Hi y'all. I feel like talking country after Sundays Pine Valley, back country ride. When I heard G1 riders praising how great this ride will be. This only meant it would be challenging, but I have to admit, it was not as bad as I anticipated. With a little help from mother nature keeping the temp just above 90 and a cool breeze, it made for an "epic" ride according to our G3 leader Jack N. Covering 57 miles seemed like a walk in the park compared to our 70+ rides couple of weeks ago. But add over 4700 feet of climbing in that short of a distance, that is something I have not attempted nor would have by myself. That's why I feel the group rides in these adverse conditions and terrains will only benefit us come October.
One of my best buds Brian B. decided to ride with G3 this week, it's nice to ride with a familiar face once in awhile. Brian's thoughts on my feelings about this being a tough ride, is that I need to get used to it being tough. LOL!
The first part of the ride was fun due to the fact that we didn't have to battle cars whizzing past at 45miles on hour in a residential area, or stop lights that made us loose any momentum. It was a good change of pace. Most of the climbing was at the first 20 miles which to me is always good. The first SAG was where Kitchen Creek meets Sunrise Highway. Several riders made the trek up the Sunrise highway that day. Last time I rode in between pine tree was my Memorial day ride in Washington State and the last time I saw the Mt Laguna Fire Station was on TV last winter covered in 3 feet in snow.
It's simply beautiful up here. The best was yet to come on the way down Mt Laguna towards Lake Cuyamaca. Wide open roads and no cars, we all got a chance to ride on our drops for most of the down hill. This part made the climb up the hill well worth it.
You couldn't help looking to you right and see the valley below and seeing how high 5000 feet really is. Before you knew it, we were at Lake Cuyamaca at our second SAG stop. With less than 20 miles to go, I gave it all I had till we got to the city of Guatay and was welcomed by the last and final hill. It wasn't steep, just long and constant. I was able to catch up to Brian B. about 2 miles before we hit Pine Valley together. He too was just about ready to call it a day. Everyone had a challenging day but everyone survived it and made all of our goals for the ride down the coast that much more attainable. Like someone asked me right after my first marathon, "would I ever to this again?" I can honestly say, I would. As long as I dont have to get up at 5am next time.
I cant believe we are over halfway through our training rides. This week was a recovery ride since the past two weeks we have been adding more and more miles to our weekly routine. But this week wasn't going to be easy off the bike. As a radio contestant, the remaining 10 had to compose a 250 word essay on who we are and why did we sign up for the QMDC. Also the immunity help was up for grabs by answering a 45 point quiz before the ride that morning. The essay was easier of the two, the quiz was another story. Answers to the quiz were all "on the web" as Adam Beck would put it. He means all on the doublex1090 website and names including last names of some of this years riders. If you kept to yourself through most of the rides since week one then you might as well quit now. The point of the training as a group to me is not only to know and better your physical and mental capabilities. But to also meet fellow riders and to hear their stories on why they are taking part on the arduous journey. I will let you know more on who the radio contestants are on another entry. Meanwhile we were in for a great post ride breakfast at Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa. G3 was short on ride leaders so Coach Pat Jack and Scott Rhodes joined us on this weeks ride. Not much to the ride, since we have ridden Kelly's Loop back on week 8. I think its more of a challenge trying to keep the group from pushing since it is still a recovery week. I had great chance on taking pictures of the group from different angles since the road as mostly free from traffic. 
Funny thing happened this week, embarrassing more like it. Riding up El Camino Real, several rollers gave us a chance to cruise on our drops. One in particular reminded me that weekly maintenance is not only essential for bike longevity, but make one immune from bike jokes. As I was slowing down, I noticed a squeal coming from the rear. Didn't think much of it as I didn't think I was riding the brakes hard enough for it to do that. But as I also slightly pressed on the front, yup it was me. I made everyone in front of me nervous since the squeal didn't stop until we got to the light at the bottom. I didn't know what was more red, my helmet or my face? Pat Jack used this moment to explain why we all need to clean and check our brakes weekly. I heard it from the rest of the group for several miles but it was all for a good laugh. We got to our sag with no flats or delays. Refueled a bit but didn't want to fill up since we all knew the best is yet to come. The ride down the coast is always fun, but as the morning mist disappear. So does the wide open road. Runners, strollers and cars, everyone is on the road vying for space. You have to make sure your on your toes and ready react at a moments notice. As we get closer to the finish, the group tends to separate more and more due to the frequency of the red light on surface streets. But we all made it back OK. Just in time for a late breakfast. 
Tucked away in the hills of Rancho Santa Fe behind Fairbanks Ranch, The Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa lies. As we were greeted by a gate monitored strictly for spa guest only. CAF was able to accommodate the training group. We were treated with a warm continental breakfast, from oatmeal, pastries to all egg white scramble, bountiful array of fresh fruit and coffee. It was very delicious and much thanks to CAF for making it happen.
Cristal and I were kindly invited to Carol and Dean 
I was inspired of Scout's interview on the Competitors magazine a couple of months ago. Also speaking to Shelby, a G4 rider became very intriguing when I mention I knew a another friend and 
I want to start off by apologizing to my fellow riders for the delay on my postings. It 
We continued to scenic Ramona and what has to be the smallest 
After the second sag, I could feel my body getting exhausted. But I tried to push with the lead group but had to tone it down a bit going up Carmel Valley road, the final climb of the day. By the time I got to the top, I hit every stop light literally all the way to the soccer fields near Via De La Valle. I was pretty much on my own the last 10 miles. It happens and you best be ready for it right. This week's ride added another milestone as far as mileage at 75. This is just a fraction of what is expected of me come October.