Our good weather streak continued today and we managed to gather eleven riders for the Java Journey trip. As always on this route, the big challenge is the over two miles of climbing to get up to Valley Center, but then we're rewarded by the cool delights of the Java Journey stop. Fortunately it's only quick zip downhill and just past Lilac Road after cresting the summit to reach the JJ truck. 
 
There were a couple of flats on this ride, but we still were back at VV Park by 12:30. There must be some quick-change talent in the group! 
 
We still have one day of voting left in the August Start Time Poll, but 8:30AM has a strong lead. I'm going to post 8:30 for next week but will change it if there is a last-minute bloc of votes to swing the results. 
  
Next week, Group Choice...
ACHD Ride
Date: Tuesday August 6, 2013
Time: 8:30am
Anything Can Happen Day.
Group choice for route... Usually easy??
 
Cheers,
Steve

So, maybe a few riders might have considered discretion to be the better part of valor today? The Cougar Pass route is fun, but with the long dirt road climb, perhaps not for everyone. For the eight of us who did ride the course today, it was an opportunity to enhance our bike handling skills. From what I could tell, it seemed that Mike and Joe were able to translate their mountain bike experience to skinny tires and make it look easy too. Practice makes perfect!
 
One thing that we all seem to be perfect at is enjoying the delights of EscoGelato. I'm going to have to rename it the VVV Club House if we keep going there. Fortunately, we learned today that gelato has way less fat than ice cream, and it's practically a new Superfood group... really... it must be true.
 
See you for next week's ride...
Del Mar Breeze
Date: Tuesday July 23, 2013
Time: 9:00am
An easy ride to the ocean for some cool breezes!
 
Cheers,
Steve

Cloudy skies at the ride start hinted at the chance of rain tomorrow, but for today they just added a bit of interest to the skyscape. And they probably helped keep things just a little bit cooler than expected for our group of 13 riders.  It did get toasty on the big climb up to Valley Center, but the clouds, shady oaks, and breezes on most of the ride kept us from overheating.
 
Just to be sure we were not going to have heat-stroke, the day's cafe stop was at EscoGelato. Plenty of flavors to choose from, air-conditioned inside, lots of seating, and an ice water pitcher: perfect for summer bike rides.
 

For a day when there was no set route, we managed to cobble together a fairly nice tour of Poway, the 56 bike path, Pacific Highlands, 4S Ranch, and Rancho Bernardo. There was a respectable amount of climbing, but no knee-breaking elevations. It was supposed to be a Hot day, but with a consistent breeze out of the west it seemed pleasant enough for this ride. 
 
We rolled with 11 riders, 12 counting Jerry's friend Nestor, who met us along the way. There were kits of Red White and Blue, and some TDF maillot jaune. Your's Truly supplied the Flat Rest Break today! Sorry if it took a bit of extra time to complete - I'm not adept at swapping out the rear wheel on that circa 1984 Benotto. 
 
The cafe stop was at Coffee bean & Tea Leaf in 4S Ranch. They have a delish Ice Blended Mocha with whipped cream. We may even see pictures of the VVV crew at CB&TL if I get some forwarded to me... Until then: think Peach-Infused Iced Green Tea thoughts!
 
And not to forget: a welcome shout-out for Catherine who rode with VVV for the first time today!
 
Next week, the one-and-only...
Lake Wohlford & Woods Valley
Date: Tuesday July 9, 2013
Time: 9:00am
Scenic riding with plenty of hills!
 
Cheers,
Steve