Coronado XP-Keith Olsen Retirement Ride

Garmin Stats from the route today.

Special ride for Rando Keith Olsen today. On Wednesday, he retired from many decades working for San Diego County. Now his life will really get busy!

I checked the coastal weather online before leaving the house this morning. Fog advisory till 0900. I looked outside and it was clear and 51 degrees! Fog calls for the wind vest to keep the back of the jersey clean AND offers excellent reflective properties for the dark partial ride in. I left home at 5:45 under perfect riding conditions. As I made my way along Palomar Airport Road I could see the fog bank ahead. SOCKO! Melrose Drive was the line. Put my helmet light on blinkie and made sure my camera was inside my vest. Fog lightened up some when I got to the coast and stopped at the Cannon Park bathroom.

I was in no hurry till I checked my Gamin clock. 0645. GULP. Time to crank it up. Of course there was a NB detour in downtown Carlsbad. I hit the sidewalk at 17 mph. Finally rolled into Pier View Way at 0700, where the randos were waiting. Mike gave me the GoPro mount he ordered thru Amazon. I'm sure this new aluminum one will work better than the GoPro stock plastic one that broke on the Hemet 202 ride last Saturday. Mike is a hi-tech machinist at HP, so he know this stuff. Thanks Mike.

Rando Keith Olsen

Nice group today with Keith, fireman John Bruce, Dave Danovsky, Hector Maytorena, Mike Shaw and Dan Phillips. Pacific Street was closed due to the O'side Half-Ironman, so we jumped onto Coast Highway and rolled south at a moderate pace. Picked up climber Mac Imacseng along the coast. Riders pared off and the normal chit-chat resumed. Several of us stopped off at Swami's to strip down and any rider pick-ups. (Actually, NCCC & OFR rider Troy Buss was waiting for us there, but somehow missed us). Many riders out today as we made our way toward Torrey Pines climb. Dan Phillips stopped to take off his jacket before the climb and John Bruce did the steeper inland route to the top. I was sucking wind and didn't have normal lung capacity as I followed a group of riders up. All met up at the top, where we packed on the free bananas and filled our bottles.

Group kept together thru Rose Canyon as Keith opted to lead us on Mission Bay Dr. instead of the Rose Creek bumpy Bike Path. Another 5km race on Fiesta Island as the road was blocked off to cars near the Hilton Hotel. Lots of car traffic until we hit Old Town. Made our way along Pacific Highway into downtown, cut over on Hawthorn St and were soon at the Ferry Ticket Office well before 1000. Ticket office moved northward to new location along the strand. Fire captain John Bruce was turning around here. Nice guy and racer type rider that John guy. Tickets in hand, we lined up and were soon on board. Surprisingly, not many passengers on this trip. Only two other bikes in the rack.

San Diego Bay was very calm and the trip across loaded with local rando gossip. Hector and Mac were planning on PBP this year in August. Normally, Dan's buddy, Bill Stevenson would be with us, but he was over in Thailand checking out his new girlfriend. Lucky dog. Nice line waiting as we left the ferry in Coronado. A few fishermen were on the pier. Time for a bathroom break, some water and the pleasant ride around Coronado.

Group on Mission Bay Dr.

Abundant cyclists riding today as the gruppo made it's way onto the Bayshore Bikeway before Orange Ave. and around San Diego Bay. Mac, Hector and Keith did the lead-out. With a tailwind, the group kept together. As the pace-line rolled south, some guy with bike standing alongside the path yelled: "Faster guys!" As we cleared, I thought he said: "You guys SUCK"!

Mac was feeling it and made a wrong turn toward Imperial Beach. He caught back up near the salt ponds. When we exited onto the frontage road, I noticed two gnarly looking MTB'ers on dirty bikes riding our way. They looked out of place. I mentioned to Dan that they must be riding the Stagecoach 400, which in 2015 comes this way. ( Yes, I later checked and they started in Idyllwind on Friday, March 27. Those dudes are tough.) Following the frontage road around we were soon in National City at our usual control stop at JIB-AM/PM. Time for a break.

Paceline on Bayshore Bikeway

Keith, Hector, Dave and I were sitting in the shade alongside the AM/PM munching on goodies and stretching out our legs. This homeless thin guy kept coming over and mumbling something. Every answer was "No". We never did figure out what he was saying... maybe were were sitting on his sleeping area? I took a few snaps as Dan, Mike and Mac rolled over from JIB. Decided we would take Roosevelt St. over thru Barrio Logan instead of Harbor Drive past the shipyards. At a stop-sign, I noticed a long white haired guy in shorts walking across. "There's Keith next year!"  Headwind as we crossed over the rail-yard bridge into downtown San Diego.

We hit most of the red lights while riding Pacific Highway to Old Town. The 5km was cleared out on Mission Bay Drive. Dave led thru Rose Creek Bike Path to avert the Mission Bay Dr. traffic. Pace picked northward thru Rose Canyon. Announced stop at UCSD Campus for a water break. We did stop at the UCSD Gymnasium, but it was Spring Break closed. We lost Mike somewhere and several went back to check on him. Dan, Hector and I rode around looking for water. Everything was closed. Dan & I slo-rolled  thru campus and back onto Torrey Pines Road. Mike soon joined up for the plunge down Torrey Pines. Part way was down, I spotted a bike helmet and made a slo U-turn to check it out. Nada. It was all smashed up. We spotted the other riders behind and Dan & I did our usual race up Del Mar hill. I had him for a while, till he got out of the saddle and blew by me. Regroup after the Del Mar Heights light.

