Crusin' The OC Group Ride

Garmin Stats from today's ride.

34 degrees when I left home today. YIKES! Highs were forecast for the low 60's with clear skies. Pondered the clothing set up. Decided on base SS T-shirt, wool long sleeve under the colorful wool SD Rando jersey. I'd add some wool arm warmers and the home-made reflective wind vest as required. I also threw on a set of knee warmers to cap off my long wool orange/black ski socks, a heavier woolie cap and long fingered gloves under my fingerless regulars.

Missed the Sprinter train to Oceanside, so had to blast-it to arrive in 45 minutes. As I was riding down Mission, I was thinking about the fastest way over. Decided on Palomar Airport Rd., as it would be warmer than the San Luis Rey Bike Path! Arrived at 6:46 to a group of cyclists waiting and chatting: Mike Shaw, Dave Horwitt, Keith Olsen, George Freeman (from Michigan visiting daughter), Dan Phillips, Bill Stevenson, Dave Davonski and Jeff (George's son-in-law). Hard to get riders attention to start with all the chatting going on, but we finally left at 0548 and rode north.

San Clemente Beach Trail

I had plotted out the full route into two files for downloading to bike computers OR checking out on the RIDEwithGPS web site. We rode along the I-5 instead of going through the base. (Not many cars were entering the base today) Jeff dropped off as he was doing a shortie today. Stopped at the Rest Area before riding up to Las Pulgas where we turned off and followed the Old Pacific Hwy. Bike Route up through the base and into the San Onofre Campground. We stopped a bathroom #1 for water and a whizz. Soon we were off and riding through San Clemente along Del Presidente. There we turned off and dropped down to enter San Clemente State Park. Our first taste of a little dirt riding among joggers along the Pacific Coast. Nice slow pace here, as many riders hadn't been this way before. Seemed to be lots of energy along here at 0900 in the morning. I enjoy riding along here as it denotes a true rando route instead of always blasting down a roadway watching the clock. We made an announced stop at the 7-Eleven just off the end of the Path. Time to load up. 20 miles to the next possible refuel stop.

Alsio Creek Trail entrance.

Several of us went next door to the bathroom and the word wasn't passed along. Dave Horwitt missed us and sped up the road, thinking we were gone. Bill saw him in the distance riding on the wrong side of the road. He was long gone. We finished up at the coffee shop and continued our quest northward on familiar roads through Doheny Park and along Harbor Drive. Tough climb up Cove Road and then we followed a few short bike paths before a 1/2 mile ride on Hwy. 1. I brought my first map up on my Garmin now. Time for Salt Creek Bike Path. Keith was the only one who loaded the route up on his computer. He later turned it off because he couldn't see it with his dark glasses! I had ridden this way earlier, but had to use my mapping on several occasions. Since this was a modified route, no one else had a back up file loaded!

Peters Cyn. Park dirt trail

This is a nice section with mostly bike paths winding around the area. After several stops on the Salt Creek Path for clothing refit, we jumped on a 1/2 mile roadie route down to Laguna Hills Park., rode by  Sulphur Springs Lake and ended up on Aliso Creek Trail. At the cute little Sheep Hills Park, we looped up and entered the bike lane along Moulton Pkwy. After a brief stop at JIB, we soon entered the San Diego Bike Trail westward. A little hard to follow here, as the Trail crosses the river channel several times.  Several special bike underpasses and road crossings made this real bike friendly. At Harvard Ave. we turned NW on the original Crusin The OC route and entered the Peters Bike Trail.

The group jumped over to the other side of the channel onto the Irvine Bike Path. Dave Davonski left us by Jamboree Ave to hook up with his girlfriend on a shopping spree. A few bike path turns and we entered Peters Canyon Regional Park. Here Bill led up the dirt trail with his Panaracers 32mm tires. Quite a few hikers through there today. A sidewalk path led the group up to our turnaround point at the Chevron. We saw Dave Horwitt was already there, waiting on us! Back together again!

