Coffee Video Recon Ride

Met rando Mike Shaw on Old Hwy. 395.
 Stopped for a chat.

Lite rain forecast for the entire weekend ahead. Time for some GoPro testing on a square-loop route today. Also be packing the trusty Canon Powershot A1100 for stills and side-action video clips. No need for warm clothing at a late 0900 start. I'd just be crusin' along and making up a route video made up of short clips.

Cruised northward along Country Club Dr. 15 different dog walkers out at this time. Made my way up the little climb on Nutmeg and then on to Old Hwy. 395 north. Saw Mike Shaw on the other side and looped back for a chat. Mike will be riding the BW-300km on Monday and follow that with the BW-400 on Friday. He looked fit in his well fitting NCCC wind vest. Proceeded on Hwy. 395 with a stop at Lawrence Welk Resort for a few pics.

Classic Old River Road Bridge.

Turn onto westbound Camino Del Rey brought early headwind and lite traffic. Nice for video this time of day. Pulled into the normal Bonsall McDonalds for a refill. Grabbed some shots and headed west on Hwy. 76. No 23mph cruising today. NOPE! Stiff headwind and I was in the drops crawling along. Stopped on the bridge to take some video of the old River Road Bridge to the north. Slogged my way over to the San Luis Rey Bike Path. Surprise! More headwind.

Passed by a train of racers flying along. Just happened to catch that on video. Thought about hooking up.. but could
never hold that pace today. Sun was popping thru from time to time. Stopped at the Skate Park for some more video action. After forever, I followed a hot chic off the bike path and on to Cleveland Street. Made a photo stop at the Circle K, before riding over to pick up the route near the pier. More pictures there as the wind was now out of the SW and into my face again! Stopped by Chuck's Pacific Cycle and checked over the Salsa Fargos. What a perfect bike for dirt bikepacking. Saw Mike Shaw flying along northward with the tailwind. Boy, he had his route dialed in today, unlike me!

Windy times at Oceanside Pier

Stopped into Magee Park bathroom. Next door church had a Toastmasters meeting and the A-N Academy must be having open house today. Cars were parked everywhere! Worked my way down the coast, stopping for a few beach pictures in the wind. Kite surfers were out in abundance today. I managed several video shots, but upon review they were all a long ways away. Used the telephoto setting on the Canon and it zoomed great, but at the cost of clarity. Most kite-surfers were at Cardiff Beach. Wind was really whipping there. No surfers in that stuff. Rolled into Solana Beach and dropped by Revolution Bike for a Fargo check. I like looking at new bikes with rusty cassettes!

Wind was blocked thru Del Mar which brought some relief. Made the turn on Carmel Valley Rd. to some tailwind. Everytime I ride the SR-56 Bike Path now, I expect to see the banana stand at Camino Del Sur. Not today so I stopped at the handy Circle K. Skies were becoming full overcast now and not super great for pictures.

Wind blown kite-surfers at Cardiff Beach

After a brief reprise, made my way north with the help of the wind. Housing construction has moved closer to the great MTB rando route on Lusardi Trail under Camino Del Sur. bummer. Couldn't pedal fast enough as the skies were getting darker in the SE. Cameras were still rolling up through Rancho Bernardo and over the Lake Hodges Bike Bridge. Wind was blowing real good across there.

No short cuts today up Gamble Lane. Legs were feeling the early wind. Followed the Inland Rail Trail back to San Marcos into more headwind. Gee Whiz! Been a good day for reverse route!

Partly cloudy to cloudy
Hi: 68     Lo: 54
Wind: SW-15-20 mph
83 miles




-randorides

Early Thursday Cruiser Ride

Stopped to see Dan at Bussey's Auto

41 degrees along Twin Oaks Valley as I kept checking the early temps online. Out came the knee warmers, long fingered gloves and my refurbished reflective wind vest. No way I was going to freeze-butt on the Champagne downhill this trip. On the road early at 0530 in the dark. Double rear blinkies and helmet light for my SOMA ride today.

Road north to cooler than predicted temps. Camino del Rey into Bonsall is always cold along the river bottom. Finally made it over to the San Luis Rey Bike Path as the sun was throwing early shadows. Warm-up! Came upon a couple of racers... the guy was fully covered in warmth, the girl's legs were a cherry pink! She stated she was froze. Rode with them over to Benet St., where I turned over onto Hwy. 76 and up steepish Canyon St. Stopping by to see Dan at Bussey's Auto this morning.