Clowning it up at Swami's

Group was back together now and Mac was turning off in Solana Beach to ride home. Mac is a excellent rider and strong climber on his lite Colnago. Hector led a quick pace as we rode around riders on our way to a short stop at Swami's Park. Time for water and a photo-op for Keith. We were ragging him all day and it didn't stop here! Retirement huh? I mentioned the possible AZ ride on April 18th. Horrible car traffic thru Encinitas as we worked our way northward.

Mike and Hector caught several lights as the group was slow rolling for a regroup. Several miles later, we hooked up again for the final push to the finish. Dan & Hector amped it up to Carlsbad. Rolling toward the newish traffic circle, some middle aged woman jogger in the bike lane was yelling at Dan to "Stay in the bike lane, there is a traffic circle ahead!" Keith figured it was some woman who just got divorced and didn't get anything in the settlement. I thought maybe it was one of Keith's old girlfriends! Hehe.

Finish near O'sdie Pier

Pacific Street was partially open to cyclists. We ended up on a detour to the newish Rail Trail Bike Path, following it thru heavy traffic to Pier View Way and the finish. Ironman was over and riders with hot TT bikes were leaving. I took a few pictures, Keith thanked us for a good ride and gave us a parting gift. Some sour twisty things! Thanks Keith! That puckered me up good. Dan I & I rode over to the Circle K for a ice cream sandwich. Sat across the street in the shade and talked about making ride videos. Dan rode home and I rode over to the Sprinter train to San Marcos.

Ride VIDEO

Fog early/clear later
Hi: 84     Lo: 57
Wind: WNW-10mph
125 miles (101 mi. route)


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Hemet 202

Garmin stats from today's ride.

I sent out a few ride notices Thursday after chatting with John Fry during our OFR Gruppo meet-up during the Dana Point ride. Foggy, damp ride in to the start, where Keith Olsen, Mike Shaw and Dan Phillips (rode in damp from Oceanside) were waiting for me before 0600. Dan was feeling better after a bout with the flu last week, Mike changed his scheduled Saturday ride from "Crusin The OC" and Keith was good to go for his job retirement next week!


We waited around after 0600 for John Fry to show. Something came up with John, so we left into the dampness, lights a-blazing (except Dan, whose rear tailight was only visible from 2 feet away!) Fortunately for me, my early choice on a reflective vest & arm warmers came in handy for the early conditions.

Dan looks for coins. Mike & Keith stoic poise

Normal chit-chat as we paired up and rode thru San Marcos. Normally, the fog disappears around the Deer Springs hill, not today! I was trying to catch some shots with the new GoPro HB mount and my around-the-neck Canon camera. Nice easy pace as the overcast kept hanging on. Fast Champagne downhill as the pace picked up before the first real climb up and over I-15 to Day-Lilly Hill (I call it that because of the past Day Lilly Nursery at the top)!. It's a tough climb and we regrouped back together for a short stop at the Shaun Harrison Memorial on Lilac Road. 

Marine & cyclist Shawn Harrison Memorial

Another fast downhill to Hwy. 76 before the long gentle climb up toward Fallbrook. We made a bathroom break at the Rainbow Market as the sun broke thru the clouds. Ahhh. Sunshine again! More video shots as we made good time down Rainbow Cyn., meeting many club riders grinding up. Easy riding before a welcome stop at Wolf Creek Park. This is a great place to stop. Good energy, clean bathrooms and cool water. Kids were already on the playground as a Filipino family was looking for a picnic spot.


After a brief stop, we're off for a climb around Temecula via Redhawk and Butterfield streets. Group stopped at Hwy. 79 for a decision on a "lite dirt route" OR "regular road route". Road route won so we turned right onto Hwy. 79 eastbound. Not too far on the narrow shoulders before we turned off on Anza Rd. and lite traffic. I stopped to chat with a group of cyclsts at our De Portola Rd turn. They said they were doing a training loop today. One smart dude said they were going to Coronado. LOL on that.

Glen Oak Road: Fix my tire for me.

Nice pace-line as we climbed up De Portola Rd past many equestrian estates and vineyards, The traffic was unusually lite today. At the turn onto Glen Oaks Road, an across-the-road rider was asking us for help to change his tire. Another example of a rider way out here who doesn't have the knowledge or tools to change his own flat tire. GO FIGURE!


Group made the turn onto Mesa Rd, where Dan amped up the pace on the rollers. More of the same on Benton Rd. as a string of Harleys passed. The turn onto Sage Road brought more traffic on the climb and especially later on the fast downhill toward Hemet. Also good for the video shots! Keith had a breakaway out front on Cactus Valley Road but Mike paced us back up to him on State Street before Hemet. We pace-lined it up to 21mph for the smooth ride in. Time for a nice turn-around break at Hemet Carl's Jr.

