THE RIDE

Since I had a brief hiatus from racing for the remainder of February I have been keeping myself occupied with work, long rides, and the occasional group ride. Last year, while training in Tucson, THE group ride was the Shootout. As with the majority of different cycling towns there is THE group ride to participate in. Here in San Diego that ride is the Swami’s Saturday ride.

  

The majority of my Saturday mornings involves waking up at what seems to be an un-Godly hour. Still dark, I brew up a French press and mix up an oatmeal concoction mainly incorporating a combination of fruits and nuts. Occasionally, the breakfast will involve a stop at the nearby donut shop where I have been known to indulge in a couple of the double chocolate sprinkled donuts or apple fritter. Just a bit of simple carbs and sugars to top off the tank before the upcoming five and a half hour hammerfest. 

After stuffing the face a bit we make our way to the park and ride down by the coastline, unload the bikes, and make our 30 minute jaunt down the historic 101 to the Nytro bike shop located in Encinitas. Conveniently situated across the street from Starbucks I treat myself to a doppio while others choose to mingle over the free bagels and coffee provided by the shop. Once the cow bell rings, promptly at 8:10 AM, we roll out and begin THE group ride.

The first twenty or thirty minutes of the ride are a casual roll through Encinitas and Leucadia until we turn East and make our way through the neighborhoods, lights, stop signs, and hills to Elfin Forest. By this time the pace has picked up and groups, depending on ability, have been selected. Rolling and winding through the forest the front group strings out with flurries of small attacks and strong pulls to our first destination and sprint located at a small church on the outskirts of Escondido. After sprinting to the stop ahead sign and re-grouping at the church parking lot, the pack has an option to either tack on another couple hours of riding or to make their way back to the coastline. 

Depending on my ride plan for the day I take either the short route (descending Del Dios Highway, rolling through the wealthy downtown of Rancho Santa Fe, and back on the 101 through Solano Beach and Del Mar) or the long route (continues to climb up Lake Wohlford eventually ending up in Oceanside and back on the 101). Each route has it occasional sprint or hard pull as each rider tests the legs of the person next to them or on their wheel.  

Some of the nice cars lining the downtown streets of Rancho Santa Fe

It’s always a good time meeting new people, testing the fitness, and pushing others on THE ride when there isn’t a race to keep you occupied over the weekend. However, the month of March will consist of more race weekends than the group ride. Stay tuned as I will make another visit to Merced this year for the four day Merco Cycling Classic.

THE INFAMOUS FRANGIPANNE

Expanding a bit on my previous post, today’s ride was by no means a photo op day but more of a food bliss day. It started off like any other morning with my pre-ride breakfast, a little coffee, filled the bottles and headed out the door. My route would take me to the small historic gold mining town of Julian located in the mountains, Northeast of San Diego, just over 4000 ft. There wasn’t anything really exciting during the first 3 hours of the ride as I made my uphill adventure on meandering highways through the San Diego sprawl, Ramona, and Santa Ysabel. When I approached the final stretch to Julian I began thinking of where the mid-ride refuel was going to take place. Typically, it’s the generic gas station but this time I figured I would change it up a bit.

I glanced to the right and saw a small store front, clad in red, with a small sign where I picked out the words: European, Pastries, and Espresso. What better?! Even though it was the first shop at the city limit I was going to give it a try. After walking in, I knew I was in the right place. Glass cases elegantly displayed pastries, cookies, and treats while a chalk board overhead provided a simple selection of handcrafted sandwiches and soups to choose from. Glancing over the assortment of goodies I found the mysterious frangipanne I have been craving since racing in Belgium in 2008. I quickly ordered a slice as well as a caramel apple tart (since Julian is known for their apples too) and coke which would be more than adequate to top the tanks for the beginning of the trek home. I picked out my spot at an outdoor table and almost dug in before snapping a few photos documenting the experience. The immediate conclusion: IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!

After savoring the last few crumbs, I went back inside to thank the executive pastry chef, Charles Scott, who was extremely personable and provided great conversation before I ordered one more slice to go and was on my way. Needless to say, I will be making a few more visits when it comes to those long days on the bike! Thanks Candied Apple for the great experience!

A BIT OF SIGHTSEEING

Just because the training plan calls for long hours in the saddle doesn’t mean you can’t take in the sights a bit when out on the road. I have become a bit more familiar with the lay of the land, around San Diego, and decided to play tourist and take a few snap shots. Obviously, there is an abundance of coast line that I have ridden along cruising through Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, and up through Camp Pendleton. There are always the morning surfers taking advantage of the consistent nice morning swell. Surfboards under arm, wetsuit clad individuals are always scurrying across the historic 101. You learn to keep your eyes peeled as you make your way along the rows of parked surf rigs and anxious surfers.

One of the sites I have included in the lineup is the Top Gun house located in the Oceanside area. There is a definite Top Gun theme around here as I ride by Miramar Air Force base on a regular basis as well. You can’t help but play the Top Gun Anthem in your head as the occasional jet roars overhead. The house is a little worse for wear as it has experienced some major aging. The majority of tourists walking by probably don’t realize the house was featured in the classic mid 80’s film as it is boarded and fenced off from the public.

Another place I need to visit and inquire about is Le Passage. It is a quaint French restaurant located in central Carlsbad. I rode up to the store front but realized I was a bit under dressed even to purchase a dessert crepe. My main goal before leaving is to determine how they came up with the name and what it means. Perhaps, gain a little insight into my last name or the origins.

I’m sure I will have plenty more photos and special photo stops during my time here. But those are the main two I just had to share.