Chatted with Dan about his buddy Bill back and forth to Thailand and riding in general. Dan had a HB bag to give me, but no place safely to carry it this trip. Left Dan at 0805 and rode down Coast Hwy. 101 to Magee Park. Only OFR rider Kiwi Stuart was there getting ready. I hit the head, where I stripped off the warm stuff and packed it neatly in from of my HB bag. When I rolled around early, Stuart had already left well before the normal 0830 start time! Nice guy.

Picked up a older racer guy along the coast sourthward. Saw Stuart up ahead and finally caught him before the meet up with Troy and Bruce at Poinsettia Lane. Our little group made Swami's at 0905. Nice OFR gruppo there for their ride to Lake Hodges today. Group left at 0915. I had time to say "hello" to all as I parted company with most of them. 3 others continued riding south with me. Super-seniors Dale and Alan were cranking it up. Left them as I did the straight route thru Del Mar. Saw a group of black/green SDBC riders ahead going down to Torrey Beach. Thought I would hang with them on the Torrey climb. Nice pace with the group till two moved ahead. I followed and the girl said I should do the Eroticia ride up north this spring with my lugged frame and retro looking rando wool jersey. Some young stud blasted by in a huge gear, then faltered some with the big gears. I said he needs a bigger ring. SDBC rider said the guy was doing power training.. I countered with "he'll blow his knees up like that".

Rode with Dee Wells (here in Spain) to Oceanside

Looped thru UCSD campus before flying down Gilman Dr. I decided to loop around and climbed back up to UTC and
Doyle Park (start of the annual Rainbow 200). Asian city there, as I hit the bathroom,refilled my bottles and checked things out. I decided to do a reverse course through UCSD campus.. ala reverse Rainbow route. Never done that way before. Lots more climbing this way. Make quick work of the Torrey downhill and got a good push up the Del Mar climb. Nice tailwind from the SW today! Made my usual stop at Nytro with my to-do list.

Joe was busy, so I talked to Mike a bit about shop business. Said they just delivered a nice Pinarello with SRAM Red gruppo, power cranks and all the works. Retail on that was around 17 grand! Our buddy Sam Thomas better check that out. Made a list for Joe with 6500 cassette and Cowbell bar on it. He'll get back to me on the prices. Filled my bottles and headed north.

Picked up the OFR ladies group headed by Dee Wells. Rode with them north. Chatted with Dee about her planned Spring trip from Vancouver, BC to San Fran. Left her at her Oceanside turn for home. Stopped at Circle K for an IC Sandwich. Sat next door on the ledge and finished off my last brown banana. Feeling good and legs were fresh. Hit the bike path next for the trip to Bonsall.

Recumbent guys had battery paks on the SLR!

Came upon 2 recumbant riders ahead. Closed fast and discovered they were battery bikes. These guys played with me at 22 mph. I would keep the normal tailwind pace and close... they would accelerate away..etc. That happened all the way to Santa Fe Street, where I got a red light. Decided I would go straight to Vista. Not much traffic thru there today. Construction in downtown Vista.. more lo-income housing.  Rolled into San Marcos around 3 PM. Good warm up day on the bike. Feeling good.

Clear skies all day
Hi: 69     Lo: 41
113 miles

-randorides 

Sandia Creek Century Climbing

Did Sandia Creek reverse route today.

Didn't get out of town till 0800. Basic reverse route up toward Bonsall first. Met Roberto and riding friend before Champagne Blvd and rode a ways with them. Meet them on Tuesday quite often.

Altered the route and went up Circle R and Lilac Road before Bonsall, then picked up the route and headed north thru Fallbrook. Met 2 hot chic riders near Fallbrook. Said they were doing a loop down to Hwy. 76. One was on a hybird bike and was wishing for a real road bike for the climbs.

Quite windy as I rolled into Temecula and made the normal stop at Bedford Ln. 7-Eleven. I was in cruise mode up the big climb on Rancho Santa Fe with the side winds blowing at 15 mph. No cyclists sighted thru Sandia Creek or DeLuz Road to Fallbrook. Real good riding and legs were good as I kept the HR down around 150. Stopped at Bonsall again for a HF Sundae and headed back up Champagne Blvd climb. SOMA had a loose rear NDS spoke when I got home. Per, John M., didn't use my normal Shellac on the spoke threads! Next time?

Clear skies
Hi: 69     Lo: 46
97 miles

-randorides

Walkin' The Dog Into The Tritonman Triathlon

GoPro Hero2 camera I tested out on today's ride.

I was rolling west through San Marcos well before 0600 this Saturday. About time for a darkish ride again. Roads were all quiet with the streetlights and local business showing the way.