Warmer riding down Santiago Cyn. Road

Dave was in a rant and rave mood. We wanted food! He settled down after flailing about for a few minutes. George, Dan and Bill hit the Subway for a big boy. Keith and I opted for some Vitamin Water with our sandwiches. Faster portion of the route ahead. Sun was out and temps around 60 degrees now. Keith and I added small auxiliary bottles of beverage to our load as we headed out for some roller work on Santiago Cyn. Road. The word was out that we would regroup at Cook's Corner (Harley Hangout ahead). We ended up with Dave, George and Keith ahead and Dan, Bill, Mike and I pulling up the rear. Finally, a regroup at the corner. Next up was Aliso Creek Trail. ( Not the same section we were on earlier)

We coerced Dan & Dave into leading out. Just follow the trail as it loops around, under and through the Aliso Creek Channel! Crossing 2 trail bridges, we were soon through Lake Forest Park and waiting for a crossing light near Laguna Hills High School. We left the Trail here and got in some road riding along Paseo de Valencia to Cabot Rd. Two miles ahead we turned left and entered the short Cabot-Forbes Bike Path, which led straight to the Mission Viejo Train Station. A short hike-a-bike took us under the station and onto Camino Capistrano. Ahhh, easy riding straight down to San Juan Capistrano now.

SB on Aliso Creek Trail starts here.

Wrong! Time for some dirt work as we entered the Capistrano Church grounds. Shhhh, speaking of quiet, this was it. We turned through the soccer fields and entered the Oso Rancho-Capistrano Trail. This was really beat up with the recent rains and horse traffic, much tougher riding than it usually is. Met two equestrian groups along this stretch of trail. I've learned there is only one way to let horses pass and that is STOP and be quiet. The riders thanked us for the courtesy on their well trained mounts. Another 3 miles and we were sitting at Carl's Jr in San Juan Capistrano on a mini-break stop. Bottle refill time and chomped my last tuna/cheese sandwich.

The pace picked up now as we entered the San Juan River Trail from the south. They are still working trail-side near the bridge, and the standard route is fenced off. Nice 19 mph paceline to the coast and back onto Park Lantern. The fast boys pulled us back through Doheny Park and into San Clemente. Following the route against several jeers, we turned back on the Beach Trail. Late afternoon, still found plenty of joggers along the trail. Relaxing pace on the climb out of the park. Sun was dropping as we stopped for the last time at San Onofre Park #1 again. Time to put on the warm clothes and get the lights ready. Dan didn't bring any lights, so he was in a hurry to get back back down to Las Pulgas Road.

Bumpy Oso-Capistrano Trail

Dan, Mike, Bill, George and Keith took the I-5 route to Oceanside. I opted for the Camp Pendleton. Never been through there after sunset and wanted to see the base policy for real. Dave followed me to the gate. Marine security said that "all you needed is front & rear lights, reflective gear and follow the protocol" and we're good to go! OK by us. We slo-paced it through the camp. Dave was a little anxious about his car in Oceanside not having any electrical power when he left it before the start this morning. Some road construction along Stuart Mesa Road, so we rode out in the lane. Not much traffic till we got over to the main gate. Saw the other riders at Circle K when we arrived before 6:00 PM.

Said our good-byes at the finish and got ready to leave. Mike, Dan & Bill were riding home. Keith went over to Dave's car in case he needed a ride back home. George had a flat front tire as he was leaving Circle K. Surly got it on the trek along I-5? George couldn't figure out how to get his CO2 inflator to work correctly. I got out my trusty mufti-purpose pump/CO2 unit and made quick work of it. We rode a bit through Oceanside, where I soon turned off and boarded the Sprinter Train back to San Marcos. George rode down Coast Hwy. and back "home" (Staying at Jeff's place.) Keith later said he did drive by Circle K to check on us.

Got in the full planned route today. Lots of stops. Only 9 hours of riding and the rest stopping. Not much race-pace till the end. Very good turn-out for a short notice and a longer ride. Two no-shows from Orange County. Guess they just wanted the .gpx route track for further use. Looks like this would work with a Metro up to a San Clemente start and then add in the long path/dirt trail section I left out this trip due to time constraints. Interesting indeed.

Clear skies all day
Hi: 64   Lo: 34
143 miles

-randorides

"Crusin' The O.C" Recon Ride

I like riding the recon routes best of all. No racing, peer pressure to keep up or rushing the clock. You can take your time and wander off track, taking a few pics while exploring new areas. Today, I'm doing busy work on another way up to the Orange Chevron Control from San Clemente AND an alternative way back vs the old Crusin' The OC route.

