1:30 in the morning and finally a chance to post my report. I got home at 10am and then was busy helping test and counsel people with asthma in the farming community of Lamont.
I started with the mass start at 6:15. It was a fast start since it was downhill out of the hotel. It was cold at first but soon we hit the hills on the way to the beach and I warmed up. Great rollers, why is it there is always a traffic light, red no less, at the bottom of every downhill? We finally made the mini stop and I met Jon (WhiteCarbonDude). I let the group I was riding with go, they were riding a little faster than I like to.
I got to check point #1 and saw John Long and others. I dumped some clothes, it was warming up. CP #1 and CP#3 were the same so I could pick up my clothes on the way back. I made it to Oceanside and headed out the bike path towards Bonsall. About 2 miles out the path I encountered a swarm of bees. They were everywhere, the air was black with them and I was in the middle of them, being hit by hundreds of them. As I emerged out the other side I looked down to see about 50 of them on me. Some of them were stunned and upside down trying to sting anything they could. I was brushing them off as genially as I could to keep from getting stung, all the while I was riding along. I didn’t get stung, I don’t know how. The adrenaline was running pretty high during the whole event and it took a few minute to calm down. Then it was finally on to CP#2 and lunch.
It lunch I saw Phil (Extort) with his big smile and Frank Neil. Lunch was the usual Subway sandwiches, I had one and it tasted good. As soon as I left lunch there was a climb, I think it was about 6 miles and 20+%. Looking back at my download it was only 4.5 miles with an average of 4% with some pitches of 8%. (Note to self, only eat half the sandwich, take the rest for later and don’t stay to long)
The ride to CP#3 was uneventful, saw Jon again at the mini stop. I put my arm and leg warmers back on and grabbed my lights at CP#3 and head towards the last climbs of the day. First, Antonio Parkway the climb that never quits. Then CP#4 and Lee (scroadie), a cup of noodles, the most comfortable concrete and rock wall I’ve ever sat on and a few minutes off the bike. Then it was the dreaded Trabuco/Live Oak climb, over the climb and heading home. Oh, there were a few more small climbs and some false flats. Finally the most beautiful sign I saw all day, Sand Canyon. A quick 2.5 miles downhill and I was finished. I showed 194.9 miles and 9,000’ of climbing on my Polar CS600.
After checking in I had a burger at Knollwood’s and stopped at Peet’s for a drink. Then it was a nice lonnnnng hot shower and a bed. It was a good ride and I was happy with my time for this early in the year. I think the best part of the whole ride was meeting and visiting with all the riders and workers along the route.
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Make mine a double!