3-amigos on Cactus Valley Road

Keith had the big burrito and shake, Mike his normal fries & cola with a side of rice cake. Dan & I opted to split a choc shake. I gave him a $1 bill and 1/2 of my banana (Which looked fresh after the trip from San Marcos). I  juiced mine up by adding a Vanilla GU gel and sliced banana! Dan poured on his Chocolate GU with a side of banana. Yummy Power! Patrons were eying us like we were more than a little Spandex WHACKOS! Nice place to stop with decent bathrooms, viewable security on our bikes and a fountain for freebies! After refilling out bottles, we left Carls Jr. in 33 minutes.


Ride south out of Hemet is slightly easier with the side winds blowing. Group made good time to the longish Sage Road climb. Dan and I led out for a photo op. I managed to get some good action shots of Mike and Keith spinning up the 14% section. Short regroup at the Sage Fire Station before the fast downhill to Benton Road. Mike made the big downhill pull there, with Keith studying the logo on the back of his jersey. Dan & I caught up on the 10% Mesa Road climb.

Starting the climb up Sage Road

More hi-speed DH work as Dan pulled strong down De Portola Road into a headwind, where Keith picked it up to our turn onto Anza Road. Wind was blowing stronger from the west now as we skirted Temecula again via Nighthawk and Redhawk Roads. Back at Wolf Creek Park, the play yard was full and the wind was blowing good. Keith went over to stretch out in the sun, while Dan, Mike and I filled our bottle and added some go-powder.


Mostly together pacing up the short Rainbow Cyn. climb we earlier blasted down. The downhill race was on as the downhill specialists led the way toward Rainbow. Dan & I spotted them 1/4 mile lead as we strategized to get em on the slight hill out of Rainbow. Those boys were packing the meat as we caught them before the I-15 crossover.

Mike's tire takes a hit from road metal.

Dan was turning off to Fallbrook for some nice downhill and headwinds back to Oceanside on the San Luis Rey Bike Path. Mike led the trio down Old Hwy. 395 at 35 mph, throwing up some metal pieces he ran over. Keith stopped for a cramp break on the way down and noticed Mike's rear Gatorskin was missing some rubber chunks! Group stopped at the Circle K at Hwy. 76 for a water refill.

Two climbs left today and the first one is the 8%. Mike led out and I paced up with Keith. Regroup at the top and a tire check for Keith (or cramp break)? More fast downhill and a nice pace past Lawrence Welk today in the shady side of the road. Mike and I paced up Champagne climb together, having a good chat. No 12 minute climb today. Regroup at the top and a fast run down Centre City Pkwy. before the turn to Nutmeg St. past the abandon golf course. My GoPro bracket broke on the rough Nutmeg downhill, sending the camera crashing down roadside into some leaves. I rode back and found it quickly.

FINISH: Mike & Keith hi-tech talk

Mike picked up the pace for the final run on Mission Road thru San Marcos and one last turn onto Las Pulgas. Back at the finish, Mike was all over the Ice Cream Sandwich with Chocolate chaser. I got a freebie Horchata drink and Keith filled his bottle with ice for his Ensure recovery drink. Still daylight left with the time change. Took a few photos and we parted company. Another good ride. I headed back on Las Pulgas Road and on to Twin Oaks and home.

Hemet 202 Route Video

Fog/overcast early, clear later
Hi: 89     Lo: 50
Winds: WSW: 12
Elev. Gain: 7800
127 miles


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Ursa Minor: Route# 2084

I always carry a pak of Chamois Butt'r

OFR gruppo was heading north today (Thursday), so I'll hook up with them later on at Magee Park in Carlsbad. Left the house before 0600 and checked in at the 7-Eleven start control. Forgot my normal pak of Chamois Creme (just in case) so I returned home and picked one up. Headed out a little late now, but the weather was mid-50's and I amped it up some heading the backway to Del Dios Hwy.

Any weekday around 0700 near Del Dios Hwy. past the dam is a heavy traffic morning. No exception today. Couldn't wait to get to Rancho Santa Fe town. Most of the traffic has turned off by then. Finally arrived at Coast Highway, looking for a pick up pull up the coast. Not to be. I arrived in Carlsbad town around 0815, so I stopped at the local 7-Eleven for a ice refill on my bottle. Pulled into Magee Park to a nice OFR Gruppo. As normal, went over to the bathrooms by the church and repacked my arm warmers and had some clear water from the side fountain. Went back and chatted with the gruppo before we left.

Left Magee at 0835 and rode over to the main Pendleton Gate. Group rode the side way around and I took Vandergrift. I was waiting for them at the first climb, where there was a construction stop. Had a small group break-away to the Las Pulgas regroup. Chatted with John Fry about a ride on Saturday  to Hemet. He said it sounded good. I'll send out some email later today. Rode with the group thru the campground and took the neighborhood thru San Clemente. After Doheny Park, I left the gruppo and took the San Juan Bike Path over to SJCapistrano. Had my usual ice cream sandwich, refilled bottles and headed back into a headwind. Arrived at the trailhead early and decided not to wait around for the group. (They usually take 50 minutes to return)

Chatted with John Fry about Hemet ride.