San Clemente Beach Tail skirts ocean

Looked like a good day as I hopped the 0600 train over to Oceanside. Bikes were stacked up like cordwood on board, rusted chains, ripped seats and give-a-shit attitude. Mounted up the Panaracers 32mm tires on the SOMA last night, anticipating some dirt work today. Lowered the air pressure to 80/75 psi. Wore my cool evening riding kit which included SS under-layer shirt, arm and knee warmers, woolie cap and reflective wind vest. 49 degrees when I left home, but warming up to the 70's today.

Checked in to my favorite Oceanside 7-Eleven before heading north. Chatted with the Pakistani manager. He has a TREK and always asks me about my riding. Sun was rising and the stiff-flag wind was blowing good from the East. Jumped onto the I-5, as the Pendleton Main Gate was packed with cars. Litter-free bike lane as I felt like I was pedaling in mud. Must be poor recovery from the late hammerfest on Saturday's ride. Soloed up through the San Onfre Campground and stopped at #16. No riders around on this Monday. Still slogging as I stopped at Carl's Jr. to ice up bottles and take a whizz.   

Turned off the "neighborhood" route and went down to the San Clemente Beach Trail. Slow but pleasant riding here. Even dogs have the right-away over cyclists! Not many joggers out for a Monday. Did the loop around and went up Cove Road followed by several short Bike Paths before a 1/4 mile jaunt on Hwy. 1. Turned off near the Monarch Beach Golf Course and entered the Salt Creek Bike Trail. Stripped down and neatly packed the clothes on the HB bag. A few joggers and many dog walkers along here. Several short double digit climbs and spots where the Trail was bumpy and rough. Since leaving the coast, it's slowly climbing for the next 5 miles with ducking through 2 bike tunnels. After a brief downhill on Nigel Road, my carefully plotted route enters Laguna Nigel Park, where I picked up the path again.

Sulphur Creek Resevoir has fish!

Sulphur Creek Reservoir is skirted by the Bike Path. The water level looked high and it was packed with family fisherman. Looked like fun to me. I almost stopped to ask this guy carrying a bucket if they actually catch any fish here. The path winds around the park, crossed busy Alicia Pkwy. and picks up northward on Alsio Creek Trail. Many women hard-bodies jogging along here today. Four miles later, I stop at Sheep Hills Park for a photo op after missing a .gpx turn. Now for the longest road ride on this plot, 4 miles on Moulton Pkwy. with a jog over to Research Dr. I was a little nervous about this section, but car traffic was surprisingly sparse at best along here. This led to a hook-up with the San Diego Creek Trail westbound.

Cute San Diego Creek Trail bridge

Took me a while to hook up with the SDCT as I had several "Off Course" notices from my Garmin. Finally back on course, this Trail crosses over San Diego Creek 3 times. Without previous route knowledge, my Garmin came in real handy to sort out these turns. (I set it to " 200 feet" on the screen as this seemed to work best.) A little slow at refreshing when I was riding over 14 mph, esp when a turn was upcoming. All downhill now as this Trail dips under several roadways and through some neat tunnels on it's way over to Harvard Ave. Here the route picks up the regular "Crusin" route and shortly connects up with Peters Trail. I left this side of Peters Trail after a mile and turned left over Bryan Ave, where Peters Trail (West Irvine Trail) resumes again.

Totaled car that hit lamppost.

This section of trail has both a hard surface and a dirt surface (for joggers and horses). It soon loops over for a section along Jamboree Ave. Police were there in force. Seems a driver veered over into the bike lane, jumped the curb and took out a light pole. Totaled! ( I took a few pics of this, just to remind me how nice it was to be on the bike trail.) The trail goes through Valencia Park then jogs over to Cedar Grove Park. This led to the dirt riding through Peters Canyon Regional Park. Some trail were for MTB's only. Met several hikers through here. Standing water where I had to carry my bike around. Tires worked OK on the mild dirt climbing required. This leads to a sidewalk path up to the Chevron Control. I was 6 hours into the ride and only half-way there!

Looks like a long day as I sat and finished off my last tuna sandwich. My cashew butter/crackers, bananas and energy bars were long gone. Prices inside were a joke. I finally opted for a bottle of Vitamin Water to get back on track. Sat outside a bit and mixed some powder in my bottle. Lots of downhill ahead with a few 6% climbs AND all the new trails to check out. Added some ice to the Vitamin bottle and put it in my bag for additional liquid along the way. Added the OC_2 route to the Garmin Courses. It loaded up and I was ready for more. Stretched out and soon was back on the SOMA. Met a racer guy with a nice black Colorado jersey at the stoplight. He was going north, I was riding down Santiago Canyon.

