I usually commute by train, with a five mile bike ride when I get to Orange County. I decided to try to bike all the way home before dark. I picked today because it's the Friday closest to solstice, so I would have maximum daylight. I got a new Garmin Wednesday. Sadly when I was fishing for my phone when the wife called, I must have dropped the USB cable, so can't download the track.

I left work early (3:00pm vs. 3:30), and the wind gods blessed me, I averaged about 17 mph moving for the first fifteen. By the time I got to San Clemente-29mi-my tuchis was starting to get sore (at least my hands were feeling better). I almost wimped and waited for the train there. Instead, I took a two minute break and headed out again. That was the last train station before the end so I was feeling a little apprehensive. Sixteen miles and I was committed. Calling the wife to rescue me was not an option. (O.K. it was and option, just not a good one).

At mile 35, I passed within sight of my wife's workplace. It was about the time she gets off, so a twinge of temptation hit me, but it passed when I realised I would hit my time point of entering the Camp Pendleton Marine Base, Las Pulgas gate at 6:30. Any later and I risked not getting on base because bikes are not allowed after dark. I passed the guard shack right at 6:30.

After a two minute clif bar break just inside the gate, I was off again, and starting to get real saddle sore. The last eight miles were slow going. I had to stop three times that last eight miles just to get my arse out of the saddle.

Pulled up to my car at the Oceanside Amtrak station right at 7:30.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/1294085

Awesome! A grand solstice celebration!