone!

Kearney Villa Road becomes Black Mountain Road. Some nice climbing up to Hwy.56. After that, it has a series of rollers as I continued northward. Saw 2 cyclists on Carmel Valley Rd., just before I made my turn there. Started to chase them down. These guys were smoking! Finally hooked up just before my turn off onto Dove Canyon Rd. More rollers led me to Rancho Bernardo Rd. and back on familiar track.  Short cut through the neighborhood on Martinal Rd. with a high speed downhill past Westwood School. Soon I crossed the Lake Hodges Pedestrian Bridge with a stop on the other side chatting with a dog walker. Picked up some ice at the optional Mule Hill Chevron Station.

After the pleasant Kauana Loa Lane, the route finally takes in it's last climbs. The 'ol shortcut to San Marcos via Gamble Lane. This is one of Keith Olsen's fav. climbs. A shorty 17% before passing under I-15, then the longer 19% one. After passing over a vehicle chain-gate I rode around after school students and back onto Harmaony Grove double turns. A short trip through the Nordhal Business Park and through the tunnel back to the finish at Albertson's.

Shortcut Gamble Lane 19% climb

With the later start, good weather for riding today. Not that great for photo taking. Had about 225 images and several video clips. Found out later that the pictures I took of the racer dropped cellphone guy on Kearney Villa Rd. was a half-ass video clip. Have to extract an image out of that, if possible.

Info Route Video


Lite overcast all day
Hi: 91     Lo:  59 (Garmin)
83 miles

-randorides

Rainbow 200 Brevet

Garmin Stats from the Rainbow 200 Brevet today.

"What was that?" 10PM Friday night and time for some restful sleep before the Rainbow 200 tomorrow. NOT TO BE! Two new hotsie neighbor girls decided it's time for their first party night. I can get up & bang their door, call security and a hour later get results OR put a pillow over and get some silent sleep. That's what I did.

5 hours of solid sleep later and I'm getting ready. Lite oatmeal breakfast with my usual stuff on top. Checked the local weather on the computer while I was eating... 42.6 degrees. Quick hot shower to relax the muscles, followed by the homemade muscle rubdown. I prepped stuff yesterday so I loaded the HB bag. Arm warmers, knee warmers, woolie cap. Calf high Smartwool socks. I can roll them down as required later when it warms up. That's all I'll need extra today. Ride-ins are tough this time of year with the 40 degree temp swing in the next 7 hours. Have to dress right and not take too much or too little. Cheapo helmet light and the good rear blinkie for the carbon bike. Seemed the front brakes weren't centered correctly. Adjusting screw is working loose. I'll need to add some blue Loctite tomorrow to prevent that. Rolled out at 0430 to cool, clear conditions.

Rode through San Marcos and caught every red light there was! I warmed up quickly, as I pedaled towards the coast. Paper vest under my well-used RUSA jersey was just right. Passed one cyclists near Palomar Airport. No rear lights, but had a nice reflective jacket on. Stopped for a whizz along the warmer coast. Only saw one more cyclists along the whole trek up to Torrey Pines. Nice easy pace to keep warm. Decided to take the Rainbow route through UCSD Campus. Ended up in a parking lot under construction! Sun was making it light now. I was still too early, so decided to ride down Nobel and check things out. Pulled into Doyle Park at 6:45.

=====

Added the newer G'skin Hardshells: Bulletproof?

Went to the bathroom and filled my bottles up. Next, stood in line for my brevet card. Nice large turnout today. I heard 43 riders signed in! Rode around a bit, chatting with the usual randos. Lots of new riders I didn't know. There was no "rider list" on the website to check who is who. They must be trying to "streamline" things? Doesn't work. I always liked to see who was signed up and learn some names. New recruit, NCCC rider John Fry III was there. Dave Danovsky with blue jacket was chatting with Dave Horwitt about the "Crusin' The OC modified route a few weeks back. Keith Olsen looked good with the weight loss. Don Parsons and James Allen were riding after a long absence. Buddies Dan Phillips, Bill Stevenson and Mac Imacseng, super climber Robert Abraham and of course the normal "racer" group was well represented. Surprisingly, we started the Rainbow 200 at 0700!