Santiago Cyn riding buddy didn't like hills!

No hurry now as the 32mm Panaracers felt like it. Came up on a big guy riding a carbon TREK. He was going back to Cook's Corner. Rode with him a while and had a good chat. I asked about local trails and Santiago Peak. Unfortunately, at the first 6% climb he was quickly gone out the back. Later, I felt I should have at least said "good-bye", but the more I slowed up, the faster he dropped!

I started to feel good now after reaching the high point on the route. After the quick downhill past Cook's Corner, the fun was just ahead at on the Aliso Creek Bike Trail. The Aliso is not only downhill, but winds around, under roadways, over cutie bridges and through parks. 10 miles later, I was at Laguna Hill High School. Following the Bike Path along Paseo de Valencia, I needed to decide if my recon was over for the day. A couple of hours of daylight left... not enough time to track the new plot, record the hi-lites, climb the trails and drop down into San Juan Capistrano. I opted to follow Valencia down to Cabot Rd. then hit the bike path through the Mission Viejo Train Station and follow Camino Capistrano down.

Snake sign changed to Sasquatch

BACK ON RECON! Decided to take the dirt Oso Trail to SJC instead. Jogged through Camino Capistrano Church and onto the trail. Opted to take the loop route, since I hadn't tried it before. Still muddy in spots. Garmin led me through several turns to save time. Only one old man with a cane and a tough looking jogger. Tires performed well in the muddy places. Pulled into San Juan Cap and headed to Carl's Jr. Ordered some Sweet Potato Fries and sat outside. Refilled my bottles. Two BMX'er were chowing down a burgers at the next table. Good day so far. Needed to get back to Oceanside in due order. Sun was getting lower in the west now. Cooling off too.

Free Oso Trail scooters!

Cranked up the Panaracers and headed straight down Camino Capistrano to Dana Point. Took the fastest way through San Clemente up Camino Real. Stopped at Carl's Jr. too add clothing and water. Rear blinkie was real bright. (It's the one I found along Coast Hwy. 101 a while back. Made by Portland Design Products.) Helmet light worked good with 3 new Energizers aboard. Met 2 cyclists through the SO Campground. Decided to go on I-5, since I didn't know if the Las Pulgas Gate would let me through. Tough time dodging the trash to the Rest Stop. After that, it was clear sailing. Big, deep fog bank was moving in as I approached Oceanside. When I pulled into town, it was wet roads and heavy drizzle. Not good for a headlamp.  Whew! Pulled into the Oceanside Transit and boarded the 6:03 headed east. Bike-O-Rama again. I used to like riding the Sprinter, but not with the ding-dongs who don't know what bike transit is all about.

Lithiums seem to work better.

Good day today on the bike. Felt tired when I left home , but much better as the day went on. Got in half of the necessary recon work I had planned on. Mud filled cleats and dirty shoes were the norm. Need more food along next time. Dressed good. Headlamps never work good in the fog unless you like the vertigo effect of the drizzle in the light. Took over 200 pics documenting the route today. Need to make a video of this route. ( That makes near 300 pics and a few videos from the same set of Energizer Lithium batteries! Might make them more cost efficient than regular Energizer Max?)

Clear skies
Hi: 74     Lo: 49
129 miles

-randorides

"Not On Weekends" Populaire

Garmin stats from NOW route today.

Left the house at 0630 to catch the Sprinter train over to Coast Highway this morning. Report said it was a little cool out, so I donned knee warmers, long under-layer and wool SD Rando jersey. Topped it off with the woolie cap to cover my ears. Train was packed with bikes. Had to carefully "strap-on" to a MTB with my tube strip. Got off at Coast Hwy. station and did a 6 minute sprint down to the Carlsbad 7-Eleven start. Arrived at 0731!

Dan Phillips, Michigan George and Bill Stevenson (back from Thailand cycling) were there, riding in from Oceanside. Dave D. parked down the highway and rode up. Phil was there and Keith Olsen started in Ocean Beach. His route was half-over already. Rolled out at 0735 and headed south. Weather was overcast and a little breezy. Seas looked stormy. Keith needed a extra tube, so a few of us stopped at Nytro in Encinitas. They open early on Saturdays for their organized ride. Picked up Steve Schechter there and all regrouped at Swami's. Mac Imacsengg joined up there.