Made good time with the tailwind push along the bikeway and up thru San Clemente. I usually always take the direct route straight up the hill thru town. Big ring and mid-cog worked good today. Made my way back to the campground, where I stopped at #1 for a refill. More good time with the tailwind to the Las Pulgas checkpoint. ( I rode over and checked the "no cyclists" sign on the I-5 on ramp. Later discovered it was meant for night time construction only. Next trip, I'll ride the I-5 and find out.)

Camp was a mess with several stops for construction. They also put in several long sections of new road surface. No lines yet. Cleared the camp and stopped at Harbor Dr. bathrooms. They were under construction. Forget it. Crossed the bridge and hit the SLR Bike Path with a tailwind. Made good time over to Bonsall for a ice cream treat. More smooth riding on Camino Del Rey with lite traffic. The last climb up Champagne was well under 12 minutes with big ring & 24T cog. Good enough today. Made my way back to the finish in San Marcos around 8hrs 30 minutes. The faster time must be due to the shorter wait time for the OFR Gruppo at Magee and at no-wait at Dana Point?


Clear skies
Hi: 83     Lo: 56
Wind: W-8 mph
129 miles



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Arizona Ride Consensus Mileage

Sparkly spoke reflection on SOMA @ 0500.

My plan today was to ride the Hemet 202.. You know the route... San Marcos up to Temecula, back way over to De Portola Road and then catch Sage Road up to Hemet. That's why I left home early and started at the mid San Marcos town AM/PM. Supposed to be slightly cooler today after days in the 90's around here.

No traffic to bother as I crossed under Hwy.78 and passed Palomar College eastbound. Nice ride up old Historic Hwy. 395 as the sun was starting to color the eastern horizon. With a new GoPro mount in place and my trusty Canon 1100 around my neck, it looked to be a perfect day for some video action. I was feeling good as I swooped down Champagne Blvd and past the Castle Creek Golf Course. In an instant, I changed my mind turning left on Camino Del Rey and on to Bonsall. I had an idea on the proposed ride out to Arizona. Needed to stop by and see Dan Phillips at his Bussey's Auto in Oceanside first.

Dan at Bussey's Auto in O'side.

Finished off the SLR Bike Path and took the Canyon Dr. climb over to Bussey's off Mission Road near downtown Oceanside. Dan was recovering from a bad cold or flu for the last week. He showed me his little video he made up and was interested in doing more action stuff on his moto and bike in the near future. I'd send him over the app I use to do my videos with: ProShow Gold. That works really good after many attempts with other software. I laid out my plan for the AZ ride and Dan seemed positive but didn't  think he was up to it now. Nice try anyway! I hung around a while and finally left for the trip southward along the coast. Next up was a stop at Nytro to check with Joe on the AZ planning. A few weeks back he seemed interested, so I'd run it by him.

Playing the blues at Swami's

Riding thru Carlsbad, I came up on a rider who looked familiar. Jeff said he met me last year down in San Diego and remembered my riding style. He was an ex-roofer and works at the Palomar Airport Road Dog Shelter. He is also remodeling a house to keep busy. We had a nice chat-ride all the way to Encinitas, where he turned off. I pulled into Nytro for some fresh water in my bottle. Joe was busy on the computer, putting together some big bike deal, so I chatted around, sat outside with my paltry banana and finally hit the road. No AZ trip discussion today. Looks like another solo shot for me in a week or two. Made a short stop at Swami's, where some older dude was trying to play blues on his trumpet. Took a short video of that for the archives.

Road south with nothing particular in mind. Ended up down near SDSU with a stop at the Ward Rd. 7-Eleven. Reversed course and went back up the coast with a nice tailwind to Olivehain and finally along Rancho Santa Fe. Decided to make the big climb up Elfin Forest Rd as the temps were getting hot now. Thanked a skateboarder mid-climb for pushing the crossing button which gave me a red light to suck some air down. Temp was near 88 on the Garmin now. Made the top by grinding out the 34T ring. Nice video with the GoPro of the 51 mph downhill into San Marcos with no cars passing this time. Stopped by Ralph's Store across from CSUSM. Always put my bike inside there. Picked up some on sale Powerbar Blasts... 4x$5 and a few Promax Lemon Bars 4x$5 with a Ralph's Card. Missed a great savings by leaving some Powerbar coupons at home.. DRAT! Good day on the bike.

51 mph downhill into San Marcos

Partly cloudy
Hi: 88     Lo: 56
Wind: SW-10
126 miles



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Recovery Ride + SLR Accident!

Garmin Stats from today's early ride.

Needed some quick miles early today so left just after 0500 in the cool dark. Had the double rear blinkies blasting on the SOMA to match the strong headlamp with 3 new rechargable AAA. Nice and cool at 51 degrees as I rolled down Mission Road eastward. Did the loop thru dark Country Club Lane where I almost planted a dude on a lightless bike! Only reason I saw him was I just happen to swing my headlamp over his way. NICE!

Hit Del Dios Hwy. with no traffic this early. Looked over a saw a 1/2 mile long line of traffic backed up on the road to the Lake Hodges Visitor Center/Boat Ramp. Must be some event over there today.. maybe a MTB event or something? Woke up when I rode thru a few pockets of the cold stuff around Rancho Santa Fe town. No traffic on the rollers to the coast. Didn't stop at my fav stop... Solana Donuts... for my usual Red Velvet fix. Nice quick pace up the coast into a slight headwind. Made the usual stop at Swami's where there were no cyclists yet.