I always like to make my contribution to the ride with pushing the light buttons for the first few miles. This also lets me see the racers as they pass by. I was planning on hooking  up Dan, Bill, Mac, Robert and a few others to at least San Elijo Control. It's always a mad dash for the first few miles. A group of 12 finally settled down along San Dieguito Road with a nice rando pace of 22 mph! I wondered how long that would last. Of course, the converasation was about the Brevet Week in March. Robert had his new long compression socks on this trip. "Where's your buddy Keith?" he asked. "Right behind you!" Keith was right there as we approached the first real climb up Del Dios past the dam. I tucked  in close behind Dan Phillips as the headwind was blowing the roadside bushes around. Groups always get busted up on this first climb, and today was no exception. We chatted about keeping a paceline along Harmony Grove. Picked up the Seattle boys now and they were glad to lead the way through Harmony Grove at a blistering 24mph. I was holding on to the closest wheel! Seattle boys stopped at the Fire Station for a whizz as our little group was scattered along the climb to San Elijo town Control.

After hopping the curb, I took off my arm warmers, knee warmers and woolie cap first. Then refilled my bottles while Tim Sullivan signed off my card. Robert and I were off. He had to stop at the bathroom on the corner. I said I'd do a slo roll up the tough climb. Slo it was, locked in at 8 mph, but I felt good. Three local club riders passed me on the way up. I had water and banana food  on the way down the other side. No red lights this time for me riding solo. I could see another rider ahead. Caught him at the Hwy. 78 crossover red light. Didn't know who he was, but he was fast! Did my pace thing and saw the fast rider turn onto the old Twin Oaks Valley Road. Guess he wasn't a rando after all. Felt really good up the narrow Deer Springs Road with lite traffic to the AM/PM Control. Fast guy in the 2011 PBP jersey was pulling out as I rolled in. Audry was there and was nice to chat with. I filled my bottle and grabbed a banana as she was signing off my card. Another 5 minute stop. Mac and Robert were just tuning in as I left. I said I would "slo roll" and had to make a stop up the road. So be it.

Tree lined Rice Canyon Road hides the bumps!

Sucked a GU, had a few Almond Butter/crackers and sucked the liquid down Champagne Blvd. Didn't see anyone but the PBP rider far ahead. Quite a few club riders out today. Stopped off for a whizz on Lilac Road, as I was waiting for Mac and Robert. Low geared it up Lilac to the Cooser climb. Paced up that sucker with 34/24 gearing. Closing in on the PBP jersey rider. Couldn't wait for the downhill to relax and stretch out. Ate on the way down and over to Rice Canyon. Still could see the PBP guy ahead, so it was sort of a motivation. I didn't give in to the urge to catch him but instead struggled with my own climbing. Rice always was a tough climb for me. Guess it must be the "roller" effect with the double digits thrown in. Entering Rainbow, I could see Robert behind. We met up at Mike Shaw's Rainbow Control. Told Robert I would be there for 5 minutes. PBP rider went inside the store. I ask Mike his name and didn't hear his response, or maybe I didn't remember it for long. Filled my bottles, added powder and grabbed a banana and several of those brownie snacks. As I was leaving, Bill, Dan & Mac came in. I was in eat, slo-roll, recovery mode now on the next few miles of downhill.

Boy, those brownie things were really good. Should have got a few more. PBP guy was coming up quick and I hoped he would pass me. Never did. The Mission Road toward Fallbrook climb took it's toll, as he dropped back. Wouldn't see him again till Del Mar. I was all solo now, waiting for the "thundering herd" to catch up. Had a nice ride down Live Oak Park and never missed a shift on the 8% climb up Reche Road this time either. Maintained a pleasant eatable pace down Green Canyon and the Mission Rd downhill in a tucked position. I knew I was in for it as I turned on Hwy. 76 at Bonsall.. Headwind and solo, a bad combo.

I've ridden this SLR many times and finally got it down. In the drops, slow it down to 17mph and just move on into the headwind. Pick up some company if possible to help out? Not today. Looked far behind and the "race-pace group" was nowhere in sight. Pulled into Oceanside just after 1 PM. For some reason, I thought there was a control stop there. I opted for the Circle K on Coast Hwy. My mistake. Traffic was horrific! I did get my bottles filled with ice water, so all wasn't lost. Back on track, it was messenger boy riding down the coast. Darting along side lines of cars isn't my idea of fun. Rode with a few riders from time to time. This eased up a bit after Encinitas. Robert and Mac joined up before Cardiff Kook statue.

Massive traffic made for horrific riding along Hwy. 101 today.