I had mounted up a GoPro Hero2 camera to the SOMA handlebar and would be doing some testing today. Got it from Paul Nevin last week. Years ago I had tried out a GoPro and they sure take great pics. The downside was all the visual controls were on the front, making it near impossible to operate from the normal bike mount. ( Newer version of the GoPro...v.3 or v.4, have solved this by offering remote controls to the bike rider). Now I think I've solved the ON/OFF situation with a camera setting of PowerON Mode (when you turn the camera on, it automatically starts taking video).

Rode the route at ease, working the GoPro front on/off switch as I needed a video clip. Stopped along the beach on several occasions and used the hand held method to do a few pano shots. Still overcast as I made my way up Torrey Pines climb to a banana break at the top. Did see the usual Saturday UCSD gruppo rides hammering northward along UCSD campus.

Stopped to take a clip of the Tritonman Triathlon on Mission Bay.

Traffic detour on Mission Bay Drive. They let bike through with specific instructions to keep left. Looks like a triathlon today. I managed to stop near Fiesta Island and take a nice shot as some of the leaders were smoking by. Later found out that the event was the 9th Annual Tritonman Triathlon sponsered by UCSD. Slowly made my way on the Ocean Beach Bike Path to the turn around control at the Bacon St. 7-Eleven.

Stopped over at Dog Beach on my way back to get a few shots of the dogs and surfers. Overall gloomy day at the beach. Made my way around Sea World and back onto Mission Bay Drive. No sign of any detours as the triathlon was all finished up. After Rose Canyon, I wandered thru the UCSD campus on this Saturday.

 Local cyclists on a gloomy overcast day at Dog Beach today.

Picked up a MTB rider hammering northward thru Torrey Pines. We hooked up with some racers going up the climb to Del Mar. I hung in there and managed to get some video shots. Parted with the tall MTB guy and encouraged him to get into long riding again, as he said his road bike was broken. Made the turn onto San Elijo Road and finally Manchester over to Olivenhein. Followed Rancho Santa Fe and tried to catch a few racers ahead, but a red light stopped that effort.

Feeling OK at this juncture, I hit the few other climbs that led me back to San Marcos.  Ended the day with 43 video clips of the route. This amounted to over 2.3 gigs! Think I'll put it all together into a video recap ride of the route?

Video recap of the route.

 
Cloudy most of the day

Hi: 74     Lo: 41
87 miles


-randorides

Ursa Minor Permanent Training Ride

Garmin Stats from training ride today.

Early AM fog as I rode over to the 7-Eleven start. Out visiting his SD family, Wayne King from Atlanta Randos would be joining us on the route today (Or should I say, we would be joining him!). Keith Olsen came up from Point Loma to join in the fun along with new rando John Fry, who rode up the hill through the fog early. I arrived early and riders were ready to go. Freebie handout of a 2-pak of WD-40 Bike Lube to riders first. These are handy little ampules to carry along in case you need an emergency lube job on your chain. With the damp conditions today, we may need some later on. Riding "free-spirit" on this permanent.

Sun was well up as we rolled out before 0700. We didn't see it as the marine layer reached far inland today. Lots of small talk as we followed the route eastward and then a few little climbs over to Del Dios Hwy. Group encountered long lines of traffic as we worked our way downhill past Lake Hodges dam. Wayne's sister lives right off the route near Rancho Santa Fe, but wouldn't be cheering us on as she is home-ridden with bronchitis! John and Wayne were far ahead and waited up for Keith and I in Rancho Santa Fe town. A few rollers took us through light traffic over to the coast. Group opted for a non control stop at the donut stop today, but instead quick paced up the coast and made a familiar stop at Swami's Park in Encinitas instead.

Keith, Kelly & John at Doheny Beach

I stripped off my reflective vest and packed it away neatly on the front HB bag. Others took off some outer-layers too. After a refill at the local low pressure water fountain, we were off northward. Not much traffic to notice as the group switched off lead pace through the coastal cities. Wayne start to take a few pics of the surf as the sun was peeping through now. Met OFR rider Lisa as we rode on Pacific street past the O'side Pier. Per discussion, we decided to take I-5 around Camp Pendleton. Sorry, not to be as the "Bicycles Prohibited" sign met us a the on-ramp turn near the main camp gate. Not to worry, we looped over and entered Camp Pendleton, photo I.D.'s at the ready.

New surfaced Stuart Mesa Road greeted us as we proceeded through the base. Wayne had his camera out as I reminded him that photo taking on base was prohibited. However, we all seemed to have done at at one time or another! Met OFR riders, Mike Tull and later Mike & Nancy VonNueman as they were riding southbound. Obviously, they left the OFR group ride early. Pipe construction continues along Stuart Mesa Road. Traffic control stopped us 3 different times northbound. Each time we were held till the vehicles moved ahead first. At last, we exited through Las Pulgas Gate and rode northward on the Old Hwy. 101 Bike Path.