NOW gruppo at Swami's Park

Chit-chat ride up Torrey Pines, where we regrouped and had free bananas. Filled our bottles and sped down Rose Canyon. Decided on the Rose Creek Trail and stopped at a DeAnza Cove bathroom. Keith led out down to the OB Bike Path and on to the 7-Eleven control/turn around. Dave's buddy, Carl joined up there. Hung around a few minutes while George & Dave finished off their sandwiches. Rode over to Dog Beach. Keith finished the route there and rode home, his riding over for the day!

Dog Beach "Paw"

Group took the bridge and followed the old Sea World Drive Path. Cut off and took a bike path before connection with Mission Bay Drive again. Rose Creek next and Mac led a 17 mph pace up Rose Canyon. We passed a rider walking his bike. I pulled off as the group continued. Indian rider had a pinch flat on his rear G'skin. Rear derailleur didn't work right. No pump or cartridges. He was planning on stopping at Wheelsmith Bike Shop (They closed last month.) I offered some help. Helped him pull the wheel and change the tube. Dan Phillips rode back to check things out. Dan gave a few derailleur tips. Rider returned back down Santa Fe to his car. Dan led out a fast pace to catch the group. My legs were dead from standing around for 30 minutes.

Packin' out of Rose Creek Bike Path

Dan was pulling hard as a big racer guy jumped us at a Torrey red light. Dan picked up speed by riding the top tube down Torrey. I lost aero contact, but rejoined at the Carmel Valley Road red light. Big racer guy was there. We 'nuked" him on the Del Mar climb. He goes downhill fast, so we drafted him to Solana Beach. Mac waited for us and said "adios". He turned east there and headed home. Dan led out and we caught the racer guy again. He pulled us to Encinitas, where we rejoined the group again. Seemed they took a short break at Swami's. Good thing.

Dan gives tips to Indian cyclist

New guy Dave, led most of the way back to Carlsbad 7-Eleven. He was feeling good and was looking for extra mileage for a 100 mile day. Bill was riding good at the end, as was Phil and Michigan grandfather George. My legs recovered somewhat and I was feeling better. After check-in, Dan and Bill rode over to Jefferson St. and back to O'side. I rode with George northward to his turn-off. Hopped the 1:36 Sprinter Train back to San Marcos. Not many bikes on this one, but lots of strollers! At the San Marcos Civic Center Station, rode north under blistery skies. Mixed a recovery drink with Silk Milk and called it a day.

Nice group for this ride. Only a 2-day notice and not posted on the SDrando blog either. Sun started to peek through at Dog Beach. Overcast and looked threatening after that. Long sleeve under-layer worked just right today. Good to chat with the guys. Not many hard-bodies on the beach today. Looks like I'll ride recon on Monday and maybe Wednesday with OFR to Bens place? Maybe planning something north next Saturday (Dec. 27)?

Video of this route can be seen at: http://youtu.be/pu0ANCPnVl0

Overcast most of the day
Hi: 65     Lo: 51
67 miles

Short Ride With OFR, Package Delivery

Angry seas along Coast Hwy. today.

Leg warmer time! Yep, felt real cool but the temp outside says "51 degrees". I bundled up and got ready to leave and roads were wet! Huh? Put my wind vest on under my backpak to deflect the tire spray and hit the road anyway. Zaharah had made a  fancy afghan for Joe Morgan along with a matching cap & scarf for April (Ms.) I'll carry it along on the ride and drop it off after 1000 at Nytro Multisport.

Lite rain showers as I headed northward to nasty road splash. No fenders made things real gunky for a while. Wore my woolie cap, long fingered gloves and leg warmers this trip. Sun finally popped through a little by the time I reached Oceanside and down to Magee Park. Hit the head there and lost the wind vest, long fingered gloves and leg warmers.

Need 2 SRAM Quicklinks. Not in yet!

Headed south along Coast Hwy. to a light cool headwind. Picked up Bruce and Dan at Poinsettia Lane. We rode down to Encinitas together at a 16 mph pace. Gave Dan his requested Utility Bag. A red one! Stopped at Swami's and re-packaged my clothing on the HB bag. Guys were chatting about where they were going. Had a nice update on Bill Stevenson from Jimbo Wisener. Said Bill left his carbon Specialized in Thailand and was looking for a new ride now. Probably a Bianchi. Jim related his recent Thursday gruppo ride down to the border in the rain. Riding through 8" puddles and getting soaked the whole trip. Nice! Group of around 15 riders left Swami's and headed sourthward. Dale Pfremmer said the ocean looked like winter seas. Seems they would be going to Rancho Santa Fe and then Lake Hodges? Road with them to the turn at Manchester. I went straight on to Del Mar.