Pace was a little quicker now as Robert filled me in. PBP rider was just ahead as well as the unfriendly guy in red. Dan was riding with Bill. The race-pace group hit the SLR hard with Dan amping it up for the pace-line. Mac said he might go to PBP if he could sell some things to get his family there too! I told Mac he had a chance to break his last year's good time for the Rainbow 200. 45 minutes to go! PBP guy had another rider along now.. think it was his wife. Matching PBP jerseys. Nice. We decided to regroup at the top of Torrey climb and ride in together. Strong rando guy in red was just ahead and we closed at Torrey. Followed his quick pace through USCD Campus. He turned left over to Genesee as we kept route and rode past the parking lots to Regents Road. He regrouped as we caught a long red-light. Mac had 20 minutes now. Sprint time to the finish. Mac cut off 10 minutes from his good ride last year. Four of us finished up together... Mac, Robert, me and guy in red. Card signed off, I grabbed a mini-cola from the cooler, filled my bottle with water, said "adios" and hit the bathroom. No sitting around for me this year. After a wave-by, I was back on Regents Road on the return trip to home. Keep it movin' or it will get stiff!

=====
I was feeling OK, as I waived at the PBP jersey duo on Regents. I did a loop around and didn't go straight through the campus via the rando route. First real rando sighting was near the base of Torrey. Group of 6 starting the last climb of the day. I made a bathroom stop in Solana Beach and sat munching on a bench near the SB bike lane. Met several randos returning to the finish. Chatted with Keith Olsen and AZ guy, Dave Brake there. Tim Knowles and friend stopped by. Seems they rode most of the route today. We talked about dirt rides as his buddy just bought a new Salsa Mariachi bike for dirt. Back on the bike, I headed northward along the coast. Hard to tell the randos unless they were wearing a RUSA  or SDrando wool jersey. Turned off at Palomar Airport Road for the last 3 climbs of the day. Added my arm, leg and woolie warmers next. Sun had set, but still some ambient light about. Arrived home just before 6:00 PM. Not a bad day on the bike. A few Advil and lots of Chinese meds for the twisted knee. What the heck!

Clear skies all day
Hi: 84     Lo: 41 (Garmin stats)
184 miles

-randorides

Rainbow 200 Pre-Ride (Short)

San Marcos Century route mimics most of Rainbow Brevet climbing

Rainy stuff has cleared out on Sunday, so after a day to settle things down, it's off for some climbing on the Rainbow 200 Brevet route (January 17). Packed up the SOMA with my normal sandwich, banana and cashew-spread crackers before hitting the road at 0630. Still dark enough for a headlamp blinkie and rear lights. Took the safer route through San Marcos via Country Club Dr and up historic Hwy. 395. A little cool on the Champagne downhill with only arm warmers. Sun was trying to warm things up early, but there was a "humidity layer" of morning orange holding it up.

Nice quiet climbing up Circle R at a decent pace and without sucking much wind this trip. Roadside hills looked green and nice with only a few cars along the way. Lilac Road was a different matter with increased early traffic heading southward. I followed my normal line up the double digit Cooser climb, hugging the center-line to eliminate the steep angles hear the ditches. The long downhill was another matter; damp roads on the corners! Sun hadn't reached the those spots yet, so it was brake-OH-automatic time. Rear brake made a hellva weird noise on one corner. Must have some "junk" on the pads? Road spray in abundance from my well worn G'skins. Always nice to cross the bridge while eating a snack at the bottom. Rice Canyon climb was next.

RC climb has always been a tough one for me. I finally figured out that if I lower my speed and not try to hammer, I'll arrive in Rainbow feeling much better. 8mph seems to work out OK. Once I saw the log house on the left, it was only 2 miles to the Rainbow Market. Stopped at the bathroom and sat down on the bench, while repacking my arm warmers with the pair of scissors I picked up earlier on the road. Finished off my banana, added some powder and water to my main bottle. This was a 5 minute timed stop. With snack in my mouth, I rolled out on time feeling good.

Seems the light wind was blowing from the NW now, just enough to really ramp up the downhill speed toward Fallbrook. 32 mph this section before passing cars across the I-15 overpass. Legs weren't feeling it on the 7% climb on Mission Road. Live Oak Park was another matter with no traffic and easy pedaling. Missed the down-shift on the 8% Reche Road transition and had to fumble around a while before catching my rhythm. More hi-speed blasting down Green Canyon Road. With the slight tailwind and smooth roads, I thought I was really fast! Hehe. SDG&E was still working on the tall power pole at the Mission Road intersection. Traffic flagmen at the corner. 10 minute wait for bikes!