Tank tunnel ahead! I mentioned to Wayne that this was a great photo-op. He slowed and took a few snaps as we entered. Riding through the San Onofre Campground, I noticed another OFR rider stopped by a bathroom. John said the ride group was just ahead of us. Maybe we would meet up after all? Our rando group stopped at bathroom #1 for our last refuel before the turn-around at San Juan Capistrano. Northward ho along old 101 into a slight headwind with big Wayne doing the pulling.

Georgia Wayne King at Doheny Beach

Per Keith's advice, we rode through San Clemente instead a side routes. Wayne wanted a photo stop at Doheny State Beach so he could "tease" his fellow randos in Atlanta with a instant post up. John obliged by taking his photo next to a few palm trees on the beach. After a short wind aided push along the San Juan Bike Path, we were sitting at Carl's Jr in San Juan Capistrano for our turn-around break. Ice cream was the main theme today, along with a sampling of fries. 20 minutes later we were back on the path westward.

Pleasant chit-chat riding back through the State Beach and up to San Clemente. Back on the bike path, we decided on a short trip to Trestles Beach. In the surfing community, this is a world famous surfing beach. Not much going there today. A short stop at the campground #1 bathroom again. After a quick tailwind bike path ride we were at Las Pulgas Road. This time we'd take the I-5 to Oceanside. At the underpass, we noticed a earlier repeat of the "Cyclists Prohibited" sign SB this time. OK, enough already. U-Turn back through Camp Pendleton. While verifying ID's at the Gate, I noticed 2 OFR riders, Dr. Dan and Bruce Tipton waiting around. We did finally catch the group!

Enter San Juan Creek Trail here.

Joining up, the gruppo had grown to 6 riders. Only 2 traffic delays on the SB ride. Roads were in much worse condition with the new asphalt, gravel and construction equipment. We saw 3 other riders just ahead.. the last of the OFR group; Malena, Dee and Tom Bandy. Never did quite catch them as a flagman and a red light stopped us. Exiting the Main Gate, Wayne wanted another photo shoot at Oceanside Pier where RAAM starts in June. We said our good-byes to Bruce and Dan as we stopped off at the Pier.

Photos done, we backtracked to the San Luis Rey Bike Path eastward. Helpful tailwind now pushed us along at fast pace toward the last control at Bonsall. New trailside skate park was packed! Must be no school today or no one goes anymore? Arriving at Bonsall, Wayne hit the cellphone, I grabbed a cone for receipt, Keith opted for bottled choc milk and John filled his bottles. 15 minutes later we were tracing the RAAM route along Camino Del Rey

Nice tailwind on the San Luis Rey BP

Last leg of this route follows Old Hwy. 395 for a short climb before passing Lawrence Welk's Champagne Village. This is the longest mild climb up Hwy. 395 to Deer Springs Rd. I mentioned to John the "normal" rando time check from Champagne Village Dr up to the red light is 12 minutes. He said he didn't want to race the clock, etc.. then took off ahead. Keith rode his pace and I backed off and rode with Wayne. His heavy bike and big size doesn't bide good for lots of climbing, but he said "There isn't a hill I can't walk up!"

Last climb of the day starts here.

John said he made it up in over 12 minutes, Keith followed and Wayne and I were in over 14 minutes. Finally some downhill now on Centre City Pkwy before the turn onto Nutmeg Street. A short ride through San Marcos residential homes soon brought us back to the 7-Eleven finish. I grabbed a quick receipt, signed Waynes Permanent Card and said "adios" to John and Keith. John was riding back home in daylight and Keith back to his car at Albertsons lot. Me... I was riding west toward home. Good training day on the road.

Fog early, clearing later
Hi: 77     Lo: 51
Wind: NW 10mph

133 miles

-randorides

Walkin' The Dog with OFR

Route today to hook up with OFR along the coast.

OFR gruppo leader Troy posted up the ride info a few days back. Going down to Quivira Basin for lunch/snack. John Fry indicated he wanted to do a rando ride today also, so I offered the "Walkin' The Dog" route. Not too long and could start later to hook up with OFR at Swamis.