Jumped on with a quick group up to Carlsbad, where I made a stop over at Magee Park, where I packed some things away and ate a banana, refilled my bottle and took a whizz. Back on Coast Hwy. 101, hooked up with a group of 4 and followed them at a race pace past the O'side Pier. Said hello to Dee Wells riding solo in her usual pink good looking kit. Split with the group at the SLR entrance. Headwind time ahead!

These guys had plenty of hands to fix flat tire on the SLR today!

Moderate Santa Ana blowing the last few days. Temps in the 90's today and headwind in the 20's early. In the drops and grinding along I kept moving along at a respectable 14mph. Police care blocking the SLR at Douglass underpass. I snuck by and saw two Treks along the rail, helmet lying on the path and a soaked towel in a 2 foot pool of blood! Ambulance must have already left with the injured when I arrived. Whatever happened, it was a heck of a hit to loose that much blood. WHEW! Stopped by the Buchannon Park on College for some water after that.

More light headwind on SR-76 over to Bonsall. I was in the drops and grinding along at a comfortable 15 mph. Good time to have a TT setup. Pulled into McDonalds before 9:30. No cyclists there yet. Had my usual and laced it with a GU Mocha with banana slices! YUMMY! After a bit, a group of 12 Velo riders came in for water. I was quite comfortable, or I would have joined them for a draft if they were going on Camino Del Rey. They had all cleared out by the time I was refilled and ready to roll.

Still a slight headwind over to Old Hwy. 395. Did meet a few cyclists going northward. Got a timer on my Champagne solo climb. Did see a rider far ahead and soon caught up to him. Shirtless guy with a helmet on a carbon Scattante bike. This middle aged guy was really struggling up the climb. I paced him a little, giving him some encouragement. He said he had been off the bike for a year. Soon left him and went after another rider, just a dot on the road ahead. Never did catch her. Turned off and caught a welcome tailwind down Deer Springs Road @ 38mph. Wasn't long and I was back home to my recovery drink mix. Good stuff. Good ride today for a shortie. Nice pace up Champagne for a 11min 30sec time, which included my time with the struggling rider.

Clear skies
Hi: 93     Lo: 51
Wind: NE-17mph
68 miles

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Coastal Cool-Off

Rode south with lifeguard Todd to his job at So. Ponto Beach

OFR Gruppo was riding to Cabrillo Monument today, so thought I might tag along for a few miles. Left San Marcos after 0700 and took the back way to the coast. Then went north toward Oceanside where I chatted with a MTB rider on a older Gary Fisher. Parted with him in Carlsbad  and waited for the Magee Group to show at 0830. No one riding south, so I left with a group of small hard bodies women TT racers. That wasn't much fun so I hung with a guy carryinga big backpak. Name was Todd and he was riding to his lifeguard station in So Ponto Beach! Nice talk with him. Rolled into Swami's at 0910 to a larger group of OFR riders.

Chatted with Paul Nevin about his GoPro set up. I noticed he had his camera case mounted on his rear seat, but no GoPro inside. Paul said he was still sorting out images from last ride. Some 10,000 of them! Way too many to do anything with. He said he also had ordered a GoPro wrist remote control from some Chinese firm. When it arrived, it was junk and he sent it back and ordered a regular GoPro one for more money$. Group left Swami's headed sourth to LaJolla Pannikin and some to Cabrillo Monument. I'll tag along for a while.

OFR riders Tom, Paul, Steve and Al at Cabrillo Monument

While waiting for the group to arrive at the top of Torrey, I hit the water fountain and the fresh-cleaned Porta-Potty. Group left 15 minutes later. Rode thru UCSD campus, where some split off downhill for the Pannikin. Seemed rather disorganized as they opted for another stop at a Mission Bay bathroom. I bid "adios" and kept riding. Looped around and ended up at the Dog Beach 7-Eleven for refill with ice. Rode over to the beach and sat on a bench watching the dogs shit and no one clean up after them. Real nice. Dogs kept coming up and wanting some food. Sorry dogs, not good for you.. or me either! Rolled eastward with a tailwind.

Took the back way via Seaworld bike path and also followed it around Mission Bay to Anza Cove. Then the Rose Creek/Canyon paths and up Gilman. Feeling 50% on the climb up thru UCSD campus and down Torrey. Picked it up some and rode with an older guy on a black fixie thru Del Mar and on to Solana Beach. Said this was a new black frame as his other blue one broke! Parted with him and rode up to Nytro in Encinitas. Headwind all the way!

Deal on HB GoPro kit from Nytro

Chatted with Joe Morgan about a possible ride to AZ land. Also hooked up for a deal on a GoPro HB mount kit. Nytro won't be carrying a lot of GoPro things anymore. Low profit margin on those things. Also checked out shorts. No deals there. Headed north in to a normal headwind with a Nytro bag full of stuff strapped to the top of my HB bag..

