Tuesday Ride Report - Coastal Cruise

Well, we finally set the ridership record, after hitting seven riders forever, we had nine today: Liz, Mary Ann, Beth, Bob, Rick, Jerry, Christian, Matt, and me. When we get more riders than I have fingers, there could be difficulty keeping track of all the players.  Today's weather was perfect and the ride over lake Hodges and through the industrial heart of Escondido went well. Sticking to the bike path was not exactly my style, but it did keep the group together.
 
The speed began to pick up once we got out to San Marcos and the onto the rollers along Palomar Airport Road.  My max was recorded at almost 40mph on the biggest downhill and I was getting passed.  Thanks to Christian, we found out that you can use the McClellan Airport terminal as a rest stop... at least until the TSA catches on and bans cyclists from parking outside the entrance.

Things got really nice along the Coast Highway with those ocean views. Unfortunately, Matt hit the deck climbing up into Encinitas when his chain broke while hammering along with Beth.  It was good that there were such helpful folks there who gave him a ride home to Escondido.  He has emailed since and says: "Thanx everybody for the ride today. I'm good. Didn't want to win the sprint anyway...yeah right."

The remainder of the ride was much less eventful: a detour through Fairbanks Ranch, a stop at Caffe Positano, a quick visit to Rancho Cyclery, more hills, and the Seven Oaks Acceleration Test.
 
Thanks to everyone for the Birthday Wishes and treats at Caffe Positano!
 
Next week...
ACHD Ride
Date: Tuesday May 3, 2011
Time: 8:00am
The  'Anything Can Happen Day' Ride... group choice for route and mileage.
 
I'll be working on the rest of the May ride schedule in the next couple of days. Among other things, look for:
    * Elfin Forest
    * Little Italy (in honor of the Giro)
    * And the Thursday Time Trial
 
Cheers,
Steve