Left the house at 0645 to warm temps. Winds was howling from the east as I rode slowly into it. Made the Albertson's start at 0700 and followed the reverse route up the big Twin Oaks climb. Wind was buffeting around as I climbed a steady 8mph pace. Starts out at 7% and jacks up to 12% for a bit. Finally made it to the fire station and started the hi-speed downhill toward San Elijo. Traffic was very heavy this time of day. I opted off and caught the hard surface bike trail alongside the road. No car traffic, but  the few joggers made riding difficult. Soon back on the road and skirting traffic thru town over to Rancho Santa Fe Road. John Fry lives here and I was supposed to meet up with him. I was early so I rode around on some side streets for 15 minutes. John showed up and we headed south with the tailwind.

We made our way to the coast via LaCosta Ave. Decided to ride northward and meet up with OFR at Poinsettia Ave. Waited another 15 minutes before Dan Marks showed up, followed by Stuart Smedley (Kiwi). Rode together to Swami's. I did make a stop at the Encinitas 7-Eleven for a cold water refill. Need it today, it was already 73 degrees! Nice group at Swami's. Chatted up a bunch while waiting for Troy and Bruce. They never did show or respond to Dan's phone messages, so we decided to leave anyway. wind was very strong from the East as we rode the coast.

From Del Mar on, the wind  completely stopped! I hit the Torrey climb at a steady 10mph in the big ring. Felt good. Must be a tailwind? Hit the head and sucked some water at the top. Andrea was meeting the group there, so chatted with her until the others arrived. Stuart decided to return north due to his bronchitis of late. Good move with the very dry, hot day. The rest of us rolled southward through UCSD and turned off down to LaJolla.

Strong Santa Ana winds blow the tops at Torrey Pines State Beach

Heavy road construction in LaJolla. Roads are a joke here for cyclists... holes, rough bumps and jammed traffic. Paul and Dan led us around and down by the beach. Tourists aplenty here on the rail, looking at the birds and one lonely seal as waves were pounding the rocks. We finally rode the bike route to Pacific Beach and on to Quivira Basin. John Fry and I continued on route across the bridge and the Ocean Beach Bike Path to Dog Beach 7-Eleven. Time for a break. I grabbed an Ice Cream Sandwich and filled my bottles with ice water. John gave some panhandler a note to ease his mind. We hung around a while before slo-rolling out to the bike path.

Took the same route back over to Quivira Basin. The guys were in the sun chomping down some double stacks. I thought they would be leaving soon, but John said not the case. He pulled up a chair. I rode around the harbor, checking the boats out. Finally, they were ready to leave. We hooked up with the OC Bike Path and I led on a cut-route to Fiesta Island. Nice change that Andrea liked! Paul led out around Mission Bay and back through the rough Rose Creek Bike Path. Time to pick up the pace.

I led out up through Rose Canyon. Our group of 4 slowly pulled away as we picked up the pace. Regroup under the Gillman underpass. I led out and big Tom soon picked up the pace. I was holding his wheel till the steeper stuff, when I blasted off and went around. Didn't know where the group would be turning, but finally figured it out as we went through UCSD campus and stopped at the usual Gym. I refilled my water there while waiting for the others to show. Soon we were off into heavy student traffic.

Mostly birds and shit at LaJolla Cove this trip!

Nicer riding as Paul and I raced it out on the Torrey downhill. Just a few of us together now as we slowed the pace thru Del Mar. Lite police action here today. Paul picked up a hard-body racer girl and held her wheel. We hung back before making our move to hook-up. Before we could do so, she pulled off! Bummer. Paul and Al turned off at Swami's. Rando Bob, John Fry and I kept on Coast Hwy. northward. We held a nice pace line before John & I said "adios" to Bob. We were off eastward back on route. Bob was returning back to Magee Park in Carlsbad.

I followed John ideas on how to get back to Melrose. We did stop over at the LaCosta Circle K for a cold water refill. It was hot out and we were both a little dehydrated. Nice climbing now as we stayed together up LaCosta Ave. More traffic at the turn onto Rancho Santa Fe. Finally a fast downhill. John turned off for home @ Melrose. I rode straight ahead to San Marcos. Only 2 more hills left today. I went straight ahead and finally turned at Linda Vista Dr. Turned on Las Pulgas and then past Palomar College on busy Mission Ave to the finish.

Got in some climb training today and several sections of hitting it real hard (Torrey Pines Rose Canyon & Gilman). Felt good with no tired legs. Needed to drink more water today as I was dry when I got home.  Don't forget the electrolytes!

Clear skies all day
Hi: 95     Lo: 69 (Garmin Stats)
Wind: E 25mph
91 miles

-randorides

Ride Out With NCCC

Skirted the San Elijo Lagoon Eco Preserve by Manchester Ave.