Decided to stop over at COSTCO on Palomar Airport Road for a yogurt swirl. A mass of "yogurt" for $1.39. Put a GU gel on top and watched people with overloaded carts running around. I could barely finish the mass of yogurt before waddling out on the SOMA. Made the 3 climbs into San Marcos in quick order with the heavy tailwind pushing. Rode past Palomar College alongside heavy afternoon traffic. Some racer guy with a backpak buzzed past me. What else is new? Feeling good, I turned left on Twin Oaks with the load bouncing around on my HB bag!

Clear skies
Hi: 89    Lo: 55
Wind: NW-12mph
 93 miles


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Sandia Creek Century-R: "Leg Buster"

Garmin Stats of the Sandia Creek-R route today.

Been several years since I've done Sandia Creek from Fallbrook side. Vivid memories of last trip was not that great. Sort of a lame 27T cog with a 34 chainring in the front plus a little skipping around made some tough climbing work. Said I wouldn't be doing it again for a while. I'M BACK!

Rolled out at 0700DST...errr that means 0600 regular time. I'd be doing the official REVERSE Sandia Creek Century RUSA Route #2366 today... if I could remember it. SOMA was without the GOPro due to lack of proper HB bracket. Didn't have any at the local San Marcos Best Buy. Decided I would glue on a front and back piece to reinforce the lame bracket the had which was due for failure. More on that later this week. Hung the trusty old Canon 1100 Powershot around my neck and away I went. Might make a video of this reverse route someday.

Sandia Creek Road 20% climb looms ahead!

Headed north up Nutmeg and Centre City. Did meet one lone rider slugging his way up Champagne Blvd. Temps were warming up under clear skies this morning as I had a nice roll through the great riding Camino Del Rey to Bonsall. Stopped at Mickie D's for a water refill and took off the arm warmers and woolie cap. Cycled north with average climbing all the way on Mission Road admist busy traffic into Fallbrook. No control stop at JIB, but did take a picture. Quick downhill into DeLuz valley with a stop or two for pics.

Climbing starts with the right turn onto Sandia Creek Rd. Gradient starts out real easy with 2% and slowly builds up to the first 14% climb. Next up is a little leveling off before the jumbo 20% leg buster. I was huffing and puffing up that sucker. It's got a false top and another 15% after that. The fast turning downhill @14% before the never ending rollers. I figured it was 8 at 13%. Some racer dude came from a side road and blew by me on his racing lite bike. Also met 4 other riders heading south. Couldn't wait for the long downhill on Rancho California Road. Of course, there was construction happening with a car traffic stop. They let me blow thru and that was nice! Took the usual back way around Temecula Old Town and stopped at the 7-Eleven on Bedford Ct. Time for a refill, banana and ice cream sandwich.

SOMA by Sandia Creek Rd. orange trees

Seemed to be warming up some as I made my way up Rainbow Canyon climb @6%. Turn-around rider was waiting at the top and let me go by before passing me to show how fast his downhill was to Rainbow. I almost pulled him back on the mini-climb to the I-15 turn, but he was soon out of sight on the Old Hwy. 395 downhill. I was climbing to Fallbrook instead. Managed to take some good shots of Live Oak Park and Green Canyon downhills. Hellers Bend is my favorite short road as the quiet is deafening! Another alternate stop at Bonsall for another banana and yogurt cup. After a refill, I was off with sunshine westbound into a headwind.

Waived at the moto-cop hiding by Singh Way tomato fields. Thought about a moving pic of him, but decided otherwise. Quiet turn off onto the San Luis Rey Bike Path. More headwind and only a few cyclists this time of day. No one to hook-up with and no racers passed me this trip. Followed the route and exited the SLR onto Coast Highway and thru the Surfrider Chevron Control for a picture. Then it was off for a short photo shoot at the Oceanside Pier.

March flowers along Green Canyon Road

Not much action along the coast today. Managed a stop for some video clips south of Carlsbad. Made the turn on La Costa thru road glass. Decided to stop at the La Costa Circle K Control for a water refill and some photos. Picked up a 39 cent carmel for a receipt and then hit the climb past John M's house before turning onto So. Rancho Santa Fe toward San Marcos. Followed the route to LaPosas and past Palomar College, trying to get a moving shot of the college thru traffic. Checked out at the handy 7-Eleven for a 8 hr ride day.

Sandia Creek Century-R Video


Clear skies all day
Hi: 93     Lo: 51 (Garmin Stats)
Wind: W-10mph
94 miles




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Warm Bike Path Video Quest

Smashed car on Old River Road

Local temp warm up around here the last few days. Looks like a nice easy day in the saddle catching up on a few video shots for stock footage. Had the GoPro 2 on the handlebars and my trusty Canon 1100 around my neck. Left San Marcos before 0700 and headed up Twin Oaks Road. Decided I would chance Deer Springs Rd. this Saturday morning. Nil traffic as I started the last part of the climb. Several riders passed before the upper guardrail, but I held my pace instead of tagging along. Would see them later on as they pressed up Mountain Meadows climb and I turned down Champagne Blvd. Stopped for a few vintage photos and several GoPro clips before stopping off at the Bonsall McD's.