Made the turn around and rode northward on Coast Hwy. Lite headwind and it wasn't that warm with mostly dark threatening clouds above. Just after 1000, stopped into Nyto to see Joe. Busy place with a few early buyers of TT bikes. Fitting time. I chatted with Joe a bit and dropped off Zaharah's package. No SRAM "Quick Links" in yet. Tomorrow! Always tomorrow? Filled my bottles, rejected offers of fresh Christmas chocolate and mounted up. Rode south to Del Mar again and went inland along the SR-56 Bike Path. Nice tailwind and mostly sunny now. Made the turn northward and that feisty headwind again. From Escondido, fought the headwind on the Inland Rail Trail over to San Marcos. Skies cleared up by now and it was warm again as I reached home. Interesting day.

Hi: 64     Lo: 51
Light showers to partly cloudy
81 miles

San Clemente Beach Path & Salt Creek Recon

AAV's column jam muddy tank tunnel

Freakin cold this morning. Local SM station reported 40 degrees, which means it's really 37 degrees here! Thought I would do some Ursa Minor recon work today. After bundling up good, I headed out northbound. Those long downhills were real "nippy" on my fingerless gloves. Around 0830 I was off the SLR and in to Oceanside. Looped around Harbor Dr. and decided to go through the parking lot instead of the little climb. Turned onto I-5 to a whole lotta heavy truck traffic. Bike lane seemed clean this trip. Stopped at the Rest Stop, to take off layers and fold them neatly away.

Las Pulgas was quiet as usual, as no riders spotted to hook up with. Had to wait at the tank tunnel, as a column of AAV's were coming thru. Noisy and throwing mud, they were followed by 2 smiling cyclists. I waited for the column to clear and made a mad dash through the muck. Saw a tall cyclists turning around and joined up with him. Of course, he had his earphone bud and didn't hear much. He set the fast pace and couldn't drop me as I rode beside him. After tiring him out, I pulled off into bathroom # 1 for a bottle refill and a chew.

20% downhill led to trail repair. HIB out!

After Trestles Bike Path, I plugged in several .gpx routes I had made up to get down to the San Clemente Bike Trail along side the Beach. I hadn't been along there is a long time and forgot where the access point was. First one was San Mateo Point. Private gate there. Next up was the San Clemente State Beach access through the fence along Via Presidente. I rode around there for a while and chatted with a hybrid bike guy. He didn't know much but said I couldn't ride the trail on my "road bike". That was all it took and soon I followed by Garmin down a 20% grade to the tracks. Workers were repairing the trail and I noticed it went back up the hill! Huh? I turned around and ended up walking back up the 20%'er, since I couldn't get started on the sandy uphill. Back in the lot, I met a lady walking 2 Pit-Bull dogs. She told me about all the trails around here and advised me to go through the Park entrance and down to the main access point. I rode around a bit and then followed her advice.

Good start point for SC Beach Trail

Ended up in the State Beach parking lot. Found the Beach Trail and took a few pics. Trail was busy so I plodded along with dog walkers and several hard-bodied joggers. Passed under the San Clemente Pier and soon I was at the AmTrak Station near Coast Hwy. (El Camino Real by 7-Eleven). Met up with another cyclists and we rode north through Doheny Beach Park. He parked his car up off Harbor Drive and soon said "good-bye". I soloed along Harbor Drive and up steep Cove Road. Turned left at the top and checked out the Pristine Habitat Trails. No bike allowed. Bummer. I turned around and soon hooked up with some trail that took me to Salt Creek Park overlooking the ocean. Several $10M dollar homes being built below.

Chatted with a old guy using a walker. Had a hip-replacement after his other replacement got infected. I was a old hand on broken hips so we talked about exercise. I mentioned that his wife was there to help him. He said that was his sister and her friend. He pointed out his wife by the railing. About 30 years younger and well dressed! WOW, it's sugar-daddy time. I rode north and got onto the Salt Creek Bike Trail through the golf course. Took a few pics and headed back the way I came. Headed east and finally ended up at a JIB for a break.