Did a shorter route today with a San Marcos start. Rode over to Restaurant Row and chatted with the NCCC riders a little before they left for their Saturday ride. 4 or 5 different groups there now, all riding in different directions. Chatted with several riders about last Thursday's ride up into Orange County. Rode out with the regular riders well after the normal 0830 start.

NCCC looped around past Lake Discovery before making our way down Rancho Santa Fe and the turn into Olivenhein. From there I was off solo and heading along Manchester toward the ocean. Picked up a racer guy who couldn't drop me. Turned south and intermingled with a group of riders. After Del Mar, decided to miss the traffic of the Torrey Pines Farmers Open Golf Tourney and cut inland on Carmel Valley Road to the SR-56 Bike Path. Picked up a few free bananas at the Camino del Sur table and pulled into Circle K for a short break. Several riders there. Finished off a banana, reloaded my bottles and headed north.

Racer guy passed and I put the pressure on him on the first climb. He turned right on Carmel Vly. Rd and I kept straight toward Rancho Bernardo by the usual route. Weather was nice and clear with the temps warming up nicely while riding over the Lusardi Loop Trail. Made the Martinal St shortcut and soon was cruising over the Lake Hodges Bridge. Followed El Ku northward and cut over onto the Inland Rail Trail to finish up in San Marcos. Nice short recovery ride with the weather really nice after a late route start.

Sunshine
Hi: 74     Lo: 53
Wind: Light onshore
67 miles


-randorides

Crusin' The OC with OFR

Garmin Stats from today's Permanent with OFR meet-up

FOG...itis!! That's what I call it when I rolled out this morning at 0500. Socked in changed my ride-in plans. Time for a ride on the Sprinter Train to Oceanside. Knee warmers, arm warmers and I wore my reflective vest over a stretched out large NCCC jersey. Train time allowed me to stretch out and do some warm-up exercises! Chatted with the security guard/ticket checker who was doing a 4-10hr day shift this week. Arrived before 0600, hit the bathroom and cycled over to the Circle K on Sportfisher to get a 15 cent receipt. Clocked in at 0603 and rode into the fog northward. Bright rear blinkie and John's gift $12 Dorcy helmet light.

Massive car line-up into Camp Pendleton early, so I opted for the fast I-5 route in the fog. Bike lane was super clean so I made good time. Near the Santa Margarita River, fog got very heavy. No problem seeing the roadway, as there were plenty of car lights to lead the way. Averaged around 20mph the whole section with the car "draft" doing all the work. Quiet ride through the campground where I met several commuter riders southbound. Made the normal BR#1 stop to refill bottle and take a whizz. A few bundled up surfers were cycling with surfboards near Trestles. Turned onto El Presidente to scoot some traffic. Lite traffic through downtown San Clemente. Made the final stop at Dohney State Beach. They were cleaning the bathroom, so I rode ahead and stopped at the next one around the curve. Topped off the water bottle, sucked a GU and ate a banana. Rode over to the OFR meeting place along the harbor. At 0800 I was riding around before spotting OFR Paul. Soon Kiwi Stuart rode up. I left them at 0815 with instructions on meeting me at Niguel Road and Coast Hwy. 1 later. (They were taking an easier route in lieu of the rando route.) Riding along Harbor Dr. also chatted with Troy and Dr. Dan, relaying to them the same meet-up message.

Fog riding early today and more came in late afternoon.

Dropped a chain on the ramp-up to Cove Road. As I was fumbling along, a MTB rider went by, spinning in his super low gearing. Out of the saddle, I soon caught up to him on the steep 19% grade. I continued on the rando route, passing along above the new home construction on the bike path near the beach. Couldn't see much due to dense fog. Soon made the turn at the Sea Terrace Park to pick up the rando route. Needed to do a quick recon on the new add-on section which goes under Hwy. 1, down hear the ocean and then loops back under Hwy. 1 again before picking up Salt Creek Bike Path. Did that and then rode back up hill to Sea Terrace Park. Waited about 10 minutes while taking off my warmers and woolie cap. Still foggy, but will be heating up quickly with the climbing ahead. Soon Troy showed up with his group of 8 OFR riders. Nice turn out for their drive up start in Dana Point.

Off we were on the modified Crusin The OC Rando route. I led out the first section and handed it over to Troy, who had the route loaded on his Garmin 810. I faded toward the back. Soon riders were turning all over the place and we had to stop as I went back to locate Bruce. To alleviate further stops, I decided to lead out at a more normal pace. ( Didn't really want to!) Soon we were back to the stay-close group again, without problems.  A short downhill on Niguel Pkwy and were were soon back in bike path mode, passing Sulphur Springs Reservoir in the light fog. Couldn't see the water. Aliso Creek Bike Path-South was next. Sun was out now and made riding easier. A 4 mile section on Moulton Pkwy brought us to JIB for a quick water refill . Last one till the turn-around in Orange.