I'm following the traditional Bike Path X Two route today. After a water refill, I headed back across Hwy. 76 onto Old River Road. Met the same cyclists that passed be earlier before I turned off onto the Old Bonsall Bridge. Camera running, I climbed up Holly Lane and made my way over to Old River Road via the dirty road. Only lite traffic now as I slowed for some photos of a car accident roadside. Groups of cyclists out today. Most were turning up Sleeping Indian climb! Made my way over to College and the SLR. Stopped at Mance Buchanon Park for a short relief and a drink before jumping on the SLR to Oceanside.

Another busy day at Nytro Multisports

Bike Path was real busy this morning. Tip-top TT riders in their mega-buck rigs were smokin' it up! Exiting the SLR, I followed the original route slip and swung by the Surfrider Chevron. Purely empty. Randos usually don't stop here anymore due to the rudeness of the staff, PLUS no cheap "proof of passage" stuff either. Stopped by the O'side Pier for the usual photo op, before making my way to Magee Park. That church always has something going on and today was no exception. Also there was the Saturday dog training session going on. Yes.. good time for some photos too!

Hooked up with a hard body and her friend as I rode along the coast toward Encinitas. Rolled the video as SDBC riders blew through stop signs and red lights. Real nice examples. Stopped off at Nytro for a water refill. Place was packed and the chairs outside were filled up with the Filipino Flyers cyclists. Next stop was Swami's Park for live music. Used both the Canon and GoPro to catch the mood before pacing south with a stop at Cardiff Beach. Nice clear blue-sky day as several swimmers were wading across the lagoon inlet against the rising tidal flow. I stopped to check out the GoPro mount on the bars. Seemed a little wobbly to me. YEP! Mount broke off. So much for quality* At least it didn't end up on the road!

Water fun at Del Mar Dog Beach

I packed away the GoPro in my HB bag and continued on to the paddle-boarders down the coast. Big-ringed it up to Del Mar in a small cog, just like Jimbo does! Mmmm.. easy enough... might be the way to go? Cut off onto Carmel Valley Road and a photo shot at the 7-Eleven Control at El Camino Real. Followed a rider onto the SR-56 Bike Path and stayed with him to Camino Del Sur. He is a chiropractor guy and was out with his buddy for a ride. Only thing was, his Colnago buddy had a triple flat and went home. Nice chatting as we parted ways. Then hooked up with a SDBC Colnago rider up to Black Mtn. Road. I continued on straight to Sabre Springs and followed the route along Poway Road to the 7-Eleven Control there. Heck of a lot of traffic into Poway today.

Went off route and rode straight east on Poway Road to the Best Western Motel. That is where the SDrandos main hub is for the Brevet Week rides. (Finishing up this weekend). Massive traffic as I picked up a IC Sandwich at the next 7-Eleven and made my way over to a nice park by Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. Sat in the shade on a picnic table and finished off the ice cream.

Quiet at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church park

Next up was some climbing up to Esploa Road as I made my long way back on route. Temps were in the high 80's by now but I felt just right in my wool SDrando jersey. Stopped along Pomerado Road to add some Chamois Creme to my sore ass. Seems the old short pads slip around and don't cover the saddle much anymore. That did the trick. Made the turn across the Lake Hodges Pedistrian Bridge and around under I-15. Did make a last stop for the day at Mule Hill Chevron for some Vitamin Water. Pricy, but tasted real good today.

Followed the route up Bear Valley and turned off onto Sunset. Juniper St. was real quiet and offered some nice photo shots. Lite traffic thru Escondido on Broadway up to Jesemond Dene. Still some cyclists around as I ran some video on the JD climb. Turned off at Deer Springs and made my way back to San Marcos. Good warm day on the bike.

View route video.

GoPro handlebar bracket broke off!

* (When I got home I researched this online and found that this breakage was a common feature for GoPro's HB mount. Several metal options are available for $$.)

Clear skies all day
Hi: 88     Lo: 56
Wind: W-9mph
103 miles 


-randorides

Uni-Loop, Check It Out Ride

As compared to Albany Sam's weather OR Crista's Washington DC temps, it was really nice this morning around here. To me it was COLD at 40 degrees as I left home in the dark. After check in at the local 7-Eleven, I rode back home to pick up some thing I left behind earlier. Think I have a super slo-leak in the front G'skin. We've all had those that leak 10 lbs of air a day... you get your bike ready for a ride and discover it's 20 lbs low after only 2 days. Fix it now or wait till later? Mmmm, I'll wait till I get a real flat.

I watched F-35's dong touch & go's at MCAS Miramar

Took an alternate route up to Bonsall. Low 30's wind chill down Champagne must be avoided at all costs! When I finally hit the San Luis Rey Bike Path, the sun was creeping up and it felt really good on my back. No riding buddies around so I kept a even 17mph to Oceanside, where I stopped by the pier for a moment to check out the nice looking waves. Thought there would be more surfers around.

Didn't stop at Pacific Cycle to window shop today, but instead got to Magee Park's bathrooms and stripped off the warm stuff. Looks like a pleasant day today. Met up with OFR riders, Kiwi Stuart Smedley, Mike Tull and Rando Bob in the parking lot and we left at 0830 for the ride down to Swami's in Encinitas. Tom Hansen joined up along the way south. No pickups at Poinsettia Lane today. Chatted with Stuart about MTB biking on the way down. Nice group waiting at Swami's when we arrived.