Stopped by to see Dan Phillips

Made up some time on the downhill into Bonsall. Stopped at Mickie D's. Three bikes parked outside. Two looked familiar. Roberto's Giant and his buddies Trek from last week. Went inside and got my normal HF Sundae with a splash of GU on top. Chatted with the boys before they left for the RT back up Champagne Blvd.to Escondido. Roberto says he would like to do long rides when he retires from his Rincon job. Sat around a bit, before riding away in the nice warm sun.

Slight sidewind on Hwy. 76 this morning. Still made for a fast trip. Hit the San Luis Rey Bike Path and made the turn off on Benet street and over to Hwy. 76. Got some help from a car tripping the light as I waited forever in the Canyon Rd. turn lane. Spun up the 9% climb and made my way over to Bussey's Auto to see Dan Phillips. Short stop just to remind him on the Wednesday sign-up deadline for the Rainbow 200. He said Bill was waiting for the last minute to see if it would rain on Saturday (if so, they would bail out). Soon I was riding south along Coast Hwy. 101.

Made a short pit stop by Carlsbad Beach. Picked up a few racers boys and dropped them on the first shortie climb. They ran the red light at Poinsettia and I was soon chatted with a young TREK rider with long blue socks. Said he got them for Christmas. "See you later", as he rode off. I did see him later, as I passed him on the tiny La Costa Ave. climb. Slowed up and chatted with 2 fully loaded touring riders riding to Mexico. Sounded like a Euro accent. Stopped by Nytro to pick up some Shot Bloks. Joe was in a meeting so Harvey took over. Chatted a bit before riding south.

Picked up a rider from Seattle. Big guy on a carbon bike. Had buddies in the Seattle Randonneurs group. Said too much rain up there so he Fed-Ex'd his bike down for a week of riding. Dropped him off at the Java Hut in Solana Beach (which is usually packed with lycra-bodies! Made the turn on Loma Santa Fe for the climb inland.

Found good pair of Harbor Freight scissors

Little weak on the first climb, but after a few more I was doing OK. Rancho Santa Fe was quiet as usual. Didn't see any cyclists till I got near Lake Hodges. 2 racer guys pulled across the lane and were taking pics of the lake in my bike lane. They blocked the lane, so I had to ride out in the traffic lane. Nice guys! Dropped down into the 34 ring for the last climb past Via Rancho Pkwy. (This last climb section always adversely affects me!)

Quiet along Harmony Grove Road till you near the new housing development. Too bad about that, but it is better than the decade old stinky chicken ghetto they had before. Slugged up Elfin Forest Rd past the fire station and was soon making the last turn for the long climb away from San Elijo town. That 8% starts to wear on you after the first mile. Another real fast downhill into San Marcos with the loop around to finish up at my favorite 7-Eleven.

This start point lets you have an option of the full Rainbow Brevet route (Rainbow 1.24 Permanent) or most all of the climbing only (San Marcos Century). I opted for the latter. Weather was a little cool at the start but remained mild all day with clouds inland toward the end of the route.

Clear to partly cloudy
Hi: 68   Lo: 53
103 miles

-randorides

Ursa Minor Meet Up With OFR

Bailed out cyclists:Traded a good tube for 2 flat tubes and $2

46 degrees in the valley as I rolled out today. Sent Bill Stevenson a email a couple of days ago about this ride. He likes this route. (He later emailed and said he didn't check his email until this morning!) Had a "foil-type vest" under my jersey for added warmth. Official start was from the Mulberry 7-Eleven at 0610. I could hear the "crinkling" sound with each move I made on the bike. Riding the carbon stealth today, as it has the best tires.

Quite pleasant as I found my way over to Harmony Grove and on to Del Dios Hwy. The normal heavy traffic behind as I passed the dam with a high-speed pace. ViaSat  rider passed me as I was entering Rancho Santa Fe town. Figured I would catch him on the rollers to Solana Beach. Yep, gaining ground at a nice pace when he turned off on a side road. Wonder if he is commuting to their office in Carlsbad and knows a short cut?

No stop at the Solana Donuts per cue. As I was turning onto Coast Highway northward, joined new rando Dave Danovski on his commute to work. Riding his Fuji racer, the speed was 19 mph. Chatted about the upcoming Rainbow 200 next week. He was asking me all kinds of tips. I gave the usual advice saying: "If you ride this pace, you won't make Rainbow!" Dave turned off near Poinsettia Lane.