Salt Creek E-Trail overlooks new construction

Had a 1/2 off coupon and used it. Sat outside by my bike to a peaceful break. Soon this skateboarder plopped down on the other side of my bike and started to play his guitar. Said he skateboarded up from San Diego and got dumped by his girlfriend. Slept in a dumpster that night. He finally got bored and departed saying: "Have a good the rest of your life"

Reversed course and ended taking the relaxing SC Beach Trail going south. After a little climbing, I was back on track through Trestles and the San Onofre Campground. Headwind all the way now. I did my usual stop at #1 for a refill. Decided on the I-5 route instead of my usual Camp Pendleton due to the headwind. Made good time despite the bad bike lane conditions. Seems the rain had soaked the joint between the concrete I-5 roadway and the asphalt bike lane. It broke apart and the lane was littered with pieces of asphalt. At times, I had to skirt the rumble strip. After the Rest Area, the bike lane improved and was clean again. Over the years, this seems normal, as they sweep SB from the Rest Area to Oceanside more often.

Quiet break till skateboarder sat down!

Headed south along Coast Hwy. 101. Wanted to stop by Nytro to get the missing SRAM Quick-Links that were lacking when I bought my new chains last week. Sun was getting low in the west, so I decided to pass by and head inland via Loma Santa Fe. Feeling good, I amped it up a bit. I only had my rear blinkie with me and a hour of daylight left. Cutting off at Escondido through Harmony Grove I made good time back to San Marcos. Just about dark enough for a headlamp, I pulled into home right on cue.

Nice relaxing ride today. Recon's are like that. I did crank it up several times for a cardio workout. Took 55 pictures today with the new Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries. Looks like they do work better. They should for $2 each! Pics were of the SC Beach Trail and Salt Creek Path. Need to make a route that goes up that way.


High thin clouds
Hi: 62     Lo: 41
127 miles

-randorides

Bike Fix & Ms.Hard Body Racers

Early wet road riding today. Add the fenders, dude!

Ready to ride at 0600 today. Big rain shower came through San Marcos just then, so I sat down at the computer to sketch out another Permanent route instead! Might call it "Commute To SDSU"? No reason to load up the rain gear and just take it off after a few minutes of riding.  Put my fenders on the SOMA early this morning as I figured the roads would be wet for sure. RE-checked the online weather radar. Big yellow cell moving through and heading SE. Zipper wouldn't work on my wind vest, so I played around with that for 15 minutes and finally left the house at 0810 under clearing skies and wet roads. I'm heading NW!

Met only one rider leaving San Marcos. Dianna W. was riding on Country Club Lane heading for the NCCC club ride . It starts at 0830 from Restaurant Row in San Marcos. She'll be late for sure. Wet roads make nice quiet riding. Fenders deflect any water away from your shoes. Pedaled like I was in mud. Couldn't figure it out on the way to Bonsall. Stopped at McDonalds, where I noticed a bike outside. Chatted with a CSC jersey guy. Said he rode in from O'side and just finished off Lilac Road and was heading back. We chatted about long rides, etc. Gave him a card. His cell rang and his uncle had some "emergency". Rolled up all my stripped off clothing; arm warmers, leg warmers & vest in a nice neat pack. Strapped it onto my HB bag and I felt a lot lighter now.

I was flying on the damp Hwy. 76 to the SLR. Fenders did their job and kept shoes dry. Near vacant SLR Bike Path & got a slight push from the East wind. Stopped at Magee for a refresh and caught the red light in Carlsbad. 2 Asian girl riders and their pseudo-pro wannabe coach pulled up. I hooked up with them on the green and we took off down the coast. All was well till they hit the mini climb at So. Carlsbad Beach. I paced up with the hard-bodied racer girl hottie. She had the nice flower kit on that matched her racing carbon ride! We picked up another lean racer on a TREK as we were rolling at 23mph. Unfortunately, when our little gruppo hit the next little "bubble", hottie was done. She blew off the back like she had a flat (maybe she did?).

Handy carry-along WD40 chain lube worked today!

TREK rider is from Santa Cruz, CA. Long way from home. Visiting friends in Del Mar and out for a ride. His drive-line was grinding real bad (no fenders today for his lite TREK), so I offered some WD-40 Chain Lube. I always carry a few of those vials with me. We lubed it real good roadside. I suggested we stop and pick up some lube for him to use later on today when he cleans his bike. Pulled into Revolution Bike. Micki was there and fixed him up with some ProLink lube. Good enough. Bruce Tipton was therealso, off loading his bike for a front derailleur adjustment. Dropped his chain a few time yesterday he said. I said "adios" to Santa Cruz, after giving him a SDrando card. Good rider with a nice attitude. Need more like him.