OFR Gruppo on Aliso Creek Trail S in the sun

I ended up with Paul out front. He never stops talking. After a few more turns, we were finally on the San Diego Bike Path heading westward. There are several neat tunnels and crossing on this section. The group turned northward back on roads again at Harvard Ave. Did the zip-e-doo shortcut and onto the Peters Cyn. Bike Trail for several miles. Made the U-turn and looped over to the Irvine Bike Path, which took us in a round about way to Jamboree Ave. The old rando route goes on dirt here and through the Peters Canyon Regional Park. Our route today follows Jamboree up to the Chevron at Chapman Ave. Ahhh.. time for a break.

Tom Bandy's life long friend was there to eat lunch with him. Big wait at the bathroom, so we used the ladies unit. Most riders opted for a Subway sandwich. I was looking for something cheap for a receipt as I brought along my own eats. Around 30 minutes later we were on our way "down" Santiago Canyon Road. This is a local training route for TT riders and today was no exception. Sun was warming up things as the group split up. There are several climbs along this road but nothing over 6% grade. I dropped back to ride with Tom and Dan. Showed them the rail where Sam Thomas sat to call in his SAG team years ago. After the nice multi-mile downhill, we all had a regroup at Cooks Corner. Just ahead was some real nice riding on the Aliso Creek Bike Path-N.

Despite being forewarned,  several riders took off ahead down El Toro Road. The rest of us followed route and turned off on the Bike Path. Many miles of downhill now. Best to keep the group close together through here. Soon the others would join up on the path. Winding around past parks, golf courses and baseball fields we finally hit stride and dipped into the river channel. The route terminates along Paseo de Valencia near Laguna Hill High School. Next up was a few miles of road riding before a short section on the Forbes Bike Path. This led us under the Mission Viejo Metro Station and on to Camino Capistrano heading toward San Juan Capistrano town.

Waiting on the OSO Trail to San Juan Capistrano

By the turn to the Old Mission, the group stopped and I explained there was a dirt path through there down to  SJC. Bruce and I rolled ahead and the other decided to turn through the Mission! We chased them down and did a regroup. All agreed, some reluctantly, that they wanted some dirt path action. OK.. don't complain later. MTB guy Stuart and I led out. WOW! They had graded the old path and it was like a road now. No ruts, bumps or mud like last month. This was too easy. We soon made our way along the dirt trail to SJC. Interesting. A short jog on Del Obispo and we were on the new section of the San Juan Bike Path to the ocean. They had been working on that for a year now and it was really nice and smooth with a 3' block wall along the channel. Stiff headwind and fog arrived as Bruce and I led out to the coast. I parted company with the group at the trail-head and made my push southward in the cool lite fog.

I was feeling a little cool and off-kilter as I rode the bikeway toward San Clemente. Time for a 7-Eleven stop. I reloaded my bottles, ate the last sandwich, banana and crackers. Only 3:00 PM and the temps were dropping with the fog and breeze moving in. Put on my warm stuff and had a strong climb up through San Clemente town. ( That climb always perks me up!) Trestles Path had no cyclists or surfers this time. Solo ride down past San Onofre where I made my last stop at BR#1. Feeling good again, I paced it up to 17mph through the campground and down to Las Pulgas. I opted for the Pendleton route now. Heavy traffic was exiting the base as I entered. No traffic along Las Pulgas or Stuart Mesa Road. Construction had resurfaced the trenches in the road, but leaving the bike lane as before. Traffic picked up as I approached the Main Gate. With helmet light flashing I was soon back at the Oceanside Circle K for the final receipt. Fog had moved in for real now and it was getting darker. Washed up at the Station bathroom and waited around for the Sprinter to return back to San Marcos. Plenty of bike spots on the train this trip. 14-hour total today. 12 on the bike. Long day filled with abundant stopping.

OFR route video

Fog till 0930, clear later
Hi: 83     Lo: 48
Wind: NW-10
128 miles

-randorides

Super Bowl Climbing Day

Garmin stats from climbing ride today.

Re-trued up the rear SOMA wheel the other day and time to test out the new spokes on some climbing and bumpy downhills. I've played around with that new wheel rim for a year now over several thousand miles, but was never real happy it wasn't "perfect". It was always out-of-round with a little hump in it. Only noticeable to me, I guess?