Arriving in Carlsbad early, I stopped at the local 7-Eleven for a bottle refill and also iced it up. Rode over to Magee and hit the bathrooms, where I stripped off the "crinkle vest" and woolie cap. Chatted with the guys in the parking lot before starting out. New guy John Fry III was there. (Said he was interested in rando rides last week, so I handed him a card with the appropriate info on it. Also invited him to the Thursday OFR ride.) Group left late as usual. Rode past the pier, where Dee Wells was getting ready. Group waited a bit and had a regroup at Pendleton Main Gate. Jimbo Wiesner & I rode ahead at a leisurely pace. Soon Bruce and John caught up. Had a little hammer action over to the regroup at Las Pulgas.

I did a slo-pace ahead toward the Campgroud #1 bathroom. Caught 3 riders from the OCCRG and rode with them. One rider just turned 80 years old. The rest were 70! Had a nice chat before stopping at #1. Added water and powder before the OFR turned up. 5 minutes and we were blasting northward. Bruce and Troy were interested in another way through San Clemente, so we went down to the Beach Path. Lots of hard-bodies today. And dog walkers. This is a good way to go solo or with a buddy, not a group. Group split up as some opted for an illegal "cross the double yellow" to catch the Protected Bikeway north to Doheny State Beach. Said adios to Troy as I turned off on the San Juan River Trail to San Juan Capistrano control.

Due to construction at the trail bridge & traffic getting to Carl's Jr, I U-Turned and took the River Trail back to Dana Point. Stopped by the trailside Carl's Jr. Got a IC Sandwich and topped it off with GU vanilla gel. Ate my sandwich, filled my bottles and was soon back on the trail. At trail end, saw a old guy trying to fix a flat tire. Said his spare tubes were no good. I gave him a good one, aired it up and advised him to put air in them before inserting into the tire. I checked his "bad tubes" and they both had "pinch flats", most likely caused by his tire levers!

Lots of water line construction along Stuart Mesa Road

Looks like I missed my OFR southbound hook-up. Took the "neighborhood" route through San Clemente . Hooked up with a girl/guy racer team and rode with them through the San Onofre Campground. He had a flat, so I stopped at the bathroom for a refill. They later caught me thru Pendleton. Construction along Stuart Mesa Road there, with installation of a 2" thick, 2' water conveyance pipeline. We rode out together.

Stopped at Oceanside Transit Station to renew my Compass Card. Hit the trail east over to Bonsall with a tailwind and finally made it up Champagne with no rider hook-ups for drafting. Weather was a little cooler today with the clouds, but short sleeves worked good. Longish day on the road with several wait-around stops.

High clouds/partly cloudy
Hi: 78     Lo: 46
127 miles


-randorides

Shorty Rando Card Hand-Out Ride

Stopped to checkRobertos flat on Champagne

My kind of riding weather! High forecast around 80 degrees today. Needed to ride over to Nytro Bike Shop in Encinitas to check things out & deliver the Audax Rayong 200 DVD. Rode northward from San Marcos after 0800. Didn't get too far, as I stopped to check out 2 riders changing a tube on the downhill Champagne Blvd. Recognized one rider from a Bonsall stop last month. We chatted as little guy "Roberto" finished changing his tube on his Giant. His riding buddy from Escondido was a big guy on a reddish Klein with "bullhorn" handlebars.  Same kind as the old Bridgestone XO-1 bike came with a few years back. I joined up with them for the ride over to Bonsall Mickie D's. Nice quick pace, but the big guy had a little difficulty on the rollers.

I wrote the Thursday OFR riders info on a rando card and gave it over before leaving them to their morning burger breakfast with coffee. Didn't get to far down Hwy. 76, as my front worn out G'skin was loosing air fast. I pulled over into a side concrete section and made the change. Careful inspection revealed glass had worked into the thin tread. Only 10-minute for this tube change. Another rider stopped by check things out as I was getting ready to roll. Nice to have a few riders left who would actually stop and ask. Made quick work with the tailwind over to the SLR Bike Path.

Mike's C'dale SS EVO Black weighs 13.03 lbs

Rider ahead of me on the path, so I picked up the pace from the usual 17mph. Tailwind was helping as I gained ground. Did a straight road-over instead of the usual ride-under at Foussant Rd and now I was the chasee! Busy time at the newish Skateboard Park. No reason to go to school when you can board with the buddies! I held at a steady 20mph to the end on Cleveland Street. Did a loop and stopped by to see Dan at Bussey's Auto. Gave Bill's DVD to him for delivery. Chatted about some of his moto recon rides in the back country around Rincon Resevation. After a bit, I was off down Coast Hwy.