Chatted with Jimbo Wisener and John Fry while there. John had a Dr. appointment and wouldn't be riding much with the group. Nancy and Mike VonNeuman are in for good from Atlanta now. Mike has some back issues and can't ride too long. They were both really strong NCCC riders while they were living here 4 years ago. Group left southbound at 0915. They were going inland to Peet's Coffee and then over to Rancho Bernardo and back to the coast. Jimbo and I big-ringed it up to Del Mar and waited for the "neighborhood" route group to catch up. I decided to part company and head up Torrey Pines. Adios!

Nice solo tempo up the climb and kept rolling straight ahead. Cut over and rode through UCSD Campus before the nice Gilman downhill to Rose Canyon BP. A few racers passed as I chugged along. Did the Morena Blvd route instead of the traffic Mission Bay thing. Thought about doing the full Friar's Rd, but didn't like the traffic. Instead ended up on Ward road for a 7-Eleven break for ice cream.

Roadside bag pick-up on Bear Vly.

Reversed course and decided to change things up a bit and turned off Morena onto Garnett. Always wondered where that road went. CLIMB, that's where it went. Eastward ho! After several long climbs road changes to Balboa Ave. Crossed the 805 with no traffic problems and then Hwy. 163. Sort of knew where I was now. Kept crankin eastward till I hooked up with Kearny Mesa Road. A left turn put me back on familiar roads as I was heading for MCAS-Miramar. I did a 15 minute stop alongside the road to observe F-35 touch and gos. A few Osprey also came in. Powerful stuff to relate to the book I just finished: "Fighter Pilot" by Robin Olds. Turned east on Miramar Road and headed to Poway via Pomerado. Yes, I still read hard cover books!

Nice bike lane climbing up Pomerado since the last time I was this way. New road surface and wider bike lane now. Downhill across Scripps Poway Rd and into Poway. Yelled at a TREK MTB rider who deliberately ran a red light. Rode with a cross rider on a old steel Bianchi out for a noon-time ride. Said he rode some of the Poway Trail on his hour lunch break. I was impressed as he said "adios" and left me behind easily. "Tony" was from Flordia and works over by Wal-Mart. Followed the BW 300 route northward.

Heavy road construction on Bear Valley Pkwy. I slogged up the climb northward and noticed a blue bag along the road. Did my normal turn around and picked it up, shook it off and packed it on my HB bag. Might be able to salvage it for home use? Rode all the way north till El Norte Pkwy. School was out and traffic was heavy. Rode westward into a stiff wind as I plowed toward San Marcso. Finally, made my final hook-up with the 7-Eleven in San Marcos and rode home, feeling good for today's effort.

Sunshine, on my window
Hi: 74     Lo: 40.8
Wind: W-12mph
126 miles



-randorides

Bike Stuff After Rain Ride

Good option in Salsa Cowbell bars

Had a few things to do early today and didn't get a chance to ride the Fix My Bike #2431 Rando route with John Fry and Keith Olsen. Rolled the SOMA out of San Marcos well after 0900 and headed for Rancho Santa Fe before catching a few racers up the Coast Hwy. 101 to Encinitas. Stopped by Nytro and checked out some bike stuff.

Ultegra 6500, 12-27 9 sp cassette and pricing on Salsa Cowbell #3 handlebars (slight flare out like my bent NItto rando bars) Also picked up more packets of WD-40 bike lube vials to hand out. Got a few of the 6mm bolt cap rubber plugs that work so good on the exposed headset bolt head. Finished off the headset cap. New guy at the counter and several customers wandering around. Midly busy for a Tuesday mid day. Also needed to pick up a "O" ring for the front Tektro 556 long reach brakes. Didn't have any, but Joe suggested I go down the street and check out ACE Hardware. I did that & found one that worked perfect. Cost a whole 23 cents too!

Picked up "O" ring for Tektro brakes

At my banana and rode north into a noticable head wind. Passed OFR rider Kwiw Stuart. We soon joined up and rode up to Carlsbad. I was going over to Perf. Bike and he was going home. I followed Stuart around several off streets and ended up on El Camino Real. Then we crossed Hwy. 78 and eastward on Vista Way. Stuart soon turned off to home and I cranked er up to the bike shop.

I was the only customer in Performance. Sales chief Dube was there working the clothing line on the racks. Two new guys behind the counter and another on the floor. Didn't know any of these guys, but they all sort of looked alike with beards. Mechanic Ed was also behind the counter chatting with Ex-Sorrento Mgr. Bill. I check out the cycling shorts, looking for the nice ULTRA style by Performance brand. NCCC rider Tony Long said they dont' make them anymore. He was correcto. Now they have labelled "ULTRA" a shiny pair with a 3" gripper band at the bottom. No deals on those and I didn't like them anyway. Checked over the dirt bikes, including several Charge models from England. Mostly aluminum instead of steel frames now. Said my goodbys and rode north to hook up with the SLR Bike Path.

Mini rubber bolt plug caps are neato!

Lots of riders out today after several days of rain. Made my way over to Bonsall and finally back to San Marcos. Air and roads were nice and clean after the rains of days past. Winds were 15 mph from the west.

Blue skies and sun
Hi: 69     Lo: 54
Wind: W-15mph
88 miles

-randorides