Headed north via Country Club Lane. Jogged over to Jesmond Dene for a warm up climb. Then the long Champagne downhill to test out the bumps. Easy turn on Circle R with a nice relaxed climb up to Lilac Road, where I did my usual stop on a side apron to strip off my arm warmers and woolie headgear. Met a group of riders strung out on Lilac as I was blasting down. Last few riders already looked cooked! Climbed up Cooser Cyn steep climb in the 34/24T combo. A little out of the saddle work and also dropped down into my last cog (30T) to see if it works. Slower downhill than usual, as it seems the local road-racers moto faction have now discovered the Cooser/Rice Canyon Road roads. Guess Palomar South Grade was a little too busy today?

Another group of 6 riders were crossing the lower bridge as I was eating my sandwich while in slo-mode. Figured I would relax going up Rice Canyon, instead of the usual gasping effort. Only met 3 riders flying down. Finally got up to Rainbow, where I continued on Rainbow Valley Road over to Huffstatler St. Never been that way before! That led to 5th St. and the Rainbow Market. Busy place today, with a Harley ralley at the restaurant. I sat on the bench by the bathroom and finished my sandwich and 1/2 banana. Filled up my water bottles and decided to go east instead of the normal Fallbrook route.

SB on Twin Oaks Valley Road means some steep stuff!

Noticed that Camino Rainbow Road goes straight south at the 8th St. turn. I wondered where that went and if it would hook up with Rice Cyn. Road somewhere. ( After checking a map later, it goes straight south, turns to gravel and then hooks left and becomes Vanpaepeghem Lane on it's way to Rice Canyon Road. Might have to ride that someday to see if it really goes through without gates.) Been years since I've ridden south on Rice Canyon Road. Three short double digit climbs before the long downhill. Not that smooth as cut-dips were all over the road and hard to miss. Takes about 17 minutes from the Rainbow Market down to Hwy. 76. A third of the time as it takes the other way.

Haven't climb up Cooser Canyon Road from the north in years. Starts out with a slow gradual climb out of the valley and soon connects with several 12% bumps on the first section before dropping down past the black horse statue. Met one couple on the final climbing section: leader guy was calling out... "inside to outside, outside to inside" as they were making the downhill curves! Quite steady 8% here with 2 little 12% sections to keep gearing in line. The climb took about 17 minutes. The steep Cooser downhill followed and took a full minute! With the recent resurface, it was a fun, fast ride. Soon I spotted a lone rider ahead on Lilac Road.

I put the SOMA in stealth mode and climbed up on the older TREK rider, giving him a shock. Seems he and his wife were parked near Gopher Canyon Road and were finishing up their Rainbow loop. Drove in from Del Mar. His wife was out ahead and we soon caught up to her on her matching TREK bike. Chatted with them till the Hwy. 395 turn. They said they had done several riding trips to Europe and the Alps. Also did the recent Grand Fondo. Both were nearing 70 and looking to retiring soon. I handed them a Rando card with my info on for future use. I turned and headed for Bonsall.

Steady headwind all the way along Camino del Rey. Passed by a tri-rider hammering along on a new looking rig. He went up Olive Hill Road and I turned into Bonsall McDonald's. They had ice cream this time so I got my normal HF Sundae for $1.08. Ate that with my Almond Butter Crackers. Sat around too long before leaving in the warm sun. Time for some more climbing.

Went straight over the bridge onto River Road. Decided to turn left onto Little Gopher Cyn. Road. Hadn't been this direction in years either! Next up was a eastward swing on Gopher Cyn Road. Didn't remember what that was like. At least there was a decent bike lane for most of it. One longer climb and I finally made the turn onto Twin Oaks Valley Rd. I knew this was lo-gear time now!

Elevation profile from Super Bowl Sunday jaunt

I always liked this section when going the other way. Tough climbing now as there were several sections of 14%. At the top near the "Private Road"sign, several cars were parked and people were cutting/stealing the silver leafed plants! Longish, bumpy downhill next and brakes were working good. Looks like a new gate installed at the bottom from last month's trip through here. Gate was closed and new sign on the gate about video surveillance! Walked around the gate and proceeded down the hill past a few homes to the quarry. Road is all uphill now and today there was no traffic, unlike weekdays with the quarry trucks. Most grade was in the 6-7% range with a few 10% on the curves. After the top, it was a nice slightly bumpy downhill to the turn.

Straight down Twin Oaks is easy riding with a slight downhill to the 7-Eleven near the Post Office. Finished up, I turned north again for the final ride home.Good day today and handed out a Rando card too!

Clear skies all day
H: 86     Lo: 59
Wind: NW-10mph

68 miles

-randorides