Plenty of sunshine for our ride today, but not at all the toasty warm weather one might expect just three days from the Summer Solstice.  There was even a bit of cloud cover trying to hang on along parts of the coast, but not enough to dampen our riding fun.  We had 11 riders rolling out from the park today and a vague plan to hook up enroute with Colleen and Mary Ann, but that was not to be. So we had two VVV rides today: a Big Group Ride and a Small Group Ride!
 
Our Big Ride covered 55 miles and a fair amount of climbing, so a cafe stop was mandatory. We chose the venerable Java Depot in Solana Beach - they have plenty of choices for the hungry cyclist and bike racks.  The roadwork in the area is almost done; and the sharrows make it a lot easier to ride there through Encinitas! 

Next week's ride should be enjoyable - especially if we make a stop at EscoGelato...
A Bit Of Harmony
Date: Tuesday June 25, 2013
Time: 9:00am
Ride through northern Escondido into San Marcos; side trip into Harmony Grove on return to Escondido.
 
Cheers,
Steve

This week we pulled one of the old classics from the shelf and dusted it off - or maybe it dusted us - anyway, it was fun to get out and ride the Highland Valley Loop. As always, the route presented plenty of climbing opportunities, and although at times it seemed to be a continous uphill ride, there were still plenty of thrilling descents to enjoy.
 
Sadly, our eleven riders went without the benefit of a coffee stop today.  Egads, all that climbing, fighting headwinds, and electrolyte-draining speed, and No Donuts!?!?  We'll try to do better next time!
 
Next week's ride, with maybe some cool breezes...
Coast Tour
Date: Tuesday June 18, 2013
Time: 9:00am
Out to Carlsbad, Encinitas, and Del Mar for some easy riding on the Coast Highway. 
 
Cheers,
Steve

Perfect riding weather today folks - nice blue skies, pleasant temps, and even a tailwind for the return trip.  We rolled out for our monthly ACHD Ride today and VVVeloists must like to roll the dice because there was a another record turnout for an unknown route: 16 riders!
 
The general idea was to ride towards the coast, which we did, sort of, in a round-about fashion... We headed north over Lake Hodges, where we made the usual by-pass of most of Via Rancho Parkway, and, thanks to Robert, we also got to experience the Hamilton Lane and Eucalyptus Avenue climbs (in the 13% range.)   Of course we then had to take the chute down Lake Drive and pay for that with an 18% grade to regain the Del Dios Hwy.
 
An early refreshment stop at Caffe Positano in Rancho Santa Fe village saw us overwhelm the place: standing room only! That was followed by more new roads, courtesy of Lisa, Elwyn, and Sharon: the wonderfully twisty and tree-lined La Gracia and Los Arboles. And just in case anyone needed more: we finished up with additional climbing on San Dieguito Road, Camino del Sur, and Camino Del Norte.
 
Next week, we'll be riding the classic...
Highland Valley Loop
Date: Tuesday June 11, 2013
Time: 9:00am
Scenic riding on Highland Valley Road, with plenty of hills.
 
Cheers,
Steve