I went over to Solana Donuts to get a Red Velvet to take home to Zaharah. I packed it up real softly in my front HB bag and hit the road eastward to Rancho Santa Fe. Looks like the water level in Lake Hodges is up about 4 feet from the recent rains. ( I forgot to look on the front-side of the actual LH Dam to check). Roads were all dried out now and the sun was heating up to make it warm on the climbs. Legs felt a little tired after the race effort keeping up with the Asian chicks. Since I was doing a "reverse" route today, I almost followed the correct route back to San Marcos! Good day today on the bike and the weather ended up sunny after the early morning showers.

Showers early, clearing later AM
HI: 68     Lo: 52
74 miles

-randorides

SOMA To Dog Beach

OFR is riding to Old Town and some fancy lunch stop today. Guess I'll ride over to Magee Park in Carlsbad and join up for a partial ride with them and get in some rando miles too! Put on the new Dura Ace 7901 10 speed chain on the 9 sp SOMA yesterday. Just wiped it down on the outside. Let the "kosmoline coating" work for a day. Old Ultegra chain had stretched one full link full length OR 1/8" per foot! I'll check that out today. Weather is 55 degrees with overcast skies as I left the house. BIG rain arriving tomorrow (Friday) for a major dump. Need it to clear the skies, the roads and fill Lake Hodges.(Haven't been around there after the rain last week to check the water level).

Lumpy, bumpy Rose Creek Trail

Easy riding over to Carlsbad under overcast skies. Saw one OFR'er riding south early as I stopped at the 7-Eleven on Oak St. for rando start receipt. Hooked up with a "Old Spokes" cycle guy on the way to Swami's. He got a late start today and missed his group on their ride south. Around 14 riders at the regroup, waiting around. I left early and had a slo-roll as I watched the big waves lashing Cardiff beaches. Gruppo soon caught up and we chatted up to Del Mar, where they took the "inner" route and I stayed on Coast Hwy. Soloed up Torrey at an amazing speed of 10 mph. Did a little out of the saddle work and was sucking wind. Hit the water fountain near the Torrey Practice Tee. Found a few golf balls and threw them back. Sat down on a big rock and ate a sandwich while waiting for the guys to arrive. Riders soon arrived, but missing two: John & Steve Ring. Later on Bruce went looking for them. Guess John's rear tire had a tube bubbling out and it finally blew! 20 minutes later, we finally left Torrey and continued down Rose Canyon.

Before tomorrow's rain storm, waves pound OB Pier

Bruce led us through a new way to the Rose Creek Trail. Moderate advantage with safety. Stopped at De Anza Cove bathroom. Nearing Old Town, I left the group and headed west on the Ocean Beach Bike Path. I soon picked up 3 gals riding similar bikes. One gal had did something with RAW (Race Across The West) last year. We chatted till the OB Park, where I noticed a cyclist waiting on the bike path. Fenders, reflective vest, warmers, rear rack with trunk, etc. Rando Keith Olsen! Seems he got of work a little early and was waiting around for me. Rode together over to the 7-Eleven and then on to Dog Beach. Waves were pounding real good in advance of the rain storm tomorrow. I noticed the time was nearing 12:20 already! 4 hours into a 7 hour limit for this route and I was only half-way. Otta there!

Took the Sunset Cliffs bridge and looped around on the bike path before connecting up to Mission Bay Drive. Seemed to be a south wind pushing as I dodged the baby strollers on Rose Creek Path. Had a nice roll up Rose Canyon and Gilman at 19 mph with the tailwind. Turned through UCSD and chased two racers ahead. Still had the "push" up along the coast through Encinitas. No stop at Nytro this trip. Finished up at Carlsbad around 2:30.

Thought about stopping at COSTCO for a $1.49 Swirl Yogurt on the way to San Marcos. These suckers are huge and will definitely bloat you up. Nixed that idea after I thought about all the artery build-up to add to the plaque already there! He-he. Decent ride today. Blew off about 1-hour waiting around and had to push it back up the coast. The rando time frame is quite generous, but you need to be aware that the clock is ticking away!

Cloudy all day
Hi: 74     Lo: 56
104 miles

-randorides