Stopped at the Carlsbad 7-Eleven for a Smores IC Sandwich @ 99 cents, which I enjoyed sitting in the sun overlooking the Pacific. A real feeling of energy, looking at the hard bodies jogging and lying in the sand. Enough of that. Now for some more tailwind southbound. Picked up a stocky rider on a 4 year old Time carbon bike. Chatted with "Craig" and ended up giving him a rando card. Also provided info on the Thursday ride out of Magee Park. He might be interested. Cut off and stopped at Nytro. Out of cards now.

Picked up a few samples today.

Joe is building up a new bike with light stuff. Said it might motivate him to get riding again and lose some weight. Chatted with this Swami's-kit guy outside with a new Cannondale SuperSix EVO Black bike. I remember him from other meetings at Nytro. Name is Mike. He had bought a new set of skewers. The real light ones. Says his bike now weighs in at a whopping 13.03 lbs! Can keep up with the Swami climbers now? Joe said  Mike's bike retails for well over $11K, but he gave him a "Joey Deal". Picked up a few samples. I was soon off and riding southward for my usual route up to Rancho Santa Fe. Nice slight push ended there with a headwind up Del Dios Highway past Lake Hodges. Feeling good today. Warm weather always picks me up! Took the inland rail trail back to San Marcos.

Clear skies and warm temps!
Hi: 78     Lo: 47
85 miles

-randorides

New "Walkin' The Dog" Populaire

New "Walkin' The Dog" Populaire

New route for the New Year! San Marcos to Dog Beach (Ocean Beach) Sort of a adjunct to Keith's "Not On Weekends" ride, which starts at Dog Beach and goes to Carlsbad.

Another cold morning around here... 34 degrees... I'll wait to start when the sun comes up later! This would be a video project ride, so I loaded the Canon up with the same set of Lithium batteries as used on the last two rides. Well after 0900 when I checked in at Albertson's on Mission Rd. A route like this will take well over 1-hour longer when I'm taking pictures and video along the way.

Walkin' The Dog doesn't take the usual route to the coast and back. Nope. Back way to Palomar Airport Road and then follows El Camino Real down to LaCosta, where I took the popular LaCosta Ave towards the coast. SDBC riders in new black/green kits running red lights like there was no tomorrow! Next is a parallel Coast Highway ride on Vulcan St, before cutting under the RR Tracks and stop at Swami's. Today there was live music there, with a replica Sheryl Crow strumming along with battery pak amp and background music. Nice set up. I snatched a video for the YouTube project!

Fast cute hard-body along the coast.

Hooked up with several groups for the pull to Del Mar and stopped at Torrey Pines State Beach to get some video of the ocean. Low tide and not much going on there. Mixed it up with the climbers on Torrey and got a few good shots along the way. Normal Rose Canyon ride around a large puddle on the path, and lots of riders to mingle with on Rose Creek Trail too. Headwind from DeAnza Cove to Pacific Hwy., where I followed some local riders. Normal stiff headwind on the Ocean Beach Bike Trail westward. Stopped at the popular 7-Eleven, where Vitamin Water was a whopping $1.99 a bottle. Of course, didn't get any but opted for a 20 cent Reese Piece instead for RUSA receipt!. Rolled over to Dog Beach and took some more pictures. A little cool there with the winds and temps in the low 60's, at best. Warming up next week. Now for the round-trip.

Solana Beach couple walking the dog.

Route follows the Old Sea World Drive Trail and jumps over to the trail near Fiesta Island. Back onto Rose Creek Trail and up Rose Canyon Bike Path. Regular run up the coast into the normal headwind. Did hook up with several riders taking turns pulling. Big guy with all blue kit and bike from Ohio. Will be going back to cold-land tomorrow! Route then cuts off the easy stuff and catches Manchester over through Olivenhain. It's all climbing now as the route goes up Rancho Santa Fe and then the long climb up San Elijo Road. Real cool 40mph downhill into San Marcos, past the CSUSM Campus and back to Albertson's finish.

Route is 132km or 83 miles. The last few miles are all about climbing. I managed 206 good pictures and 5 video clips. Hopefully, they will become a route informational video soon.

Walkin' The Dog video

Clear skies all day
Hi: 71    Lo: 57 (Garmin Stats)
83 miles

-randorides

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